WHAT IS TTEAM?
|
WHAT IS TTEAM? |
|
 Linda Tellington-Jones and Dr Klimke |
The Tellington TTouch Equine Awareness Method
(TTEAM) is a teaching method for horses that incorporates body work (TTOUCH), ground
exercises and riding exercises to help improve co-ordination, balance, and athletic
ability whilst deepening further communication and understanding between the horse and its
owner/carer. TTEAM helps increase levels of self confidence and self-control. Developed by Linda Tellington-Jones, TTEAM is used widely in many countries across the world by Olympic dressage riders, pleasure riders, trainers, zoos, veterinarians, therapists and horse owners. With its roots in the Feldenkrais method of Awareness Through Movement, TTEAM techniques gently guide the horse through non-habitual exercises that can alter existing habitual patterns. As posture affects behaviour, many owners and carers note that unwanted behaviour diminishes as the horse's posture improves. TTEAM teaches the horse to act, rather than simply react. TTEAM blends well with many other modalities and training methods. It is not necessary to adopt the whole TTEAM philosophy in order to make a difference to a horse. Learning just a few of the simple body TTouches and movements can help make a difference to a horse's life. TTEAM is not a replacement for appropriate veterinary attention and should never be used as such. If you suspect that the horse in your care has a physical problem please consult your veterinary surgeon. A Veterinary Surgeon Defines TTEAM Tom Beckett DVM has been practising veterinary medicine for over 20 years at his Camino Viego Equine Clinic in Austin, Texas. His assistant, Marnie Reeder, is a TTEAM Practitioner. Both are actively involved with the Humane Society of Austin-Travis County in Texas and treat animals for the Humane Society in a veterinary capacity. |
TTEAM reduces the physical and mental stress created by human contact, handling, environment and other sub-optimum environmental conditions. It reduces chronic pain and poor functioning, which also cause stress.
Injuries often leave a holding pattern of pain and impaired function in the injured area. This pattern persists below awareness long after healing is complete, blocks aware use of that body part and thereby creates stress on distant areas, which must overwork to compensate. Such chronic distress effects general health, 'mood' and behaviour.
When pain or impaired nerve or muscle function disable a part of the body, TTEAM induces the animal to activate any available alternate neuromuscular pathways to restore function. The awareness it brings often relieves associated pain.
TTEAM uses TTOUCH to bring these patterns to awareness and exercises, which guide the organisation of more healthful, balanced movement.
With continued exposure to TTEAM, animals develop more ability to operate in a calm, focused mode. Responses to new situations become less automatic and more considered. The animal learns to learn. This along with more body awareness and awareness of environment yields more adaptability, more appropriate action.
***
TTEAM is a valuable tool that can help alter tension patterns and their associated behaviours in the horse.
Tension in Head and Poll
| Reluctance to be caught Reactivity to bridling/haltering Reluctance to move forward from leg |
Head/ear shyness Pulling back when tied Rearing |
Tension in Neck, Shoulders and Withers
| Leaning on/evading the bit Dragging a toe Girthiness |
Tripping/stumbling Shoeing issues Spooking |
Tension in Back
| Lack of engagement Poor performance Rushing Travelling/loading issues Bucking Lack of concentration |
Schooling difficulties Gait irregularities Reactivity to saddling/rugging up Jigging/excitability Rushing through door/gateways High head carriage |
Tension in Hindquarters and Tail
| Fear of loud noises Clamped tail Spooking Lack of confidence |
Reactivity to movement behind Kicking out Timidity |
***
The Three Phases of TTEAM
TTEAM offers a training approach that encourages optimal performance. TTEAM horses demonstrate marked improvement in athletic skills and an increased willingness and ability to perform. Owners can learn how best to help their horse by working with a trained Practitioner.
TTOUCH Work
Body TTouches find areas in the horse's body that indicate tension, fear of contact or discomfort. Specific movements and TTouches are used to improve circulation, release tension, calm and promote a greater sense of well being.
Ground Exercises
TTEAM leading exercises enable the horse to override old patterns of movement and behaviour without the use of fear or force. The ground work improves co-ordination, confidence, focus, self control, balance and co-operation.
Riding Exercises
TTEAM riding techniques combine Linda Tellington Jones's 30 years of classical riding experience with her unique training method to increase the comfort, performance and confidence of horse and rider.
Companion and Other Animals
TTEAM has helped a variety of animals including wildlife, dogs, cats, and other domesticated animals. For more information on TTEAM for dogs and other animals please contact the U.K. office, or consult the TTACT pages of this web site.
Rescued and Rehabilitated Horses
TTEAM offers ways to assess, train and help rescued and rehabilitating horses. The body work and ground work are invaluable for horses that cannot be ridden. Some of our Practitioners already work closely with welfare organisations and TTEAM workshops and clinics have been held in several national rehabilitation centres.
Who Would Benefit from Learning TTEAM?
Anyone who is involved with horses can benefit from learning TTEAM techniques. Veterinarians, veterinary nurses, trainers, chartered physiotherapists, riding instructors, pleasure riders, competition riders, horse owners, and behaviour counsellors have all attended workshops and added TTEAM tools to the skills already in place. Many go on to become trained TTEAM Practitioners.
Practitioner Training Programme
The Equine Practitioner Training Programme runs over the course of two years. Fully qualified Practitioners have attended a minimum of four week long trainings and have completed the necessary requirements to be listed as a Practitioner. Visit Linda Tellington-Jones website for more information.
***
The list of members on the Veterinary Advisory Board for TTEAM International is available from the UK office.
|
Telephone: Fax: Email: URL: |
01761 471182 01761 479082 Sarah Fisher www.tilleyfarm.co.uk |
|
CANADIAN OFFICE 5435 Rochdell Road Vernon B.C. V1B 3E8 CANADA Phone: 001 250 545 2336 |
***
Learn More About TTEAM
To learn more about this unique method you can:
Use this website or contact the UK office and find out how to: