Hilary's Training Philosophy
LEARN IT...LIVE IT...LOVE IT
I believe we need to be consistently open to learning. Taking time to learn as you go through life, whether it is training horses, within your occupation, teaching your kids something new or a developing a hobby will only add to the enjoyment in your life. In the training of horses, I believe there is so much to learn! You need to be open to what is out there and willing to seek new information. To become good at anything, it takes learning it, living it and loving it - sometimes over and over and over! When you stay open and present in your learning, you discover what works for you, for your horses and/or for your lifestyle. I believe you need to continue to be challenged in your learning and adding to your "tool box".
During my time working under Jim Graham and as a young professional, I was lucky enough to receive instruction from eventing greats such as, David O'Connor, Ralph Hill & Philip Dutton to name a few. In 2001 and 2002, I was selected to participate in the USET Winter Training Session where I got to work with Captain Mark Phillips and Sally O'Connor. Working as a professional and having top instruction allowed for a training foundation and mindset that was still there, even after so many years away from the saddle.
Jim Graham used to always say, "the more you learn, the more there is to learn." I have tried to use this way of thinking as a base in developing a training program for myself, my horses and my children. We enjoy learning from variety of local professionals across multiple disciplines. Being involved in our pony club has played big part in helping find quality instruction while setting and working towards standards at each stage/level of riding.
One trainer that has helped me set a core standard in the training of my horses is Greg Eliel. Greg studied under master horsemen such as Tom Dorrance, Ray Hunt and Buck Brannaman. After spending a couple of years attending clinics, classes and lessons, Greg took me under his wing as he helped me in the training of my horse, Enkidu for the Retired Racehorse Project in 2022. While I will always be a student of this approach, I feel like I have truly started to understand the depth of this "natural horsemanship" approach. I utilize this way of training in every aspect of the work I do with my horses. Whether doing groundwork, dressage/flatwork or jumping, the foundation of straightness, balance and suppleness that this way of training creates, has allowed me to achieve more softness in my horses and made me more aware of my body and how if affects my horse. I have been able to create a better connection with my horses and it has allowed me to build on a solid foundation with what I know from my past training and in working with other professionals.
RIDER FITNESS
I FULLY believe in rider fitness. It is a crucial part of my weekly routine. It makes me a better, stronger rider and is instrumental in maintaining mental health. In the past, I have participated in a variety of fitness activities including training for and competing in triathlons. Currently, my weekly routine consists of a rotation of pilates, barre, spin and weight lifting classes. I also incorporate running and swimming into my weekly routine. My fitness motto has always been, "just do something everyday!",
so get out there! Do it for you and do it for your horse!
LEARN IT...LIVE IT...LOVE IT
I believe we need to be consistently open to learning. Taking time to learn as you go through life, whether it is training horses, within your occupation, teaching your kids something new or a developing a hobby will only add to the enjoyment in your life. In the training of horses, I believe there is so much to learn! You need to be open to what is out there and willing to seek new information. To become good at anything, it takes learning it, living it and loving it - sometimes over and over and over! When you stay open and present in your learning, you discover what works for you, for your horses and/or for your lifestyle. I believe you need to continue to be challenged in your learning and adding to your "tool box".
During my time working under Jim Graham and as a young professional, I was lucky enough to receive instruction from eventing greats such as, David O'Connor, Ralph Hill & Philip Dutton to name a few. In 2001 and 2002, I was selected to participate in the USET Winter Training Session where I got to work with Captain Mark Phillips and Sally O'Connor. Working as a professional and having top instruction allowed for a training foundation and mindset that was still there, even after so many years away from the saddle.
Jim Graham used to always say, "the more you learn, the more there is to learn." I have tried to use this way of thinking as a base in developing a training program for myself, my horses and my children. We enjoy learning from variety of local professionals across multiple disciplines. Being involved in our pony club has played big part in helping find quality instruction while setting and working towards standards at each stage/level of riding.
One trainer that has helped me set a core standard in the training of my horses is Greg Eliel. Greg studied under master horsemen such as Tom Dorrance, Ray Hunt and Buck Brannaman. After spending a couple of years attending clinics, classes and lessons, Greg took me under his wing as he helped me in the training of my horse, Enkidu for the Retired Racehorse Project in 2022. While I will always be a student of this approach, I feel like I have truly started to understand the depth of this "natural horsemanship" approach. I utilize this way of training in every aspect of the work I do with my horses. Whether doing groundwork, dressage/flatwork or jumping, the foundation of straightness, balance and suppleness that this way of training creates, has allowed me to achieve more softness in my horses and made me more aware of my body and how if affects my horse. I have been able to create a better connection with my horses and it has allowed me to build on a solid foundation with what I know from my past training and in working with other professionals.
RIDER FITNESS
I FULLY believe in rider fitness. It is a crucial part of my weekly routine. It makes me a better, stronger rider and is instrumental in maintaining mental health. In the past, I have participated in a variety of fitness activities including training for and competing in triathlons. Currently, my weekly routine consists of a rotation of pilates, barre, spin and weight lifting classes. I also incorporate running and swimming into my weekly routine. My fitness motto has always been, "just do something everyday!",
so get out there! Do it for you and do it for your horse!