horsemanship za

The Inner Game Course

This course sets out to present things that often challenge students on their horsemanship journey in a completely different way and it offers the chance to address some of the issues that come up when studying, by opening them up to discussion and allowing participants to share ideas, thoughts and experiences.  

Horseplay and HZA have combined their skills to bring a unique horsemanship course that helps participants to face their inner fears and realise that the fears themselves are not the issue, but more usually it is the way in which we choose to deal with them that cause the problems. Too often students learn about themselves the hard way - when they are on the end of rope or in the saddle and their horse is throwing some challenge at them. It's not always easy to deal with one's own emotions at a time like this because you have to think really fast!

The courses are run at Kilgobbin Stud in Natal.  Because the horses are specifically trained to understand this kind of work and because the course set up is very specific, these courses can only be held at Kilgobbin so those who wish to attend will need to get to the venue in Natal in order to participate. The farm and setting is stunning and all part of the environment which makes this a unique learning experience.  See Studs under our Equine Management page.  

Preparation for the course	Getting to know each other	Sonja Nelson on a challenge	You never know what to expect!

Who Should Attend?

The course is ideal for anyone who wishes to get to know more about themselves and how they effect their horses - in fact, how they effect anything and everything around them.  The course gives people skills and ideas they can take out into their horsemanship or into their everyday lives, so although it is great if you are a horse owner or have a love of horses, but it can also benefit those who just wish to take charge of their own destinies.  Carl Bronner also offers specific Horseplay programmes for groups, particularly corporate groups that are geared more toward the non-horse owner.  

It is also the perfect way to get to know more about horsemanship and how horses think regardless of whether you are an experienced horse person or not.  You may in fact be someone who has lost their nerve or who has never owned or worked with a horse before but would like to do so. You do not need any special skills or a horse to attend.  

The horses know their job	There's even a small one!	Carl sets the morning tasks

About the Course

The course changes shape depending on the group and the questions that come up, so each one is a unique experience.  There are a maximum of 18 places available each time and courses are run in a way that is designed to be non-confrontational and fun - a bit like a pony club camp for adults.  

Play, games and interactive tasks are used to help participants answer questions about how they deal with different situations and helps them start to understand how to go about problem solving.  It incorporates discussions and talks on how we work and think around horses and asks what this reflects about who we are and who we need to be in order to get effective and establish leadership. The entire course is run in a non-classroom supportive environment where participants are free to express their thoughts and emotions.

Inner Game courses generally start on a Thursday evening and run until late Sunday afternoon and participants are invited to arrive early so that they can relax, settle in and get to know other course members.  This settling in is an important part of creating the right atmosphere in which to learn.

Group discussions outside	Horses and humans attend!	Challenges take any form	Play and fun is very important

One of the great things about the course is the very fact that participants do not have to bring a horse and do not necessarily have to own one. It is, in fact, a non-riding camp, although participants do get the chance to work with the Kilgobbin Horseplay horses which is an awesome experience.  The horses are well trained, easy to handle and there are experienced people available to help you at all times so there is nothing to worry about.  The horses have a job to do - and they love it!

The course idea was inspired by the books of Timothy W Gallwey which include "The Inner Game of Golf" and "The Inner Game of Tennis" (see our list of additional resources under self-development). These books seek to look at the ways these games are played and often taught. Then, by thinking outside the box they help the player realise that often we struggle to succeed in certain activities such as sport (but also in our work or even in our personal lives) not because we are not capable, but because we lack self-belief and are inhibited by our inner fears.

What you need to attend

More details are given when you sign up, but the most important things required are:

• An open mind
• A sense of humour and fun
• A willingness to let go even though this can be hard
• A willingness to have a go and smile no matter what 
• A supportive and non-judgemental attitude toward yourself and your fellow participants.

The course is catered in the evenings and accommodation is provided at Kilgobbin Stud and other local establishments. Participants are expected to dine together and share various accommodations as this is part of the working together as a cohesive group. This in turn helps to build a safe emotional environment for everyone. There are often tasks given to participants during the evening get togethers so it's important to attend through the whole schedule.  Families and friends are welcome to attend together although the course is not really suitable for very young children.

About Horseplay

Carl Bronner has been running courses for the corporate market for over 5 years.  The idea of these courses is to explore the connection between horses and humans. There are many feel good courses out there, and they have their place, but they often do not address the real issues.  They don't necessarily help us face up to and take responsibility for our lives, ourselves and our horses.  

For more information about what Inner Game courses cover, proposed dates, costs and what you need to bring with you contact us through the Contacts page.  Courses will also be scheduled and posted on our Events page.  For more information on Carl Bronner and Kilgobbin stud, see our Links page and Equine Management page under Studs.