Horse fanatics are spread over the length and breadth of the country and many of them do not have access to good ­instructors. In order to ­provide access to sound instruction, the Institute of Horsemanship opened its doors at the beginning of 2007.

We wanted to find out from ­participating students what they think of this distance learning concept. SA Horseman sent a list of questions to three students from ­different backgrounds. They are Martina Koenig from Pretoria, Tarryn Collins from Hillcrest in ­KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), and Rejoice Ndlovu, also from Pretoria. Rejoice is in the fortunate position of being employed by Eeben Barlow, the Institute’s programme designer and student mentor.

Why did you choose a distance learning ­programme instead of the riding lesson option?

Tarryn: I battled to find an instructor in Natal who is on the same “wavelength” as myself in so far as it concerns the path I have ­chosen to take with my horses. The few that are here, are quite far from me and I have trouble ­traveling often enough. Studying through the Institute also benefits me by allowing me to work through programmes while continuing with other commitments.

Martina: With this programme it is ­possible to study at my own pace and the pace of my horse. Some things take longer than others. ­After studying the workbook and ­watching the DVD, I am well prepared to do the ­exercises with my horse. ­Questions or problems that might occur when ­working with my horse, are posted in the ­training ­forum where I always get prompt and ­comprehensive advice.

With the programme one gets an in-depth understanding on a certain topic, and with the workbook and the DVD I have a source of ­information if needed at a later stage.

Rejoice: Working with horses as a ­professional groom, I have come across many things that horses do that I do not understand and cannot yet handle. So I knew that I needed to learn more about how to work with horses. I was therefore very glad to get the opportunity to enroll for these programmes.

How are the Institute’s programmes presented?

Tarryn: The programme presentations are ­excellent and extremely comprehensive. With the work book and questionnaires as well the DVD, I consider that even one who is ­starting out with horses will grasp the ­concepts ­easily.

I have had no problems understanding what the programmes aim for me to achieve with my horses. There is also the benefit of the ­training forum on the website www.­horsejunction.co.za/institute for any further questions or ­advice.

Martina: The programmes are well-­structured, understandable (even if you are not a native speaker like me, being German) and comprehensive. They offer not only ­knowledge concerning the topic, but far more. The DVD compliments the workbook in a great way, ­because the exercises are well-demonstrated.

Rejoice: I found the study material easy to understand, especially when one can look at the DVD to see how things should be done.

How have you benefited from the programmes you have completed or are doing?

Tarryn: Apart from learning a few new ­approaches, I have learnt via video assessment to work at a more acceptable pace. This has given my horses time to show me that they understand and hence to act accordingly. The change of pace has also allowed me to spend more time “reading” my horses whilst working with them.

Martina: I have completed the modules “Teach your horse to lead” and ­“Groundwork”. The most important aspect of both modules for me is the fact that it gives you a better ­understanding of the horse as a herd and flight animal, and how to cope with these facts.

Rejoice: One of the things that I have learnt, which I never knew before, was where the horse's blind spot is. I always wondered why horses sometimes get a fright. Now that I know this, I can make sure that it never is a problem. This is but one example of the practical ­knowledge I acquired through the programmes.

How have your horses benefited from the programmes?

Tarryn: My horses have become even more yielding to my softer asks and this has allowed for them to work in a more relaxed manner with a softer feel in my hands.

Martina: My horse can lead correctly, he is calm and respectful, and has accepted me as his leader. The groundwork has helped both of us to build a relationship and trust. After I did the groundwork sequence with him he was in a calm state of mind, which is a good start for work under saddle.

Rejoice: The horses are always calm, and I can see that they are happy that I am around.

In a normal lesson environment, you have face-to-face discussions with your instructor. Obviously, distance learning is different. Is this a ­draw-back for you?

Tarryn: I have not found this a drawback, as any problems I might have encountered with my horses have been solved with discussions on the website training forum. Also, the DVD footage is ample visual demonstration. So, I did not to find the “face-to-face” discussions of importance.

Martina: When studying with a distance learning programme, one must work through the programme independently. This has the advantage that you can work whenever it suits you; there is no time set when you have to do your exam. But I must admit, sometimes I would appreciate the company of an instructor or simply another rider/handler.

Rejoice: The information I get from the study material is enough for me to make progress.

If you encounter a problem or ­something you don’t understand, how do you overcome the lack of direct contact with the Institute?

Tarryn: I find the Institute tutor extremely ­perceptive; any problems discussed on the website training forum are replied to ­promptly and with various options for solutions. ­Video footage can also be sent to the tutor for his analysis, while one is still learning the ­programme.

Martina: The discussion with the instructor was never any problem – whenever I posted questions onto the Institute’s training forum, I got prompt and comprehensive advice as well as a follow-up. The communication could not be better. But this is only possible if one has access to the Internet.

