“In watching the Manolo Mendez videos and observing the manner in which Manolo handles horses (and teaches the handling), I am struck by how much understanding, compassion and from-the-heart engagement with the horse Manolo demonstrates. That he has a lifetime of equestrian experience is understood, but all trainers end up with experience after decades. How many end up the level of tact, diplomacy and appreciation for the horse, what it needs and how it learns that Manolo has is another question completely.
Quite frankly, I can’t think of anyone I’ve seen who trains and instructs with such a coherently “for the horse” approach. A particularly interesting aspect is how Manolo teaches the student how to look for signs of stiffness or resistance in the horse that will interfere with the horse’s balance and carriage, and cause him to lose any developing suppleness and rhythm. He explains and demonstrates something else that is critical…how to help the horse have forward movement but still carry himself correctly…and why it is so important to teach the horse different speeds in each gait…so he doesn’t tire of one position or speed. If he tires, he gets stiff, and Manolo watches like an eagle for any sign of stiffness to protect the horse from discomfort and also discouragement.
His gentle, friendly and supportive manner with horses just reminds me again how the typical handler/rider/trainer/instructor works from a dominance paradigm, whether conscious or unconscious. Manolo’s level of investment in the horse’s confidence and pleasure in his training and his trusting relationship with his handler is extraordinary and in my opinion there is no single value that can hold more importance. If you learn from Manolo and study his in-hand lessons, you will learn more than an introduction to the working in-hand exercises. You will learn a philosophy of horsemanship that may seem deceptively simple, but is truly the foundation for everything good that can come to a horse through his education. And, these same principles that teach us how to be in a partnership between horse and rider where both are equally willing to learn from one another can be implemented in every area of life that I can think of…family, friends, work…listen, watch, be compassionate, be tactful, be gentle…
These videos are highly recommended for all these reasons!”
Kip Mistral, Equestrian Journalist and Best Selling Author of “Horse Training In-Hand: A Modern Guide to Working from The Ground” .
“This is the approach one needs to have a sane, healthy, happy horse (and owner!) Manolo’s work and philosophy of training are truly horse-oriented; applying this work to my crew has not only helped them, it has helped me to become a better horse owner. As a veterinarian, it causes me great anguish to see horses whose bodies and minds are damaged by incorrect training and riding. This video can be watched over and over again not only because there is so much information in every clip; but also because it is sheer joy to see these horses and how Manolo works with them. It is an antidote to some of the very sad horses we see in competition. Get the DVD’s. You will not be disappointed.”
Jaini Clougher, DVM, Canada, ECIR: The Equine Cushing’s and Insulin Resistance Group Inc, www.ecirhorse.org
I remember when I first received my DVD and I watched it with a couple of friends who expressed confusion because they expected what every other trainer had always given them: specific instructions and precise techniques, certainly none of the favorite Manolo-isms like “….it depends…..”. Manolo inspires you to creatively think, to empathetically feel, to get inside your horse’s head and allow him/her to teach you how to teach him. It’s so vital to watch THE MAN and not only what he happens to be doing with one particular horse: with Manolo you see a living example of everything our horses wish we could BE, not just DO.
Corey Midlin, New Zealand
“Manolo Mendez is amazing. His compassion and deep understanding of horses, plus practical methods, make this series the one to watch–and watch again. Your partnership with your horse will blossom as Manolo’s methods unfold.”
Anne Novak, Executive Director, Protect Mustangs, http://protectmustangs.org/
“This excellent video offers clear instruction in foundational groundwork exercises. Manolo shows great sensitivity and understanding of each horse, and explains the techniques clearly to student Jillian. This format made it easy for me to understand and apply with my own horse. I found value in repeated viewings of each lesson, seeing new details each time. I really appreciated watching him work with a variety of horses, and how the exercises benefited young horses or those that had been handled roughly. I highly recommend this video to anyone who wishes to learn new skills to enhance their horse’s movement and soundness.”
