The Flow of the Journey
Riding on and off as a child and teen in India, the Middle East and the UK, I thought I knew how to ride. However, after moving to the US as an adult and having the opportunity to ride with Classical Master Charles de Kunffy in riding clinics and then eventually in many instructor’s clinics, I realised that though I knew how to stay on a horse, to ride, well, that was a science and art I needed to learn. And thus began the lifelong journey...
The journey took me to understanding what true balance on a horse means. To be able to communicate with the seat, the legs and the hands individually, while in motion, is the goal. Only a balanced horse can learn to lift its back to carry a rider. And only a pain free horse, with a saddle that fits both rider and horse, can help the rider sit easily in balance. And thus, in balance, with a balanced rider, a horse can become a true and joyous partner with his rider.
Along the way I have learned from superb clinicians, master farriers and highly
knowledgeable animal health practitioners. Each and every one of
them have emphasized that we, as horse people, are ultimately responsible
for the many pieces in the balance puzzle for the good of our horses.
"Sell your dreams of cleverness and purchase bewilderment"
Rumi - 13th
century Persian poet.
Zsuzsu Illes Bio
Zsuzsu has been teaching and training since 1990 while all the
time remaining a student herself. She has become a certified CHA
and ARIA instructor as well as earning USDF university credits and
participating in many Charles de Kunffy Classical Riding Instructor’s
clinics. Zsuzsu’s excellence has led her to be recommended by Charles
de Kunffy as an instructor, trainer and clinician.
While managing her own boarding, training and lesson facility,
Zsuzsu became interested in saddle fitting and began to learn this
specialized skill which is both an art and a science. In addition
to learning from the many riders and horses that she has helped
over the years Zsuzsu has also studied under Andy Sankey of Scotland
who is a Certified Master Saddler in the Trade (the highest level
achievable in the Society of Master Saddlers, Ltd. UK).
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