Hatha Equus
the Home of Co-Creational Horsemanship
Hatha Equus
the Home of Co-Creational Horsemanship
CLINIC:
Riding Prep & Postural Rehab
through Science-Backed Play
(and a good dose of Soul)
Session 1: May, 13 & 14
Session 2: May 16, 17 & 18
@ Shining River Ranch, Louisburg, NC
CLINIC:
Riding Prep & Postural Rehab
through Science-Backed Play
(and a good dose of Soul)
Session 1: May, 13 & 14
Session 2: May 16, 17 & 18
@ Shining River Ranch, Louisburg, NC
"This clinic transformed my relationship with my horse, and I can't wait to continue!
I gained new training skills, AND so much more.
Fun and laughter were at the heart of the experience, combined with mindfulness, communication, and consent. I did not know that such a deeply moving experience could also be lighthearted and silly!
I now find myself practicing co-creation, not only with my horses, but even with my dogs. The possibilities are endless!
Image
It was the best clinic experience I have ever had!"
-- Ellen Glover, Equestrian
"This clinic transformed my relationship with my horse, and I can't wait to continue!
I gained new training skills, AND so much more.
Fun and laughter were at the heart of the experience, combined with mindfulness, communication, and consent. I did not know that such a deeply moving experience could also be lighthearted and silly!
I now find myself practicing co-creation, not only with my horses, but even with my dogs. The possibilities are endless!
Image
It was the best clinic experience I have ever had!"
-- Ellen Glover, Equestrian
CALLING ON:
Caring Horse Owners
at driving distance from Louisburg, NC...
...who are in the process of:
colt starting or
re-starting their horse under saddle
rehabbing their horse from an injury or from a
previous life of duress
"correcting" unhealthy inversion
CALLING ON:
Caring Horse Owners
at driving distance from Louisburg, NC...
...who are in the process of:
colt starting or
re-starting their horse under saddle
rehabbing their horse from an injury or from a previous life of duress
"correcting" unhealthy inversion
Who Might be Dealing With...
strong objections to being ridden
an un-postable, pogo-stick-like trot
their horse running through the aids
a cookie-monstering ball of (equine) anxiety
a good boy/girl who simply tolerates them
a very complex rescue case
and/or their horse looks like this:
Who Might be Dealing With...
strong objections to being ridden
an un-postable, pogo-stick-like trot
their horse running through the aids
a cookie-monstering ball of (equine) anxiety
a good boy/girl who simply tolerates them
a very complex rescue case
and/or their horse looks like this:
and Who are Sick of...
chasing their horses around a round pen for hours on end
having to compromise their ethics in training
being told they're too soft
feeling judged and inadequate
everything horse-training being so darn grim and serious!
spurs, whips, nosebands and bits
doing things this way because "that's how it's always been done"
feeling forced to fit in a box
the frequent cognitive dissonance in the ethical horsemanship world
and Who are Sick of...
chasing their horses around a round pen for hours on end
having to compromise their ethics in training
being told they're too soft
feeling judged and inadequate
everything horse-training being so darn grim and serious!
spurs, whips, nosebands and bits
doing things this way because "that's how it's always been done"
feeling forced to fit in a box
the frequent cognitive dissonance in the ethical horsemanship world
Join Us on May 13-18th!
Riding Prep & Postural Rehab Clinic
Learn how to get your horse fit for riding/postural rehab purposes through:
fun, joyful, passionate
modern peer-reviewed science-backed
intrinsically motivated
mindful and co-creational
PLAY!
(All disciplines welcome!)
Join Us on May 13-18th!
RIDING PREP & POSTURAL REHAB CLINIC
Learn how to get your horse fit for riding/postural rehab purposes through:
fun, joyful, passionate
modern peer-reviewed science-backed
intrinsically motivated
mindful and co-creational
PLAY!
(All disciplines welcome!)
"Roy's movements were astounding...wow!
Achieving such safe play from the ground has been a long-held aspiration of mine...and now we're finally making it happen 🥹😍
Encouraging and inspiring him to move without any sense of pressure is incredibly beneficial for both of us.
It allows us to have fun, it enhances our communication, and
it supports Roy in developing better proprioception and unleashing his fullest potential in this rehab & riding prep journey we're on!"
