How many times have you been told your horse is off or lame, had it dismissed as unrideable or, worse, may have a neurological problem? More than you can count?
According to the authors of their third book, Straightening The Crooked Horse, Klaus Schoneich and Gabriele Rachen-Schoneich, the majority of these “problems” are symptoms of physical discomfort caused by one thing: the innate “crookedness” in all horses. This crookedness will manifest itself as right- or left-handedness or forelimb dominance in training and performance in both sport and pleasure riding. Left uncorrected, the horse’s free movement is inhibited and this physical discomfort can possibly set off a series of attitude and behavioral problems.
Not to be misconstrued as a “miracle cure,” the Schoneichs’ technique has been developed over 25 years at their facility, the Center for Anatomically Correct Horsemanship (ARR), in Bedburg-Hau, Germany. The system’s individual success takes patience and communication with and dedication to the horse and is a finite solution to the persistent problem of innate crookedness.
“When we speak of the horse we must speak of the crookedness as the first issue to address,” says Schoneich. “With over 25 years of perfecting our system, along with my wife, Gabriele, and straightening 4,500 horses in Germany, I believe we know of what we speak.”
The Schoneichs’ system of corrections is standardly applied to each horse, with consideration of its breed, breeding purpose, ancestry, experiential track and previous training, to achieve the desired result of a straightened and well-balanced equine.
“A horse that is free from physical discomfort and with a renewed sense of self confidence and self awareness is a successful horse and an enjoyable mount,” states Schoneich.
When the Schoneichs premiered their Straightening the Crooked Horse during a clinic last February at LionHeart Ranch, the sessions were filled to capacity. The overwhelming demand by trainers and owners to continue educating and applying the theory of the Schoneichs’ system has prompted the couple to return exclusively to LionHeart, in the Los Angeles area’s Agoura Hills, with two more clinics this year. The dates are April 30-May 13 and Sept. 17-30.
“I attended the Schoneichs’ clinic at LionHeart Ranch and witnessed the changes in the horses,” says Tina Grdan, a trainer and instructor at the Ranch. “They were breathtaking! There was visible improvement in their toplines in merely 14 days. Horses that had never been able to track up were doing so: It was a mini-revolution! Perhaps the best part about the Schoenichs’ system is that it is so intuitive and gentle for the horses.”
The clinics are expected to fill quickly and early reservations are recommended. Contact Lauren, the manager at LionHeart Ranch 818-865-0118 or visit www.lionheartranch.com.
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