What
is TTEAM?
 |
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
by Tom Beckett DVM
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.
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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.
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The list of members on the Veterinary Advisory
Board for TTEAM International is available from the UK office.
TILLEY FARM UK TTEAM CENTRE
Timsbury Road
Farmborough
Nr. Bath Somerset
BA2 0AB
|
Telephone:
Fax:
Email:
URL: |
01761 471182
01761 479082
Sarah Fisher
www.tilleyfarm.co.uk |
U.S. OFFICE
Tellington TTouch Training
1713 State Rd 502
Santa Fe, NM 87506
87501-3793
USA
Phone: 001 505 455 2945
|
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:
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