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Lessons, Clinics and Training with Melissa Ellis

Lessons, Clinics and Training Opportunities with Melissa Ellis. Level 5 Harmony Horsemanship Instructor, Level 1 Centered Riding Instructor

Want to know more about me?

I am a Level 5 Harmony Horsemanship Instructor, Level 1 Centered Riding Instructor, Level 3 Reiki Practioner and in the process taking Equine Craniosacral Therapy Classes. I have also taken several clinics with an Equine Assisted Psychotherapist and have learned techniques to help humans find strength, confidence and peace in themselves…even after accidents and trauma.

I started my “Less is More” journey in 2017. Prior to that I would have considered myself a natural horsemanship trainer. I always enjoyed started and rehabbing tricky horses. I used bits and pieces of different training programs to get into the minds of the horses. I was successful but always wondered if there was an easier way.

I first learned about Harmony Horsemanship when I saw a Facebook video of Lindsey Partridge riding her OTTB bareback and bridleless as a big giant blue tarp was literally pulled over her and her horse like a wave. When the tarp was pulled back, Lindsey was lying down on the ground with her horse (offering her horse a cookie). I thought, if this girl can wrap a OTTB up in a big plastic bag and have the horse stay happy and relaxed…I want to learn more!

I traveled to Canada with two horses and trained with Lindsey. It was an absolutely amazing experience and I knew I was on the right path. Lindsey Partridge founded Harmony Horsemanship in 2015 in Ontario Canada. It is a training program that helps you Understand Yourself, Understand Your Horse and Understand The Language That Connects You!

I believe in this method of training as it builds a solid and trusting partnership with your horse built on communication and passive leadership. By using Harmony Horsemanship training techniques, I have achieved goals, I once only dreamed of. I now have even performed the big blue tarp routine in front of thousands of people riding my Morgan mare bridleless. It’s a simple process and does not require strength or force. We use building blocks to gain trust and understanding. It’s an amazing process, and the result is a relationship where your horse wants to say “yes” to each task you ask of him. He also trusts you that each new experience (even if he has never seen it before) is going to be fun and safe!

In life…there is not always an easy path. Sometimes the darkest days come before the brightest light. This opportunity happened on May 3, 2020. I was subjected to an accident that left me with broken ribs, a punctured lung and a knee and hip that will eventually need replacement. It was not the horses fault. I was riding a 4 year old that I had recently started, and we were chased down the road by a dirtbike. The driver essentially ran us off the road, and my horse jumped off the road and down embankment. I jumped off and landed hard in the road. Thank goodness the horse was ok.

At the time of my accident, I had a full lineup of training horses that were coming in to be started or rehabbed. I was sure I would have to cancel all of them, but then I realized my true calling could be helping owners train their own horses using Harmony Horsemanship techniques.

During the time I spent healing, I helped owners train their horses. It was a very successful summer and far more rewarding than handing a horse (that I had trained) back to an owner that did not speak the same language the horse had learned.

When I returned to working with horses the “Less Is More” concept soared to the next level. My body was still pretty darn broken and moving was painful. So I started to play with the concept of “Catch The Ear so you don’t need to control the feet”. I realized this concept really worked and started to dive deep into learning even more subtle ways to communicate with horses (where I could move less). It was kind of my only option….but I now appreciate the physical limitation I experienced, as it made me dive deeper into being aware of the most subtle communication we can have with horses. If a horse was too distracted and needed to move I would go to Harmony Horsemanship “Square” exercise or Charlotte Cannon’s “Playground of Safety”. Both allow the human to do limited or no movement and both are magical in allowing the horse to find relaxation.

I have since started training horses again as my body is slowly healing…but I am honoring that my true passion is helping owners train their own horses. It has become a journey of listening to the horse and understanding their needs through what they tell us by their actions. I understand the importance of clear passive leadership and how to communicate with the horses in a way that makes sense to them and helps the horse feel safe and heard. If a horse feels safe, he can find calm. If a horse finds calm…training is actually quite easy.

If the horse has found calm and training continues to be difficult, it is time to look at the physical piece. It is very easy to say…”pain has been ruled out”…but finding the course of pain can often look like trying to find a needle in a haystack. We have all heard before that there is no such thing as a “bad” horse and this was echoed over and over again in a recent online dissection class that I did. The instructors continually reminded us that behaviors are NEVER behaviors as there is ALWAYS a reason and something causing it…finding that reason can be tricky but once that reason is found and resolved, I have found that training can once again happen. Trying to “train” a horse that is in pain, never goes well as we can NEVER EVER train pain.

