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About Us > Our Teachers > Meet Our Instructors

Mandy Pretty

Born and raised with horses, Mandy was literally riding before she could walk. Her exposure to the horse world was somewhat unconventional. Daughter of clinician Robyn Hood, and niece of Internationally renowned horse woman Linda Tellington-Jones, meant that her norm for handling and interacting with horses was several decades ahead of its time. Long before equine chiropractors, massage therapists and acupuncturists were main stream, Mandy and her family were looking for tangible physical and emotional reasons for unwanted behavior. They began phasing out black and white behavioral labels like “stubborn,” “lazy” and “disrespectful.” In Mandy's family, horse behavior was viewed as reaction to a concrete catalyst, requiring looking at balance, pain, fear, fear of pain and issues of rider communication.

At the age of 4 and a half, on the way to her first Advanced TTEAM^® (now Tellington TTouch^®) Training in Boulder, Colorado, Mandy first met Peggy Cummings, the founder of Connected Riding.

For over a decade Mandy was schooled in Centered Riding and influenced by top Icelandic riders and clinicians. She was immersed in the world of horses, helping to start youngsters, exercise sales horses as well as participating in demonstrations and competitions with some of her parents' Icelandic horses.

Then, at age 17 Mandy met Peggy Cummings again. Although initially skeptical of Peggy's Connected Riding® concepts, Mandy soon understood the influence of posture and its effect on the horse underneath. The proof was in the pudding as it were, and she was soon a “convert” to Connected Riding®. Peggy became Mandy's mentor and riding coach, expanding her knowledge of equine/rider bio-mechanics and ideal function under saddle with Connected Riding.

Mandy trains and teaches all breeds and disciplines full time; incorporating the Tellington TTouch^® Method-Connect to train young horses and re-school older horses alike. In addition to training at Icelandic Horse Farm, Mandy travels to teach clinics featuring the Tellington TTouch^® Method and Connected Riding. Mandy has taught independently in Mexico, Australia, the US and several Canadian provinces as well as assisting Robyn throughout Europe, South Africa, Australia and North America.

Mandy creates a positive experience for horse and rider; improving performance without compromising physical, emotional or mental well being. Her clinics easily apply to an all breed format although often geared toward the Icelandic Horse. Mandy teaches one to five-day workshops throughout the year, offering several at The Icelandic Horse Farm. She is available for demonstrations, riding lessons, lectures and clinics.

Mandy is a Tellington TTouch^® Equine Instructor and a Certified Connected Riding Practitioner. She lives near Vernon, BC down the road from Robyn and Phil (aka Grandma & Grandpa) with her husband Walt and two young sons on their "Faux Farm." Visit her own website: www.intouchwithyourhorse.com.

Rachel Ann Jackson

Rachel was born and raised in the North West of the UK. From a very young age she loved animals and especially wanted a dog, and at a very young age lived with three wonderful Pomeranians. She started horse riding at seven years old, horses are her second love and loves riding side saddle.

After qualifying as a primary school teacher and getting married, twenty-five years ago, her and her husband adopted a beautiful, sweet, two year old lurcher from a local rescue. It soon became clear that Fionn was petrified of other dogs, among other things. In her desire to help Fionn, Rachel started to learn about dog behaviour, completing a two-year dog trainer and behaviour course and then found Tellington TTouch® Training method. She describes this as her lightbulb moment, this was what she wanted to learn all about after she discovered how wonderful it was for Fionn. She booked straight away onto her first TTouch training in September 2000 and hasn’t looked back since.

Rachel went back to university in 2016 to study as a Veterinary Physiotherapist because she noticed that many dogs were struggling physically as well as behaviourally and qualified in 2018. Since then she has combined her work in both these modalities to enhance the physical and behavioural well-being of her own and client’s dogs. Rachel has a passion for the older dog, keeping them as fit, healthy and mobile as they can be. In addition to this, Rachel loves to teach guardians the importance of communication between them and their dogs and how to really listen to their canine friends.

Over the past twenty-four years Rachel has fostered many dogs, predominantly greyhounds and lurchers of varying sizes, shapes and ages. TTouch has benefitted each and every one of them. Sighthounds are her massive passion and there will always be a Jackson sighthound. Rachel volunteers at her local Dogs Trust and other rescues for many years. She uses TTouch techniques to help the more stressed and troubled dogs in their rescue be ready for their forever homes, with those already in homes, as well as many staff trainings.

Now Rachel gives private consultations and teaches workshops and trainings, in person and online nationally and internationally. She teaches the Tellington TTouch® Training Method and topics including pain and behaviour, proprioception and anatomy amongst others.

Rachel was made a Tellington TTouch® Method Instructor in 2021. She lives in South Manchester, UK with her husband, two greyhounds and a lurcher. You can learn more about Rachel and contact her via www.wellbalancedanimals-vetphysio.co.uk wellbalancedanimals@gmail.com

Events

Hands On -Tellington TTouch® for Small Critters, Exotics and More

Introduction to Tellington TTouch for Multispecies Care – Cross Training for Your Skills

Date: April 9, 2025
$167.97 approximately the equivalent to £125 GBP

Discover a Revolutionary Approach to Animal Well-being and Connection
Join us for an immersive one-day workshop exploring the Tellington TTouch Method, a gentle, hands-on technique that transforms the way we interact with animals. Designed for animal enthusiasts, caregivers, and professionals, this session provides a unique opportunity to learn how to improve well-being, behavior, and cooperation while deepening trust and communication between humans and animals.

What You’ll Learn:

Tellington TTouch Bodywork: Master the foundational hands-on techniques that promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve function for animals of all ages and species.
Multispecies Focus: While we’ll focus on dogs, cats, and people, you’ll also learn how to adapt these techniques for a variety of animals, including small farm animals, reptiles, alpacas, parrots, and more.
Tailored Solutions: Understand how to customize TTouch for each animal’s unique needs, rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.

This workshop is perfect for:

Pet guardians looking to enhance their relationships with their animals.
Professionals in animal care, including massage therapists, trainers, and veterinarians.
Animal lovers eager to cross-train their skills and learn techniques for a wide range of species.

No prior experience is needed, and the techniques are easy to learn and apply. By the end of the day, you’ll have the tools and confidence to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the animals you care for—and in your own life, too!

View Details and Register

Tellington TTouch® Training for Companion Animals

Tellington TTouch® Training for Companion Animals in Jefferson, MD
Three-day Workshop May 8th – 10th, 2026

Schedule:

Day 1: 10:00 AM-5:00 PM

(Arrive by 9:45 AM to get settled)

Days 2: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Day 3: 9:00 AM–3:00 PM

Tuition: $595

A $300.00 deposit is due at the time of registration to hold a space in the workshop. The balance is due April 9th, 2026. Early-bird discount: Pay in full by March 10th and receive $55.00 off.

Please note: If you pay your deposit with a credit card, any remaining balance will be charged to the same card 30 days before the start of the workshop unless you have paid in full or informed us of a different payment method.

Three ways to Register:
    • Online: see form below
    • Phone: Call our office to pay with Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover.
    • PayPal: Send payment to forum@tellingtontraining.com.

Cancellation Policy:

Organizer Cancellation: If the session is canceled due to unforeseen circumstances or insufficient enrollment, all payments will be refunded.
Participant Cancellation: Cancellations made more than 30 days before the workshop will receive a refund minus a $100 administrative fee. No refunds for cancellations made within 30 days of the workshop, but funds can be applied to another training within one year of the cancellation date.

Animals attending the Training: Dogs and other companion animals are welcome. Notify us when you register as there is a limit on the number of dogs. Complete and submit an Animal Profile Form one month before the workshop.

If bringing your dog:

Only one dog may participate per day due to space constraints.
Bring a crate, x-pen, or mat, water bowl, food & treats, proof of vaccinations or titer, and ID collar, lead, and any head halter or harness.

Guidelines to help us maintain good relations with our training facilities and partner hotels by:

Respect facility and hotel animal policies.
Safely contain your animal when unsupervised.
Leave facilities and hotel rooms in their original condition.

What to Wear: Comfortable clothing suitable for bending, stretching, and sitting on the floor.

Meals: Meals are not included. Bring your own lunch and snacks. Water, coffee, and tea will be available. There will be a one-hour lunch break each day.

Travel Information:

Airports:
- Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) - 36 miles
- Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI) - 58 miles
- Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) - 52 miles

Accommodation: For nearby hotels, visit Hotels.com or check Airbnb.com or VRBO.com.

Additional Information: Frederick, MD, is only 15 minutes away, offering dining, arts, shops, and entertainment. Enjoy outdoor activities like rock climbing, canoeing, and mountain biking. Washington D.C. and Baltimore are about a 50-minute drive from the training site.

