The EHS certification training will be conducted in three modules. The first module (Level I) will be held at Morning Star Farm, Novato, California April 24-28, 2006. Classes will be Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

The EHS training program will be conducted by Novato Institute Director and Equine Hanna Somatics practitioner Eleanor Criswell Hanna, Ed.D. The equine anatomy portion of the class will be taught by Barbara Chasteen.

Equine Hanna Somatics (EHS) is an adaptation of Hanna Somatics for horses. Like humans, horses experience stress and develop chronically contracted muscles. Chronically contracted muscles often create discomfort and restricted movement. Equine Hanna Somatics is a hands-on procedure for teaching horses, horse riders, and horse handlers the voluntary, conscious control of the neuromuscular systems of horses suffering muscular disorders of an involuntary, unconscious nature. Horses find EHS very relaxing. After the EHS session, horses walk, trot, and canter more easily and their muscles move more fluidly. During subsequent riding sessions, they seem to respond more readily to rider requests. Riders report enhanced bonding with their horses.

The program will begin with an introduction to the principles of Equine Hanna Somatics. Other topics addressed will be the history of Equine Hanna Somatics, equine anatomy and kinesiology, somatic horse handling, safety, EHS basic protocols, Hanna Somatics for riders and horse handlers, the nature of the horse and learning, herd dynamics, equine neurophysiology, conformation/posture, assessment, equine somatic issues, ethics, legalities, practice building, and others. The day will be divided into two sections: The morning will be devoted to practice with horses; the afternoon will be lecture, discussion, and somatic exercises for equestrians. The horses will be provided by Morning Star Farm.

Each of the three modules is $750. Participants are required to have experience with horses. If you are interested in attending, please call (415) 897-0336 or email the director, Eleanor Criswell Hanna, Ed.D. at ecriswel@ix.netcom.com. A telephone interview is necessary for acceptance into the program. If you are accepted into the program, a $200 deposit is due by April 1. Please mail payment to: Novato Institute 1516 Grant Ave., #212, Novato, CA 94945. For late registration, please phone the Novato Institute to see if there is space available.