-- Benedetta Sarri, Equestrian
"Roy's movements were astounding...wow!
Achieving such safe play from the ground has been a long-held aspiration of mine...and now we're finally making it happen 🥹😍
Encouraging and inspiring him to move without any sense of pressure is incredibly beneficial for both of us.
It allows us to have fun,
it enhances our communication, and
it supports Roy in developing better proprioception and unleashing his fullest potential in this rehab & riding prep journey we're on!"
Benedetta Sarri, Equestrian
IN THIS CLINIC WE WILL WORK ON:
...assessing horse conformational and movement fitness (for riding or rehab purposes)
...designing fun, science-backed-play-based workouts for your horse
...helping your horse authentically fall in love with movement
(and with carrying human weights, where applicable)...exploring deep states of relaxation and profound togetherness
...two-way consent-based communication
...building physical strength, agility, mobility, balance and coordination and emotional resilience
All Horse Breeds, Ages and Body-Types Welcome!
(as long as cleared by the vet to participate)
WITH THE GOAL OF:
a confident athlete: strong, agile, mobile, balanced and coordinated
an intrinsically motivated mover, in self-carriage even at liberty
a quiet-minded horse, intentional in their communication with us
a fulfilled and joyous co-creator of magical adventures - on the trail, in the arena or in the soul
(All disciplines welcome!)
MEET YOUR GUIDE ON THIS JOURNEY
Giorgia Ghizzoni
Equine Consent Specialist and
Super-Athlete Coach
↑↑↑ Click on the image to hear about Giorgia's Journey
Hi, I'm Giorgia Ghizzoni. In my "previous life" as a professional performing artist, I have learned what co-creation means and how to embody it at a very deep level.
Every day - whether I am helping a horse through their trauma, teaching them new behaviors, supporting them to expand their comfort zone, enjoying nature with them, playing with exhilarating movement games or actually playing my cello for them...I am making music with them. And it's the best feeling in the world. It's transformational. It's oneness.
After years of dedication and discovery of science, technique and soul, it is now my pleasure to help you and your horse on your journey to making art...together, collaboratively, wherever both your definitions of art might cross.
Hatha Equus
The Home of Co-Creational Horsemanship
Flavia Verillo - Equestrian
"As I stand on the brink of motherhood, I've pondered over the superpower I'd wish for my daughter. Deep reflection led me to value one above all: freedom—the freedom to think, to speak, to choose, and to express herself.
I believe that truly embracing freedom requires attuned observation, to understand an individual's needs and unspoken signals. It requires the space to communicate without the dread of judgment. It requires each individual respecting others’ choices, even if we may disagree.
Giorgia has profoundly influenced my journey towards these realizations.
Her guidance has shed light on the significance of unbiased observation and granting space for one to simply be. The liberty to be oneself is the cornerstone of a relationship that’s undeniably honest, meaningful, and genuine. With each passing day, I grow more certain that embracing this approach is the right path for me".
AND IF YOU'RE THINKING...
Been There - Done That!
I'Ve Attended A Million Clinics
and I Always End Up...
...feeling incompetent and small
...being yelled at in public
...feeling alone in the crowd
...feeling weird for daring to think outside the box
...feeling lesser than just because I don't compete
...being considered mediocre because I "just" trail ride
So I Tried Some Ethical Instructors,
and Even Then I Was...
...continuously red-flagging ethical and logical incongruencies in their teachings
...evasively redirected when I enquired about the foundational science to their method
...walking on egg-shells in trying to stay clear of any
rivalry they might have had with other instructors I am studying with
...therapized in public for the whole hour,
then left open with no emotional support
...led through a bunch of shamanic rituals
(which were interesting, but had little to do with my horsemanship goals)
...unable to replicate the clinic breakthroughs at home
AND IF YOU'RE THINKING...
Been There - Done That!
I'Ve Attended A Million Clinics
and I Always End Up...
...feeling incompetent and small
...being yelled at in public
...feeling alone in the crowd
...feeling weird for daring to think outside the box
...feeling lesser than just because I don't compete
...being considered mediocre because I "just" trail ride
So I Tried Some Ethical Instructors,
and Even Then I Was...