$595.00

TTouch Training for Companion Animals

This class is sold out. If you'd like to be added to the wait list please contact our office with phone number and email: kirsten@ttouch.com or call us at 866-813-8169

Tellington TTouch® Training for Companion Animals in Jefferson, MD
Three-day Workshop Aug 23rd – 25th, 2024

Schedule:

Day 1: 10:00 AM-5:00 PM

(Arrive by 9:45 AM to get settled)

Days 2: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Day 3: 9:00 AM–3:00 PM

Tuition: $595

A $300.00 deposit is due at the time of registration to hold a space in the workshop. The balance is due July 26th, 2024. Early-bird discount: Pay in full by July 1st and receive $55.00 off.

Cancellation Policy:

Organizer Cancellation: If the session is canceled due to unforeseen circumstances or insufficient enrollment, all payments will be refunded.
Participant Cancellation: Cancellations made more than 30 days before the workshop will receive a refund minus a $100 administrative fee. No refunds for cancellations made within 30 days of the workshop, but funds can be applied to another training within one year of the cancellation date.

If bringing your dog:

Only one dog may participate per day due to space constraints.
Bring a crate, x-pen, or mat, water bowl, food & treats, proof of vaccinations or titer, and ID collar, lead, and any head halter or harness.

Guidelines to help us maintain good relations with our training facilities and partner hotels by:

Respect facility and hotel animal policies.
Safely contain your animal when unsupervised.
Leave facilities and hotel rooms in their original condition.

What to Wear: Comfortable clothing suitable for bending, stretching, and sitting on the floor.

Meals: Meals are not included. Bring your own lunch and snacks. Water, coffee, and tea will be available. There will be a one-hour lunch break each day.

Travel Information:

Airports:
- Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) - 36 miles
- Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI) - 58 miles
- Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) - 52 miles

Accommodation: For nearby hotels, visit Hotels.com or check Airbnb.com or VRBO.com.

Tellington TTouch® Training for Dogs

This Workshop is Full. If you'd like to be added to the waiting list, contact us here

Three-day Workshop: May 9-11th, 2025
Instructor: Linda Tellington-Jones

Schedule:
Day 1: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Arrive by 9:45 AM to get settled)
Day 2: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Day 3: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Tuition: $595
Deposit: $300 due at registration to hold your spot. Balance due by April 11th, 2025.
Early-bird Discount: Pay in full by March 28th to receive $55 off.

Three Ways to Register:

Online: Register Below
Phone: Call our office to pay with Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover.
PayPal: Send payment to forum@tellingtontraining.com.

Cancellation Policy:
Organizer Cancellation: If the session is canceled due to unforeseen circumstances or insufficient enrollment, all payments will be refunded.

Participant Cancellation: Cancellations made more than 30 days before the workshop will receive a refund minus a $100 administrative fee. No refunds for cancellations made within 30 days of the workshop, but funds can be applied to another training within one year of the cancellation date.

Animals Attending the Training: Dogs and other companion animals are welcome. Notify us when you register as there is a limit on the number of dogs. Complete and submit an Animal Profile Form one month before the workshop.

If bringing your dog:
Only one dog may participate per day due to space constraints.
Bring a crate, x-pen, or mat, water bowl, food & treats, proof of vaccinations or titer, an ID collar, lead, and any head halter or harness.

Guidelines to help us maintain good relations with our training facilities and partner hotels by:

Respect facility and hotel animal policies.
Safely contain your animal when unsupervised.
Leave facilities and hotel rooms in their original condition.

What to Wear: Comfortable clothing suitable for bending, stretching, and sitting on the floor.

Meals: Meals are not included. Bring your own lunch and snacks. Water, coffee, and tea will be available. There will be a one-hour lunch break each day.

Travel Information:

Airports:
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) - 36 miles
Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI) - 58 miles
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) - 52 miles
We recommend that you purchase trip insurance for your flight, hotel, etc.

Accommodation: For nearby hotels, visit Hotels.com or check Airbnb.com or VRBO.com.

Additional Information: Frederick, MD, is only 15 minutes away, offering dining, arts, shops, and entertainment. Enjoy outdoor activities like rock climbing, canoeing, and mountain biking. Washington D.C. and Baltimore are about a 50-minute drive from the training site.

For more information about Fox Haven Farm

$595

Interactive & Online Tellington TTouch® for Dogs

Immersion Series with Robyn Hood & Guests – 2024/25

$999.00

The ultimate learning experience! With over 86 hours of learning opportunities, supportive Whatsapp group, multiple instructors for varied learning and lifetime access to all recordings and a comprehensive online course.

Join Tellington TTouch Method Instructor, Robyn Hood, as well as other guest instructors, and develop a deep level of understanding and skill that will transform how you understand and work with dogs.

Enjoy the logical, linear, learning of online learning along with the inspiring and adaptive format that includes 30 hours (60 if you choose to watch both sessions) of small, LIVE, Zoom sessions – all recorded for your convenience and on-going learning.

Full Details and Registration

Interactive & Online: Anxious Dogs – Understanding and Managing Anxiety

Applied Ttouch for Dogs with Toni Shelbourne

Dates: Saturdays – February 1st & 22nd, 2025

Time: 16:00 – 18:00 GMT/ 11:00 – 13:00 EST – via Interactive Zoom Sessions (recorded for repeated viewing)

Cost: $179.99

Included Content: Easy to follow, 6 lesson self-paced course! Includes many hours of video lectures and how-to video demonstrations.

Academy Credits: 4

Beginning on February 1st, join Tellington TTouch Instructor, Animal Behaviourist and Author, Toni Shelbourne as she helps you unlock the keys to understanding and supporting your anxious dog.

We all want a calm, confident canine companion. Consistent training, an enriched , low-stress lifestyle, adequate exercise and a good diet all contribute to helping our dogs feel their best; but what do you do when you come across a dog who still struggles with anxiety? As with people, anxiety is a complex issue that cannot necessarily be helped with a “one sized fits all approach” or simply additional training or exercise. This course is designed to help TTouch Practitioners and practitioners in training, rescue workers, dog owners and canine professionals gain a comprehensive understanding of anxiety in dogs.

You will acquire practical techniques in the Tellington TTouch Training method to support and manage anxious dogs. This course combines theoretical knowledge with practical strategies to empower participants in providing a nurturing and anxiety-free environment for their own canine companions, dogs in their care or clients dogs.

During the two, 2 hour live-stream sessions, Toni will guide you through the steps of understanding and then addressing your dog’s anxiety in a gentle, supportive and integrative way. These sessions are recorded for future viewing and you have lifetime access to all content.

This course include hours of informative, helpful lectures as well as easy to follow videos demonstrating specific techniques.

Full Details and Registration

Develop Your Horse’s Potential

Do you want to learn simple, easy and horse friendly exercises and techniques that can transform your horse’s posture, behaviour and overall performance?

Do you have a horse who is coming back into work or has past trauma or habits from poor training, injury or just long-term patterns of tension?

Would you like to learn low-stress, effective, safe and innovative techniques and exercises that can be integrated into what you already know and do?

Do you want to enhance the relationship you have with your horse?

This weekend course will provide an overview to identifying functional, weight carrying posture and provide bodywork, ground work, and innovative exercises to help you offer your horse discover new possibilities of movement, balance and posture with long lasting benefits.

Discover how to train your eye to notice dysfunctional patterns of posture, muscle development and areas of tension so you can start being more aware of how your handling and training is positively, or negatively, impacting your horse’s physical well-being.

Learn simple, effective, and non-invasive body work techniques to help encourage relaxation, breathing and trust. These exercises can be used by horse owners of all level and no previous anatomy knowledge is required.

Mindful, low-stress, functional ground work exercises in hand and over poles will give you beneficial ways to help your horse find new patterns of movement that will not re-create tension patterns caused by old habits.

In addition to bodywork and groundwork techniques, Mandy will introduce TTouch Body Wraps and SURE FOOT Equine Stability Pads as additional, horse guided tools that can transform postural patterns at a deep, long lasting level.

Can count to credit for Tellington TTouch Practitioner credits.

Included in tuition is access to our Online Course – “Happy Horse Course: Tellington TTouch Method”. $79.94 USD VALUE

Snacks and refreshments are included.

Learn more about the Facility and Accommodations.

For cancellations made more than 30 days in advance of the training, a refund will be given minus a $100 administration fee. No refunds are possible for cancellations less than 30 days prior to the start of the training, unless we can fill your spot. In some cases credit can go towards subsequent events.

We recommend that you purchase flight and hotel insurance for each event for which you register.

$425.00

All prices are quoted in Canadian Dollars

ttouch.ca

Interactive & Online Tellington TTouch® for Horses

Immersion Series with Robyn Hood & Guests

Join Tellington TTouch Method Instructor, Robyn Hood, as well as other guest instructors, including special sessions with Linda Tellington-Jones, and develop a deep level of understanding and skill that will transform how you understand, handle and train horses.

This course is the ideal option for anyone seeking an integrative and compassionate approach to horse training and management. It will provide you with an incredible framework of philosophical understanding, observational skills, bodywork techniques, groundwork exercises, innovative tools, and work under saddle that can make what you already do well, be even better; all while developing a deeper, more trusting relationship.

Enjoy the logical, linear, learning of online learning along with the inspiring and adaptive format that includes 36 (up to 72 with both classes) hours of small, LIVE, Zoom sessions – all recorded for your convenience and on-going learning.

