Ian Leighton Horsemanship is a renowned horseback riding service, equestrian facility, and horse trainer located in Forcett, Australia. With a diverse and extensive equine training background spanning over 40 years, Ian Leighton is one of Australia's most experienced full-time educators in the field. He works with riders from all disciplines and is committed to safe and effective horsemanship based on classical values and principles of balance, softness, and harmony.
Ian believes in having horses balanced, supple, relaxed, and free from resistance or bracing. He is not focused on one particular discipline and is open to sharing his experience and knowledge with riders of all levels. Whether you are a novice or an advanced rider, Ian is dedicated to guiding your progression in training and helping you overcome confidence challenges.
With his wealth of experience working with thousands of horses and horse people, Ian is able to adapt his philosophy and teaching style to suit each horse's unique personality and a rider's ability, experience, and ambitions. He understands that all equestrian disciplines and activities require horses to work in a soft, supple, balanced, engaged, energetic, and mentally focused manner. Ian emphasises the importance of developing and maintaining these foundations in both ground and under saddle work.
Ian strongly believes in the concept of allowing horses to move freely and in a relaxed physical and mental state during training. He argues that it is paramount to good horsemanship and performance to not force trapped or confined helplessness on horses. Ian's teaching style and ability shine through in his new online videos, where he demonstrates various techniques and methods for achieving relaxation, softness, engagement, energy, balance, and other essential components of horsemanship for both horse and rider.
In addition to riding skill development, Ian also focuses on teaching fundamental handling skills such as ground handling, tying up, leg handling, and float loading. These life skills not only make horsemanship safer but also more enjoyable for both horse and rider. Overall, Ian Leighton Horsemanship provides a comprehensive and holistic approach to horseback riding and horsemanship that is rooted in classical values and principles.