Manolo’s Methodology
Balance Through Bodywork, In-hand, 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.
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."
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.
To delve deeper into Manolo’s rich history, unique methodology, and insightful training philosophy, we encourage you to explore additional external resources, including books and magazine articles that provide comprehensive insights into his expertise and approach. For example, Baroque Horse Magazine has published many articles by Manolo over the years.
