Spring 2013 Saddle Club Newsletter - Honourable Artillery Company

MECHANICAL HORSE SIMULATOR LESSON24th MARCH 2013Last year’s visit to Cullinghood Equestrian Centre (Pangbourne, RG8 8QA) was sosuccessful we have another trip planned this year.In the morning everyone will have half an hour on Ithacus, the mechanical horsesimulator. The simulator helps assess and improve technique and also helps build confidencefor nervous or ‘returning’ riders as it removes the unpredictability of riding a living animal.It is suitable for all levels of experience including complete beginners. So if you haven’tridden for ages and would like a gentle re-introduction, this is the ideal way to get goingagain. The more advanced can try to ride advanced dressage movement such as flyingchanges and passage.Ithacus is a 15.2hh ’horse’ and is sensitive to leg, hand and seat pressure. The interactivecomputer relays your body position and how your body moves with the mechanical horsesimulator. If you are one sided or too heavy in the saddle the computer will highlight this onthe screen, which helps you and your instructor correct any imbalances.After lunch we will be getting onto real horses for a one hour lesson to put into practicewhat we learned in the morning.The cost is £65 per person which includes; the mechanical horse lesson, the real horselesson and a wonderful 3 course lunch including soup, hot main course and a puddingcooked by our lovely host Maggie.If you just wish to have the lesson on the mechanical horse the cost is £30 plus £10 if youwish to stay for lunch. If you would like to attend please email me by 2 nd March atjan.glen@o2.co.uk.Jan19