...continuously red-flagging ethical and logical incongruencies in their teachings
...evasively redirected when I enquired about the foundational science to their method
...walking on egg-shells in trying to stay clear of any rivalry they might have had with other instructors I am studying with
...therapized in public for the whole hour,
then left open with no emotional support
...led through a bunch of shamanic rituals
(which were interesting, but had little to do with my horsemanship goals)
...unable to replicate the clinic breakthroughs at home
...THEN WE ASK YOU THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE IN WHAT WAYS...
Our Clinics Are Different:
EMOTIONALLY SAFE
...to maximize your (and your horse's) all-round learning
We embrace constructive, positive and compassionate communication
We understand that learning often puts us out of our comfort zone. We therefore reserve endless compassion for those humans who try to do so WITH their 1200lb over-threshold-quadruped WITH an audience!
One of our core-values is LEVITY. We really don't take ourselves too seriously, folks!
We understand the fine line between exploring the soul-related aspects of horsemanship and therapy/trauma recovery, and we commit to respecting such line.
These are HORSEMANSHIP clinics 🙏🏻
PRE-CLINIC &
POST-CLINIC SUPPORT
'No False Positives'
We've been at enough clinics ourselves to know the following pattern very well:
At the clinic: 'OMG this is groundbreaking! 😍 Magical!'
At home: "Wait... how did I pull off that thing at the clinic?? 🧐 I can't replicate it for the life of me 😭'
Yep. Not interested.
...so...we do it differently.
We support you.
As you enroll, you are going to receive our Pre-Clinic Exercises Online Course, to get you started.
And after the clinic you'll get to ask us your questions on a group zoom call!
COMMUNITY
No More Feeling Alone!
Horse-First work of any kind is much harder when it happens in a vacuum. And - since horse-first individuals are still the minority, it unfortunately often does.
At Hatha Equus clinics, humans usually find each other and weave together a Supportive, Like-Minded Network.
We facilitate human-to-human exercises that involve participants AND auditors, so that everyone can feel how it feels in their own body.
Most of the time, everyone spontaneously has lunch together and engages in absolutely beautiful conversations.
Most of the time, everyone adds everyone else on Fb at the end of the clinic, and then they visit each other and stay connected 🥹
PLUS guys, to be honest, Kelli and all the humans at Shining River Ranch might as well explode with kindness, care and we secretly believe them Hogwarts-Graduates because how else could meals and hospitality be full of love to the extent that they made them?!? 🤷🏼♀️
Tentative Schedule
Group Clinic
May 13&14
May 16&17 ACTIVE PARTICIPANTS SOLD OUT!
8:15am: Sign in
8:45am: Horse-Free Morning Exercise involving all
9:00am-10:15am First Group
10:15am-11:30pm Second Group
11:30pm - 12:00pm Q&A
12:00pm - 1:30pm Lunch Break
1:30pm-1:45pm Horse-Free Exercise involving all
1:45pm - 2:45pm First Group
2:45pm - 3:45pm Second Group
3:45pm - 4:15pm Q&A
Semi-Private Lessons
May 18th ACTIVE PARTICIPANTS SOLD OUT!
(arena sectioned off so that liberty is possible)
(open to auditors)
8:30am - 9:45am first semi-private
9:45am - 11:00am second semi-private
11:00am - 12:15am third semi-private
12:15pm - 1:45pm Lunch
1:45pm - 3:00pm last semi-private
3:05pm Q&A
At Shining River Ranch
1575 Sam Horton Road Louisburg, NC 27549
Stalls (12’x14’) available. First come, first served.
$30/horse/stall. Grain, hay and care is owner's responsibility.
Current Coggins required to bring your horse to the property.
Contact Kelli directly to make arrangements for your horse's overnight/day needs.
[email protected] / +1(919) 675-3297
Spots will be limited!
Reserve yours early!
Frequently asked questions
WILL I BE FORCED TO USE TREATS?
Absolutely not. We are here to support YOU and YOUR HORSE in your unique journey, not to force our methods or choices onto your relationship.
With our own horses, there are certain exercises in which we've found over time that low value food rewards make the training more effective and quicker, but we'll be glad to present alternative reinforcers if you feel strongly against food rewards.
IF you do wish to try and use low value food rewards in some parts of your training - we do NOT suggest high value food rewards almost ever - then we'll be glad to introduce you to our 'Civilized Food Receiving Manners' techniques to make sure that it's a positive experience for both human and horse.