$999.00

Dates: Saturdays starting September 28, 2024
(Enrollment is open throughout this time period)

Time: 8:00 – 11:00 PT/ 16:00 – 19:00 GMT via Interactive Zoom Sessions
(Recorded in case you miss a session!)

AND/OR (students may choose which session they attend)

Saturdays for Australia: 9:00 – Noon Sydney time/ Fridays: 14:00 – 17:00 PT

Full Details and Registration

Hands On -Tellington TTouch® for Small Critters, Exotics and More

Instructor: Robyn Hood, Senior Tellington TTouch Instructor

Includes a comprehensive self-paced online course!
£125.00
£108.00 – Guild members
£83.00 – Practitioner 2 and above

Introduction to Tellington TTouch for Multispecies Care – Cross Training for Your Skills

Discover a Revolutionary Approach to Animal Well-being and Connection
Join us for an immersive one-day workshop exploring the Tellington TTouch Method, a gentle, hands-on technique that transforms the way we interact with animals. Designed for animal enthusiasts, caregivers, and professionals, this session provides a unique opportunity to learn how to improve well-being, behavior, and cooperation while deepening trust and communication between humans and animals.
What You’ll Learn:

Tellington TTouch Bodywork: Master the foundational hands-on techniques that promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve function for animals of all ages and species.
Multispecies Focus: While we’ll focus on dogs, cats, and people, you’ll also learn how to adapt these techniques for a variety of animals, including small farm animals, reptiles, alpacas, parrots, and more.
Tailored Solutions: Understand how to customize TTouch for each animal’s unique needs, rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.

Workshop Highlights:

Hands-on Practice: Gain confidence through practical exercises applying TTouch techniques on multiple species.
Creative Movement Exercises: Explore innovative activities that enhance balance, focus, and cooperation.
Relationship Building: Learn how TTouch fosters trust and communication, creating stronger bonds with animals.
Applications for Daily Life: Discover how TTouch can help alleviate common behavioral concerns, enhance well-being, and fit seamlessly into your busy lifestyle.

Who Should Attend?

This workshop is perfect for:

Pet guardians looking to enhance their relationships with their animals.

Professionals in animal care, including massage therapists, trainers, and veterinarians.

Animal lovers eager to cross-train their skills and learn techniques for a wide range of species.

No prior experience is needed, and the techniques are easy to learn and apply. By the end of the day, you’ll have the tools and confidence to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the animals you care for—and in your own life, too!

Join us for a day of learning, connection, and inspiration, and unlock the potential of the Tellington TTouch Method for all species. Reserve Your Spot Now

CELLebration Learning 3-Day Conference & Interactive Workshops

Celebrating 50 Years of the Tellington TTouch Method in 2025!

In 1975, Linda Tellington-Jones introduced a groundbreaking approach to influencing behavior, performance, and wellbeing in animals with the Tellington TTouch Method. In 2025 we are thrilled to celebrate 50 years of this revolutionary work!

Even though our October 2024 in-person "Cell-ebration" event was disrupted by hurricane Milton, we’re excited to transform this challenge into an opportunity:

The 2025 Tellington TTouch “Cell-ebration” Learning Conference & Interactive Workshop Sessions have been reimagined, revitalized, and ready to inspire with a completely new format!

This exciting in-person event brings together a community of passionate animal lovers for a blend of learning, sharing, hands-on practice, break out sessions, and meaningful connections.

Mornings will feature engaging lectures, including an inspiring keynote from Dr. Stephanie Cote, DVM, who integrates TTouch, Cranial Sacral Therapy, and other holistic techniques in her veterinary practice.

Afternoons will be dedicated to interactive workshop labs, where you can apply new techniques, refine existing skills, and receive personalized feedback.

Event Details:

Location: Crowne Plaza Hotel
     304 West Colonial Drive
     Orlando FL 32801
     888-295-7563

Dates: January 24-26, 2025, Conference & Banquet

Schedule:

CELL-ebration: Friday January 24th
9:00 - 12:30 Presentations
12:30 – 2:00 Lunch at the Hotel included in tuition.
2:00 - 5:00 Interactive workshops

CELL-ebration: Saturday January 25th:
9:00 - 12:30 Presentations
12:30 – 2:00 Lunch at the Hotel included in tuition.
2:00 - 5:00 Interactive workshops
6:30-8:00 Banquet dinner (not included in tuition)

CELL-ebration: Sunday January 26th:
9:00 - 12:30 Presentations
12:30 – 2:00 Lunch at the Hotel included in tuition.
2:00 - 5:00 Interactive workshops

Note: Program details subject to change.

Fans of TTouch who are not Practitioners or have not taken any trainings, are welcome to attend the full conference.

Event Highlights

Presentations:

TTouch & Proprioception for Dogs & Horses – Rachel Jackson
TTouch in Rehabilitation – Karin Freiling
Experiencing Flower Essences, Acupressure and TTouch with applied Kinesiology – Kathleen Aspenns
TTouch Success Stories: Extreme Physical Deficits – Sanju Ramachandran
How TTouch brings light to the cells as a form of healing communication / theory and practice – Elinor Silverstein
TTouch Behavior Insights for Cats – Toni Shelbourne

Interactive Workshops:

Refining & Expanding TTouch Skills with Linda Tellington-Jones
Fascial Integration & Body Wraps with Robyn Hood
TTouch & Cranial Sacral Therapy with Stephanie Cote & Sally Morgan
Advanced Concepts for Dogs & Horses with Robyn Hood
Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement (ATM) Session
Round Table Discussions on successes, challenges, and strategies

Participants will be grouped by experience level, creating a dynamic learning environment for both beginners and seasoned practitioners.

Join us for this extraordinary gathering as we "Cell-ebrate" 50 years of changing lives, one TTouch at a time, while honoring Linda Tellington-Jones and our dedicated teachers worldwide.

Note: Program details subject to change.

Incentive:

Bring a friend to our in-person conference (who was not previously registered to attend) you will receive an incredible bonus – of a 30-minute consultation, via Zoom, with Linda Tellington-Jones herself ($200 value)!

Payment options.

Fees: $595 if paid in full when you register
or
you can opt to pay in installments of 3 payments of $211 each (a total of $633), 1st payment due at time of registration, 2nd payment on December 6th and 3rd payment on January 3rd (the last 2 payments will be charged automatically on those days unless you contact our office with different instructions)

Tuition includes the conference and lunches. It does NOT include the Saturday evening banquet dinner.

Special Registration Fees for the CELLebration:
    • Daily attendance: $245 per day (includes lunch).
    • Banquet: $85 (3 course meal plus coffee and tea)

How to Register

Below – scroll to the bottom to register and to make a payment.

Call our office to pay with your Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover card

Cancellation Policy:
Tellington TTouch Training reserves the right to cancel the CELL-ebration and trainings if necessary, because of circumstances beyond our control. In this case all deposits, tuitions and the processing fees will be refunded.

We recommend that you purchase trip insurance for your flight, hotel, etc.

Participant Cancellation Policy:
Any cancellation made more than 45 days before the start of the event will incur a $150 administrative cancellation fee. The remaining amount you have paid will be refunded to you.

For any cancellations made within the 45-day window before the event begins, whatever monies you have paid are nonrefundable, unless you are able to find a substitute participant to take your place.

Lodging

Tellington TTouch has reserved a block of rooms at the Crown Plaza Hotel at the following group room rates (The room block is under Tellington TTouch Training):

$149 plus tax in a Two Queen or King Bedroom
(Two Double Queen Beds or a King Bed with a comfortable sitting area, 48” flat screen, and workspace. A wet bar, mini refrigerator, Keurig coffee maker and full-size microwave adorns the kitchenette area. This suite sleeps 2 to 4)

Group rates include the following for overnight guests:

Free Wireless Internet Access in all rooms

Outdoor Pool and Hot Tub daily open from 7 AM – 11 PM

On-Site Self-Parking – Reduced rate of $10 + tax per day

24-Hour Fitness Center

24-Hour Business Center

Bite Bistro & Wine Bar 7 AM – 10 PM

EV- car charging station on site

Service Animals are accepted – no other animals allowed

Free Hotel shuttle within 3 miles of the hotel (closest Grocery store less then 1 mile away -Publix)

Method of Reservations:

Individual reservations can be made online:

Tellington TTouch Training Reservation Link

If you need assistance, you can call Central Reservations: 888-295-7563.
(For International callers use: 407-843-8700)
Please refer to Group Reservation: Tellington TTouch Training

Check In Time: 3:00 PM    Check Out Time: 11:00 AM

Please note: Reservations by attendees must be received on or before Monday, December 23rd, 2024 (the “Cutoff Date” for our room block). Reservations received after the Cutoff Date will be confirmed on a space-available basis at prevailing rates.

Please view additional Amenities at the hotel:
www.ihg.com/crowneplaza/hotels/us/en/orlando/mcooa/hoteldetail/amenities

Airports: Orlando International Airport (MCO) about 13 miles to the hotel

Shuttle: We have not been able to locate any airport shuttle but there are Uber, Lyft and Taxies. Please research your preferred option.

