Equido - Softcover

This book is an introduction of sorts into the world of Equido. Equido is more than an equestrian qualification, it is an ethos, a way of thinking and interacting with your horse that should enable you to step into a world of possibilities that you did not even know existed. Equido strives to show you a new way, fit for this new century, of looking at all manner of horsemanship, from stable management, training, competing and rehabilitation, all from the horses' point of view because it is only when we look at things through their eyes that we can truly understand what it means to be a horse and understanding is the first step in communication. You may have seen or heard about great horsemen and women and how they seemed to have a natural empathy or feel for a horse. They seemed able to almost "think" with their horses till the line between human and equine became blurred. You may (like most people) have wondered what this illusive feel actually was, what it meant to the rider and the horse and how it impacted on the way they work together. Many of you may even have been inspired by these horsemen to take your first tentative steps into the world of horses. By following the principles of Equido the rider and the horse can both enjoy the experience.

Morag Higgins has been riding for over thirty five years and teaching for almost three decades. She has had the privilege to have known and worked with many, many horses in her career having participated in several disciplines such as jumping, dressage, one-day eventing, showing and western riding. Traditionally trained, Morag was herself a very traditional trainer and rider producing many horses to top level in a variety of disciplines, but through it all she was always seeking more. She began to study with the Intelligent Horsemanship Association in 1999. After qualification she was made the Recommended Associate for Scotland in 2002 and continued in this role for four years. In 2005 Morag had the good fortune to ride on a clinic with top American trainer Mark Rashid. A fellow Martial Artist, she instantly understood his ethos and he has been the real inspiration that guided her down the path leading to the development of the Equido Training system. One of the first Natural Horsemanship systems to be recognized as a National Qualification. Morag trains from her yard Ross Dhu Equestrian in Quarter, Larkhall, Scotland and continues to grow and develop as a Natural Horsewoman and Trainer. Mark Higgins has worked with horses for eighteen years having been first introduced to them by his wife Morag. He learned to ride on Bruja, Morag’s first horse and in 2004 they opened their own yard as a centre of excellence in the training and rehabilitation of horses using Natural Horsemanship methodology. Ross Dhu Equestrian has attained an excellent reputation for high standards of quality and expertise and Mark continues to work with Morag to help improve the care and welfare of horses in this world. When not working, Mark studies two Martial Arts, Aikido and Ninjutsu the ethos of these arts and the application of energy to deflect an opponents attack have helped Mark gain an insight into the world of the horse and to use the same energy to connect with the animals in his care allowing him to help them get along with people.