IS THIS CLINIC PRESSURE AND RELEASE FRIENDLY?
Indeed it is! We use pressure and release in our training as well, especially in the context of boundaries setting and emergency communications with our horses. Our pressure and release approach has grown to include many interesting principles borrowed from other contexts, and the Hatha Equus approach to pressure and release has proven eye opening for many students.
This said, you must know that this is not purely a pressure and release clinic. The tides of change that we bring to the equestrian communities we visit include much more than this framework, and we hope that you'll fall in love with all the other ones as well.
WHAT'S YOUR HORSEMANSHIP BLEND MADE OF?
Positive reinforcement, Emotional Horsemanship, Natural Horsemanship, Intrinzen, Dressage, Yoga, Equine Assisted Learning, energy work, mindfulness, Active Listening Playground, creativity, humility, fun and empathy.
MY HORSE AND I DO DRESSAGE. IS THIS FOR US?
Oh yeah 😎 Imagine your horse in complete self carriage, lifting you up for the smoothest, supplest dressage sequence, and all you have to do is whisper a cue and enjoy the magic. Here's a photo of Elizabeth and her mustang Riggins, whom, through Co-Creational Horsemanship training, shows off his dressage moves even tackless and at liberty.
WHAT ARE THE MAIN SCIENCES YOU BASE YOUR WORK ON?
Modern Movement Science (Ecological Dynamics, Constraints Led Approach), Affective Neuroscience, Behaviorism, Stress Science, Physiology.
MY HORSE AND I ARE JUMPERS. IS THIS FOR US?
Co-Creational Horsemanship nurtures horses' genuine love for movement, and at some point in the journey most of them start actively and independently choosing more challenging obstacles, having realized that harder=more fun. Here's a photo of our student Marta (testimonial at the start of this page) having taken her mare to competitive jumping levels (bitless) through our approach ❤️
WHAT DO YOU GUYS SPECIALIZE IN?
Anything liberty, natural dressage, husbandry made easy and fun, horse rehabilitation (physical and emotional), liberty colt starting, bridleless dressage, trailer loading, trail riding prep, yoga for horses, farrier prep, problem solving, natural horse management, gentling.
MY HORSE AND I TRAIL RIDE. HOW CAN THIS CLINIC SUPPORT US?
We find that Co-Creationally trained horses do great on trail rides, even if they start off as skittish and insecure. This approach:
Makes them pros at down-regulating quickly, even after big spooks.
It transforms them into strong, sure-footed athletes.
It strengthens their togetherness instinct, so they check in often and communicate plenty, instead of being deeply distracted or "in their own world".
WHO HAVE HATHA EQUUS STUDIED WITH?
Elizabeth: Ann Gibson, Karen Rholf, Klaus Hempfling, Lockie Phillips
Giorgia: Mustang Maddy, Kathy Sierra, various Parelli instructors, Will Rogers, Alyssa Aubrey & Gaby Fabian (Equine Assisted Learning), Lockie Phillips, Philip Himanka (master hoofcare practitioner)
PRICING OPTIONS
Note: Active Participant Spots May 16-18th are SOLD OUT!
Active Participant Ticket
(May 13&14)
$529
INCLUDES:
4 Group Sessions (2 on Day 1 and 2 on Day 2)
5-Day Auditing of all other sessions
5-Day Q&A
Ability to participate in horse-free group training when applicable
Opportunity to participate in Pre-Clinic Meet-n-Greet Dinner for Participants with Giorgia @ Shining River Ranch
Opportunity to book catered lunches at Shining River Ranch
Access to the Clinic-Supporting Video Training
Post-Clinic Zoom Q&A Group Session with Giorgia
Unlimited Auditor
Auditing Any Day (even all 5!) + Extra Perks!
$239
INCLUDES:
Any Day Auditing (up to 5 of course)
Any Day Q&A (up to 5 of course)
Ability to participate in horse-free group training when applicable
Opportunity to book catered lunches at Shining River Ranch
Access to the Clinic-Supporting Video Training
Post-Clinic Zoom Q&A Group Session with Giorgia
Daily Auditor
Auditing as many days as booked
$68/Day
INCLUDES:
Same-Day Auditing
Same day Q&A
Ability to participate in horse-free group training when applicable
Opportunity to book catered lunches at Shining River Ranch
Access to the Clinic-Supporting Video Training
Post-Clinic Zoom Q&A Group Session with Giorgia
sign-up questions
WHAT ARE YOUR BOOKING AND CANCELLATION CLINIC POLICIES?
