We have downsized but we have upgraded. The farm is smaller, there is only five stalls, but the turn out are larger and the grass is lush. I guess that the proximity of two large lakes regulates a better rain fall. The farm has been very well designed for horses, large shower, large tack room and feed room, great training ring, safe fences. The horses gave us immediately a thumb up and still do every day. The guest house is very comfortable and well furnished with two bedroom, bath room, kitchen, washer, dryer etc.

Helyn is recovering. If only computers were properly designed and capable to do the work that they are supposed to do, it would be a perfect world. Well, almost perfect; there still is Philadelphia airport, New York city, the economy, the elections. Although, in politic nothing change. Already at the nineteen century Napoleon Bonaparte wrote, "In politic, stupidity is not a handicap". Anyway, the newsletter is going out and the new DVD "Four Cases of Navicular Syndrome" is completed.

The comfort of the farm and its intimacy is giving a special hint to the training program. Only two horses at the time. Melissa came at the center with little hope for her horse. She is now seeing piaff and passage in site. Megan and the beautiful Disco are back ready for the touch of class that will upgrade the trot work.  

One who lives in close proximity knows about Helyn's heath issue. One who lives further away might not know. Helyn recovers from a very serious health issue and multiple complications. The situation demanded drastic decisions and downsizing was one of them. We are glad that we did. It was a long way up the hill but Helyn is now on the sunny side. Pictures will be back better than ever and in fact the whole Science of Motion's production is coming back better than ever.

Helyn and I want to address a special thank you to the members of the IHTC who kindly accepted the interruption of the program. The September's Case study is on its way to you and you are going to be amazed. Thank you to Samantha, Melissa and Steve, who came at the farm during the week end to help Helyn as I was away for the clinic. Without their help I would not have been able to go away. Many others helped their own way and we are both grateful to have great friends.

The new DVD "The Birth of the Science of Motion" is exclusive for the members of the IHTC. We think that it will be part of the first month's package for the new members as the document explains how the Science of Motion came to life.

The new DVD "Four cases of Navicular Syndrome" is our pride. Immensely informative, the DVD explains in great details how the horses, which were in fact five horses, fully recovered from the disease. Don't worry, the fifth horse recovered as well. His case is explained in the DVD.

We are back and happy to be back.              

Under the title, "Four Cases of Navicular Syndrome", a quote of Arthur Clarke say, "The only way of discovering the limits of the possible is to venture a little way past them into the impossible." Considering the knowledge available in 1986 when the first and successful rehabilitation from navicular syndrome was completed, the technique applied ventured a little into the impossible.

It was entirely based on veterinary researches but the findings were pertinent and novel. Today, advanced research studies fully corroborate the principles presented in this document. However, even if immensely effective, the technique remains largely unknown because it shakeups conventional thinking. Even if progresses have been made in the matter; the general consensus remains influenced by the thought that back problems are only compensation for hock pain or other musculoskeletal disorders. At the contrary, in each case, we have corrected the limb kinematics abnormality causing the development of navicualr syndrome addressing the vertebral column dysfunction that engendered the limb kinematics abnormality.  

The author of the scientific discovery that has permit these successful rehabilitations wrote, "The disease is therefore, considered to be reversible" (Ostblom, 1982). However, the journey is difficult and demands equitation and a work in hand resolutely more elaborated than the principles commonly emphasized. If you feel that your horse's soundness merits venturing in a better world. This video is for you.

 BUY The Video DVD $65.00 

A New Idea

The original idea was to create a program focusing essentially on the work in hand. A second program was planned to be created later focusing primarily on riding technique. The thought was to have "In Hand", all the knowledge necessary for the complex task of educating or reeducating a horse. When we move from conception to creation, it became apparent that precisely, in order to have "In Hand" all the knowledge necessary for a successful reeducation, it was essential for the therapists to understand how riding techniques create injuries. It was also critical for the rider to explore in hand techniques where limbs kinematics abnormalities are corrected through sophisticated education of the horse's vertebral column mechanism. To be complete, the course needs to provide simultaneously both, the in hand and riding perspective and this is the direction that we are taking. 

Sophisticated education of the horse's vertebral column mechanism can only be achieved in partnership with the horse's intelligence. Conventional equitation thinks in terms of kinematics, (gestures), swinging back, stretching, etc. At the contrary, advanced equitation understands that what has given to our ancestors the feeling of vertebral column movements was in fact the perception of forces. In 1962 Ottaway defined biomechanics as "distribution of forces and consequent actions". (C. W. Ottaway, 1962. The anatomy of motion, Vet. Rec., 74: 279-285) The subtle orchestration of the vertebral column mechanism does not occur at the level of muscles and tendons moving vertebrae. Instead the sophisticated work of the thoracolumbar spine mostly occurs at the level of muscles' function, which is the muscles' capacity to create forces in different directions. We are talking literally at the level of molecular biology, which is of course out of reach of archaic riding principles such as the "submission to the rider's aids" or other elementary formulas.

