Izabela Riding Club in Modřany: Where Children Learn to Understand Horses Through Natural Contact
Located in Prague's Modřany district, the Izabela Riding Club focuses on teaching children with an emphasis on horse ethology and bareback riding, promoting stability and a mutual bond.
A Path to Understanding the Equine Soul
In Prague's Modřany district, there is a unique place that stands apart from standard commercial riding schools. The Izabela Riding Club is not just about technical riding skills, but primarily about understanding the horse as a living being with specific needs and behaviors. The main pillar of the local curriculum is ethology – the science of animal behavior, which helps children see the world through a horse's eyes.
As seen in the video, children learn that a horse is not a mere piece of sports equipment, but a partner. This approach builds empathy and responsibility in young riders, qualities they will use far beyond the stable environment. Training begins with the basics, such as safely approaching the animal, grooming, and preparing for work.
Bareback Riding as a Foundation for Stability
One of the most interesting aspects of the training at the Izabela club is the emphasis on riding without a traditional treed saddle. Children ride on a pad with handles (vaulting surcingle), which offers several key benefits for their equestrian development. Without a saddle, the rider is in direct contact with the horse's body, allowing them to better perceive its movements, warmth, and rhythm.
In the video, we can observe how this method naturally forces children to find balance within their own center of gravity. The handles provide necessary hand support without restricting pelvic movement. This style of riding effectively strengthens the deep stabilization system and teaches children to rely on their seat and feel rather than on stirrups. In the long run, this builds a much more stable and relaxed seat, which is the foundation for any further equestrian discipline.
Ethology and Natural Communication
The Izabela club places great emphasis on children understanding why a horse behaves in a certain way. Equine ethology in practice means learning to read body language – from ear position to tension in movement. Children learn how a horse perceives the space around it and what triggers calmness or, conversely, uncertainty.
Groundwork is an integral part of the lessons. Children learn to lead, stop, and back up the horse, thereby building natural authority based on trust rather than force. This comprehensive approach ensures that young riders are able to safely handle the horse not only in the saddle but also in everyday situations in the stable or pasture.
Community Atmosphere in Modřany
The location in Modřany offers city children a chance to escape into nature and have direct contact with animals in a friendly environment. The Izabela club does not focus on drill and competitive ambitions, but on the joy of movement and time spent together. Children learn to work in a group, help each other, and share in the care of the horses.
The entire concept shown in the video demonstrates a modern equestrian path where horse welfare is the top priority. For parents looking for a meaningful leisure activity for their children that combines physical exercise with the development of emotional intelligence, the Izabela Riding Club is an ideal choice. The result is confident children who have a healthy and respectful relationship with horses.