In a world changing at the speed of a text message and the power that technology puts in our hands, perhaps more than ever we need the change that comes about by our contact with equus. It helps to balance us. Like Lucy entering the life changing world of Narnia after stepping through the fur coats and darkness of the cupboard in C.S. Lewis’s epic novel The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, we are forever changed after stepping up to, or onto, a horse.

A favor please. Step with me to the window of what seem like two very different worlds. However, they are not! You and I need to find balance here, and live in this world as one.

World – Future               

World – Balanced           

For centuries a symbol of power and freedom they have shown themselves to be more specifically a teacher of non predatory power and freedom through relationships. Certainly a ride of a lifetime that everyone should enjoy and one that we at Equus 101 are committed to working with you on maximizing the enjoyment possibilities, for both species!

Equus 101 has changed shape specifically to fit the evolution of our services to you. Moving from our Equestrian Centre location, with full facilities and hosting a variety of client activities, various programs from youth to corporate, to now occupying a larger office location with multiple staff but these no longer wear jodz during the day or push wheelbarrows down the corridors! Our fundamental objective remains that of education however we’ve taken the learning and lessons developed over the last 15 years and integrated them into our core business being: creation of innovative products and an online university specific to all things horse. Welcome.

We have plans……

We have plans on the table for the next Equus 101 horse included ‘office’ which does include a blend back to the original covered arena, multiple stable, accommodation for guests location - but with a few differences. Think wonderful Club environment with welcoming grounds and undercover facilities, turn Golf Club into Equine Club. Come for a sneak peak. Yes that really is a pianolla, bookshop, gourmet dining/cafe and warm up room.

“What’s with the 101” you ask? Remember the numbering of study programs – the first unit in Year One always starts with 101, second year 201, third year 301, you get the rest. The language, learning and leadership involved in equus is something we can never rush and we shall never graduate from. We all start at 101. These are life lessons that last a life time. So unless you start to eat only a herbivore diet, have hair growing all over your body and not just out of annoying locations like ears, nostrils and places it never once grew, you’ll remain a human, and they a horse. But………your evolution via learning will continue.

So welcome to Equus 101 – the equine specific online university and specialists in creating game products which provide lasting learning that entertains your brain. Experts from around the world are participating in production of streamed videos, interactive learning sessions and dynamic programs which can be downloaded or completed online in real time. The content is not genre specific. We are covering the many and varied sports and management aspects of horses. Be they English, Western, Pleasure, official Polo or Pillow Polo played bareback in the paddock with friends to the joy for many around the world in having horses in their lives as veritable paddock ornaments!

The Online University shall be launched next year. In the interim release of HorsePLAY– The ride of your life® adventure game is being readied to come galloping your way in May 2012. This fun and very portable game that you can play solo or with others, outside or inside, is definitely a “take me with you” adventure game. Called HorsePLAY because that’s what they do each day ……………..and so should we.

Have you had your daily dose of horseplay today? A dose a day keeps the doctor away!

Leading you through the games visual wonderland are images by our photographic partner, the genius behind the lense, Mr Tim Flach. Tim’s first book, EQUUS, is an intensely moving look at the horse en masse, from the air and from underwater! From exquisite Arabians in the Royal Yards of the United Arab Emirates to purebred Icelandic horses in their glacial habitat; from the soulful gaze of a single horse’s lash-lined eye to the thundering majesty of thousands of mustangs racing across the plains of Utah. Of all the gifts you can give yourself, having your own copy of EQUUS is one that can’t be missed.

Advance new HorsePlay© game ... register here.

Laugh, sing, dance, ...

Are you up to date with the Revolution in Horsemanship? We invite you to sort fact from fantasy in this revealing interview on the Revolution in Horsemanship by internationally renowned Equine Behaviouralist and creator of Foal Imprinting methodology, Dr Robert Miller.

Did you know Horses Learn Differently Than Humans?

Next time you are thinking: my horse is stubborn, he’s having a bad day; our personalities clash, just remember - Horses and humans are wired very differently. Trying to use human logic on a horse won’t work – they don’t process things, life, the same as we do. Their brain processes information differently to how our brain does.

The horse has a much smaller ratio of brain size to body size than we do. Much of our comparatively large brain is dedicated to the cerebrum, which processes thought and controls memory, communication and association. The horse's brain, by comparison is largely cerebellum - responsible for gross muscle coordination, balance and body functions.

Horses cannot be counted on to interpret and reason through a skill, that’s our brains job. Horses learn by repetition and drill, and come to associate cues with movements. So next time you feel yourself getting frustrated just stop, breath and try thinking like a horse!

As the horse has evolved so dramatically so too are we changing, and being changed, by our contact with equus. We are possibly the first generation to separate fully from the vital, functional dependencies on equus. Something new is emerging. Across the history, aesthetics, heritage and science of the horse, we can expect to see rapid development.

Welcome to Equus 101. Our intention is to be a positive part of this development. We welcome you to joining this ride with us.

Jacqueline Thompson
On behalf of the team at Equus 101