Katja Elk Dressage: Services

Training & Lessons

EVERYONE IS WELCOME!

Katja is a mobile trainer specializing in Dressage, natural horsemanship and groundwork and happy to teach/train riders and their horse(s) at their private place or where they board their horse(s) if offsite trainers are allowed.

Combining classical Dressage with natural horsemanship, Katja offers her expertise to riders and horses of all types of backgrounds. From 3-day-eventers wanting to improve their Dressage skills to seasoned riders who would like to know more about the ‘art and anatomy’ of Dressage, adult riders getting back into the saddle and those who are not acquainted with dressage at all yet, young horses, older horses, horses/riders with ‘issues’ — everyone is welcome.

TRAINING & LESSONS

Training programs, specifically set up for the individual rider's and horse's needs, include ground manners, long-lining, free-schooling, lessons along classical dressage principles, physical strength training for correct muscle building, gently reshaping undesirable behavioral patterns, mental and physical rehab, trauma treatments, handling untouchable horses (mustangs / wild horses), as well as guiding owners towards a continuously happy and successful relationship with their horses.

In one-on-one sessions or during clinics, lectures and demonstrations, Katja also offers to broaden the horse owner's educational horizon. Horse lovers of all backgrounds and levels may enjoy learning more about the following subject matters:

-- The Nature of the Horse and how it relates to today's use of the horse: Learn how to identify your horse's reactions and how to turn his constant search for clear direction into a mutually satisfying experience.

-- The Horse's Physiology: Learn about the horse's physical components and how to build an athletic partner with whom you will enjoy each new level of performance.

-- The Horse's Psychology: Learn how to understand your horse's decision making process and how you can become a more trustworthy leader and gentle partner for your horse.

-- The Rider's Physiology: Learn how to feel yourself and how to feel your horse so that you can truly apply the principles of classical dressage in the most productive and successful manner.

-- The Rider's Psychology: Learn how your mind-set and thought processes can influence your horse's reactions, build his confidence, enable him to enjoy the learning process and lead you both to continuous growth.

-- Feeling and Processing Direction: Learn about the importance of a trust-based relationship between horse and rider, rider and instructor, as well as rider and horse and instructor. Have fun, end on a good note, and ride with a smile on your face. Your horse will thank you.

TRAILER LOADING TRAINING

Fire season is here. This is not the time to hope for the best or improvise when it comes to ensuring your horses safety and well-being.

Does your horse load easily into your trailer? Are you ready for emergency situations when time is of the essence? Has it been a while since you had to load your horse(s)? Are you worried that you'll have to let your horses go because you can't load them easily when it really matters?

Now is a good time to brush up on your horses’ groundwork and trailer-loading practices. I offer safe, humane and effective trailer loading training for horses (refreshers, trailer-newbies, resistant horses) and their owners/handlers in the Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo areas. Please email me at katjaelk13@gmail.com for inquiries and to set up your training sessions.

SCHEDULING AND FEES

The base fee is $125-150 per 45-60-minute lesson/training session. Regular clients book their sessions monthly and are billed via email towards the end of each month. Payments can be made via Venmo or check. Payment for individual lessons/training sessions are due at the time of the appointment via check or Venmo.

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