Preface
The Murdoch Method® is a dynamic, continuously evolving and highly fluid method of education of both horse and rider in equestrian skills, for all disciplines. The Method attempts to use the most up-to-date information in science and technology combined with traditional knowledge, information and wisdom. The Murdoch Method is not a system of riding; it is a process for learning. The following definitions below should be interpreted in that light.
The Murdoch Method assumes that both human beings and horses have intelligence and transformational potential and that both, regardless of their age or condition, have the ability to learn, to alter their perception of their environmental surroundings and the conditions and limitations of their movement. As well the Murdoch Method recognizes the value of continual education with diversity of subject, and that through a thorough understanding of a broad base of topics a rider and horse can achieve their full potential.
What the Murdoch Method Is And What It Does
1. The Murdoch Method is an educational system that develops the horse and rider’s functional awareness in both their mounted and unmounted environment. The Method utilizes that fact that the body is the primary vehicle for self learning and communicating with the horse.
2. The Murdoch Method is an approach to working with horses and riders, which expands their possibilities of movement, enhances communication between horse and rider, improves function, enables riders to express themselves more fully to their horses, and provides the horses with the ability to respond.
3. The Murdoch Method facilitates learning through a variety of modalities including auditory, kinesthetic, and/or visual means in order to discover heretofore unknown or misinterpreted actions, which inhibit the rider’s ability to achieve the desired response from their horse. Learning how to move in new and different ways through a variety of learning approaches conveys communication from rider to horse and improves the quality of the rider’s experience in the environment.
4. The Murdoch Method provides educational experiences, which expand the rider’s knowledge and awareness of themselves and their horses through learning about the anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and function of a living body at rest and in motion. An understanding of movement with respect to gravity is key in developing a sense of balance, position, spatial awareness and enjoyment for all activities involving horses. Improved function is imparted by improving the dynamic relationship between rider, horse and gravity.
5. The Murdoch Method enables riders to differentiate and utilize parts of their body previously unconsidered, restricted or untrained in the overall function necessary to communicate clearly and effectively with the horse. By allowing riders to learn how their whole body cooperates in any movement, the Murdoch Method enables riders to enhance their riding with more comfort, efficiency, and pleasure in order to achieve their goals.
6. The Murdoch Method is based on the individual’s desire to improve, desire to know more, willingness to question and willingness to accept change. These tenets are key for rider to make significant improvement in their riding. By advancing the rider’s understanding of themselves and their horse a deeper level of respect and partnership will emerge.
7. The Murdoch Method endeavors to determine what great riders do naturally and make that information available to all riders. By combining science-based information with experience, practical applications for riding are continually developed in both unmounted and mounted lessons.
8. The Murdoch Method recognizes that respect for other living beings both horse and human are essential this approach.
9. The Murdoch Method acknowledges that information comes from many sources and experiences. The Method aspires to be an objective source of knowledge and education where all theories, ideas and concepts are acknowledged. By providing a thorough education in an academic environment individuals are able to discern which concepts and ideas they wish to utilize and why they are necessary in order to achieve their goals. The ability to openly discuss different concepts objectively is essential to be able to determine what is best for the horse.
10. The Murdoch Method is for anyone interested in expanding their knowledge of horses and riding. The Murdoch Methodtakes a holistic approach to horse and rider.
11. Information gained from the Murdoch Method can have positive influences with continuing improvement that lasts long beyond the lesson itself. Both horse and rider can experience lasting effects for days, weeks, months or a lifetime.
Wendy’s Curriculm Vitae and Biography
