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Join us! for our first annual
Two-Day Immersive Symposium and Retreat
Scheduled:
October 22-23, 2022
Amwell Ridge FarmRingoes, NJ
Spaces for this exclusive event will be limited, so we encourage you to apply as early as possible!
Apply now to reserve your spot:
What is the Immersive Symposium?
For those of you who have participated in our annual Horseless Workshop- this event will essentially take the foundations of that experience and build upon it with even more in-depth learning and exclusive deep dive discussions on key topics to elevate the experience to a whole new level.
Here are just a few exciting things you'll get access to through this exclusive event:
- Two full days of private, in-depth lectures and interactive discussions with Dr. Maria
- Hands-on demonstrations and exercises
- Exclusive access to valuable and proprietary tools, techniques, and insights not shared with the general public
-
Discover powerful techniques to develop and strengthen your connection to your horse- both physically and mentally
-
Understand the role of true presence and how it can transform your riding and relationship with your horse for the better
- Find out what elevates horsemanship to the status of a timeless art form and an opportunity for us to connect with our horses, ourselves and the world.
-
and more......
What you'll learn...
1
Re-thinking Horse Psychology
How do horses think, and what does that mean for you as you learn how to communicate with them more effectively? We'll take a deep dive into understanding horse psychology in a way you've never seen before.
2
How horses learn
You'll gain a better understanding of how horses learn and discover how that knowledge can be applied in real life with effective, timeless teaching and training techniques.
3
Understanding Equine Physiology
Learn the key physiological elements that can ensure your horse’s physical wellness in all that you do, regardless of discipline, and how you can support your horse’s physical and mental wellness, in and out of the saddle.
4
Foundational Training Techniques
We'll take a hands on look at lunging, longlining, and in-hand work- including best practices, common mistakes and misconceptions, tried and true techniques, and everything in between.
5
Communication Fundamentals
Learn how to bridge the communication gap between horse and human, without complicated methods, equipment, or practices. Learn how everything you do- from your posture, to your mental state, to your breathing patterns- affect your horse in very concrete ways.
6
Developing Timing & Feel
Learn how to supercharge your timing + feel! Discover how you can put this core ability into practice- a crucial part of our horsemanship that we will forever be cultivating and refining.
7
Posture + Physicality
A game-changing introduction and assessment to proprietary information on riding posture and its effects on your horse! You’ve never heard it like this before…
8
Fundamental Techniques and Principles
Unlock key fundamental techniques established by riding masters of the past, and how you can harness those same core principles today, no matter your experience level.
9
Understanding and Establishing Lightness
Learn what it means to establish lightness in your riding, and how doing so can truly transform everything about your riding and relationship with your horse.
a relaxing fall retreat
in historic
Lambertville, New Jersey
In addition to two full days of intensive learning, we also encourage you to view this weekend as an opportunity to retreat from the stresses and distractions of everyday life while you getaway to our beautiful little corner of the world!
Here at our home base, Amwell Ridge Farm, we are fortunate to have some incredible local attractions and experiences right at our doorstep (some quite literally!) so we highly recommend you take this opportunity to explore them. The farm is located just 10 minutes from historic Lambertville New Jersey, a scenic and peaceful small town nestled alongside the beautiful Delaware river. The area is well known as a prime destination for art, culture, antiquing, history, and natural beauty, and is especially breath taking dressed in brilliant colors of fall!
local things to see and do:
- Unionville Vineyards (our sister farm- right across the road!)
-
Lambertville Station Inn (great dining and accommodations)
The historic Lambertville Station Restaurant and Inn offers beautiful, cozy accommodations and fine dining, set against the breath taking views of the Delaware River. Stay, recharge, and treat yourself to the tranquility and history amidst incredible fall scenery.
Stroll down the streets of downtown Lambertville to explore some of the best arts and culture, vintage items, and antiques shopping in the state.
