Courses, riding and instruction
At Punktur out main focus is on trailrides on our Icelanders. It's great riding trought a beautiful hilly landscape with mountain views and diverse woodland and open fields. But: nice trailriding in nature is in our view is not "just". Rrelaxed riding is not possible without good instruction. Especially because we want to keep our horses nice in tölt. So everyone can enjoy them and their tölt.
We give instrudtions for beginners and advanced riders. For people interested in the extra gaits and riders who want to lcontinue riding and of course fo the real starters an re-starters. Naturally, the emphasis lies on a light way of riding, a good seat and the Icelandic gaits. For your development, we can decide that you will ride a large number of diferent horses. This can be very instructive.
Of course we can always vary the learning with recreation, with rides and trailrides, walks, doing nothing and self indulgence. That is all included at Punktur!
In the Starters course, we introduce you to a prudent way with the horses. Perhaps this will be your first contact with this impressive animal. Or perhaps this will be your first step in learning to understand how a horse reacts, we take all the time that is needed!
We are very concerned about our horses well-being and safety of our guests. Therefore we always start the riding courses and the trailrides with an introductory lesson.
In the introductory lesson we show you how we deal with our horses and how to sit correctely on an Icelander. This iensures that everyone understands the instructions during the rides. Meanwhile, we learn to know each other so we can decede which horse will suit you for the ride. Without this introductory lesson we will not take you along for trailrides. This approach ensures that we can offer your subtle, pleasantly tölting and willing horses. After this lesson, we know more about your equestrian level and together we can work out a plan for your holliday.
Our annual program is a light guide. The courses and packagescan always be customized. We offer the following packages and courses:
Töltcourse
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The basis for our Icelandic horses farm is of course the extra gait tölt. To us that is the biggest attraction of our horses. But for people who have alwys rode on schools or in the arena, it takes some time and practise to figure out how to ride in Icelandic stye, the way we ride and train our horses.
A horse is a horse, so all aids work just like on "normal" horses. But you will soon find out that you have to be more precise when riding Icelandic horses. Because in the secound gear, they can choose tot trot, tölt or pace. This means you have to clearly indicate what you want! Therefore we will helpe you to work on a proper and independent seat, balance, a soft and clear and pleasant hand for the horse bridle and correctly aids!
For many of you this may be things that you already know and which are really back to the basics. For many riders, this course is an eye opener and makes you a better rider, also with other horses!
This course is for people who want to expirience tölt for the first time. But the course is also suitable for those who have some experience with tölt and want to improve their skills. We can help the advanced rider who has specific questions about or problems with the tölt. Many of the instructions in this course wil be during trailrides.
Dealing with Icelandic horses
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Icelandic horses are different, this is also reflected in their owners. Solidarity and informal interaction are ranked first. This is strongly influenced by the culture in Iceland itself, the oldest democracy in the world, in a rugged and inhospitable country. The handling of horses there is hardly fixed to rules. In contrast, the individuality of each horse is cherished. And that makes quite a difference.
If you want to know whether an Icelandic horse suits you: come and meet them at the course Dealing with Icelandic horses.
We like to teach you the theory of the different gaits and especially the extra gaits of the Icelandic horse! By riding different Icelandic horses, you will experience the difference in their gaits and you will learn to recognise them, to ride the separate gaits and to train them.
At Punktur we give a lot of thought about the way in which we deal with the horses. The nature of the horse is out starting point. For many of our guests this may be a new way of thinking about and dealing with horses. It will give you a new view on your relation with a horse. We like to teach our way of dealing with Icelandic horses. This approach is naturally also universally applicable to all horses. You will learn to think and act from the viewpoint of the horse. This approach is naturally to a horse and makes it more easy for him to understand your requests. While to you, as rider or while dealing with the horse, it is fun and safe!
Horses as a species have their own rules of conduct and etiquette. When dealing with horses it should be a perquisite to know these. With this knowledge you will understand that your horse will always tell you when they accept or don’t accept your requests and conduct. To learn this, you will have to get to know their natural conduct, the ranks in the herd and life in a herd. All this you can learn and practise at Punktur. The horses will teach you most by being the mirror to your conduct, teaching you how you behave instead of how you think you are behaving. This is a clear course on leadership, dominance and its functions in your relation with your horse.
You will learn a lot about dealing with Icelandic horses in this course by communicating in a way that is natural to horses. You will learn how horses think and act and through this you will learn how to handle horses in an light, clear and easy way. Lightness in dealing with and riding horses is to us an essential learning goal. Also you will learn about training horses. OF we can put more emphasis on young horses. The course includes the setting of training goals, training methods, planning of training and of course the actual riding on Icelandic horses. For more advanced riders we can extend this course to training, the starting of young horses and problem-solving-riding.
For those interested we can modify this course to a complete course in groundwork and dealing with horses (when desired without any riding).
If you want to know whether an Icelandic horse suits you: come and meet them at the course dealing with Icelandic horses.
