Frequently Asked Questions
These are some of the questions I’m asked most often, with a brief overview response. Because so many of these experiences are unique to the participants and their situation at any given time, there really is no “typical” session or lesson: they are always specific to the needs of each client at the time. If you are curious to explore any of these modalities further, please feel free to reach out to me to schedule time for a conversation or a session.
Equine Gestalt Coaching
1What would a session look like with my own horse?
For an Equine Gestalt Coaching (EGC) session, you can either come to my facility and work with one of my coaching horses or I can come to your horse's home and we'll work with your horse. EGC sessions are unmounted and each one is unique to the person’s situation and needs at the time. No horse experience is necessary, although I tend to work primarily with equestrians.
2Where will the session be held – do I have to bring my horse to your facility?
To have a session at your horse's home we need a paddock or pen where the horse is completely at ease in their surroundings, with few – or no – distractions. This setting needs to be private—a place where your horse, you and I can be alone and uninterrupted, so that we can get to the heart of the matter together.
3Is one session enough?
Depending on your situation, you may experience a profound shift from a single session. If you are going through a transition in your life, the transformational process can take time. I find that clients who are in such a process do well with monthly EGC sessions for a period of 3-6 months. For added support and continuity, two phone coaching calls or Liberty Practice sessions per month can be very helpful. After this initial 3-6 months of intensive work together, we often move to quarterly sessions.
4Will I be riding my horse?
EGC sessions are unmounted and each one is unique to the person’s situation and needs at the time. If you are having an emotional or behavioral challenge while riding your horse and you'd like my assistance in shifting it, we can address the issue with an unmounted EGC session. That being said, there are cases where riding the horse before and after the EGC session can be powerfully helpful. These are special sessions requiring extra time. If you're interested in doing a combined riding and EGC session, please contact me to explore what will work best for you and your horse.
5What will my horse and I learn from these sessions?
You will learn to see your horse in a new and profound way. Your horse will receive the benefit of being seen, heard and honored. You'll have the opportunity to build a powerful partnership for mutual support.
6Can I do a session without my own horse?
Yes. You can come to my facility and work with one of my coaching horses.
Gestalt Riding - For Equestrians
1What would a session look like?
While every session is unique, most sessions will begin with the rider mounted on the horse. I'll watch the rider in both directions and listen to what their goals and challenges may be. Then I will create a new experience to assist the rider in releasing restrictive habits and expanding their capacity to overcome their challenges and reach their goals. Sometimes we get off the horse and do an exercise on the ground and sometimes we stay on the horse throughout the session. I work with curiosity and awareness in a playful way as a part of advancing the rider's learning process.
2Where would the session take place?
You can trailer in to my facility located in North Scottsdale, or depending on your location, I can travel to you.
If you live outside of the Scottsdale/Cave Creek area, I can travel to your facility for a 1- or 2-day clinic. I also do half-day clinics for those in the greater Phoenix area. Check my calendar for availability and give me a call to schedule.
3Is one session enough?
Most riders experience a profound and lasting change in their riding from their very first session with me. My local clients find it helpful to continue to build on that foundation with lessons at least once a month. I offer bulk discounts for riders interested in investing in a 3-, 5- or 10-lesson program.
4Do I need special equipment/tack?
No special tack or equipment is necessary, and riders at all levels can benefit from this.
Gestalt Riding - For Trainers
1Do you work with me and my client at my facility?
I like to start with a conversation about the potential you see in your client and what isn't working well. We'll set up a one-on-one session for your client. After the session you I'll share my insights with you for moving forward.
2Do I need to provide any special equipment/tack?
You do not need to provide any special equipment.
3Is one session with my client enough?
Most riders experience a profound and lasting change in their riding from their very first session with me. My local clients find it helpful to continue to build on that foundation with monthly lessons. Depending on your location, we can set up monthly, quarterly or annual clinics.
4Would I need to schedule a longer lesson time for my client?
A standard one hour private session is adequate.
Liberty Practice for Personal Growth and Connection
1What would a session look like?
Liberty Practice sessions are all about getting in the flow and learning how to stay there as challenges arise. Because our focus is on YOUR flow, every session is unique. Typically, we begin by setting an intention for the work—a goal based on the change you want to make in how you connect with and influence horses. I'll coach you in an exercise to support your intention, shifting moment-to-moment in response to feedback from the horse and from you.
2Where would the session take place– do I have to bring my horse to your facility?
Liberty Practice sessions are held at Lionheart Center with one of our horses, or, depending on your location, it may be possible for me to travel to you and work with you and your horse. For a Liberty Practice session at your horse's home we will need a space where your horse is completely at ease being loose without other horses in the space, and few – if any – distractions.
3How many sessions would you recommend?
The number of sessions is up to you – even a single session can create a platform for developing a more profound relationship with your horse, however the more you can integrate these practices into your partnership, the closer and more aligned you will become.
4Do I need a round pen or enclosed area, or can this take place in the pasture?
A paddock, pen or arena can all work as long as they are larger than a round pen. We need a space that is large enough for the horse to leave us and have his own personal space.
5Do I need any special equipment?
No special equipment is needed.
6Does it matter what age the horse is?
This is a valuable practice for horses of all ages.
7My horse has had a lot of training. Do I still need this?
This is a valuable practice for horses of all experience levels, and for any human who has a relationship with a horse. The work is designed to help you develop and maintain a partnership with your horse that holds strong even as challenges arise and uplifts you to realize your full potential.
Group Session
1What would a session look like?
Group classes are a fun and economical way to improve your body awareness for riding. We do awareness exercises that are specifically designed to help you with movements you need to perform to ride at your best.
2Where would the session take place?
Unmounted classes are held twice a month at Lionheart Center.
If you have a group that would like to do a class together at another location, we have options for setting that up. We can do an unmounted class that stands alone or we can do an unmounted class followed by a mounted class, which is my preference. Class sizes are limited to 6 for optimal engagement and learning.
3Is one session enough?
I find monthly classes to be the most supportive for practicing new habits and improving my student's riding. I like for my students to have time between classes to practice and take ownership of their learning.
4How many sessions would you recommend?
The more you practice, the better you will feel in the saddle!
5Do I need special equipment/tack?
No special equipment or tack is needed, and these classes can benefit riders at all levels.
Testimonials
“My time with Emily was an unforgettable experience. I reconnected with my horse on so many levels and I cannot thank Emily enough for that.”
~ Giovanna L., Crozet, VA
“I feel such Gratitude for having Emily Glidden walk into my life to introduce Liberty Practice™ and launch me on my journey of learning to speak the language of Equus. Not only has given me a new way to "be" with my horses, but it has given me the tools to communicate with these majestic, noble and big-hearted companions. Thank you, Emily!”
~ Tina W., Batesville, VA
Contact me to explore how working with me can transform your riding, your relationship with your horse, and your life.