Things You Should Know About Orlando

Orlando is one of the most popular travel destinations in the United States.

Some interesting websites:
www.visitorlando.com
worldstrides.com/blog/2017/07/10-fun-facts-orlando/
theculturetrip.com/north-america/usa/florida/articles/15-things-to-know-before-visiting-orlando-florida

Weather:
The average weather in Orlando, Florida at the end of January is mild and comfortable, with temperatures ranging from the 40s to 70s°F

from $595

Hands On -Tellington TTouch® for Horse

Instructor: Robyn Hood, Senior Tellington TTouch Instructor

£375.00 – Regular
£325.00 – Guild members
£250.00 – Practitioner 2 and above

Transform Your Connection with Horses Through the Tellington TTouch Method

Are you looking for new and innovative ways to understand and work with horses?

Whether you’re a professional trainer, equestrian enthusiast, or horse owner, the Tellington TTouch Method for Horses Workshop offers a fresh, effective, and low-stress approach to building trust, improving performance, and fostering well-being—both on the ground and in the saddle.
Why Join This Workshop?

Enhance Your Understanding of Horses
Learn to recognize and address subtle cues from your horse for better communication and a deeper bond.

Discover Low-Stress, Effective Techniques
Master gentle, innovative exercises that can easily be integrated into your current practices to improve performance and behavior.

Strengthen Your Relationship
Explore methods that enhance trust, cooperation, and connection with every horse you work with.
What You’ll Learn:

This hands-on workshop is designed to equip you with a wide range of practical skills that you can use to better understand and connect with horses.
Core Elements of the Workshop:

TTouch Bodywork
Learn gentle, effective techniques to promote relaxation, reduce tension, and support your horse’s physical well-being.

Groundwork Skills
Explore exercises that improve balance, coordination, and confidence while strengthening the bond between you and your horse.

Observation and Communication
Develop keen observation skills to understand your horse’s body language and behavior, leading to better training outcomes.

Introduction to Riding Concepts From the Ground
Gain insights into how Tellington TTouch principles can improve riding performance, with exercises that can be applied in and out of the saddle.
Bonus Learning Opportunities:

Registration includes instant access to our introductory online course!
Benefits of Attending:

Practical, Long-Lasting Skills
Learn techniques that can be integrated into any training program to enhance learning, communication, and connection.

Happier, Healthier Horses
Help your horse feel more comfortable, confident, and cooperative in all aspects of training and care.

Positive Learning Environment
Enjoy a fun, supportive atmosphere that caters to all experience levels, from beginners to seasoned equestrians.

Tailored Learning
Whether you’re new to the Tellington TTouch Method or looking to refine your skills, this workshop will meet you where you are. Reserve Your Spot Now

Interactive & Online: Anxious Dogs – Understanding and Managing Anxiety

Beginning on October 6th, join Tellington TTouch Instructor, Animal Behaviourist and Author, Toni Shelbourne as she helps you unlock the keys to understanding and supporting your anxious dog.

During the two, 2 hour live-stream sessions, Toni will guide you through the steps of understanding and then addressing your dog’s anxiety in a gentle, supportive and integrative way. These sessions are recorded for future viewing and you have lifetime access to all content.

This course include hours of informative, helpful lectures as well as easy to follow videos demonstrating specific techniques.

Course Outline:

What is anxiety.

Canine Communication.

Safe dog handling.

Working with the over-aroused anxious dog.

Working with the catatonic or shy dog.

What can we add to enhance our work.

What you will learn!

Gain a comprehensive understanding of dog anxiety and its various forms.
Learn practical strategies to reduce anxiety and create a calm environment.
Develop skills in confidence building and calmness in dogs.
Discover additional support options and interventions for severe cases.
Promote the overall well-being and happiness of yours or your client’s dog.

Note: While this course provides valuable insights and techniques, it’s essential to consult with a veterinarian or professional dog behaviourist for personalized guidance in managing your dog’s anxiety.

Course Instructor:

Tellington TTouch Companion Animal Instructor Toni Shelbourne brings a wealth of experience with many different species and modalities. Toni is also an Accredited Animal Behaviourist based in the UK and has the following qualifications.

Diploma in Canine Behaviour (ISCP Dip.Canine.Prac.)
Tellington TTouch Instructor
Real Dog Yoga Instructor
Full Member of INTODogs
Full Member of the International Companion Animal Network (ICAN)
Senior Instructor for Dog Training College
Author
Over three decades of experience working with animals

ttouch.ca

Interactive & Online Tellington TTouch® for Horses

course content

Enjoy the logical, linear, learning of online learning along with the inspiring and adaptive format that includes 36 hours of small, LIVE, Zoom sessions – all recorded for your convenience and on-going learning.

This course is the ideal option for anyone seeking an integrative and compassionate approach to horse training and management. Whether you are a professional horse trainer or dedicated horse lover, this course will provide you with an incredible framework of philosophical understanding, observational skills, bodywork techniques, groundwork exercises, innovative tools, and work under saddle that can make what you already do well, be even better; all while developing a deeper, more trusting relationship.

The Tellington TTouch for Horses: Immersion Series can serve as your core curriculum for Tellington TTouch Online Academy Certification credits however it is also a fantastic learning opportunity for those wanting to add to what they already do well or expand their knowledge and skill set.

Register and gain access to an extensive, clearly laid out and detailed online course covering the material you would learn in at least two, 5 day hands on sessions. This course can be done at YOUR OWN PACE, before or after the LIVE sessions.

Beginning in March enjoy, the first of twelve, 3 hour immersion session that will leave you inspired, empowered and excited to learn and practice.

Between sessions you will work on specific skills and assignments, if you are working towards Certification. Sessions are recorded for future viewing or should you have to miss a live class. Each session will be taught by Robyn or another one of our wonderful TTouch Instructors.

Enjoy the comforts of home, with your animal at ease, in this small, intimate group setting. Robyn will help coach you through specific concerns you may have and give you the tools to enhance your horse’s well being, behavior and performance.

This course can count towards the Tellington TTouch Practitioner certification program for horses. It is also suitable for riders and horse enthusiasts who are interested in the method to enhance their relationship and address a myriad of challenges without force or dominance. All levels of experience and areas of interest are welcome.

Students will have access to online material to cover at their own pace. The online portion of learning consists of a logical, linear, “Tellington TTouch for Horsess – Core Curriuculum”, which can be accessed at any time.

The online portion of the course includes:

The FULL Tellington TTouch for Horses Core Curriculum Course: Each consisting of several specific topics and lessons.
Hours “how-to” videos and lectures about each specific concept and exercise
Lesson video assignments, to be completed by those pursuing certification
24/7 access to all materials

The LIVE interactive portion of the course includes:

TWELVE 3 hour sessions of learning in an intimate, supportive, group setting over the span of 6 months
Class recordings for future viewing & review
Access to an interactive group chat and discussion page.
Expert feedback about your own animals
In class assistants co-teaching and supporting the group’s learning and questions.

Payment plan available, please email ttouch@shaw.ca for information.

ttouch.ca

2 Day Workshop for Dogs

🕒 Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm

We're thrilled to host UK TTouch Instructor Tina Constance in Scotland for a special Tellington TTouch workshop. Join us for this unique learning opportunity! A warm, practical, hands‑on weekend designed for dog guardians and professionals who want a gentler, more holistic way to support sensitive, anxious, or easily overwhelmed dogs.

Why TTouch is special ✨
TTouch isn’t about pushing your dog through fear or forcing them to “get over it.” It’s a gentle, choice‑based method that helps dogs:

🌟 regulate their nervous system

🌟 release tension and soften tight areas

🌟 feel safer with touch and handling

🌟 build confidence through mindful movement

🌟 cope better with grooming, vet care, and everyday life

When your dog feels better in their body, learning becomes easier — and life becomes calmer for both of you.
A powerful tool that complements all positive training.

What you’ll gain 🐶

🌟 A calmer, more regulated dog

🌟 Improved focus and confidence without pressure

🌟 Simple touch techniques you can use straight away

🌟 Support for stiffness, tension, and mobility challenges

🌟 Tools that make grooming, vet visits, and handling far easier

🌟 A deeper sense of trust — because your dog learns you’re truly listening

What’s included 📚

🌟 Two full days of guided learning with an accredited TTouch Instructor

🌟 Core techniques including circular touches, lifts, and slides

🌟 Body wraps — how they work and how to use them safely

🌟 Movement and leading exercises to improve balance and confidence

🌟 Real‑world applications for grooming, vet care, reactivity, and daily routines

🌟 Supportive hands‑on practice with demo dogs

🌟 Certificate of attendance

🌟 £180 for the full two-day workshop

Spaces are limited. Click the 'Find Tickets' button to secure your place.

Hosted by Hazel Ralston (Tellington Touch Practitioner) of Shampooch Dog Grooming.

