Holos – A Whole-Horse, Whole-Human Approach to Horsemanship
Holos is our horse-centred riding and learning programme, designed to develop confident, thoughtful and capable horse people – not just riders. Starting with individual or semi-private sessions, participants progress through our Holos Levels at their own pace, developing skills in riding, groundwork, horse care, training and understanding equine behaviour and welfare. As participants progress, they can move towards Holos Membership, giving them the opportunity to build a deeper partnership with a horse and develop greater independence in their horsemanship.
More Than Riding
Holos is about developing the whole person, not simply learning to ride. We believe that understanding and managing our own emotions and energy, and developing our physical fitness, balance and body awareness, are just as important as developing skills in the saddle. Horses are highly responsive to the way we move, communicate and interact with them, so good horsemanship starts with greater awareness of ourselves. Activities such as yoga, Pilates and rider fitness can therefore form part of the wider Holos programme, helping us develop our strength, mobility, balance, breathing and emotional regulation.
Effective Communication
Alongside developing ourselves, Holos is about developing a deeper understanding of the horse. Through groundwork training, horse care, theory and learning about equine welfare and behaviour, participants learn to communicate more effectively and build confidence, trust and genuine partnership. Our horse-first approach encourages you to be curious about why horses respond as they do, to listen to what they communicate and to work with them in a thoughtful, kind and effective way.
By developing ourselves alongside our understanding of the horse, we can become more balanced, thoughtful and effective partners – both on the ground and in the saddle.
A Progressive Pathway
Holos provides a clear pathway for developing your knowledge and skills while allowing you to progress at your own pace. The programme has eight levels, taking you from the foundations of horse care, handling and riding through to increasingly independent and thoughtful horsemanship.
Each level brings together practical and theoretical learning. Rather than simply ticking off riding skills, you will develop your understanding across a range of areas including riding, groundwork, horse care, equine behaviour and welfare, training, biomechanics and the principles that help horses and riders move and work well together.
Progress isn’t about how quickly you can reach the next level. We want you to develop secure foundations, confidence and understanding before moving on. Everyone’s Holos journey will therefore look a little different.
Starting Your Holos Journey
You don’t need to be an experienced rider to begin Holos. In fact, the programme is particularly suited to beginners, novice riders, people returning to horses after time away, and those who want to develop a broader understanding of horses rather than focusing on riding as a competitive sport.
New participants begin with an individual assessment session so that we can get to know you, understand your previous experience and discuss what you would like to achieve. We can then identify the most appropriate starting point and develop a learning pathway around you.
Holos Membership
As participants develop their skills and reach the appropriate Holos level, they may have the opportunity to progress to Holos Membership.
Membership offers the chance to develop a deeper relationship with one of our horses through regular, consistent time together. Rather than simply arriving for a riding lesson, members become more involved in their horse’s care, groundwork, training and ridden work, supported by the Equine Learning team.
Holos Membership offers three dedicated sessions each week, giving members regular opportunities to spend time working with the horse they have been partnered with.
Whole horse. Whole human. Ethical practice.
Holos brings together everything we believe good horsemanship should be: knowledge, empathy, communication, physical and emotional awareness, practical skills and respect for the horse.
Whether your goal is to learn to ride, return to horses, develop greater independence or simply become the best horseperson you can be, Holos gives you a pathway to keep learning.
Holos is designed for both children and adults, with each person following a pathway appropriate to their age, experience, goals and individual needs.
Holos Retreats
We also offer Holos retreats and workshops, providing an opportunity to step away from everyday life and spend more focused time exploring horsemanship, wellbeing and personal development.
Retreats bring together elements of horsemanship groundwork, yoga, Pilates, water activities (subject to seasonal availability), mindfulness and time in nature, with space to slow down, reflect and reconnect with ourselves and the horses.
Please contact us for more details.
