The Shoulder-In | Nuno Oliveira Classical Principles of the Art of Training Horses Part 1

“The shoulder-in is the first and the last lesson to give a horse “ - La Guérinière.
Welcome back to a new series of Words of Wisdom where we return to the great master Nuno Oliveira. This time I have chosen his wonderful book Classical Principles of the Art of Training Horses, volume 1. So let's dive into that most classical of all exercise the shoulder-in. It can be very useful to start on the ground and practice with the in-hand work first. Never be afraid to have a go, when it doesn't work out it shows us the things we need to work on, and as long as we keep aware of our horses' expression we won't do any harm! In this case, the most common thing that could come up as needing more work is a slow, short yet energetic walk. This in itself is a fantastic exercise so enjoy and if you have any questions please reach out to me.
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Thank you for taking the time to watch our video, we are very grateful for your support. I am Susan Harden and my mission here is to spread awareness about horsemanship through feel and to give the horse a voice.
We have all heard it said that the horse is our best teacher. I am passionate about helping people understand better what the horse is trying to tell us and how to put that into practice so we can benefit from these lessons. Our horse, of course, will also benefit, after all, is that not what we are all chasing? A happy horse, a harmonious partnership, and a pleasurable experience for all involved!
Live and breathe horses was established in 1995 and has grown and transformed over the years in parallel to my own equestrian/life journey.
The name comes from the obsessive nature of my horsemanship. For those who don't know the expression in English, to “live and breathe “ something suggests that you dedicate all your time to it and it is what gives meaning to your life.
Because the breath is the top focus in all of my work, the name is even more perfect.
My connection with horses spans 5 decades and includes pony club, showjumping, 3-day eventing, classical equitation, dressage, equine-assisted therapy, “natural horsemanship" and more important than any labels, deep love and respect for the horse which is what motivates me to do what I do.
I am also fascinated by the parallels in horsemanship and life as my hero Buck Brannaman says “Hoses, life, it's all the same to me"
WHAT WE DO
Courses and lessons here at our center. Instruction is always personalized to suit your exact requirements as we only work individually or with a maximum of 2 students for all riding and groundwork. If you are a group of guests booking together please contact us to discuss possibilities
Clinics and lessons at your own place are tricky at the moment with the pandemic but normally they are available by special arrangement.
On line has grown much faster than expected due to the new world situation and we are proud of our 1 to 1 mentoring program which respects the uniqueness of each horse, human, and combination
Please see our website for further details of contact us directly
HOW HORSES HELP US GROW AS HUMAN BEINGS
Horse and horsemanship (horse-human relationship) give us endless opportunities for personal education, development, growth, whatever you like to call it. Integral to that is the expansion of our self-awareness, mindfulness, living in the moment.
And that is just by being around them and being present while practicing good horsemanship.
We can also learn much about leadership, setting boundaries, clear communication, listening, empathy, balance, grace, courage, and love... to name but a few!
There have been many advances and additions to equine-assisted therapy in the last decade or so. I am not a therapist but have found that the practice of horsemanship through feel can have a transformative effect on our lives and state of being.
WHERE WE ARE & CONTACT
Centro Ecuestre La Luz is the home base of Live and Breathe Horses and is
Located near Alora, a mountain village in Malaga province in the south of Spain.
We would love to hear from you so please do get in touch
Phone call & WhatsApp [phone] (please note the signal here in the mountains is not always reliable)
Email - [e-mail]
SOME BOOKS THAT I RECOMMEND
True Unity, willing communication between horse & human - Tom Dorrance
Think Harmony with Horses - Ray Hunt
Groundwork - Buck Brannaman
Reflections on Equestrian Art - Nuno Oliveira
Classical principles of the Art of training Horses (volume 1 & 2) - Nuno Oliveira
30 years with Master Nuno Oliveira - Michel Henriquet
Keep tuning in to the light!
#shoulderin #classicalequitation #nunooliveira

[@benlefleming]

I love many of these concepts as a message of how we should hold ourselves. Keeping the shoulders aligned and syncing the steps are all great visual representations of someone who displays confidence, authority and a clear direction.

[@liveandbreathehorses]

Sorry for the late reply !!!! I just found a different way into the comments and a quite a few I missed by my usual method ... and oooo I love that angle on it !! Susan x

[@julieinak]

Thank you for this series! So valuable, so helpful.

[@liveandbreathehorses]

Thank you so much for saying so, it is great to know it has use out in the world Susan x

[@BlackKettleRanch]

Wonderful discussion and wonderful book collection.

[@liveandbreathehorses]

Thank you for commenting Tina, those books are so full of wisdom

[@lking5713]

Ever since beginning my riding journey - I have had this feeling of needing to go (actively) "slower" that the walk must be correct, before transitioning up.... its like creating a controlled energy bungy that you can concertina up and down in varying degrees of movement in each pace. Thank you for confirming that in your comment about educating the walk before moving onto the trot.

[@alexdb77]

Thank you for this!

[@liveandbreathehorses]

It is a pleasure to share , I am happy you liked it !

[@lunarosaranch]

Great discussion! Thank you 😊

[@liveandbreathehorses]

Fascinating stuff isnt it ! Thank you for commenting Susan x

[@malgorzataburkiewicz7724]

I love ❤️ it 😍

[@liveandbreathehorses]

WOnderful, thank you so much for saying so !

[@robynmartin2026]

fantastic, thank you, I needed to hear this :)

[@liveandbreathehorses]

I am delighted it was useful. I love when things come into our lives just as we need them, synchronicity at its best . Thank you for commenting . Susan x

[@jhonvelez1066]

Nuno practicaba mucho las espaldas adentro (shoulder in)

[@liveandbreathehorses]

Si , mi Mastro siempre decia, " Emieza y termina el trabajo con espalda dentro" Gracias por conectar Susan x