Essentials2™ is a 250-hour programme guiding you from groundwork into ridden work. You will develop an independent seat, learn the fundamental aids and progress from lunge lessons to confidently and competently mastering the three gaits. The course includes 125 hours of individual instruction and 125 hours of independent practice. Completion of Essentials1™ is required.
€13,750 excluding VAT
Conventional equestrian instruction frequently prioritises immediate mounted work at the expense of thorough preparation. Essentials2™ addresses this fundamental deficit by ensuring horses are methodically prepared from the ground whilst riders cultivate an independent seat before progressing to rein communication.
Total 250 hours: 125 one-on-one instruction, 125 independent practice using Alterreno facilities. Intensive format available up to four days weekly, five hours daily in fifty-minute sessions. Morning lessons followed by afternoon practice with coaches available for guidance. Progression from advanced groundwork to lunging and onward to effective ridden communication across all three gaits. Final evaluation includes theory and practical skill test, Alterreno certification upon completion.
You will learn to prepare a horse for riding through groundwork in the three primary gaits, fostering mental, emotional and physical balance. You will refine the art of saddling with correctness and integrity, enabling the horse to remain calm and receptive throughout the process. You will acquire essential knowledge of saddle fitting and the appropriate use of different types of saddles. You will learn to bridle in a way that supports the horse in accepting the bit with ease and understanding. You will develop respectful and precise mounting techniques, ensuring the horse stands attentive, composed and responsive to the aids.
Progression from groundwork to riding through systematic preparation: working horses in the three gaits on long reins, saddling and bridling correctly and respectfully and mounting with the horse’s permission. Develop an independent seat through lunge work before taking up the reins. Learn to communicate through correct aids at walk, trot and canter, executing figures and transitions in the arena with clarity and balance.
Essentials2™ bridges the critical gap between groundwork and riding. You learn to ready your horse physically and mentally before mounting, ensuring both of you approach riding with confidence rather than apprehension. By developing an independent seat before learning rein aids, you avoid the common habit of using reins for balance, which undermines clear communication and can cause discomfort or resistance in the horse. This methodical progression creates riders who understand what they're asking, why it matters and how to adjust when needed.
THE STEP THAT TRANSFORMS HANDLERS INTO RIDERS
Essentials2™ takes the time riding development requires. Substantial groundwork ensures horses are prepared. Lunge work establishes an independent seat before introducing rein communication. This progressive approach prevents the common problems that arise when foundations are bypassed.
Ensuring horses are mentally, emotionally, physically prepared before riding prevents resistance, confusion, dangerous situations arising from unprepared horses.
Riders who rely on reins for balance cannot communicate clearly with their horses. Establishing an independent seat first creates the foundation for precise, effective aid delivery.
Walk is the optimal gait for learning position, aids and figures. Building solid foundations at walk prevents the problems that emerge when riders progress too quickly to faster gaits.
250 hours allow building genuine competence. Students understand concepts deeply, execute correctly, develop capability supporting continued advancement.
125 hours independent practice with coaches available ensures students develop capability autonomously, not just under direct instruction.
Completing Essentials2™ represents significant milestone. Students have built solid riding foundations supporting whatever disciplines interest them.
GROUNDWORK FIRST, RIDING SECOND: THE SEQUENCE THAT WORKS
Essentials2™ provides systematic bridge from ground to saddle, ensuring both horse and rider are properly prepared before progressing through carefully sequenced riding development supporting lifelong enjoyment.
Learning riding through proper progression creates capability supporting any discipline. Solid foundations make everything afterward easier.
Many riders struggle because they skipped proper transition from groundwork to riding. Essentials2™ ensures this bridge is solid.
250 hours builds genuine capability. Students completing Essentials2™ understand horses, have independent seat, communicate clearly through basic aids.