This is all a process, but once the owner and horse can communicate and feel safe and comfortable…the sky is the limit and the partnership we have with our horses becomes more and more beautiful and the sky is truly the limit.

I look forward to sharing Harmony Horsemanship, Centered Riding, Craniosacral and Reiki with you and your horses! There really is an easier way and the journey to get there is incredibly rewarding. As a Level 5 Harmony Horsemanship Instructor. I generally teach the clinics below, but am happy to teach Private Session Clinics as well as customizing a clinic to meet the needs of the horses and their humans. I do not teach Centered Riding clinics but happily offer private sessions at my farm in Newfane, Vt. Feel free to reach out if you want to know more!

Harmony Horsemanship 101:

Harmony Horsemanship is all about Understanding Yourself, Your Horse and the Language That Connects You. Would you like to understand how to better communicate with your horse? Would you like your horse to truly want to be with you? Would you like to learn how to connect with your horse without needing to chase them or use excessive force? Would you like your horse to turn to you for support if they are frightened or worried? Then this clinic will start you on an amazing journey with your equine partner.

Create a “Yes” Through Confidence Building & Obstacles:

Would you like to know how to create a “Yes” horse? Would you like to know how to build a trust and partnership with your horse so you can conquer challenges you never thought possible?

Using Lindsey Partridge’s Harmony Horsemanship techniques, we will work through a process of building blocks in order to make these goals a reality. The process is fair and kind. Your horse will learn, that whatever you ask of them, you will keep them safe and they can trust you. The results in one day are truly amazing!

No Tools Liberty:

You and your horse in a wide open space with no tools…it is partnership, it is trust, it is a beautiful connection that is completely attainable and easier to achieve then you may realize with Harmony Horsemanship!

Intro To Bridleless:

Why bridleless? Well why not? In a time where less is more, why not improve our communication with our horses using less equipment? I set out to train my first bridleless horse using no equipment at all. This meant no ropes, no halter, no saddle, no whips, no spurs, not even a neck rope or a round pen. It was an amazing journey and I have now competed bridleless in trail competitions as well as ride bridleless in expos, at the beach and even on trail rides. I am enjoying this journey and would love to share it with you and your horse.

Trick Training:

Would you like to know how to teach your horse some fun trick? Trick training can be a fun activity to learn during the winter months or when you and your horse are unable to ride. Once they start to learn the pattern of teaching them each new trick, they are like little kids in a classroom that can’t wait for the next project. Let me help you teach them to Fetch, Spanish Walk, Bow, Lie Down, Backwards Around You, Sidepass To Pick You Up At The Mounting Block, Kiss. The possibilities are endless and so much fun!

Becoming a Beach Horse:

Have you dreamed of taking your horse to the beach but don’t know where to start? This clinic is for you! A good canter through the waves feels like you are in the movie The Black Stallion…but to get to that point it is a process. I am confident in that process as literally all my horses canter through the waves…and believe me a good bareback bridleless canter really does feel like you are right there living that movie scene…However, too quick of an introduction to the ocean can shatter the confidence of both the horse and human and cause a fear of the ocean that can be difficult to overcome. How do we avoid this? By using Harmony Horsemanship Calm Connection Exercises…Want to learn more? Ask about the Becoming A Beach Horse Clinic!

Become The Center Of Your Horses Universe:

Are you ready to dive deep and learn how Harmony Horsemanship can completely change the way you communicate with your horse. This clinic changed my world and I know it will do the same for you! It is a full 5 day clinic that can be broken down into a fewer day clinic series or a clinic that consists of 4 long days. This clinic is a game changer and not to be missed.

Becoming A Calm Horse:

Much like people horses can only learn when they are in a calm learning state of mind. Once a horse is calm and relaxed, training is actually quite easy! That being said, achieving calm can often seem quite challenging…but the wonderful news is it does not have to be!

During this clinic we will understand how to analyze our horses using the Harmony Energy Scale. We will learn to understand if our horse needs a movement or stationary based exercise. We will hear each horse’s voice and listen to what the horse is showing us they need…then we will dive deep into many different avenues of helping our horses achieve calm.