Booking happens on a First Come First Served basis. To view our cancellation, refunds policies and more, please click here.
WHAT IF I CAN ONLY BE AN ACTIVE PARTICIPANT ON 1 OR 2 DAYS, AND I'D LIKE TO AUDIT THE REST?
These 'separate' tickets might be available in case we'll still have participant spots by late December, but so far that seems unlikely. We'll keep y'all posted. In case, make sure you enroll in our newsletter to stay tuned!
CAN I BOOK ON BEHALF OF MY FRIEND/FAMILY MEMBER, TOO?
Awww you're so kind to do that for them 🥹 We do ask that, in this case, that you kindly start a separate booking in their name. That is going to help us with logistics, official documents and more!
I CAN'T ATTEND ON THESE DATES/IT WAS SOLD OUT WHEN I TRIED TO ENROLL. HOW DO I NOT MISS YOUR NEXT CLINIC IN LOUISBURG?
Don't worry, we'll be back soon. Circle back soon and we'll have a waitlist for you to sign up for for our next clinic in Louisburg, NC 🤗 And make sure you enroll in our newsletter to stay tuned!
I'VE ALREADY ATTENDED LEVEL 1. WHICH DATES ARE BEST FOR ME?
Hatha Equus doesn't recognize levels. It's part of an effort to bringing horsemanship back to what your unique, personal definition of happiness with your horse is. It's not a pre-traced linear path from A to Z. If you've already clinicked with us, maybe you've even taken our online course and you feel like you have a strong grip on the Co-Creational Horsemanship foundational science, skills and soul, we are really glad for you! ...AAAAAND the best way to learn your chosen next chunk with us, for now, is still the Co-Creational Horsemanship clinics! We structure them in which we can tailor to each participant's needs and experience. Groups are small and the learning is varied and beautiful.
So long story short, enroll wherever works for you/whenever there's still room...and then make sure you talk to Hatha Equus about your training goals!
WHAT DOES THE HATHA EQUUS JOURNEY LOOK LIKE?
Again, the journey is unique for every human-horse pair who walks it, but we can tell you what we can help you with, in whatever order your horse and you will need/want!
Co-Creational Gentling
Co-Creational Care and Husbandry
The Riding Prep Playground (Get Your Horse Fit for Riding through Science-Backed Play!)
The Rehab Playground
Consensual Colt-Starting or Re-Starting
Consensual Riding
Artful Riding
Co-Creational Liberty
Co-Creational Dressage
Co-Creational Dressage...Unbridled!
Ethical Trailer Loading
Co-Creational Trail Riding
Bianca
Equestrian, Trainer and Instructor
Thanks to Hatha Equus, he's not just prepared for these challenges—he relishes them!
"Thanks to Hatha Equus, we've reached a point where Seven not only tolerates the saddle but actively seeks it out. His movements, once lackluster and uninspired, gain an entirely new dimension as soon as the challenge of carrying weight is introduced. It's nothing short of incredible, considering there was a time when getting Seven to accept any kind of tack seemed impossible.
Now, he's practically begging for the chance to prove his mettle, eager to demonstrate not just to others, but primarily to himself, the remarkable feats he's capable of.
Seven, once labeled as 'lazy, overweight, and gluttonous,' is now the driving force behind our adventures into new, uncharted, and more demanding territories.
He's not just prepared for these challenges—he relishes them".
PRICING OPTIONS
Note: Active Participant Spots May 16-18th are SOLD OUT!
Active Participant Ticket
(May 13&14)
$529
INCLUDES:
4 Group Sessions (2 on Day 1 and 2 on Day 2)
5-Day Auditing of all other sessions
5-Day Q&A
Ability to participate in horse-free group training when applicable
Opportunity to participate in Pre-Clinic Meet-n-Greet Dinner for Participants with Giorgia @ Shining River Ranch
Opportunity to book catered lunches at Shining River Ranch
Access to the Clinic-Supporting Video Training
Post-Clinic Zoom Q&A Group Session with Giorgia
Unlimited Auditor
Auditing Any Day (even all 5!) + Extra Perks!
