If 10-time-Olympian Ian Millar had a guidebook, this Masterclass would be it. In this course, Ian defines what feel actually means, then teaches you the foundational elements that actually create feel and allow any rider to become an expert communicator and true partner to any horse they ride. From the underlying theories that are critical to every rider’s success, to specific practical examples and exercises to develop your use of pressure, body control, body language, communication, and balance, this is Ian’s playbook to confidence and success in the saddle at any level.

You’ll learn the fundamentals of feel, break down the theories behind what makes top riders so successful and what we can take from them, and learn step-by-step how to apply the foundations of feel and body control to your riding in a way that feels easy to understand and gives you real, tangible results.

After this course, you’ll view how you use your body to communicate with your horse in a whole new light. You’ll gain the understanding of what feel really is, why how we use our bodies matters so much, and learn step-by-step the tools and skills you need to reach your goals with your horse.

The Foundations of Feel

• It Begins With the Horse
• Learning Feel Through Empathy & Understanding
• Body Language
• Reading Your Horse & Observing Responses
• Strength vs Technique
• Teaching Horses to Listen to Your Whispers

Building the Relationship Through Balance, Communication and Body Control

• Making the Connection at the Walk
• Practical: Developing Feel & Communication Through a Shoulder- In
• Using Your Body to Influence Your Horse
• How Body Control, Balance & Feel Interact
• Being "At Home" on Your Horse
• Practical: Building Balance on the Lunge Line

Ground Pole and Gymnastic Exercise for Better Balance and Body Control

• Practical: Cantering Poles to Build Balance & Develop Your Eye
• Practical: Progressive Gymnastic Exercise for Balance & Body Control
• Practical: Gymnastic Exercise for Better Body Control

Ian Millar is an icon in international show jumping. The most decorated equestrian in Canadian history, his record-breaking career has set the bar for its numerous achievements and unparalleled longevity.

What Ian is perhaps best known for, is his unprecedented Olympic record. He has competed in more Olympic Games than any athlete in history, in any sport. As of the 2012 Games in London, he set a new World Record for number of Olympic starts—10 in total—and recorded his best individual result to date, finishing ninth overall. Ian earned his first Olympic Medal in 2008 at age 61, setting a record for the oldest show jumper to stand on the podium at the Olympics.

If Ian’s Olympic record is impressive for its longevity, his Pan American Games is equally so for its medal count. Ian has earned nine medals in nine Pan American Games—more than any other show jumper. He has twice been the Pan American Games Individual Gold medalist. 

A staple on the Nation’s Cup team, Ian has represented Canada in every Nations Cup event held at a show he has attended since he was first named to the team in 1971. He has donned the red coat for Canada at six World Championships, where he has been a member of three, top-five placed teams and has finished in the top 10 individually twice. Equally impressive is Ian’s national record; he is a record 12-time Canadian Champion.