As I talked about in my last post, my initial foray into the BTMM was last spring with the FB Masterclass. The Masterclass is a series of guides including videos, pictures, write ups, and posts. It is not a step by step how to, but more of an exposition of the theory behind the method with lots of real life examples. This second time of going through the guides, videos, and posts I feel like I got things more because there are many more supporting materials and examples. It is not however, a step by step of exercises that you can quickly breeze through and implement.
There is a good general explanation of the methodology and theory on the BTMM website HERE and the link to purchase the Masterclass that is hosted on FB. Right now, other than the Masterclass, some in person clinics given by Celeste and some of her approved instructors, there is also the option for virtual one on ones. My understanding from the website is that there will be online academy classes for a nerve release course, the pillars in hand, and then under saddle pillars this spring and summer. Another great learning opportunity is to check out Celeste-Leilani Lazaris’ personal FB page that is open to the public, where she does a fair amount of posts on explanations of theory and biomechanics.
The base of the method is the three pillars that must be present for the ridden horse to function in correct biomechanics. I don’t want to go into detail because it is Celeste’s work to explain and profit from, but I thought I could do a generalized overview. The first pillar has to do with the relationship to contact and being able to turn on and off certain of the horse’s muscles. The second pillar has to do with the center of gravity of the horse at the standstill and in motion. The third pillar has to do with spinal integrity, the horse being able to abduct independently, and be able to do a curved line correctly. The pillars build on each other and are simple, but take a while to get right and then to build up strength. When the in hand is solid then the same exercises are started under saddle. Everything is done in a sympathetic manner and is a little more like gentle physical therapy than slamming the horse through a series of movements. The idea being that any riding horse in a ridden horse sport should have the three pillars as a base and then split off into a specialty.
Of course if your horse has nerve impingements from a collapsed thoracic sling, foot issues, or any of a host of other problems you would implement a more complex supporting plan but the pillars would still ultimately be how you would eventually rehab them into correct biomechanics.
I feel like I am learning so much from this Masterclass and continue to be blown away by the wealth of online learning opportunities available.