$239
INCLUDES:
Any Day Auditing (up to 5 of course)
Any Day Q&A (up to 5 of course)
Ability to participate in horse-free group training when applicable
Opportunity to book catered lunches at Shining River Ranch
Access to the Clinic-Supporting Video Training
Post-Clinic Zoom Q&A Group Session with Giorgia
Daily Auditor
Auditing as many days as booked
$68/Day
INCLUDES:
Same-Day Auditing
Same day Q&A
Ability to participate in horse-free group training when applicable
Opportunity to book catered lunches at Shining River Ranch
Access to the Clinic-Supporting Video Training
Post-Clinic Zoom Q&A Group Session with Giorgia
sign-up questions
WHAT ARE YOUR BOOKING AND CANCELLATION CLINIC POLICIES?
Booking happens on a First Come First Served basis. To view our cancellation, refunds policies and more, please click here.
WHAT IF I CAN ONLY BE AN ACTIVE PARTICIPANT ON 1 OR 2 DAYS, AND I'D LIKE TO AUDIT THE REST?
These 'separate' tickets might be available in case we'll still have participant spots by late December, but so far that seems unlikely. We'll keep y'all posted. In case, make sure you enroll in our newsletter to stay tuned!
CAN I BOOK ON BEHALF OF MY FRIEND/FAMILY MEMBER, TOO?
Awww you're so kind to do that for them 🥹 We do ask that, in this case, that you kindly start a separate booking in their name. That is going to help us with logistics, official documents and more!
I CAN'T ATTEND ON THESE DATES/IT WAS SOLD OUT WHEN I TRIED TO ENROLL. HOW DO I NOT MISS YOUR NEXT CLINIC IN LOUISBURG?
Don't worry, we'll be back soon. Circle back soon and we'll have a waitlist for you to sign up for for our next clinic in Louisburg, NC 🤗 And make sure you enroll in our newsletter to stay tuned!
I'VE ALREADY ATTENDED LEVEL 1. WHICH DATES ARE BEST FOR ME?
Hatha Equus doesn't recognize levels. It's part of an effort to bringing horsemanship back to what your unique, personal definition of happiness with your horse is. It's not a pre-traced linear path from A to Z. If you've already clinicked with us, maybe you've even taken our online course and you feel like you have a strong grip on the Co-Creational Horsemanship foundational science, skills and soul, we are really glad for you! ...AAAAAND the best way to learn your chosen next chunk with us, for now, is still the Co-Creational Horsemanship clinics! We structure them in which we can tailor to each participant's needs and experience. Groups are small and the learning is varied and beautiful.
So long story short, enroll wherever works for you/whenever there's still room...and then make sure you talk to Hatha Equus about your training goals!
WHAT DOES THE HATHA EQUUS JOURNEY LOOK LIKE?
Again, the journey is unique for every human-horse pair who walks it, but we can tell you what we can help you with, in whatever order your horse and you will need/want!
Co-Creational Gentling
Co-Creational Care and Husbandry
The Riding Prep Playground (Get Your Horse Fit for Riding through Science-Backed Play!)
The Rehab Playground
Consensual Colt-Starting or Re-Starting
Consensual Riding
Artful Riding
Co-Creational Liberty
Co-Creational Dressage
Co-Creational Dressage...Unbridled!
Ethical Trailer Loading
Co-Creational Trail Riding
Bianca
Equestrian, Trainer and Instructor
Thanks to Hatha Equus, he's not just prepared for these challenges—he relishes them!
"Thanks to Hatha Equus, we've reached a point where Seven not only tolerates the saddle but actively seeks it out. His movements, once lackluster and uninspired, gain an entirely new dimension as soon as the challenge of carrying weight is introduced. It's nothing short of incredible, considering there was a time when getting Seven to accept any kind of tack seemed impossible.
Now, he's practically begging for the chance to prove his mettle, eager to demonstrate not just to others, but primarily to himself, the remarkable feats he's capable of.
Seven, once labeled as 'lazy, overweight, and gluttonous,' is now the driving force behind our adventures into new, uncharted, and more demanding territories.
He's not just prepared for these challenges—he relishes them".