Harmony Horsemanship SAFE Horse Handling Clinic:

Are you a horse owner, vet tech, barn manager, equine professional, volunteer at a rescue or for a therapeutic riding program? Would you like to know more about Harmony Horsemanship and our SAFE techniques for handling horses? The Harmony Horse Handling Course will be perfect for you! The objective of the course is for horse owners or people who work with horses to be comfortable with horses, assist with basic/common procedures, and be able to help horses who are struggling using safe and effective techniques.

Rider Biomechanics:

This rider biomechanics clinic is designed for all levels who want to deepen their understanding of how their own body influences the horse’s movement. Through a blend of mounted and unmounted sessions, participants will learn how small adjustments in alignment, muscle engagement, and posture can transform communication while riding.

Something that may have seemed unattainable in the past will feel achievable while remaining simple. Horses in the clinic should be well mannered under saddle. Most exercises can be done at the walk, so green horses or horses that maybe struggling with light soundness concerns would still be welcome to join!

Confidence Building For Humans:

Join us for a positive, confidence building clinic designed to help riders and handlers feel more relaxed and effective with their horses. We will learn skills for managing nerves, improving body language, and creating calm, effective interactions.

Groundwork sessions focus on developing a safe place for both horse and rider by using clear cues, passive leadership and effective exercises to help both horse and rider feel calm.

Ridden sessions will expand these skills, helping riders stay balanced and calm so they can choose effective exercises even in challenging moments.

Clinic will be both in hand and ridden. For non-ridden horses the afternoon session can be used to advance groundwork connection and feel.

Thoughts Matter:

This clinic is designed to help riders and handlers better understand what their horses are saying through posture, expression, and movement. Participants will learn how to identify early signs of tension, relaxation, curiosity, and distraction and how to respond in ways that build trust and clarity. We will learn exercises for keeping your horse’s attention, such as effective use of body position, timing, and intention. By the end of the clinic, you’ll feel more confident reading your horse’s signals and knowing how to guide their focus, thus creating a safer and more harmonious partnership.

Clinic will be both in hand and ridden. For non-ridden horses the afternoon session can be used to advance groundwork connection and feel.

Horse Sense:

This clinic is designed for handlers and owners who want to better understand their horse’s physical and emotional comfort. Through a blend of observation, hands-on evaluation, and holistic tools, participants will learn how to identify subtle signs of tension, restriction, or discomfort in their horses.

We will explore how to read your horse’s expression, movement, and stance to pinpoint areas of concern.

We will then learn simple, non-invasive methods to release tension and support relaxation.

We will use tuning forks to see how vibration can help areas there may be tension and see how frequencies and even a hands off approach can help all horses, even those that do not do well with touch or those that are not safe to work around.

We will also offer essential oils to the horses and see what they choose to help with finding relaxation, emotional balance, and focus. Bring your own small stuffed animal and we can will apply the oils your horse chooses so you can offer it to them at home.

By the end of the clinics you will feel more comfortable recognizing where your horse may be uncomfortable and will have practical tools to help your horse feel more comfortable in his body and mind.

Private Lessons and Trucking In:

$65 for 45 min

Off-Site Day Clinics:

$1000 plus travel. The Clinic host will be responsible for advertising, collecting funds, and organizing the day. Off site clinics are limited to 10-12 horse/rider teams. Please chat with Melissa regarding your arena size. Often hosts will charge $135-$175 per day for the clinic per horse/rider team

Training Board:

$1500 per month. I do require a fair amount of owner involvement and the owner traveling to the farm at least twice a week. I want to end that both you and your horses speak the same language and succeed at home. Due to injury, I no longer take on the really tricky rehab horses for under saddle work but am happy to chat about how we can set your horse up for ultimate success!

Please reach out through text or email to discuss:

Cell: 802-345-1633

Email: steepwaymorgans@gmail.com

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Horses Available For Lessons and Clinics

Revealing Irish Commands DOB 6/6/2003:

“Bailey” is 14.2 hands. He is more whoa then go and has the most comfortable slow canter that everyone dreams of. He is safe and comfortable but will still challenge you on helping him with find correct bend and straight lines. He rides english, western, bridleless and drives. He also absolutely loves a trail ride and is safe and confident! He is all gelding and when working on the ground, he needs to be reminded of drivelines, boundaries and to be polite and not to be a nudge, but he is a fun and an umcomplicated ride!

