At Colorado Horse Rescue, we are committed to continuous learning and advancing our horsemanship skills. Recently, our staff trainers had the incredible opportunity to work with esteemed clinician Cody Harrison during an exclusive clinic. This experience deepened our understanding of how to communicate effectively with our horses while prioritizing their relaxation, rhythm, and overall well-being.
About Cody Harrison
Cody Harrison is a clinician dedicated to helping horses and riders navigate their individual journeys. He believes in a personalized approach, acknowledging that each horse and rider are unique. Cody emphasizes patience, clear communication, and fostering a deep connection between horse and rider. His philosophy centers on balance, both physically and emotionally, for both human and equine partners. By focusing on balanced energy and intentional training methods, riders can unlock their personal strength and achieve remarkable progress with their horses.
Cody Harrison riding Paisley
Cody Harrison Brings His Knowledge to CHR
Throughout the clinic, Cody worked with a variety of horses at different training levels. His insights helped our trainers refine their techniques and improve their ability to read and respond to their horses’ needs.
Cody coaching CHR Trainer Marie who is riding Lancelot
CHR Trainer, Morgan Offutt, Takeaway
“Cody’s clinic provided valuable instruction for all of us at CHR. He helped us work with horses of various riding backgrounds, and a common theme emerged: the importance of finding rhythm in each gait while keeping the horse in a relaxed state.
One of the horses I rode in the clinic likes to trot fast when she’s anxious. We worked on getting her to relax and find consistent rhythm so we could work with her forward momentum at a more comfortable and relaxed pace.
We also paid close attention to body language cues, such as lowering the head, taking deep breaths, and licking and chewing signs that indicate a horse is releasing tension. Keeping a horse’s head low helps engage their topline and thoracic sling, preventing back pain and promoting healthy movement. Additionally, Cody guided us in finding the right amount of bit contact, ensuring our hands remained soft enough for the horse to seek the connection without feeling forced.” – Morgan Offutt, CHR Trainer
Cody instructing Caleigh who is riding Vincent
Applying Cody Harrison’s Techniques at CHR
The insights gained from Cody Harrison’s clinic will continue to shape our training methods at CHR. These lessons will not only improve the experience for our trainers but also enhance the journey of every horse that comes through our rescue.
We are grateful to Cody for sharing his expertise and helping us refine our horsemanship skills. His philosophy aligns perfectly with our mission of setting up both horses and humans for long-term success. We have begun to implement these techniques into our daily training, strengthening the bond between horses and riders and setting the stage for continued growth.