RidingRefinery

Riding Refinery

Re-Define The Way You Ride

Scientist by day. Horseman by night. I have spent the last twenty years combining modern science with classical horse training to improve the health and harmony of horse and rider.

My name is Dan Gillie, and my goal is to enable both horse and human to live the best version of their life to its full potential.

My philosophy of horsemanship consists of two parts:

humans helping horses so that
horses can help humans.

Now I live by these two principles every day. I am working to help Ruby so that Ruby can help my daughter Kelly.

Click Hereto learn more about these efforts.

Now I ride horses

"To keep my daughter out of the hospital!!!"

Why do you ride horses?

Why?

Why ride and train horses?

Why Old World, Old School, Classical Dressage?

If I was asked these questions, a few years ago, I would have said something along the lines of...

Horses and dressage are my passion, and I am committed to preserving and keeping this old equestrian heritage alive.

Or possibly....

I love the living beauty, art, and poetry of horse and rider in motion.

Today my answer is simple, direct, and focused.

"To keep my daughter out of the hospital!!!"

Why do you ride horses?

Click Hereto learn more about my approach to Riding Therapy.

Why?

Why ride and train horses?

Why Old World, Old School, Classical Dressage?

If I was asked these questions, a few years ago, I would have said something along the lines of...

Horses and dressage are my passion, and I am committed to preserving and keeping this old equestrian heritage alive.

Or possibly....

I love the living beauty, art, and poetry of horse and rider in motion.

Today my answer is simple, direct, and focused.

"To keep my daughter out of the hospital!!!"

Why do you ride horses?

Click Hereto learn more about my approach to Riding Therapy.

From hospital bed to horseback

2024, was a very challenging year for us. My oldest daughter Kelly, a high functioning autistic teen, spent six weeks in the hospital. The diagnosis was malignant catatonia, a condition that fifty years ago had at best a 50% survival rate. Needless to say we were extremely worried and afraid we were going to loose her.

Catatonia is a neuropsychiatric syndrome. People experiencing catatonia are disconnected from the physical world, and live in a state in which they are awake but do not to respond to other people and their environment. They may be nearly motionless for days on end or perform repetitive purposeless movements. Catatonia can affect someone's movement, speech and behaviour in many different ways.

Horses became the road to recovery

Kelly had an excellent medical team, and it took even them a long time to find the right medical treatments that could help her. Before her hospitalization, we had just started some therapeutic horse riding at a nearby stable. When she was finally discharged from the hospital, we started the riding therapy again. It was very slow going, and progress was difficult.

Because of the nature of her treatments, she struggle each week to even remember the her instructor. Each week we had to re-introduce her to the young lady teaching the lessons, and ask her if she remembered her. A series of scheduling difficulties make it impossible for us to continue. However, my friend, Liz, who runs a riding stable two hours away allowed Kelly to ride her horses.

Since Kelly was basically unable to move or talk much, I helped her into the saddle and started going through the motions of teaching riding lessons. It had been over a decade since I taught any riding lessons, but I returned to my roots and began with simple lunge-line seat lessons. Next, I progressed to a work-in-hand method of working the horse while Kelly just sat in the saddle.

Unlike the more traditional riding therapy, Kelly started to blossom. Usually the riding therapy was mildly helpful, and made her smile a little. But somehow the work I was doing made a greater impact. She started to become more verbal. She moved and talked better, and not just for the next thirty minutes, but for the next three days after a riding session.

The more I combined my classical dressage training with my neuroscience training in designing exercises on horseback, the more Kelly gained strength and balance in the saddle that even traditional physical therapy had failed to facilitate. Her medical treatments started lasting longer and even gained additional benefits beyond what they had in the beginning. Liz's horses possessed a special magic.

Liz has generously gifted us one of her magic horses -- Ruby. Now, we are able to work with Kelly almost every day in the saddle. We are hoping that Ruby can help Kelly recover and live a fully functional and independent life. Follow Kelly as she Recovers with Ruby.

How My Program Works

We aim to support and guide individuals towards achieving their personal and professional goals. My program typically begins with an initial consultation, where I assess your current situation and identify areas for growth and development.

Once we establish goals, we work together to create a personalized action plan. Throughout the coaching program, I provide ongoing support and guidance to help you unlock your potential for personal and professional success.

Start today and we can get you on your way to a better personal and professional you!

What To Expect In Your First 90 Days

Step 1: We will set clear goals.This means taking the time to reflect on what you want to achieve and why it matters to you. Remember, goals need to be attainable and time-bound to keep you on track and measure progress.

Step 2: We will create an action plan.This will break down your goals into manageable steps and outline specific actions you need to take to achieve them.Having a clear action plan ensures that you have a roadmap to follow, making it easier to make progress andstay on track during the first 90 days of your coaching program.