Manolo’s Approach
Training philosophy and methodology: bodywork, in-hand work and riding.
Training Philosophy
Preserving the horse’s body instead of wearing it down
In Manolo’s words:
I adhere to the principle of preserving the horse’s body instead of wearing it down. By gently nurturing their growth in each stage of training, their physical and mental aspects work in unity.
My aim is to pass on a better understanding of the importance within the partnership and ‘the joy of the dance’ that can be experienced by horse and rider when body and mind are working together. I want people to understand that the horse is an athlete, a partner in work and as such, should be treated with the greatest respect.
The purpose of such training should be to allow the horse to reach its full potential with willing cooperation and without pushing them beyond their mental and physical ability.
I do not sacrifice the soundness of one aspect for the progress of another. The nature of my technique allows me to provide the horse the opportunity for healing and flourishing, guiding the horse along its own path to wellness.
Methodology in Practice
Balance through bodywork, in-hand work and riding
In the 1980’s Manolo pioneered the holistic combination of bodywork, in-hand and riding for overall balance of the horses’ mind, body and soul. He is best known for his dedication to a soft, sympathetic training method that prepares horses physically and psychologically for each stage of training that ranges from the early development of young horses through to Grand Prix level and beyond. It also heals the troubled horse.
Manolo’s unique approach caters to - and benefits - horses of all characters, physicalities, emotional states and training levels. His feel, timing and intuitive horse sense has been cultivated over his many years of dealing with and adapting to, tens of thousands of different horses in order to help each one as an individual.
Manolo’s approach to the training, rehabilitation and management of horses prioritizes the balancing of their physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well-being.
Training horses, no matter what discipline, will always be a work in progress, never a quick fix. The knowledge and skill Manolo has taken the time to develop from Foundation allows him to observe the horse, then apply this experience and intuition to gradually dissolve the layers of physical and mental resistance, leaving the horse feeling relieved and confident in his presence.
Manolo strongly believes that the preparation and dedication to the basic principles of foundational training matter most. You can always - and will need to return to those fundamental principles to give your horse back its confidence and balance.
"The hardest work for both trainer and horse is to be prepared to revisit the basics many times to reach your goals."
Manolo Mendez
Over time, Manolo’s training methods allows the horse to develop the all ‘important correct body posture’ working towards providing purity of equal diagonals in gait quality to finally attain ‘self-carriage’ and a healthy mind. This approach in training will enable the rider to offer correction and relaxation to their horses unbalanced, stiff and asymmetrical bodies.
Explore Manolo’s Story and the horsemanship articles for more about his experience and approach. Baroque Horse Magazine has published many articles by Manolo over the years.