Philosophy


Founder and Equestrian Andreas Endries explains his method and philosophy of the Holistic Riding concept:
"In the last 20 years of my life my fascination for the harmonious movements of Wild Horses have led me to develop my very own teaching method. I call it Holistic Riding."

What does Holistic Riding mean to me?
I think it’s more than just another style of riding, which comes down to a certain technique. We learn something about ourselves and this knowledge doesn’t become invalid as soon as we get off the horse..." 

What can you expect from my Lessons?

  - awareness in relaxation
  - to feel energy and to move it consciously
  - natural breathing
  - being physically and mentally centered
  - natural and open perception
  - the energetically correct posture

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"Together with the horse, we learn to understand their language, which is based on non-verbal communication, body language.
During our work we learn about safety, awareness and respect for each other and the animal, and last but not least we integrate joy and fun into whatever we do.
It is very important to me to help people to understand, that the horse is always doing a great job. Because it’s only job is to be a horse! The rest is with us. It is our duty to respect this most beautiful creature and to learn their language – for they will never speak English! And a physical dispute would be futile!" .

 "I usually start my lessons with grooming and tacking up. Pupils are able to make first contact safely from the ground. They learn to watch for signs from the horse, how it likes to be touched and handled.

Afterwards, we go to the ‘Picadero’ where we start with exercises .related to Tai Chi and Yoga. This enables Pupils to get a feeling for balance and breathing. Then, enthusiastic, relaxed and grounded we proceed with leading the horse. It is a very important experience for Pupils to be able to communicate with the horses about direction and speed, just by using body language, never force.


Finally on the horse we focus on breathing, posture and balance. Your inner balance will allow you to feel truly connected to the horse and to cope with the completely new set of movements, which one is confronted with, sitting on a horse for the first time. Even people who already have some experience in riding are often astonished to learn about the different ‘feels’ of riding, when sitting sideways or backwards, or even lying down on the horse.

Personally, I always find it incredible to watch people change during the course of a lesson. Movements, posture, mood and voice – everything is altered! Riding -this unique encounter with nature- gives you the opportunity to (re-)discover strength inside yourself and to develop personal qualities, previously unknown!"