What the heck does BALIMO stand for - you might be saying.
Some of you know it as simply BALIMO training, as the training founded by #EckartMeyners & Jill Hassler-Scoop. Some folks think it is only connected with the #Balimochair. And those who have attended Balimo clinics know that it is a play on words meaning #BalanceInMotion - and the training method made popular by Eckart Meyners (a movement specialist from Germany).
Okay, now that we know what BALIMO means, let's take a look at what actually happens at a #BALIMOseatclinic instructed by #JoanAdler.
After being introduced to the BALIMO principles, riders and auditors are led through an unmounted group warm-up session. The remainder of the morning is spent discovering and developing #kinesthetic awareness, using a variety of exercises and props.
As a #motionmediator I use demonstrations to lead the participants, but then they are left on their own to make their own discoveries of what works for them and the challenges they are having on that day. We have a lot of fun during these exploratory exercises, as they can be used to find what is working, as well as existing imbalances. The exercises help to relax the atmosphere, and gives me an opportunity to use my #innereye to formulate some ideas of how I can best help the participants to find a new feeling, especially once they are mounted on their horses.
Now that we are all warm-up, we begin the mounted sessions.
First, we give the rider a few minutes to introduce herself and her horse. A moment for sharing her thoughts and goals with the audience.
She is then asked to ride for 5 - 10 minutes, as she would at home, using bending lines, transitions, gait changes etc. Her job is to gain a 'feeling' of how things are going today.Once again my #innereye goes to work - to begin to understand how best I can help the horse/rider combination.
Once the rider gains her initial 'feeling' and identifies her goals for the day, we utilize a variety of mounted and unmounted exercises to help her realize her goals. Some exercises are assisted, some guided - but always the rider must come to the new 'feeling' on their own. In this way, they can begin to develop their muscle memory and replicate the positive changes by themselves.
In the end, the riders come away with a new understanding of the simple words I use throughout the day.
Be ready to ride.
To find out more about BALIMO Seat Clinics, check our Balimo page, or contact Joan to find out how you can host a clinic at your stable (hint...she travels!) #wwwtheridersedgeca
Joan Adler
Certified Balimo Instructor & Dressage Coach
Author of A LEG UP - Pilates for Riders
I went the first time to participate in the clinic with Joan this fall. Even though we were not fit due to lameness all summer I was still able to learn a lot. Some of it I knew was coming, but I also had some light bulbs coming on. I cannot wait to invite Joan to our barn and get a few people together to repeat the learning as I think it is good to be motivated again and again to pick up a warm-up schedule before riding and to revisit good habits and work on bad ones. Joan's ability to "look" into my body helped me to "fix" a couple things and I can't wait to hear what s…
I wish I’d joined you guys at the beach! Amazing photo!!
Another wonderful clinic Joan! I felt 10lbs lighter when I left being able to shed off some of the daily routine and focus on your exercises. Once again I left with a renewed positive mindset and rejuvenated motivation to ride. You make me want to be at my best! Thank you ☺️
I have attended numerous public and private clinics with Joan. They have helped me immensely both on and off the horse with improving my riding and movement. I learn something new with every clinic I attend. The ability to be involved, even when auditing clinics, allows me to retain much of what I learn.