Rejoice: If I don't understand something, I take my time and go back to the study ­material to make sure that I follow exactly what is ­explained. The material is structured in such a way that I am sure to understand every next step, if I understood the previous step.

How does the Institute evaluate you once you have completed a ­programme? And do you find this approach acceptable and fair?

Tarryn: Once I feel that I have understood the programme and worked through it with my horse, I request an examination paper which is sent overnight and comprises of a theoretical and practical examination.

The practical examination is video-taped and sent through with the theoretical exam to the Institute. There it is marked, whereafter the marks and feedback are e-mailed to you. I have found this approach both acceptable and fair, and have in fact learnt very important points from the feedback given to me.

Martina: If you think you are ready to write the exam, you are supplied with an ­examination paper. It covers all aspects of the module and is an open book test. The practical part is covered in the form of a DVD or video.

Here you are asked to demonstrate specific exercises with your horse. I find the design of the exam very good, despite the fact that I first struggled with the video (one has to explain to the person who does the recording, where to focus, what to look for, et cetera).

Rejoice: I like the way in which the exams are structured. It gives me the chance to show what I can do.

There are many examples of distance ­learning programmes covering a host of different ­subjects, that are ­simply a rehash of things you already know. Do you find that the Institute’s ­programmes fall into that category?

Tarryn: If you have been working with ­horses for many years as I have, you will always ­encounter things you already know and I have found this in the Institute’s programmes as well. However, the Institute has taught me how to better understand and implement the things I already know. This, in turn, has ­resulted in better channels of communication with my horses.

Martina: No. These programmes give you a deep insight into the horse’s nature. It teaches you all aspects of responsible ­horsemanship. It also teaches you in a way that is easy to ­understand, and that it is often the little things that make the biggest difference. The ­programmes are designed to benefit horse and rider. With the first two modules I learned more than I have in many years with horses.

Rejoice: The information is not all new, for information on horses is very old. But the way it is put together, as well as the ­demonstrations on the DVD, makes it much easier to ­understand.

There have been concerns raised over the costs of the Institute’s programmes. Do you find it expensive?

Tarryn: Definitely not. One only needs to ­compare the costs of weekly lessons and ­courses held by other tutors over weekends and it is easily concluded that with the ­materials supplied and the knowledge attained, the ­prices are extremely reasonable.

Martina: The programmes are not really cheap. But when I take into account the time and effort that goes into it, it is definitely worth the money. In addition to the workbook and the DVD, one gets very good articles ­concerning all aspects of horsemanship. With all this it is easy to build up a kind of encyclopaedia.

Rejoice: I am very lucky that my employer sponsors me, so I don't have to pay for the ­programmes myself.

How does the Institute stay in touch and keep you abreast of ­developments and issues related to the programme you are ­following?

Tarryn: Both the organiser and tutor ­correspond via e-mail with regard to programmes and ­notices. In addition, weekly mini-articles ­relating to working through the programmes are posted on the training forum and e-mailed to students. The mini-articles are both food for thought and further learning material.

Martina: I visit the website of the Institute on a daily basis. Thanks to the webmasters, we are always well-informed about things that happen at the Institute. If I post a question, it is a matter of hours until I receive the requested answers.

Would you recommend that other riders study through the Institute and, if so, why?

Tarryn: Yes, definitely. The correspondence programmes allow you to work at your own pace, which benefits the student who may have other commitments. It also benefits the horse that isn’t rushed into learning what is ­expected of him.

I have also found that the tutor is not set in his ways and is willing to seek alternate ­solutions, should you have a concern ­regarding any particular method.

The Institute's approach that each horse is an individual and should be handled in a way that suits and benefits that particular horse, is invaluable for both horse and rider.

Martina: I would definitely recommend the programme. If one is willing to follow the (perhaps) different approach of working with horses, it is definitely a very good choice.

Rejoice: Definitely. Sometimes I go back to the stables where I worked previously and I see how those guys work with the horses. It is the same way that I used to work. Now I see how much easier it is for me after starting to study through the Institute.

In summation, what is your ­opinion of the ­Institute, its approach to ­horsemanship and the manner in which it works with its students?

Tarryn: Although the Institute is new to ­teaching programmes, I consider their ­approach to horsemanship and the way they correspond with their students, to be of ­superior quality. Once students enroll in these programmes, the effect on relationships between horses and riders/handlers will be positive and will ­hopefully leave a marked influence on the equestrian community in South Africa.

Martina: I know that the people of the ­Institute of Horsemanship are very ­passionate about their work and they do everything ­possible to help their students to become the best ­horsemen they can be. I experienced only support and a ­positive attitude. The concept of responsible horsemanship is without doubt beneficial to horse and ­rider, and helps to build a happy relationship based on trust and respect.

Rejoice: I am very lucky in that I can speak to my employer any time I have a question, but I am sure that the study material is enough. The other students ask the questions on the­ ­Internet, so there should not be a problem.