Basic Handle Clinics

What is the Basic Handle?

The Basic Handle is training system for horses and riders that builds a useful foundation for nearly any riding discipline. It is a low-stress training program that builds on simple exercises and progresses to more complex maneuvers as training continues. Developed by Monte Foreman in the mid-1900’s, then further refined by Patrick Wyse, it has evolved to include newer proven training methods and concepts. Sue Muir is now continuing the Basic Handle program with her clinics. Sue learned to ride from Patrick Wyse and has been continuing her education with him for more than 45 years.

The Basic Handle is:
  • Logical: It uses simple principles that consider the physical and mental capabilities and limitations of both horses and riders. Skill sets for both horses and riders at every level are achievable because the program incorporates an understanding of how horses learn, plus principles of sports psychology. Riders learn about how horses think and process information, and how to adjust their training methods to make learning easier for the horse.
  • Progressive: Basic foundation skills are taught, and as they are mastered, higher level skills are added. The horse’s natural instincts and abilities are utilized in most of the maneuvers to make it as easy as possible for the horse to accomplish them. Horses learn to understand and trust the rider because of this logical progression, and they develop confidence and learn to perform in higher pressure situations as they gain experience. This program is designed for riders of any level to improve their horse handling skills.
  • Practical: The Basic Handle is designed for application in everyday situations to make each horse safer and more pleasant to be around. It also provides a set of very useful exercises that are recommended for every horse when warming up. These prepare the horse’s mind and body for the day’s workout.
  • Safe: Safety of the rider is always the top priority in every situation, and safety of the horse is second priority. Basic Handle methods are designed to minimize risk, while still effectively teaching important skills and concepts to both horse and rider.
  • Humane: Equipment and methods are designed to eliminate any unnecessary discomfort. Riders are taught to recognize behaviors in the horse and how to humanely encourage positive behaviors and discourage unproductive ones.
  • Individualized: Although the foundation is the same for all horses, each horse and rider is different, with his/her own set of goals, abilities, and challenges. This is taken into account, and there will be some variation in the approach for different individuals.
  • Versatile: The Basic Handle provides a foundation that doesn’t interfere with specialization into specific disciplines. The basis is sound, whether the horse is heading for English, western, performance disciplines, or just needs to be an enjoyable saddle horse. Specific disciplines can be addressed in the clinics upon request.

Riders will be taught at a level that is appropriate for them and their horse, which means they may not be ready to attempt all maneuvers included in the Basic Handle. Some of the maneuvers included in the basic handle include drifting and counter-flexing at all gaits, backing up, turns on the forehand, sidepassing, drop-to trot lead changes, balanced stops, rollbacks, inside rolls, 360’s, and combination roll maneuvers, natural and collected flying lead changes.

In addition to the Basic Handle foundation, the goal is to teach riders the following: Feel – how to recognize what is happening with the horse; Technique – methods to affect the horse’s behavior and how to apply them; Judgement – when, why, and how strong or soft to be in applying training techniques.