🌟 About Your Instructor — Tina Constance

Tina Constance is one of the UK’s most respected and experienced Tellington TTouch® Instructors. Known for her calm, supportive teaching style, she brings decades of firsthand experience helping dogs with anxiety, reactivity, mobility issues, and cooperative care.
Tina has a rare gift for making TTouch feel simple, achievable, and deeply empowering — even if you are brand new to it. Her approach is compassionate, practical, and confidence-building for both ends of the lead. 🐾✨

Registration details will be emailed upon receipt of payment.

See our Facebook page for more details

Interactive & Online: Anxious Dogs – Understanding and Managing Anxiety

Beginning on February 11th, join Tellington TTouch Instructor, Animal Behaviourist and Author, Toni Shelbourne as she helps you unlock the keys to understanding and supporting your anxious dog.

This course include hours of informative, helpful lectures as well as easy to follow videos demonstrating specific techniques.

Course Outline:

What is anxiety.

Canine Communication.

Safe dog handling.

Working with the over-aroused anxious dog.

Working with the catatonic or shy dog.

What can we add to enhance our work.

What you will learn!

Gain a comprehensive understanding of dog anxiety and its various forms.
Learn practical strategies to reduce anxiety and create a calm environment.
Develop skills in confidence building and calmness in dogs.
Discover additional support options and interventions for severe cases.
Promote the overall well-being and happiness of yours or your client’s dog.

Course Instructor:

Diploma in Canine Behaviour (ISCP Dip.Canine.Prac.)
Tellington TTouch Instructor
Real Dog Yoga Instructor
Full Member of INTODogs
Full Member of the International Companion Animal Network (ICAN)
Senior Instructor for Dog Training College
Author
Over three decades of experience working with animals

ttouch.ca

Events > Past Events Archive

Interactive & Online Tellington TTouch® for Horses: Intro

$279.00
September 23rd and 30th, October 7th & 14th
Live Interactive Sessions with Tina Constance

Join Tellington TTouch Instructor Tina Constance, and learn this amazing approach from the comfort of home. Enjoy the logical, linear, learning of Online Learning along with the inspiring and adaptive format of LIVE Zoom sessions.

Learn the innovative and empowering techniques and exercises that will take your relationship with your horse, to an all new level and transform the way you train horses and understand them. Whether you want guidance for improving performance, behavior, or are simply curious for a new perspective, Lindy will give you countless ways to understand, interact and influence your horse in the most wonderful ways.

Register and gain access to an extensive, clearly laid out and detailed online course covering the material you would learn in a 3 day hands-on training. This course can be done at YOUR OWN PACE, before or after the LIVE sessions.

Beginning on September 23rd; join Tina for your first interactive Zoom session. Continue each week and build on what you learn.

All sessions are recorded and sent to participants, in case you cannot make it live.

Between sessions you will take what you have learned and practice it with your own horses. Take video for specific feedback to share in the next class so you can refine and improve your technique.

This course can count as 8 credits towards the Tellington TTouch Horse Practitioner certification program for horses. It is also a wonderful learning experience for ANYONE looking to enhance their life with horses.

The Tellington TTouch Method for horses offers a handling and training approach that encourages optimal performance and well-being. Based on the understanding that behavioural issues are often caused by pain, soreness, fear or tension in the body, TTouch addresses these underlying issues through a combination of Observation, Body Work, specific Ground Exercises, and Riding With Awareness along with an overarching attitude of respect and consideration for the horse.

Schedule:

Saturday September 23rd- 16.00 to 18.30 GMT (8am to 10:30am PST)

Saturday September 30th- 16.00 to 18.30 GMT

Saturday October 7th – 16.00 to 18.30 GMT

Saturday October 14th – 16.00 to 18.30 GMT

Details and Registration

Tellington Method for Horses

Masterclass with Linda Tellington-Jones: October 2023 (EDT)

$399.00
Saturdays – October 14, October 28, November 11 & 18
10:00 AM EDT via Interactive Zoom Sessions

Masterclass with Linda Tellington-Jones

We are thrilled to announce a limited engagement with Linda Tellington-Jones, an icon in the horse world. With an illustrious career spanning over eight decades, Linda has touched the lives of countless horses and their guardians, from Olympic athletes to unhandled youngsters and novice horse people.

In this class Linda will share how her experiences with specific horses has shaped her life and her approach to successfully working with horses over the years. These sessions will be a combination of Linda “Talking Story” along with videos of the methods and techniques she used to affect positive change.

These sessions will be inspiring and are suitable for those of any amount of experience, or not! Linda will focus on the roll of intuition, mindfulness and the specific roll of cellular intelligence in the development of the Tellington Method for horses.

What is included?

10 + hours of live and interactive Zoom sessions with Linda Tellington-Jones
Lifetime Access to a comprehensive online course outlining the specific techniques and exercises described by Linda in her live discussions
Hours of how-to videos
Access to a private Facebook support group
Bi-monthly, informal, student support sessions via Zoom to help you maintain progress

Details and Registration

Our Method for > Horses > Attend a workshop > Read More

The Touch That Teaches

In the 1980s, Equus Magazine dubbed Tellington TTouch® Training "The Touch That Teaches" and said participants will learn how to see and embrace their horse as an individual and through observation, patience and TTouch®, find the best ways to assist it in its training.

The second T in TTouch stands for "Trust" and building trust is what we aim for since it is the foundation on which everything else rests. With trust, horses learn to achieve enhanced levels of physical, mental and emotional balance.

Who Should Attend?

Professionals of every level and from all disciplines, as well as amateurs, can benefit from learning a training philosophy and methodology devoted to working with horses using empathy instead of force - down to the cellular level. Linda's approach focuses on working with horses' minds and intelligence as much as with their body. The same is true of her work with riders.

Why Should You Attend?

To improve your horse's rideability and performance without stress using holistic and humane groundwork, bodywork and ridden work from the Tellington Method and Tellington TTouch® Training.
To create a long term training program that will help you develop a horse that is confident, willing, mentally and physically healthy, and capable of meeting your training goals regardless of discipline.
To enhance, repair or deepen your relationship with your horse through the Tellington twin philosophies of "Change Your Mind & You Can Change Your Horse" and "Change the Posture and Change the Behavior."

What Will You Learn?

Participants will learn how to identify, soothe and resolve discomfort in horses' bodies using TTouch. With the Tellington special ground exercises called the Playground for Higher Learning, they will learn how to help horses develop better patience, balance and suppleness as well as increase their confidence and self-reliance. They will find out why, when and how to enhance their horse's performance under saddle with the Promise Wrap, Liberty Ring, Balance Rein and Lindell, and why, when and how to ride bridleless and more.
On day one, participating horses and riders will be assessed under saddle to determine which of the TTouches, the Playground for Higher Learning exercises and Tellington riding equipment can be helpful.
Over the next two days Linda will teach specific TTouches and Tellington techniques appropriate to each horse's situation.
Participants will be broken into small groups and will practice with the horses under Linda's close supervision and with the help of her experienced team of instructors.
Participants will also experience TTouch and the Promise Wraps for themselves. Linda will share the importance of heart coherence and breath work in achieving internal balance and a closer partnership with horses in and out of the saddle.

What Will You Take Away?

Susan Gibson, publisher of Trail Blazer Magazine, reported that she left Linda's training with the "ability to see her horse with new eyes." Cristiane Pravaz from Quebec wrote after attending the Tellington Training in Hawaii; "I tried the Balance Rein with Comrade today for the first time, and I received my first half walk and a lighter trot than ever before, and when we were finished with the session, Comrade moved his head near mine and with his lips, he touched my nose and just turned like you would do to somebody to let her know that you like her and the way she rode this afternoon!!!"

Our hope and the purpose of this training is that participants will take home a different awareness of themselves and new ways to assist their horses.

One Horse - One Human at a Time

When we attend a TTouch training we arrive with excitement and wonder. The common bond that all of us share and the one that attracts us to Linda’s work, is that we each believe, in our own way, that there must be a better way to be with horses, other animals, the people in our lives and with the world in general.

The knowledge learned from the Tellington TTouch Method for Horses work is accumulative. In the beginning, it seems simple and easy. As we continue year after year to learn more of Linda’s shared skills, from clinics, workshops, CD’s, and her books, we begin to see a complete metamorphosis in our approach to riding, training and in many ways, to our interactions with other people as well. At a time of such great need for balance in the world and in our personal lives, by becoming TTouch trained, we become part of the change.

Linda’s life philosophy is woven like a rich quilt and openly shared at her clinics. During the daily lunch break she shares ideas about thought provoking books and theories that open all of the participants to see that we all have unlimited potential. For most of us, there is a recognition that horses can be our teachers.

At Linda’s five-day clinics, many of us notice a personality pattern expressing itself as we work with our horses—our horses mirror this pattern back to us, many times it appears to be the root of the problem that we seem to be having with our horses, and yet it is a problem that we have in other aspects of our lives, too. The horses keep giving us an opportunity to not only get it right, but to get it better. At a recent workshop, there was a horse that was very pushy with its person. As the days went on, the person revealed how primary people in her life did not treat her with respect either. As she learned techniques to express her boundaries to her horse, she also had an awareness of different ways of being with humans in her daily life.

