Tai Ji Ma training involves a lot of ground work for the rider. Once a rider has mastered a concept, it is slowly introduced to the horse/rider partnership. A typical Tai Ji Ma class runs for approximately one and a half hours and includes 30 minutes of training for the rider alone followed by an hour of training for horse and rider. By practicing and applying the principles of Tai Ji Ma, the individual strength and stability of horse and rider as well as their connection continues to improve over time. Tai Ji Ma is introduced in 3 consecutive courses of 4 months each.

The courses are as follows:

Strong Foundations - Emphasizes the development of superior stability and balance

Rhythms and Touch - Emphasizes the development of increased sensitivity and control of the rider’s internal rhythm and the rhythm of the horse

Power and Control - Brings the skills learned in the first two courses together to generate superior impulsion and collection of the rider individually and the horse and rider partnership

Once the 3 courses have been completed, basic training is over and further, more advanced training continues at the student’s own pace. The more advanced training is tailored to suit the chosen riding discipline of the student.