Ride In Harmony

Supplementing over 30 years of riding and training, Colleen is a certified Centered Riding instructor. She uses a combination of natural horsemanship and Centered Riding gently and effectively. She finds that Centered Riding blends with all styles: dressage, hunt seat, western, trail riding, and more.

Both horse and rider respond instinctively to Colleen’s confident and relaxed style. Through use of simple exercises, she encourages self-awareness. Since horses respond intuitively to our smallest signals, communication between horse and rider is vastly improved. Horse and rider become relaxed and focused. You’ll learn to use “soft eyes” (a Centered Riding term), confident body language, and deep breathing, making your interactions with horses natural & effortless.

For your safety, an SEI approved riding helmet, long pants and riding boots required.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

1991-present: Freelance riding instructor

2001-present: Certified riding instructor through national organization: Centered Riding Inc. www.centeredriding.org
2002: Centered Riding Instructor’s Update Clinic (4 day)
2004: Centered Riding Open Clinic (2 day)
2007: Centered Riding Instructor’s Update Clinic (4 day)

2003-2006: Owned, managed and operated all aspects of Harmony Farms in Onondaga (boarding, training, lesson, sales, assistance purchasing, etc.), Onondaga, MI

Will be testing for American Riding Instructor Association certification (ARIA).

Equine classes taught through Holt Community Education.

Trained extensively with Wendy Murdoch of The Murdoch Method and author of “Simplify Your Riding”.

Completed Equiken, an exclusive, 2-year long series of classes where participants build a horse mannequin from the inside out, using clay to build and apply all the muscles, ligaments and tendons. Participants include top farriers and veterinarians from all around the U.S. For more information, please visit Jon Zahourek, founder, at: www.anatomyinclay.com

American Riding Instructor’s Association annual convention (4 days)
Dressage lessons from Julie Arkison of Synchrony Farms, MI
Equine Massage Therapy workshops & classes
T.E.A.M. training (Linda Tellington-Jones method)
Variety of Dressage Clinics & Workshops ( Paul Belasik (www.paulbelasik.com ), Dr. Thomas Ritter, Sue Leffler, Karen Irland)
Many Natural Horsemanship Clinics, Seminars & workshops: (Stan Allen, Pat Parelli, John Lyons)
MSU Biomechanics & Conformation, with Dr. Hilary Clayton (4 day class)
Saddle fitting seminars (western and english)
Many week-long Adult “Horse Camps”
Overnight horse camping & trail riding trips
Competed successfully in: dressage, hunt seat pleasure, hunt seat equitation, western pleasure, western horsemanship, showmanship classes and halter.
Participated in Team Penning.
Former 4-H leader
Prior 4-H Member and Horse Quiz Bowl Participant.
Scribe at USDF dressage shows
Many other workshops & clinics attended: (Animal Communication, Fitting & Showing for Halter Classes, Arabian Halter, Jumping)
Lansing Community College Horse Management Classes: (Equine Anatomy & Physiology, Barn Building and Maintenance, Breeding & Reproduction, Equine Diseases, Feeding & Nutrition, Leatherwork, Tack Care)

Memberships maintained:
Centered Riding, Inc.
American Riding Instructors Association
GLASS-ED (Great Lakes Area Schooling Shows - Educational Dressage)
United States Dressage Federation
United States Equestrian Association (USAE—formerly AHSA)