The work that Linda teaches at her clinics is far beyond horse training. Linda shares with her students the richness of her life journey with humans and with animals that she has finely tuned over the past fifty years. A woman always ahead of her time, she gently and humbly shares her knowledge with everyone present. The attendees at her horse clinics are of varied backgrounds from trainers, competitors, therapists, medical professionals, NARHA instructors, backyard horse owners and anyone with a desire to share with a horse in a more compassionate way. Whatever a person’s knowledge base is, Linda has a way of speaking and sharing examples directly so that they are easily understood and absorbed.

The variety of touches, leading positions, special riding equipment and connected riding techniques offer everyone something new and thought provoking to encourage and stretch skills, from professional trainer to horse lover. A questionnaire was sent to participants from a recent clinic. Christal Bannister, a massage therapist, answered, “I learned to touch a horse (and people) in a new way. I learned how to be soft and effective with the touches. I learned also how to be direct, observe and to give clear signals.”

The TTouch method offers us possibilities of dealing with our horses in an entirely different way. The depth of Linda’s work supports humans in continuing to unravel the myth of domination and ignorance in our relationship with our equine partners. When attending a five-day workshop, it is truly joyful to see horses and humans develop new ways of interacting together. In western civilization where horse ownership, racing, showing and winning have guided most peoples training background, it is so refreshing and important that we now have a choice.

Because of work like Linda’s Tellington TTouch Method, we have an opportunity to see, to learn, to try and to succeed in improving the lives of our horses and at the same time improving our lives as we see that compassion, listening, honoring and thought out techniques are available to everyone. An attendee at a recent clinic, Kathleen Aspenns wrote, “I really like seeing Linda work with challenging horses---to see what to do when they don’t like the first ten things you try---keep trying something different. Linda’s work in heartfelt—I absolutely love her respect for and her communication with the horses. It inspires me to be a more compassionate person.”

Linda and all the Instructors, support each student and help all of them to embark on their own journey filled with all of the skills that she can possibly share. TTouch work is not only about changing the way we deal with horses, it is about changing the way we see, hear, listen and deal with our lives . . . changing the way we are with each other, one horse, one person at a time.

Our Method for > Other Animals > Success Stories

Building Trust

By Missy Parker, Veterinary Nurse

"One of the most beneficial things I've seen in a long time for building trust and calming is the Tellington "TTouch" therapy system, developed by Linda Tellington-Jones.

"In my capacity as a Registered Veterinary Nurse, I have used TTouch to prevent dogs from going into shock (yes, it really does work!) until the vet could get there to help the dog. In my capacity as an obedience instructor, I have used portions of it in my greeting (and subsequent handling) behaviors with scared dogs (as well as with aggressive ones) to build up their trust in me while calming them in a class situation. I have also used portions of it when I'm wearing my "mom" and "wife" hats to "create an atmosphere more conducive to cooperation."

"I've never told the humans I've used it on that it was developed for animals.However, Baylor Hospital of Dallas, Texas (which is a teaching hospital) is now using it on their human patients - and telling them it was developed for animals - so maybe it's time for me to come out of the closet!

"I've seen TTouch work wonders in every case in which it has been used properly. Four particular cases come to mind. The first is a Shiba Inu who would "short-circuit" in my obedience classes when the stimulation level got at all elevated. With just five to ten minutes of TTouch from his owner before each class, the dog did so much better!

"The second: my client, a very competent middle-aged woman, had never owned a dog before she adopted a female GSD stray. My best guess as to this dog's story is that she was either from Schutzhund lines or a washout from a police dog program, then neglected severely for quite a while afterward. She had heartworms and callouses on every pressure point from, I believe, lying in a concrete-bottom kennel.

"Heidi (the dog) was the most accomplished kennel escape artist I've ever dealt with ... she escaped mine five different ways before I figured out how to keep her in - she had both removed the gate from its hinges and bitten the gate lock in half. I just love this dog because I have learned so much from her! When she first started coming to my classes, Heidi would roar in dragging Cathy (the owner) as though she were an embarrassing ball-and-chain to be completely ignored. Now, after a few months of class, TTouch, and good management, Cathy has a much nicer dog - who adores her. Like many other dogs I've seen on TTouch regularly, Heidi can be gently reversed when she goes into overdrive, and quickly, by the application of as little as two minutes of TTouch touches.

"The third: Silver is a toy poodle who was genetically predetermined to be a yappy, snappy, shaky mess. She is now a fabulous therapy dog, solid at CD-level obedience, a joy to her owner and to everyone else with whom she comes in contact. TTouch is used in Silver's daily life in general and, specifically, before and after therapy sessions with challenging clients. By the will of her owner, with a little help from me, this dog has gone from "sow's ear to silk purse." By the way, Silver has only 20% vision in one eye and about 40% in the other; she will eventually go totally blind.

"The fourth case is my husband, who has back trouble - the pain sometimes makes him very "crabby." TTouch helps him feel better and consequently elevates his mood, which has the effect of making everyone in my house feel better!

"In classes, I begin with the Tarantula/Plow techniques. Even “extreme” dogs seem to enjoy it so much and/or are so curious about what I'm doing that they momentarily interrupt their agenda to ... eat the people, eat the other dogs, die of fright, whatever. Then, when I have their interested attention, I move to Noah's March. If all's still well, I use the Lying Leopard. All of this is done while toning.

"Years ago, when I was in hard labor, a female Labor Attendant did it on me - and it worked then, too - although she had no idea that what she was doing would years later be called the TTouch. Her technique was a super light touch, Clouded Leopard all over my straining belly while she softly sang “Rock of Ages” to me! It was incredibly helpful at a very stressful and painful time.

"The effect of regular TTouch use seems to be cumulative if these techniques are used with a subject regularly, his or her body’s autonomic responses seem to take over faster and faster each subsequent time.

"So, from my experience, I heartily recommend TTouch as a great addition to your instructor’s toolbox...and thanks to Terry Ryan for the term!

"Next time you have a bad headache, try it on yourself - it works that way too!"

- Missy Parker thunderridgeinc@juno.com

Missy continued:

"Tellington TTouch was born out of Linda's extraordinary lifetime of work with horses, and has now been adapted to many species other than equine, including dogs, cats, hamsters, and many exotic animals. Linda's four years of study with Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais, originator of the Feldenkrais method for horses, led her to the development of TTouch.

"Although TTouch is not technically a type of massage therapy, that would start to describe it. Actually, massage is done with the intent of affecting the muscular system - the intent of TTouch is the reorganizing of the nervous system and activating the function of the cells. I can describe it best by saying that it is a way of laying your fingers gently on the skin and moving them, as well as the skin they are touching, in a circular fashion, making repeating one-and-a-quarter circles clockwise. During this touch, the practitioner breathes rhythmically - in for the first half of the slow circle and out for the second half.

"According to Linda Tellington-Jones, TTouch is so simple to learn that a person having had less than one hour of instruction might make major changes in the behavior and personality of animals, and might considerably speed up the healing of wounds, injury or stiffness.

"Anna Wise, of the Evolving Institute of Boulder, Colorado, did a biofeedback study of TTouch practitioners which showed that both the brain waves of the practitioner, as well as those of the patient, were dramatically affected during the sessions. The brain waves registered what is known as "an awakened state" typical of healers, swamis, advanced meditators, and yogis as measured in a study by Maxwell Cate at the Institute for Psychobiological Research in London, England.

"There are several variations of TTouch hand positions; the amount of pressure used in the touch itself and where the touch is applied on the animal's body can vary, too. For instance, to prevent shock in injured animals of many species, as well as to calm the thunderstorm-phobic dog, T-Touch is applied to the ears.

"To make it easier to remember many of the hand/finger positions, they have been assigned the names of various animals: "Tarantula,” "Clouded Leopard,” "Flick of the Bear's Paw." With the TTouch, a practitioner may use "toning," a type of soothing vocalization.

"The Tellington TTouch Guidebook for Dogs describes the intended results of TTouch: to activate neural pathways to the brain, increasing an animal's self image and awareness, thereby improving its self-confidence and coordination. It adds: one need not know anatomy to be successful with this therapy, since using the TTouch anywhere on the body can improve health and awareness. Through the activation of its unused brain cells, an animal becomes more willing and able to learn. The TTouch develops a "cell-to-cell" between animal and human, a oneness which is a very special inter species, non-verbal communication."

Our Method for > TTouch-for-You > Why TTouch-for-You

TTouch & Heart Resonance & The Role of Intention

By Robin Bernhard LCSW, MED

The universality of Linda’s methodology is unique to TTouch. Linda didn’t have to develop different techniques to teach horses, whales, snakes, parrots, cats, dogs or humans. TTouch works for all species. Through touches that are universally understood, Linda and her students of TTouch, invite their animals to participate in harmonious mutual communication; cell to cell and heart to heart. In her book, Tellington TTouch, Linda states: “Instead of seeing the TTouch as something that I do to animals, which would create separation between us, I view the circles as a way to come into cellular harmony with them, a way of allowing my cells to speak to theirs. At a cellular level, no living thing is alien to any other, and so the sense of connections remains the same whether I’m working with a gerbil or a lynx, a kitten or an elephant.” Both the practitioner and the animal benefit from the mutual communication.