The beautiful colors of autumn create the perfect backdrop against our serene Delaware River Valley, setting the scene for you to disconnect from the hectic demands of day-to-day life, relax, and unwind.
Who can participatein the symposium?
Because this will be a very intimate, immersive, and hands-on event, there will be a limited number of seats available, so we encourage you to apply as soon as you can:
While this will be a very exclusive event, we encourage riders and horse enthusiasts of all experience levels to apply- the most important thing is that you are passionate about learning and interested in increasing your overall knowledge and understanding in very practical and applicable ways.
Because the information and tools shared through this event can be applied much more widely than just to the subject of horses or even riding, we strongly encourage partners, non-riders, family, and friends to come along and participate with you! The only thing you need to bring along is a strong desire and openness to learn- even those who have never stepped foot in a barn or sat in a saddle before.
The cost for this exclusive two-day symposium event is $350
A 30% deposit, due upon your acceptance into the event, will secure your seat.
The remaining amount will be payable in person, upon arrival.
Apply now to reserve your spot:
About
Dr. Maria Katsamanis
Dr. Maria Katsamanis has received worldwide recognition as a horse trainer, clinician, exhibition rider, and author.
With a doctoral degree in clinical psychology, Dr. Maria uses her education as a clinical scientist to help demystify and explain the elements of the magical formula that are key in establishing the ultimate connection with our horses.
Dr. Maria's background in biofeedback and psychophysiology is central to her training approach, “Molecular Equitation”. This approach examines the connection between horse and rider on a molecular level and focuses on improving such basic elements as balance and relaxation, muscle formation, and breathing behavior to dissipate physical blocks and facilitate communication.
Her explanations melt away the barriers and myths that so commonly block communication between horse and rider, so that anyone, regardless of age, breed, or discipline, can create magic with their horses.
Dr. Maria is known around the world for her book, The Alchemy of Lightness, and is highly regarded for her work with the rare Marwari horses.
A highly sought-after clinician both in the U.S. and abroad, Dr. Maria uses her career in transforming horses and creating soundness through her non-profit, Friends For Pegasus, which she founded in 2016 with the mission of rehabilitating "hopeless" horses.
Maria's work has been featured in publications including Dressage Today, Holistic Horse, Sidelines News, Horsetalk NZ, and interviewed by the likes of Jane Savoie, among others.
She continues to maintain an appointment as a Clinical Assistant Professor at Rutgers Medical School.
Dr. Maria Katsamanis' work has been featured in Equestrian publications worldwide...
discover a whole new way of being that will transform your riding and relationship with your horse.
This is a philosophy that can benefit anyone
For centuries, the horse has been our partner Thru Time...
Centuries with the horse has meant that they have been our partners in time, helping us build civilizations and join us on the battlefields. Our horse and human connection is natural, it’s
timeless.
They were necessary then, but they are just as necessary now.
On a deep level, I come to the horse knowing that not only do we need them, but that they too enjoy being with us….when we come with the right spirit.
There are learnings from our past together that can help us forge a deeper bond today.
Learn a powerful mindset, a way of being that will improve your partnership and help you make better training decisions every day.
And when we cultivate that mindset, not only do our personal lives change for our highest good... We see our horses start to partner with us, to work towards our goals together.
This Event Will Truly Take Your Understanding of Riding-And Horses- to a Whole New Level.
Whether you've been riding your whole life, just a few years, or you've never been on a horse's back before, we invite you to apply below to participate in this exclusive symposium event.
You can even bring your partner, family, or friends along for the ride - either to participate along with you, or simply to disconnect and enjoy a relaxing weekend retreat.
The most important thing is that you come to this event ready and willing to learn - all you need to bring with you is an open mind and genuine desire to develop your understanding of horses, riding, and beyond.
If the answer is yes to all of the above, we invite you to apply to join us for an unforgettable weekend I'm sure will transform your riding for the better, in so many ways.