Aikane’s And Ace’s Flirt DOB 4/30/2008:

“Flirt” She has a nice size and build and is a fun horse to ride. She is safe and comfortable to ride, but not boring. She rides hunt, jumps, dressage, has done some low level eventing, loves liberty, rides bridleless and absolutely loves a trail ride. She has a solid walk, trot and canter and is a pleasure to be around on the ground and under saddle.

UVM Pricless DOB 4/4/2007:

“Kara” is our go to girl for anyone to ride. She is also comfortable to ride but not boring. She rides, hunt, dressage, enjoys liberty and bridleless and loves a trail ride. She has a solid walk, trot and canter and is just a happy girl doing whatever you ask of her.

Sky Run Matrix DOB 5/28/2008:

“Matrix “is a sport horse bred Morgan. He is about 15.2 hands. He is quiet and a good boy. He is good at all three gaits and has good forward motion with out speed. He is happy to go on a loose rein or with contact. He is solid under saddle and comfortable to ride with a dreamy canter. We do some low level dressage and have started jumping and eventing. He is also fun on the trails and enjoys working equitation and liberty work. He has just started bridleless riding and I can’t wait to put more bridleless rides on him! He learns quick and loves to be told what a good boy he is! He is all gelding and when working on the ground, he needs to be reminded of drivelines, boundaries and to be polite and not to be a nudge, but he is a fun not so complicated ride!

Steep Way Cosmo Girl DOB 6/30/2011:

“Cosmo” is a Morgan mare that does it all. She has lots of buttons and pretty much you name it, she does it! Hunt, western, dressage, jumping, working equitation, extreme trail, liberty and she excelles in bridleless riding. She is very comfortable to ride...but she is small and only about 14.2 hands but takes up a lot of leg. She has plenty of go but good brakes and loves to learn new and fun tricks!

Jubilation Briarwick DOB 6/26/2006:

“Briar” is Cosmo’s older half-brother. He also has lots of buttons and very trained but also a lot of go! He needs to be ridden softly and needs his rider to constantly check in with him on his speed. He has a lot of power, but also good brakes and goes quite nicely when his rider is there to support him. He is never naughty but not a simple ride either. He is not scared of anything, loves to jump, he rides hunt, western, loves to drives, does extreme trail, but would probably not be the first choice for a dressage test. He is very polite on the ground, safe to give any child a lunge lesson and my number one choice when ponying the babies and inexperienced horses. He is a bit larger than Cosmo (about 15 hands).

Berriebook First In Line DOB 5/26/2006:

“Boomer” My absolute favorite Morgan gelding (don’t tell the others). Lots of buttons, very trained. He can have a bit of yikes that scared me, but if you are quiet. He then knows, what ever it was was no big deal. He is more go then whoa, but in a showy way, still very well behaved and easy to ride. He is sweet as can be and very polite and people fall in love with him in a matter of seconds. He rides hunt, western, dressage, bridleless and loves liberty. He is about 15 hands and I am positive this horse is actually a person. He has so much intuition and love and would also do well as a therapy horse for those just needing to burry their face in his mane and feel the love only a horse can bring. He is is as beautiful on the outside as he is on the inside.

Steep Way Amazing Grace DOB 5/23/12:

She loves to be ridden and is a good girl. She once was a giant “no” horse before Harmony Horsemanship. Her antics are what brought me to the first Lindsey Partridge clinic. That day changed our lives forever. She has a nice walk, trot, canter but is still a bit green when it comes to transitions and balance. She moves nice, but not as big a stride as some of the others She rides hunt, she jumps, loves liberty and even jumps bridleless. She can be dominant, but nothing naughty...just a nudge more on the ground. She is the type that you ask her nicely and she will give you the world. She is absolutely beautiful.

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Boarding Opportunities

We have no openings available at this time, but feel free to contact me if you wish to get on a waiting list. Horses at Steep Way Morgans live like horses. They have access to shelter, hay and warm fresh water 24/7. They are turned out 24/7. We do not put the horses in stalls at night unless the weather is pretty darn bad. Other than that the horses will be blanketed when the weather is cold or rainy. Essentially they live like privileged wild mustangs. Board starts at $600 per month.

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