The Australian Horse Academy Flag Drill Riders
going to struggle to force a 600kg animal to do anything
it doesn’t want to do. Let alone jump through fire with a
blind fold on. I ask her, and she trusts me enough to know
that I’ll get her through safe” said Michael.
Michael uses a unique type of natural horsemanship and
explains that it’s the philosophy of working with horses
by appealing to their instincts and herd mentality. “It
involves communication techniques derived from wild
horse observation in order to build a partnership that
closely resembles the relationships that naturally exist
between horses.”
The art of riding in formation is deeply meshed in the
military, ceremonial and civilian histories of nations on
all continents.
Drill team manoeuvres first began on the battlefield,
where to effectively move horse soldiers around (the
field), there had to be some semblance of order. The order
was created through riding drills, which helped soldiers
learn to ride more skilfully and in unison.
Michael also delivers numerous horsemanship and riding
clinics across Australia each year.
Michael will demonstrate the ultimate friendship and
bond he has with his best mate Romeo, during his stallion
demonstration. He blindfolds his Romeo’s Reflection and
performs a show to music, using a combination of body
language and cues to communicate with his horse. Clinics cover a range of topics from pressure points,
building trust and respect, through to cow horse
demonstrations and training days.
The Australian Horse Academy Flag Drill Riders
perform equestrian drills with flags as openers to each
of the shows, demonstrating superb precision and
horsemanship. Natalie Bell (Booking Agent)
E: [email protected]
M: 0419 653 729
W: http://australianhors eacademy.com.au
January • February • 2017 • The Australian Quarter Horse Magazine • Page 33