Linda believes that the TTouch practitioner’s intention for healing is communicated from the person to the animal (or person to person) on many levels. These intuitive ideas are now being scientifically documented by The Institute of HeartMath with new research about mind-body communication and the heart. Research at The Institute of HeartMath has shown that we can regulate heart rhythm coherence by holding positive feelings and intentions. Increased heart rhythm coherence produces more alpha brainwaves, enhanced awareness and improved cognitive performance. Alpha frequencies induce a state of tranquility, not unlike the tranquility experienced during TTouch, and interestingly, alpha brainwaves are associated with peak performance. The results of the research at the institute of HeartMath supports the hypothesis “that the changes in brain activity that occur during states of increased psychophysiological coherence lead to changes in the brain’s information processing capabilities. Results suggest that by using heart-based interventions to self-generate coherent states, individuals can significantly enhance cognitive performance.” It would be very interesting to see if TTouch enhances heart rhythm coherence. I suspect that it does.

The heart produces an energy field that can be measured for five feet in all directions. It is quite possible that all species are able to perceive influences from another being’s heart from a short distance. When humans communicate and touch is involved, the brain registers the heartbeat of the other in the EEG, physiological evidence that we are influenced by another’s heart rhythm chaos or coherence. Research has shown that horses are sensitive to the heart energy fields produced by humans and that humans are sensitive to the fields produced by the horse’s heart. The practitioner of TTouch knows well the experience of peace that comes while engaged in the practice of TTouch. Scientific knowledge about the energetic communication from the heart suggests that TTouch practitioners are energetically engaging their animal partners at the deep level of the heart. When the TTouch practitioner consciously holds the intention of healing and a compassionate attitude to generate heart rate coherence within the self, the person or animal being touched benefits from the calming influence of the energy field created by the practitioner’s heart. The research at the Institute of Heart Math suggests that the heart to heart engagement is reciprocal and thus, we have the beginnings of scientific documentation for the experience of healing intention, compassion, respect and positive regard that is part of TTouch practice.

There are more neurons running from the heart to the brain than from the brain to the heart. Some research suggests that the heart directs brain regulation and not the other way around. Linda has stressed the importance of holding a compassionate attitude coupled with the desire to support healing as the correct mind-set for the TTouch practitioner to allow the heart to influence the work. The research on the power of the heart from The Institute of HeartMath documents the scientific basis for what Linda understood intuitively about the heart’s influence on TTouch outcome and the mutual benefit for the practitioner and the animal when the practitioner intentionally generates a genuinely positive heart felt connection between the self and the animal during a TTouch session.

On the other hand, forceful methods generate fear and impede “thinking” as the horse moves into its instinctual fight/flight survival mode. During fight/flight activation, thinking is shut-down in favor of split-second non-thinking reflexive reactions that the horse can’t control. It is often in this fear driven state that horses can’t meet the demands placed upon them, for which they are frequently punished and pushed further into fear, pain and freeze responses. Instinctual reactions may be activated through a dominating relationship, and animals can be managed through such training methods. TTouch does not elicit instinct driven behavior mediated by the limbic system, rather Linda seeks to calm the limbic system and stimulate learning that is mediated by the cortex through a relationship infused with a heart-felt connection.

Shop > Horses > Books

Rehabilitation of Horses - Booklet

Useful techniques to help your horse recover from neurological deficits including EPM.

from $25.00

Worldwide > Animal Ambassadors International

1988 TTEAM Gives Children Opportunities

Further Thoughts and Observations about the Opportunities that TTEAM Offers to School Children

TTEAM News International April, 1988 Vol 8 No 2 Pp. 1-6

When I began offering Animal Ambassadors International^® educational programs in the schools, I had no idea what to expect. I knew that TTEAM was great for animals. Robyn's files burst with case histories of horses and other animals from all over the world that have been helped through TTEAM & TTouch. I also knew that many of these case histories had been submitted by people who had relatively little experience with TTEAM before they were called upon to use their skills on behalf of some animal in trouble. But these people were mature adults; often they were professionals in some field involving animals. The subtleties of TTEAM would not escape them.

It was different with children. I was confident that hands-on experience with live animals would provide motivation and self-esteem, and I hoped it would be a bridge to right-brain learning. But I was totally unprepared for what was to happen.

"Andy would carry the cat around upside down by the tail. I didn't like it, but I didn't know what to do about it. Then this week I noticed a big change in his attitude. He's more considerate. I'm very pleased."

This comment from Andy's father at an elementary school "Parents Night," after I had been doing a TTEAM-Animal Ambassadors International® educational program that had already run four days of a week-long unit, was one of the first hints I had that TTEAM for children is a two-way street. The benefits flow both ways. The feeling for animals that can come with actually doing the TTouch on a live animal opens up doors for some children. They begin to think in a new way that is more responsive and more caring. Many children have this natural ability within themselves, and it is wonderful to see it awakened in a child.

The key is that it happens without fuss, without preaching. The child just has a new awareness, an added element that changes the way in which he perceives the world. In some children, that is going to make a difference, as it did for Andy.

The first educational programs that I was invited to do were with children in Special Educations. As I understand it, these are children who are considered educable, but they do not learn up to their potential. Emotional and/or physical problems may be holding them back. They may be hyperactive and disruptive. Some are gifted, artistic and imaginative, but unresponsive to the left-brain learning approach favored in most schools. Some Special Ed children score high in I.Q. tests and some don't; but they are all lumped together bottom percentile and an enormous amount of effort is expended in trying to solve their problems.

If I'd had a choice, I probably would have chosen to work with mainstream classrooms or children in the Gifted and Talented programs in preference to Special Ed. However, as it turned out, that probably would have been a mistake. Each child in Special Ed is there because he or she has some kind of a problem - a problem that is considered solvable or the child wouldn't be there. So, working with 40 kids, you are going to have at least 40 problems to deal with, each one different. What an incredible laboratory for TTEAM.

Following are some examples. They are not pretentious enough to be called "Case histories" because teachers do not readily disclose a child's background unless something happens, and then they tell you as little as possible, i.e.. "He's hyperactive. He probably didn't get his pill today." The names have been changed in these examples, and anything else that might identify a particular child, as in Andy's case above. But everything else is real.

I would like to begin with an experiment in poetry writing that we did in one class. This came the day after we did an Introduction to TTEAM (with stuffed toy animals) and an imaginative journey throughout animal habitats looking for a special animal that each child could choose to befriend and protect.

Animals are now used as part of the treatment protocol in a growing number of programs, according to Carolyn Reuben, health editor of the "L.A. Weekly." She cites animals as therapy for abused children, delinquents, women in prison and the elderly. For example, animals helped abused children to relax and talk about their fears.

The last thing we were thinking about in our poetry writing class was therapy. I had read a program Mann Lowenfels does to teach creativity to gifted children and thought it would adapt well to our animal program. Simplified from Lowenfels' program, its objective was to enhance creative writing skills by giving children a simple. formula to produce a poem.

We began this lesson by asking the children if any of them had tried the TTEAM circles they had learned yesterday on their pets at home. Most of them had, and a lively discussion ensued as the children reported different reactions of their pets to the circles. The teacher then used this springboard to introduce the concept of "Feelings". She wrote several different feelings on the chalkboard: happiness, sadness, etc. Then we thought of colors, places and actions that were happy, sad, etc. You put them all together with your chosen animal and you had a poem.

And what poems did we get -- from these children who don't usually give?

Afraid is
an orange cat
In a pumpkin patch
Alone.

This is from a child who was, right then, the subject of a bitter custody fight "with many tears." Within a couple days her mother, with whom the child wanted to be, would lose the battle.

Another child from a troubled home wrote:

Mad is
a brown gorilla
Who is furious
On a volcano top.

A third child who was feared in his neighborhood because he carried a tremendous chip on his shoulder. Yet this child comes from a wonderfully supportive family. He wrote:

Happiness is
A gray wolf
In a den
With her puppies.

I think it might have been an eye-opener to some of the teachers that this child could write such a "peaceful" poem. He was showing a new side of his character, but he as also telling that his home life is okay.

Obviously the kids were projecting their own feelings into the animals that they wrote about. It was a safe way to tell us something about themselves. That may be very important for this group.

I believe now that a TTEAM & TTouch lesson, followed by a lesson in creative writing, may help children express themselves. If something is bothering them. They may choose to express their loneliness or rage in a poem. Children who bristle at the idea of writing a poem are sometimes more willing to do so if the poem is on behalf of their chosen animal. Of course, they can also write stories for their animal, as they do after Alexandra Kurland's presentations. It is possible that the animals, imagery and art all tap the right-brain mode, making for a learning approach that can release stress as well as enhance creativity.

