For many riders, training a horse can be both deeply rewarding and incredibly challenging. Marijke de Jong’s Straightness Training has emerged as a widely respected approach in the equestrian world, offering a structured, thoughtful system designed to improve balance, harmony, and communication between horse and rider. What makes this method unique is its emphasis on the natural asymmetry of horses how their bodies and minds tend to develop unevenly and how understanding that can unlock true potential in training. Straightness Training is not just a set of exercises; it is a philosophy about how horses move, learn, and build confidence with their humans. With Marijke de Jong’s guidance, riders from around the world have adopted this approach to transform their training, improve their horse’s wellbeing, and deepen mutual understanding.
Who Is Marijke de Jong?
Marijke de Jong is a horsewoman and trainer who developed the Straightness Training system after realising that many common training problems stem from natural asymmetry and imbalance in horses. Early in her journey, she struggled with her own horse, Maestro, who exhibited resistance and behavioural issues. Through careful observation and experimentation, she discovered methods to help him move in balance and comfort and that insight became the foundation of what is now known as Straightness Training. Today, de Jong teaches riders worldwide through clinics, online programs, certification courses, and personalized coaching, helping thousands of riders and horses achieve better balance, responsiveness, and harmony.
The Philosophy Behind Straightness Training
Straightness Training is built on the idea that horses, like humans, are naturally asymmetrical. This means that one side of their body may be more developed or dominant than the other, resulting in stiffness, uneven movement, or resistance under saddle. Rather than forcing a horse into a particular frame or relying solely on equipment or force, Straightness Training emphasises understanding the horse’s body, mind, and natural tendencies. The goal is to create balance not only physically but also mentally and emotionally, so the horse learns willingly and with confidence.
Natural Asymmetry and Balance
At the core of Straightness Training is recognising that every horse has a dominant side, and that working with, rather than against, these tendencies can lead to better overall movement. Exercises are designed to help horses develop equal strength and flexibility on both sides, leading to improved posture, smoother gaits, and a comfortable relationship with their rider. De Jong’s approach teaches riders to observe subtle signals in their horse’s body and adjust training accordingly, focusing on clarity and communication.
Key Components of Straightness Training
Straightness Training consists of multiple elements that together form a comprehensive training system. Riders engage in both ground work and mounted exercises, each designed to enhance balance and coordination.
Groundwork
Groundwork forms the foundation of Straightness Training. Before a horse is ridden, it learns to move freely, maintain balance, and respond to subtle cues. This stage helps teachers and riders assess natural asymmetry and begin building muscle and coordination. Groundwork may include leading exercises, lateral movements, and basic patterns that encourage the horse to engage its body in a balanced way.
Longeing and Work in Hand
Longeing involves guiding the horse in a circle while maintaining consistent rhythm and balance. This allows the horse to learn to bend, stretch, and use its body evenly without the added weight of a rider. Work in hand refers to exercises where the handler leads the horse from alongside, helping the horse practice precise movements, transitions, and lateral work while maintaining balance. Both of these components are crucial for developing the foundation required for ridden work.
Mounted Exercises
Once groundwork and longeing have helped a horse gain better body awareness and strength, riders can introduce mounted exercises. These often start at a walk and progressively include more complex movements such as shoulderin, haunchesin, and lateral work. The intention is always to maintain balance, softness, and communication between horse and rider. These exercises are not simply mechanical; they help the horse develop muscle memory and understanding, which leads to confidence and a willing attitude.
Liberty Work
Another unique aspect of Straightness Training is liberty work, where horses are trained without tack or restraint. In liberty training, the horse learns to perform exercises through trust and clear communication alone. This approach deepens the horse’s confidence and strengthens the connection between horse and trainer or rider.
Training Goals and Benefits
Straightness Training aims to create a horse that is physically balanced, mentally calm, and emotionally willing to work with its rider. Because the method focuses on fundamental movement patterns and body mechanics, it can benefit horses of all breeds, disciplines, and ages from young horses just starting their training to senior horses needing rehabilitation.
Improved Physical Balance
By addressing natural asymmetry, horses become more coordinated and flexible. This leads to a smoother gait and the ability to perform movements more effectively and comfortably. Balanced horses are less likely to develop tension, pain, or compensatory issues that arise from uneven muscle use.
Enhanced Communication
Because Straightness Training emphasises understanding and clear cues, riders often find that communication with their horse improves dramatically. Horses learn to respond to subtle signals, which reduces resistance and creates a more enjoyable riding experience.
Mental and Emotional WellBeing
A horse that feels understood and supported is more relaxed and willing in its work. Straightness Training encourages trainers to consider the horse’s mental and emotional responses, not just physical performance. This holistic perspective can create a calmer, more confident horse ready to engage cooperatively.
Straightness Training Academy and Learning Opportunities
To support riders and trainers around the world, Marijke de Jong established the Straightness Training Academy. The Academy offers structured programs that range from beginner courses to advanced certification paths. Participants can access online coaching, educational resources, and live feedback to deepen their understanding of the method. Graduates of these programs can become licensed Straightness Training instructors, spreading the knowledge and principles of ST to others.
Certification and Instructor Programs
Those who wish to take their involvement further can pursue official certification through the Academy. The certification process includes several levels, allowing riders and trainers to earn credentials based on their competence and understanding of the core training pillars. Certification encourages consistent quality and understanding among ST practitioners, helping to maintain the integrity of the method worldwide.
Clinics and Mastery Courses
Clinics hosted by Straightness Training provide handson opportunities for riders to work directly with Marijke de Jong or certified instructors. These events often focus on realtime problem solving, personalised feedback, and practical demonstrations of key exercises. Riders who attend clinics report breakthroughs in communication and movement that can accelerate their training progress.
Who Can Benefit from Straightness Training?
Straightness Training is designed for equestrians of all levels, from beginners to experienced competitors. Because it focuses on fundamental balance and communication, riders participating in dressage, show jumping, eventing, trail riding, and even natural horsemanship can apply these principles to enhance their training. Horses that are stiff, resistant, or struggling to perform particular movements can often find greater ease through this structured system.
Practical Tips for Riders
- Start with assessment observe your horse’s natural movement and asymmetry before introducing exercises.
- Focus on clarity use clear, gentle cues and reward correct responses to build understanding.
- Patience is key progress is incremental, and consistent, short, focused sessions are more effective than sporadic intense training.
- Mix elements combine groundwork, longeing, and mounted exercises to develop wellrounded balance.
- Stay open to feedback working with certified instructors or joining clinics can provide new insights and accelerate improvement.
Marijke de Jong’s Straightness Training offers a thoughtful, structured approach to helping horses develop balance, flexibility, and a deeper connection with their riders. By recognising and addressing natural asymmetry and emphasising clear communication, this method has helped countless riders and horses achieve harmony and progress in their training. Whether starting with the basics or pursuing advanced certification, Straightness Training provides a comprehensive pathway for improving both performance and the overall wellbeing of the equestrian partnership. As more riders adopt these principles, the equestrian community continues to benefit from a deeper understanding of how horses can move and learn with confidence and ease.