We like to teach you about the theory of the different gaits and especially the extra gaits of the Icelandic horse! By riding different Icelandic horses, you experience the difference in their gaits and you learn to recognise them. You will learn to ride the separate gaits and to train them!
Starters course
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For people who never rode a horse and whish to learn it or for re-starters who did not ride for a long time, we offer this intensive starters course. This course will start at the very beginning. Even if you previously had some courses in a riding school, this will be very instructive. While dealing with our horses, you will learn how to deal with them, their behaviour, tack, saddles, and most of all about Icelandic horses. As soon as possible you will be sitting on a horse, finding your balance and learning to sit comfortable and yet active. Learning the aids for steering and speed control.
During this intensive week you will get a thorough theoretical basis and intensive training of skills to give you a good (re)start with horse riding. You will learn about the behaviour of horses and people and receive a thorough insight into the reasons behind the skills for horse riding. Time will be reserved for questions and for developing your own views. You will feel more sure and natural on a horse after this course. Offering you a good start for your career as rider.
Icelandtraining
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The dream of every enthusiast for Icelandic horses is to once ride a trekking in Iceland. These trekkings are quite heavy. People who show good skills, will be offered the better and subtle riding horses. Therefore a good preparation can make them a lot more fun. This course Iceland training” offers the necessary preparation with a combination of trailrides, lessons and rinding many different horses through real rough and hilly terrain. You will gain the necessary riding skills on many different types of Icelandic horses. But you can also consider this Icelandtraining as a more affordable substitute to a trekking in Iceland.
We expect you to be an advanced rider, with good riding skills, an independent seat and good use of your hands. Also we expect you to haven an open mind for the Icelandic way of riding.
The course consists of much riding, gaining experience in the hills and on rough terrain, intermittent wit lessons. While riding many different horses. This diversity makes it a combination of a course, training and a holiday.
The course consists of 10 days, of which 2 are not riding days, offering you time to see the surroundings of have a relaxed day off.
Classical riding NEW!
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This course in classical riding is aimed at those who are a bit “stuck” in their development as a rider, and suspect the cause to be on their side of the saddle. It is also aimed at those who have physical pains or problems when riding (e.g. headaches, backaches, shoulders, knees, hips and sore skin). In this case you really should reexamine and improve your riding style.
We have been working with horses and people learning to ride. It is fascinating to discover again and again that proven science and classical riding are the true basics. Truly classical riding is logical to horses. Because aids in the classical way are clear and logical, making it easy for the horse to react to your requests. The classical method takes the necessary time for the horse to learn and understand what is requested of him. But is asks of you to become a truly skillful rider. A good, independent seat, balance and good hands are essential.
During this course, we will observe and examine your riding style and pinpoint the problems or possibilities for improvements. In most cases the main improvements lie in the basics: sitting straight up, enough relaxation and enough tension, aids, the use of your hands and an independent seat. You will receive feedback from us and our horses and we will show you and help you to become aware of your seat and aids and their influence on your horse. Together we will improve your riding skills while minimizing your aids and effort. You will learn to drive your horse effortless and effective as well as all other aids for riding. The course Classical riding is very intensive and also very rewarding.
Buying your own Icelandic horse
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Buying your own Icelandic horse is a milestone in your life. Many people are quite unsure about which horse to choose and whether they are really ready for their first own horse. As part of this seach, we at Punktur can help you. At request (there are no fixed dates in the year program), we offer this individual course for buying your own Icelandic horse.
In course you will learn about the daily care of your horse and we will help you to decide what kind of horse suits you.
You will learn about the daily care for your horse, including feeding, handling, social behavior and general care. By experiencing all this during the course you will find out what it takes and if this is what you want. We will help you to find out what your skills and ambitions are. You will develop your personal “taste” in horses e.g. which you like end don’t. If necessary riding courses will be included to further improve your riding skills.
Our main focus is at showing you the choices when looking for your own horse: temperament, mare or gelding, character, four- or fivegaited, coat colors and your owns skills and ambitions. While riding many of our different horses you will find out what kind of horses you like and what suits you.
Besides that, we will inform you about the procedures for buying a horse, the standard medical checks and prices. Loaded with this knowledge and information you will be able to make a better choice and find a suitable horse for yourself.
While riding on our horses, you will also ride some horses that might be for sale. Of course there is absolutely no obligation to buy one of our horses. If it might happen that you meet the perfect horse for your at Punktur, this course will be for free.
Long Trailrides NEW!
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Our farm is located in a beautiful landscape, which is also very inviting for long trailrides. The countryside offers many fantstic routes. It is very diverse, with beautiful scenery's and nature. The activity Long Trailrides is not just a combination of trailrides, because the rides will be in Icelandic style !
The Icelandic style of trailrides involves active and quit quick rides. Most normal trailrides are very slow, much distance is covered in walk, making the horses tiered en slow. The groups are big and the circumstances primitive. After a long day you have to pitch your tent and prepare and eat untastefull camp-food. Sleeping on a hard camping mattress; washing with cold water. This is not how we like it at Punktur.