"Animals can be some of our best teachers," Alexandra Kurland tells her audience of school children. "Every time I do a live-animal program, I find a new reason to agree with the truth of this statement. The Tellington TTouch circles that the children do open the door."

For example, a horse must be a huge animal from the point of view of a child who may never have touched a horse before. My mare, Starlite, is actually on the small side, less than 15 hands. She is 26 years old, which means that she does not move around very much. She is very pretty, with dark glowing eyes set wide apart, and a white snip and star on her kindly face. Furthermore, she just loves having TTEAM done on her. At home she has been known to "wait in line" for her turn while I'm working on another horse.

When I take her to a school, I load a portable corral on one side of my stock trailer. Starlite goes into the other aide and Lad, a dog rides in the back of the pickup. The corral is to keep the children out rather than the horse in. Some children are fearless and eager to make contact with the horse. The corral helps teachers keep them in line by setting a boundary. It also frees Starlite's head while I am working.

The children enter the corral one at a time to work on the horse. I demonstrate a particular touch, such as Raccoon circles on the ears, first getting the horse to lower her head. Then a child is invited to come into the corral and do the same thing. Most of the children love it. Their eyes are shining and they try so hard to do the TTouch exactly right. I am usually at Starlite's neck, with my arm under her neck, and I can feel her response to the children's TTouch. It is fascinating, because she seems to feel some children's hands much more than others. She will lower her head into my arm in utmost bliss. None of the children has ever frightened her or made her unhappy. It is just that some seem to reach her more.

I think a horse is the most wonderful animal teacher. Maybe it's the size that commands respect. Perhaps it in because TTEAM was originally developed for horses. The good thing is that even if a child is a little bit afraid, using the TTEAM & TTouch the child has something definite to do rather than just pet the horse and thereby, a different type of learning situation is set up. Usually the fear soon vanishes and the child is elated, with a real sense of accomplishment. Starlite feels that she knows she has given the child that good feeling. Merely petting the horse would not get the same results.

Of course, I give the bolder children a little more challenging circles than I do the shy ones. And herein lies a tale.

Bobbie was good looking, disruptive and proud. He began my day making obscene circles on his stuffed toy animal; his next move was to beat on the kids next to him. He flatly refused to do anything I asked of him and spent his time trying to make the other kids laugh -- at my expense if he could. I felt that this was not hatred but a challenge. There is a difference. I learned that Bobbie was usually taught one-on-one (that is, by himself with no other children present) and that it was only on the occasion of my visit that it was thought he might join the others. I wanted to say, "thanks a lot."

Usually with a week-long program I try to bring the horse on the first or second day. But a snowstorm delayed the live animal presentation until Thursday. By Wednesday, Bobbie was intolerable. I went to bed that night having visions of him jumping on Starlite's back, hurtling the corral and riding off into the sunset.

Actually, the next day he was pretty good. He hung on the corral with the other kids (they were allowed to stand on the first rail), raising his hand and shouting "Me" whenever someone was chosen to enter the corral. I had not worked the inside of a horse's mouth in demonstrations before, partly because Starlite doesn't like it that much, but today I did. I played the piano on her tongue. I could bear the deafening silence behind me, no "Me! Me! Me!" for this one. I did hear Bobbie say, "I'm not gonna do that!" I drew the suspense out as long as I dared and then called, "Bobbie!"

To his credit, he walked into the corral without a word. I let him suffer a moment longer and then asked him if he would like to do "Tarantula Pulling A Plow" on Starlite's back. He never said a word, and I have never seen a more focused kid. And boy, did that tarantula pull that plow! Starlite's neck sank happily into the crook of my arm.

The next day the teacher's aide who had been working with Bobbie popped out of the room, eyes wide. "He sat still for an hour! He even did his work!

Of course this was just one day in the life of this child. And we don't know quite why he was affected in this way. For some thing permanent to happen, a much more imaginative, ongoing program would have to be tried. Actually, Marie Luise van der Sode has done a six-month residential program in Europe at a Youth Farm for troubled teenage girls. She reported that some of the girls who were unpopular on account of being aggressive became easier to get along with (and more popular) after learning TTEAM. The work with the animals had taught them an alternative way of being.

Very few children have been too frightened to touch the horse and the dog. Of more than 200 children, I think only four or perhaps five hung back. One boy, Cody (the only boy who showed apprehension), conquered his fear and did very nice circles on both Starlite and Lad.

At the end of the week, the children spoke of their chosen animals in front of their classmates and other classes, and were awarded with Animal Ambassador certificates. Cody decided he couldn't do this. Cody was part of a group of mixed Special Ed and Gifted-and-Talented. The purpose of putting these two groups together was to raise the prestige and self-esteem of the slower group, to make it easier for them to leave their classrooms each day for Special Ed. Another purpose was to teach the advanced kids to share and care.

Cody agreed to let one of the advanced children read his speech for him while he stood next to the other child, holding a picture of his animal. So the advanced child practiced two speeches. Just as everyone got up to leave the room, Cody said, "I think I can do my own."

The teacher asked, "What do the rest of you kids think? Do you think Cody can do it?"

One of the advanced children started a cheer, and every child in the room took it up: "Go, Cody, Go!

Cody did give his speech, and he didn't do it too badly. As we left the other classroom, I told him, "You were brave."

He grinned one of those tooth-gaped eight-year-old grins. "Yeah, but I liked it a whole lot better being brave with the horse."

These speeches that the kids gave when they received their AAI Certificates were an exciting part of the program. One parent made the trip down to the school twice for her son's five-minute program. It was great that she was a devoted mother to do that for her son, and it also gives an indication of how much this program meant to the children. Non-readers started asking for more animal books to read. One gifted boy elected to memorize his speech, when he could have read it. Then others wanted to memorize. Another child (in Special Ed) elected to redo her project the week after I left. So there were just lots of indications that we were motivating these children.

I've found that dogs have different reasons to teach than horses. For example, Lad, Starlite's ambassador, treats each child as an individual. He'll offer a paw to one, try to lick another's face (just one lick per child), touch another's hand with his nose (one touch). Eddie, a smart, aggressive boy, was determined to make Lad shake hands with him. Before I could stop him he reached out and pumped Lad's paw. Immediately the magic left. Lad didn't exactly turn into a pumpkin, but he lost confidence for a little bit. It was a wonderful opportunity to learn myself and to explain to the children that one big part of communicating with animals is to watch and listen for the signals they give you. Of course this can be a step toward learning how to communicate more sensitively with people.

Incidentally, when I began these programs, I felt that learning care and consideration for animals could be a step toward learning care and consideration for other people. A psychologist pointed out that such was not always the case. Some people who relate well to animals do not always relate well to human beings. The animal in this type of situation are a social crutch.

Frank was a child like that. He had a brilliant mind, four pets at home, and he knew more about some kinds of wild animals than I did. He did a super job with the horse. He was wonderful with Lad. But his teacher said that be was verbally abusive to other children, with sexual connotations.

We tried to provide Frank with an alternative way of being by encouraging him to share his tremendous fund of knowledge of animals in the classroom. Understandably, the other children weren't really crazy about Frank, but by the end of the week he was providing other children with information about the animals they had chosen, and starting some interesting discussions. So in this way the animals he loves could be a bridge rather than a crutch.

When you do TTEAM it is like dropping a pebble in a pond. There is a saying that the ripples will eventually be felt on the farthest star. Lad was a dog I borrowed from a mountain man who was not known for his kindness to dogs. Since I have been using Lad for TTEAM work this man's natural kindness has surfaced. He just had never seen dogs as feeling, hurting beings before. They were curs to be yelled at and cowed into submissive obedience. Now he talks to them.

TTEAM is fascinating because you don't know what the results will be or how far they will carry. Its therapeutic value would be somewhat different that the proven stress-reduction that comes from petting an animal. My personal feeling is that TTEAM provides an ideal whole-brain learning situation. You have much more active, focused communication than when patting an animal because you are asking a great deal more of the animal. The animal is more focused because it doesn't know exactly what will come next. Some horses in particular become quite fascinated. They are so involved and politely interested in what you are doing sometimes it is almost comical.

But while you and the animal are focused, you are also very much aware of your surroundings. You have to be aware when working with a horse. An element of personal safety in involved and a sense of where you are in space is a necessity. Thoughts and movements become more precise and clear with experience.

Experiments have suggested that babies learn beat when they are relaxed, happy and alert. I see no reason to believe that animals don't learn the same way, and human beings of whatever age. TTEAM helps to promote this state where learning can happen.

New Program

This spring I am offering a follow-up program directed toward the intentional aspect of Animal Ambassadors International®. This program takes 1-2 hours. Children are introduced to the culture of a foreign country. They write letters about themselves and their pets, or stories about a favorite any species, to be shared with children in the other country.

Regards, Ann Finley

NOTE: TTEAM is an acronym of "Tellington TTouch Equine Awareness Method." Since this article was written, Linda decided to use a brand name for all the facets of the TTouch organization. Currently, that is Tellington TTouch^® Training.

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