TTEAM is the acronym for Tellington TTouch Equine Awareness Method and refers to the TTouch work specifically for the horse. Linda Tellington-Jones developed TTouch. We ask a lot of our horses in the various sports activities we enjoy with them so it is important to keep them healthy and physically sound. TTEAM trainers have found that most unwanted behaviors can be traced to pain, fear and soreness from improper fitting of tack. Fear and pain are the two largest inhibitors to learning. The TTouch method for horses starts from the ground to examine behavioral issues and looks first at the physical body of the horse to gain an understanding of what the horse is experiencing.

Beginning with an "exploration" of the body, we start gathering information concerning where the horse is experiencing or holding fear and pain. Now, using the many TTouches we work to relax and soften muscles, remove over-sensitivities, and create balance, awareness and confidence. The TTouches include the basic circular touch and its variations, slides and lifts and a number of exercises for the limbs. By creating a calm relaxed posture, TTouch can influence behavior and attitude for positive change.

By communicating clearly from the ground what we will later be asking from the saddle, TTouch uses a visual, tactile and auditory methods including various leading exercise, long-line driving, the use of the “wand” and also toning to provide a calm, safe environment for learning. Horses are always worked at their own pace and the key to being successful is to constantly be “listening” to the animals and finding a way that makes learning easy. The Confidence Course or Playground for Higher Learning Horses learn to cope with fears and insecurities when incorporating the leading exercises over ground poles, across plastic, through the labyrinth and a number of other obstacles. The Playground of Higher Learning provides a challenging environment in developing the horse’s coordination, focus, and confidence, and adds an element of fun to learning.

TTouch has been extremely effective in aiding the healing and recovery period during illness or injury. Specific TTouches and lifts are particularly effective to help the horse with colic while waiting for the veterinarian and for bringing an injured animal out of shock. The overall well being of your horse can be greatly enhanced by just a little bit of TTouch daily. TTouch is never a replacement for veterinary care.

TTEAM training is for all disciplines and levels of experience. To start using TTouch for your horse, you may want to learn some of the TTouches first with a few private sessions or group classes. Then attending weekend workshops or 6 day long training might interest you. Look at the Calendar of events or contact us to set up private appointments. We look forward to assisting you with deepening your connection and relationship with your horse.