Science of Motion’s Immersion One was very enlightening! Jean Luc Cornille’s explanations of how a horse actually moves and what is involved when it collects helped me to better understand what I feel when I ride. His lounging and in-hand demonstrations were fabulous and to have the opportunity to try the in-hand work with one of his own horses was an unforgettable experience! In addition, as a veterinary pathologist, I often see degenerative osteoarthritis in horses, and had many ‘Aha’ moments as Jean Luc’s explanations of equine biomechanics made me understand how abnormal biomechanics induce bone and joint lesions. However, with my understanding comes with a mixture of hope and sadness: hope that in the future fewer horses will be euthanized for preventable or rehabilitatable lamenesses, as more riders, trainers and veterinarians become enlightened by Jean Luc’s method; and sadness for all those beautiful, talented horses that might have been brought back to soundness, or even never gone lame, if his methods were better known.
Elizabeth Uhl D.V.M., Ph.D., Dip ACVP
Truly, I'm not sure I can fully express how powerful this work with Jean Luc, you, and your horses continues to be for me. Immersion 1 was so smoothly run, so saturated with invaluable information, conversation, and demonstrations, so beautiful orchestrated from start to finish that, hadn't I known, I'd have thought you two (plus Chazot and Manny) had been putting on the production for years. I think it is testament to the truth in this work that the group was so engaged and inspired by these highly involved ideas. They are complex, but that's the nature of a realm that effectively unites science and heart. I enthusiastically applaud the main speaker for presenting such complexity so clearly: Jean Luc's lectures and narrations during his work lunging and in-hand with Chazot couldn't have been more accessible. As I look over my notes from the day, I recognize a logic to the intricacies of the horse's kinematics that I had never fully grasped before. Jean Luc articulated the principles and nuances of in-hand training so coherently that I think no witness could ever doubt its value nor the truths communicated by the Science of Motion. I've been studying these topics for months, but finally, for the first time now, I think I really understand the science behind cadence, stride, the conversion of force into movement, and other foundational but often elusive details of equine kinematics.
One of my favorite elements of Jean Luc's philosophy is how highly it honors the horse's intellect, good will, and innate ability. As someone who has not been a rider for many years, but as a committed if very new pupil to the science, I think there is no better place to start than with a sincere respect for the vast and varied intelligence of these extraordinary animals, and to allow this to inform a relationship based upon cooperation rather than domination. I find this alternative so moving, and so indisputably attainable. If only the whole equestrian world were forced to take notice--I know this would change so much for the wellbeing of our magnificent equine friends. I personally come away with an unshakable conviction and sense of purpose to do all I can for such worthy beings, and all the while, to continue to learn, learn, learn.
After such an inspirational class, receiving your newsletter the next day about an OFFICIAL CERTIFICATION program couldn't have excited me more! (And thanks for the laugh around your choice of names for those certificates--Bronze, Silver, Gold; and "Wise," ha!) I am so grateful to you both for your commitment to getting this information out into the world. I would have devotedly attended any opportunity I could to learn more of this technique just for the sake of learning it, but the more people who are "certifiably" versed in the Science of Motion, the greater the number of horses who will benefit from it. Congratulations, and I can't wait until next time!
Have to run, but always more questions and comments soon. Best to you, JL, and your lovely Chazot and Manchester--
And many thanks,
Sarah
The April 2011 Immersion One clinic was all I had hoped for and more. With detailed instruction in techniques, biomechanics of the equine spine and muscles, and hands-on application of techniques with a horse. Jean Luc’s instruction while in-depth is explained in terms and using visuals such as video and a horse skeleton, that appealed to a varied audience. While only one day long, the clinic afforded a good mix of a wealth of information, I would happily attend two days of such instruction.
Handouts were helpful to outline and reference some of the more in-depth explanations. The lunging video was very good, and I will use it for my referral, as I progress through implementation of the process. I will also be using it to educate clients in the next steps of re-educating their horse in proper movement. Pointing them to the Science of Motion website to learn more.
I don’t think I’ll ever be the same after what I learned at the Immersion One. Cadence, and movement of the horse and how my own movement at lunge, in hand, or in the saddle, all impact outcome of performance and balance. Proper cadence of horse, rider and trainer are all impacting outcome.
The patience Jean Luc embodies in his methods as he allows the horse the time to process requests, and function in a training environment free from fear, are a method I hope to see in the hands of more horse owners, & trainers.
As a equine body worker/therapist, working to relieve muscle tension, I find horses bracing or tensing the same areas of their bodies over and over. Often this is the result of training or riding techniques that don’t encourage balanced movement by the horse. Most horses will attempt to perform as requested but within their range of comfort, often through bracing areas, and improper cadence, to bring about the desired request by the rider. So frequently we build discomfort in the horse and the horse adds layers of improper movement. While I can aid the horse to release these layers of bracing and discomfort, through bodywork, the next step is to encourage the horse to carry his body correctly. My hope is that these steps will be combined, and as a result, bring balance and willingness to the horses performance.
I sincerely hope that more therapists, horse owners and trainers will take the time to learn these techniques and apply them on a regular basis in their training and riding programs. Opening themselves to change and improvements, for the ultimate outcome of maximizing the comfort, and potential of the horse.
Tami Parr, MMCP
Hello Jean Luc and Helyn:
I have been crazy busy here at home, but I just wanted to send a quick note to say Thank you again for the wonderful Immersion One clinic.
I learned so much and know that I have so much more to learn.
I am reviewing my notes and watching the videos. Also, the Lunging video with Chazot is wonderful and the real time format is so helpful.
I just can't say enough about how excited I am to be learning this. On Tuesday, I worked with all 3 of my horses and they responded beautifully!
I have to run now, but I will be going to New Bolton to see Jean Luc's lecture and also to the clinic at Happily Ever After farm, I hope.
Thanks again and I will be in touch.
Rosemary Crowley
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