Enlightened Equitation Teacher Training Programme
with Heather Moffett at East Leigh Farm, near Totnes, South Devon
with Heather Moffett online!
4 years ago, post Covid era, I started doing the EE teacher training online, having been
asked to formulate a way to do it online, long before lockdowns etc! I confess, having for
over 20 years run the modules here at my farm in S Devon in person, I found the idea of
having to train teachers online was a little daunting. But in 2022, having watched so many
YouTube videos that my eyes were nearly square, I came up with 8 modules, covering
everything pertaining to the rider and recognising the correct and incorrect position and how
to recognise correct and incorrect sync with the movement of the horse and also to correct
the faults. For me, Level One is the most important level, because it is here that foundations
are laid, or essential corrections made, in order for riders to be able to progress. There are 2
levels, the second I am still trying to work out how it can be achieved online. There are a
few Level 3 and 4 EE teachers, but these have trained for years with myself or with one of
our other EE level 4 teachers but now at 72, I cannot offer this level of training with so few
horses at my disposal.
Each module has a number of lessons covering each subject in depth, but in a very easy
format to understand and learn. Some of those who have undertaken the course over the
last four years have done so to improve their own knowledge and riding but say they can
never look at riders now – often those they previously thought to be good riders – without
seeing the faults and wanting to correct them! Some have started teaching friends and found
they enjoyed it, so are coming into teaching in a roundabout way, but I am very happy that
the knowledge is being shared!
Teaching experience is preferred, though it doesn't have to be in equestrian disciplines and
is not required. Some find a natural ability to impart knowledge once they get started and
find immense satisfaction in helping the rider achieve a better seat and refinement of the
aids, for the sake of the horse especially. A good grasp of basic dressage is essential and
experience of riding to at least novice dressage level. The course will greatly assist you in
your own seat and application of the aids, and I am always happy to assess your own riding
videos.
We have a Zoom meeting once a month from 8pm to 9pm usually on the last Wednesday of
the month and a WhatsApp group for discussion and sharing your experiences . The
WhatsApp group has proven to be a very useful medium to be able to ask me as many
questions as you like!
I watched literally hundreds of YouTube videos to find the exact ones that showed exactly
what I wanted to illustrate as it seemed the best way to get the students ‘eye in’ and it seems
to have been successful!
From September to December, those who wish to teach rather than just improve their own
riding, submit videos of volunteer students that they recruit, for me to assess.
I take only 10 students per year, and the course starts in January each, so if interested,
please email me with your experience etc to. Cost of the course is £1500 but can be spread
over 12 months, paying £125 monthly.
Email to: hm@heather-moffett.com
Please download our EETT booking form for Level I.
Dates are arranged individually for Levels II, III and IV, so in the first instance please contact Heather on hm@heather-moffett.com or text/call 0791 9358 244.
Level I
The Online Teacher Training Level 1 course will start officially each January, running for 12 months. The course will cover the same content as before via video, and also Zoom lectures and discussion twice monthly. These will be recorded for students to refer back to.
Online Teacher Trainees will be given free membership of the Online Classical Riding Academy, as the library of videos on the site will cover all of the topics and will be used as course material. It is hoped that Heather can still have volunteer horses and riders each month to video for discussion and assessment.
Level II
Will concentrate on teaching the pupil to become an effective but stylish rider, able to influence the horse with the minimum of effort and movement. In Level 1, we will have concentrated on producing the rider to be a ‘pretty passenger’, in other words able to sit easily and correctly at all paces, but not yet capable of influencing the horse to improve it’s way of going. In Level 2, the Teacher Training will look at producing the rider to be able to school the horse at the lower levels, working on the quality of the paces, and transitions especially. Teacher trainees will be taught to recognise the essential differences between incorrect and correct work, and to give the rider exercises to enable the progress to take place. Teaching lateral work to the rider will also be covered and some jumping exercises.
Level III
Will take teaching the rider to school the horse a step further, introducing teaching lateral work to the horse, half halts, transitions within the pace, always placing emphasis on the rider maintaining the correct seat, and for the horse, the quality of the paces and increasing self-carriage. At this level, we will also start to evaluate the difference between the Classical Schools, all of which have merit, but it is necessary to understand that there are fundamental differences in their approach, and ultimate goal, although proponents of one school would have it that there is no difference. I beg to differ, and feel that it is a necessary part of the teacher’s education to be clued up on the various schools of thought. Teaching students to ride advanced movements on schoolmaster horses will also be included.
Level IV
Level 4 will cover teaching the movements to an advanced level, including flying changes, pirouettes, and work towards piaffe and passage. It is also hoped eventually to include more advanced jumping as a specialist subject, for those who are interested in teaching not only dressage.