We found the solution in a combination of the Icelandic style for trailrides and our own sense of comfort and fun. The trailrides will be speedy, most distances will be covered in tölt. Lunch consists of a good meal with soup and fresh bread. Togehter with the lunch, fresh horses will be brought for the second part of the trailride. The fresh horses are motivated and willing for a quick ride. Dinner and the nights we will spent at the Punktur farm or in a hotel or pension. Offering a comfortable bed and good dinner. The horses will spent the night at Punktur, offering them more rest and relaxation. The Long Trailraides are just like on Iceland, but with more comfort.
This offer is quite exclusive with a minimum of three guests and a maximum of five. You are welcome to join these trailrides alone or with a group.
The week will start on arrival at Saturday evening. This day will be easy and relaxed. You can settle in your room, get to know the farm and al our animals, the horses, dogs and cats. You are welcome for dinner, but please confirm this when booking.
The next day (Sunday) you will get to know our Icelandic horses. We will start with a introduction lesson (as with all our activities), including theory and practice of riding and tölt.
The second day (Monday) will be the first trailride as an introduction. If necessary this will be followed by an extra instruction lesson or a second ride.
Tuesday and Wednesday will be true long trailrides, lasting al day. Thursday will be more relaxed; the morning will be occupied with extra instruction or free time. In the afternoon another trailride. Friday and Saturday will be again true long trailrides, lasting al day. Sunday morning you will leave for home after a good breakfast.
Long trailrides are only possible in spring and autumn, because the summers can be very hot, making the fast trailrides to demanding on our horses.
Winter trailrides
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During winter, we still offer activities and courses. In Silesia (the part of Poland we are situated) the temperature in winter drops far below zero, but the air is dry, causing it to feel less cold. Every winter we have snow.
Fortunately the snow is nearly always of the kind that enables horseriding. In contrast to the snow in the Netherlands, which nearly always dangerously builds up in the horse's hooves. We can therefore offer you great opportunities for horse riding in the snow.
We will start with a introduction lesson (as with all our activities), including theory and practice of riding and tölt.
The horses are in full winter coat, making them look like bears. Our experienced horses carry you in tölt through the snow and over the hills. You keep yourself warm in thick winter clothes. When we arrive back at the farm there hot chocolate is served at the fireplace.
Trailrides
Read more...We also offer beautiful trailrides in our fantastic countryside. Because we care about our horses and guests, this week will start with a introduction lesson (as with all our activities), including theory and practice of riding and tölt. Only after that we will start the trailrides through the Silesian hills around our farm. All rides will be accompanied by an experienced guide who not only knows the way, but also offers, when needed, assistance and instruction on riding our horses. But the guide might as well act as nature guide. Showen you interesting plants,animals or calling for a break to eat ripe cherries directly from a tree!
Summer holidays
Read more...Summer is our high season. At the farm all will be very lively with people and horses. At the farm are many guests and often there are also guests camping outside in the fields. When booking for horse activities guests in the house are always first. If time and the amount of horses permit, camping guests can also join the horse activities. The guests decide what activities will be on every day: trailrides, instruction during a trailride or in the paddock. Most important is it to be a proper holiday!
Changing course for man and manager
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This course is not about horses, but about you. Our horses will be your coach. There is no need to have an interest in horses, but you have to be open to the feedback and coaching by means of horses.
During the decennia that we have bene working with horses, we developed techniques to deal with our herds of horses and to kep the training of our horses simple and light. Our communication with horses is aimed at making our goal to their own goal. People training and working at our farm learn these techniques as well. While they are learning these techniques, we see these young people develop into true personalities who take leadership naturally and show self consiousness.
This personal development is also offfered in this changing course. We know how these processes between horse and man act. Horses do react solely on body language. Between people body language has much more inpact than most people realize. By learning to use your body language as a tool, you meassage will coe true much more clearly to horses and also to humans ! These skills can be taught quiet quickly through the direct and clear feedback of horses. Our horses can offer you this. You will learn skills such as taking and accepting leadership, setting goals (and keeping focus on the goal, determining the direction), empathy with the horse (or human), recognizing and dealing with resistance, working with different personalities and the difference between objectively analyzing versus interpretation.
PPPPPPR Polish Pentecost Punktur Horses Reunion
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For everybody who feels part of Punktur or is involved with Punktur, we organise this PPPPR. There is no limit to the amount of people coming, there will be no program. Everybody is WELCOME. We have three guestrooms and two more rooms upstairs. During PPPR there is no right to a personal room, we share them, making enough beds for everybody joining. You pay euro 100 when coming and determine for yourself whether you stay 1 day or the full 5 days.
The activities depend on all attending: arrange for someone to instruct you, give some instruction or demonstration yourself, join a ride. (nearly) Everything is possible !