This thought might be scary for those who cannot think beyond submission and control. At the contrary, the thought is fascinating for one who is willing to work with the horse's intelligence. Down to the molecular level, the horse's nature is designed for efficiency. Hence, an equitation based on an accurate understanding of how the horse's physique functions as well as the guiding of the horse's mental processing toward efficient coordination stimulates the complicity of the horse's nature.

Two levels of knowledge are necessary. One is scientific investigation, the protocols applied, the findings and then the conclusions. For each subject, one study is not enough since the results are always influenced by the specific angle of the investigative techniques. Also, scientific studies are not usually published ready to be applied. Another level of research is necessary, which is the practical application. Combining extensive knowledge of the equine physiology and even more extensive training experience, Jean Luc is capable of translating the most pertinent scientific discoveries into riding and training techniques. This is what makes the Science of Motion approach so unique, so kind to the horse and so effective. For the ones who cannot benefit from Jean Luc's clinics or personal instruction, the IHTC is the next best solution.

For those who have the opportunity to benefit from Jean Luc's personal instruction, the IHTC is the absolute best complement. Muscles and bone actively remodel in response to change in exercise. Adaptation is necessary practically on a daily basis. Training formulas are generalities. A horse is an individual entity. Success relies on the rider's ability to analyze the horse's difficulties, which demands sound and updated understanding of the equine biological mechanism.

Simplicity cripples horses. The horse's biological mechanism is not simple. Many of our ancestors have been great precursors. Basically, Fran�ois Robichon de la Gueriniere at the 18th century and Gustave Steinbrecht hundred years later had "discovered" the fact that lateral bending was always coupled with a movement of transversal rotation. However, the phenomenon was not scientifically recognized and explained during their time. Both authors used metaphors to express their views setting the stage for a very large diversity of false interpretations. Instead of analyzing the wisdom of our predecessors in the light of advanced understanding of the equine physiology, theologians resumed great discoveries into "simpler" formulas. "Everything should be made as simple as possible but not simpler." (Albert Einstein)

Conscious of the complexity of the equine biological mechanism, the IHTC approaches the problem from different angles. Three or more documents constitute the monthly "package". The main course is the practical application in hand and riding the horse. The biomechanical study relates to the topic of the practical application, providing a sound and clear explanation of how the horse's physique effectively functions. This document is primordial as it allows tailoring the technique to the individual horse. Most of these two series of documents are exclusive to the IHTC.

The third document is a case study, an extensive video document showing the rehabilitation of one or several horses. September subject is "Four cases of navicular syndrome." This document is not exclusive to the IHTCbut added to the monthly package because it teaches how to investigate a lameness issue. Navicular syndrome is for a large part a remodeling problem. The difficulty is to identify the source of the limbs kinematics abnormality inducing excessive stress between the deep digital flexor tendon and the distal sesamoid bone. This phenomenon is true for all types of lameness, navicular syndrome, kissing spine, stifle injury, contracted tendon, etc., etc. Finding the root cause of the gait abnormality causing injury is the only absolute therapy. Taking care of a specific joint or muscle spasm is only a "band aid". Unless the source of the abnormality is identified and corrected, the therapy can only provide transient relief.

The IHTC is a twelve month package program. In fact, a thirteenth package is added as a gift. At the end of the course, one receives a certificate of completion.

The course can be purchased in one single payment of $1600.00, which is the most economical approach.

The second option is a monthly payment of $175.00 , which includes the thirteen packages.

The third solution is a purchase at a frequency that tailors your finances, one package every other month or more. The price of each package is $185.00. The thirteenth month remains included in this option and is delivered with the certificate of completion once the full course has been completed. 

The Work In Hand

We have created a hind hand techniques educating the horse's vertebral column mechanism. The technique is inspired by General Decarpentry's idea, (Academic Equitation, 1949) but has been greatly furthered and enhanced through experience gained preparing equine athletes for the higher level of performances and through research studies presenting a totally new understanding of the equine vertebral column mechanism.

The journey started with a dramatic rehabilitation problem. The horse recovered from a fracture of the right hind leg coffin bone. It is through the friendship of a horse and a man that the fundamental discovery that has rendered this technique so effective has been made. A horse does have the capacity to fell and follow change in muscle tone and movements of the trainer back even when the trainer is walking by the horse side. The DVD "One Hand on his Shoulder", which is part of the IHTC's first package is the story of this fundamental discovery.

