Dr Deb Bennett is returning to Canberra, Australia for a clinic from the 9th to 10th of April, 2009. Dr Bennett is known as an authority on the evolution, anatomy and biomechanics of horses. Dr Bennett's unique anatomy short courses and horsemanship clinics are a fascinating insight into your horse and is open for riders of all breeds of horses, disciplines and skill levels.
This clinic will focus on equine dentistry (morning session) and horsemanship (afternoon session) and includes any or all of the following topics:
- Understanding the nature and needs of horses;
- Birdie Theory (what makes horses "tick" on the inside);
- Woody Theory (how to help your horse move straight);
- The Ring of Muscles (anatomy and biomechanics of collection);
- Contact, self-carriage and lightness.
You have the opportunity to bring your horse to the afternoon session. Please view the registration form for more information and details on how to enrol. Please contact Alex Wickham for further information via e-mail or phone (02) 6255 1196.
About Dr Deb Bennett, Ph.D.
Dr Deb is known as an authority on the classification, evolution, anatomy and biomechanics of fossil and living horses. Her research interests include the history of domestication and world bloodlines and breeds. Internationally known for her scientific approach to conformation analysis, Dr Deb has made a career out of conveying a kind of x-ray vision for bone structure to breeders and buyers. Her background in biomechanics helps her clearly explain how conformation relates to performance ability. Dr Bennett's clinics often feature real bones and interesting biomechanical models.
Dr Deb rides and trains, having participated over a thirty year span in nearly every form of horse competition. Dr Deb's horsemanship philosophy is based on the belief that horses and humans have potentially equal intelligence. She encourages riders to increase their ability to perceive what the horse is thinking and feeling. Dr Deb's horses are educated, not "trained". She believes that all work with horses should consider both the physical body and the "inner life". Dr Deb coined the term "perjustice" to describe the very old art and science of using the horse's innate powers of movement to develop him as an excellent riding companion. She also invented "Birdie Theory", a way of putting yourself in your horse's shoes and a great aid to understanding what makes him "tick" on the inside.
Dr Deb has published four books on horse related topics and founded Equine Studies Institute in 1992.