At Texas Equine, we are always looking for ways to deepen our understanding of horsemanship—not just for ourselves but for our riders, too. This weekend, we had the privilege of attending an all-day clinic with the internationally renowned Mary Wanless at The Equestrian Center at Whispering Farms in Prosper, TX.
For those unfamiliar with her work, Mary Wanless is a pioneer in rider biomechanics. Her Ride With Your Mind® method has transformed the way riders approach their position, balance, and effectiveness in the saddle. With over 30 years of experience coaching riders of all levels—including top-level dressage competitors—Mary has an incredible ability to break down complex concepts into simple, actionable steps.
The Clinic Experience
The clinic ran from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and from the very first moment, it was clear why Mary is such a sought-after coach. Whether you were in the saddle or observing from the sidelines, there was something valuable to absorb in every session. Mary has a gift for meeting riders where they are, helping them uncover small yet significant changes that improve their riding. She doesn’t just teach mechanics—she teaches awareness, control, and a deeper connection between horse and rider.
Breaking Down Biomechanics
One of the biggest takeaways from the clinic was Mary’s emphasis on the idea that talent can be taught. So often, great riders struggle to explain what makes them effective in the saddle—it’s almost instinctual. Mary has spent decades translating that instinct into clear, teachable steps. By understanding the biomechanics of riding, we can replace trial-and-error learning with a more intentional and scientific approach.
A Special Reunion
While we were at Whispering Farms, Shelby had an unexpected and heartwarming reunion. She got to see an old friend—Kille (pronounced like "Kyle"), a big, handsome 23-year-old Friesian! Years ago, when Shelby worked as a groom at Whispering Farms, Kille was one of her favorites, and she was beyond excited to see him again after all this time. He looked just as regal as ever, a reminder of the special connections we make with horses throughout our lives.
Lessons for Texas Equine
As auditors, we gained invaluable insights that we’re eager to bring back to our riders at Texas Equine. From refining body alignment to improving communication with the horse, every session was a reminder that small adjustments can create significant breakthroughs.
This experience reaffirmed something we always strive for at Texas Equine—riding isn’t just about natural ability; it’s about learning, adapting, and growing. We’re excited to integrate these biomechanics principles into our own teaching and training, helping our riders unlock their full potential in the saddle.
If you ever get the chance to attend a Mary Wanless clinic, we highly recommend it! In the meantime, we’ll be incorporating what we learned into our lessons here at Texas Equine—because every rider deserves the tools to ride with skill, confidence, and understanding.
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