Kathleen Aspenns, Tellington TTouch Method Level 2 Instructor, Flower Essence and Acupressure Practitioner, www.kathleenaspenns.com
“About a year ago I came across Manolo’s work- he was shown in a youtube video with examples for great piaffes among other riders. I very much liked the picture of him and googled his name, found his homepage, watched the trailers of his in-hand DVD, bought it and after watching it and seeing him work with horses, horsemanship, in-hand work and riding was not the same anymore for me. His way of working is crystal clear, always with the focus on helping the horse to find a good working posture, to understand what is expected, to make work simple for it rather than complicate everything (for both horses and handlers/riders). Watching the DVD and other segments available on vimeo over and over again always reveals new aspects, new details that were invisible when watching for the first time. And it is great that Manolo shows his work with different horses of different skill levels. I can highly recommend this video as well as all the other segments to all those horse owners who are interested in a holistic approach towards the training of their horses and are committed to restore or to keep a horse’s soundness and to ensure their wellbeing, physically as well as mentally.
Verena Eiwen, Dressage rider and Stable owner, Germany
“The level of knowledge and compassion for horses and their training that Manolo has, is unsurpassed by any other trainer I have met. Manolo sees every horse as an individual and he will adapt his training to benefit each and every horse’s needs. No matter your horse’s breed, discipline, age or size it wil benefit from Manolos training and become healthier,happier and performing better.You yourself will grow not only as a horse owner and trainer, but as a person too when adapting Manolos training philosophy and listening to his explanations about horses.”
Susan Kjaergard, Horse Trainer and owner of the Blue Berry Hill riding center, Denmark
“I could not wait to get my hands on this DVD, which was released soon after we had taken our first clinic with Manolo. It’s just a necessary at home reference with beautifully produced bite size pieces of information, which are easily digested. I knew this would be good, just looking at the thoughtful front cover. To me the image speaks of two friends working something out together; there is no dominance, no ego, its just Manolo and his horse being together, simple and uncomplicated. Just like his work. The beautiful Spanish guitar music immediately transports me back to Spain and happy memories. I am enthralled and almost in a meditative state watching for the first time, I even ignore my cheeky teenagers remarks as they loudly walk past. I have to dreamily watch the DVD twice before I start to dissect information to take back to the stables. But this is not time wasted, I am beginning to understand the philosophy behind this training. I find myself humming the Spanish guitar music in my head, whilst working in-hand. The tempo and melody are just perfect. It helps me focus, and my youngster usually falls into a nice flowing rhythm. The production is so carefully put together so that you feel totally immersed – you are almost taking a private lesson. As a green owner of a green young horse I appreciate the question format throughout the lessons, I like the variety of horses and situations – these are real life scenarios with horses. This DVD does not only give you the tools for everyday handling and working your horse correctly for a long and stress free life. It gives so much more. Manolo encourages you to move with your horse gracefully, to really feel both his ease and discomfort. It may truly change the way you view your horse.”
Melanie Griffith, Australia
“I love going back to Manolo’s videos and watching the man work. I’m amazed at his gentle movements and intuitive understanding with each horse. I also own the DVD and enjoying flicking through different sections. Thanks Manolo.”
Leah Moulden, Australia
“love the philosophy behind Manolo’s Work. How could you not admire a man who puts the needs of the horse first no matter the training level or situation. This is a wonderful DVD and I would recommend it to anyone wanting a better relationship and partnership with their horse based on trust, communication and understanding how to develop your horse at your horse’s pace.”
Joddie Webber, Australia
“This is a wonderful learning resource. There are so few videos available for learning how to work in-hand. Manolo is a wonderful teacher, and I learn something new every time I watch this. But, don’t just watch… do this with your horse! Your partnership will improve and the horse will become more balanced and confident”
Becky Love, USA
“Sensational! Love watching my horse get more balanced and supple, this has helped enormously with our ponies. It has also helped me to read my horse better, so thank you!”
Liz Bennett, Australia
“I am always searching for new material on compassionate and effective dressage training. If there’s a book or video program out there, I’ve probably tried it. By far, Manolo’s video’s are the best. Not only is his work kind and effective, but his teaching is clear and easy to understand. His philosophy is all-encompassing, helping the rider to understand not just the how, but the why of training. I always pick up more than I expect, even after several viewings. This program is ideal for a rider that wants a program based on a healthy, happy horse.”
EMotion Digital Media, Florida
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