Through this dynamic relationship, a horse can correct and refine the work of his vertebral column mechanism and consequently correct limbs kinematics abnormalities causing injuries and lameness. All along this course, it will be demonstrated again and again that at the contrary of conventional beliefs, back issues are not the outcome of hocks problems or other limbs disorders but instead, back problems are the root cause of most limbs kinematics abnormalities and consequent injuries.

Of course, a sophisticated education is necessary. Even if the horse responds naturally to adjustments of the trainer's back, there are many reasons such as speed, or weight on the bit, that will annihilate the horse's perception. The in hand education of the IHTC guides you step by step through this subtle education.      

A Better Equitation

Proper functioning of the horse's thoracolumbar spine is essentially dynamic. Gaits and performances cannot be created through greater amplitude of the horse's vertebral column movements but instead through greater sophistication in the coordination of numerous and minuscule muscles' contractions and compensatory contractions. Such orchestration is mostly influenced by subtle adjustments of the rider's back. Once one has experienced working in hand the feeling of a horse adjusting the work of his vertebral column to nuances in muscle tone of the trainer back muscles, one can evolve to an equitation based on minute movements and sophisticated adjustments of the rider's back. "The biomechanics of the vertebral column, although very complex, are of vital importance because they form the basis of all body's movements," (Leo B. Jeffcott, Natural rigidity of the horse's backbone , 1980) The biomechanics of the horse's vertebral column and consequent limbs' kinematics can effectively be corrected. The condition evidently is that the rider's vertebral column works in agreement with the biomechanics of the horse's vertebral column. This is a better equitation.   

Visit webpage for IHTC 

Clinics

"Why has elegance found so little following?" (Edsger Dijkstra) While training approaches emphasize more gestures, more contact on the bit, more speed, Jean Luc teaches elegance because the elegance of the horse's physique goes beyond superficial appearances. The horse's body is designed for optimum efficiency through minimum force development. "Muscle architecture is an important component of musculoskeletal structure and function. For example, a short fibered muscle with a long, compliant tendon suggests a capacity for substantial elastic energy storage, an effective means to reduce metabolic cost of locomotion".  (M. T. Butcher, P. B. Chase, J. W. Hermanson, A. N. Clark, N. M. Brunet, J. E. A. Bertram). 

Classic authors emphasize elegance but as an ultimate goal, "Hand movements diminish as dressage progresses to the point of giving an illusion of immobility." (General Decarpentry, Academic Equitation, J. A. Allen & CO LTD. 1971 p. 44)  The refinement of the horse's physique demands in fact hands' immobility from day one. Through in depth explanation of the way the horse's physique functions, Jean Luc leads the rider to superior subtlety and therefore efficiency. The horses; transformations are astounding and their efficiency sublimates their rider's skill.  

" WOW!!  What an eye opening and educational ride today!  I all my years riding (and we are talking 4 decades+) I have not come away with as much insightful information and such a desire to learn more."  H.S.

"With Jean Luc's precise guidance regarding the position of my seat and most importantly, my vertebral column, I found "the spot"!   Then, refining the communication as to cadence and straightness of my horse resulted in an effortless, soft, dance with my horse in the sitting trot! " R.C.

"I truly learned a lot from Jean Luc.  No one has ever given me the proper information to position my body although many instructors have provided various approaches.  It is a different ride when I sit as Jean Luc instructs. His in depth understanding of and ability to explain how the horse moves and what interferes with proper movement is invaluable." C.C.  

Jean Luc Clinics

Tariffs & Conditions, 2012 - 2013.

Regular clinic,

-Private Lesson, $175,00 per hour.

                          8 hours per day (maximum, 6 hours minimum)

                          2 days minimum

-Flat fee clinic,   $1400.00 per day

                           8 hours per day that can be divided between lessons, 

                           lectures, demonstration, training, work in hand,         

                           lameness evaluation, etc.

-One free lesson for clinic organizer when the clinic schedule is full.

-Air fee include in lesson or daily fee for clinics in the US. Air fee paid by clinic organizer for clinics over sea.

-Airline ticket purchased by clinic organizer and deducted from clinic fee at completion of the clinic.

-Transport from airport to clinic and back to airport assured by clinic organizer.

-All meals and lodging assured by clinic organizer, (hotel room if possible).

With the growing demand of clinics over sea, we advise scheduling early.

For precisions, scheduling, or special request please contact Helyn, helyn@scienceofmotion.com Tel, 706 485 12 17 

Training, 2012 - 2013

When downsizing became upgrading everyone benefit, include the Training Program. We are now in measure to offer the training at $2500.00 monthly.

The training fee includes teaching the rider.

The horses are trained 5 days per week.

Comfortable stabling, large turn out, high quality food.       

The Training Program is now open all year long but on a very limited number of places, only two horses at the time.

As today, one place is available starting October 15.

For more information and scheduling, please contact Helyn, helyn@scienceofmotion.com Tel, 706 485 12 17