FAQ

THE CUSTOM PROGRAM FAQ

Introduction & Overview

1. What is The Michelle Method?

The Michelle Method is a structured approach to building stronger, healthier toplines through targeted exercises and conditioning strategies.

2. How is the custom program different from the generic one?

The custom program is fully tailored to your horse’s specific needs, while the generic program provides a more general foundation.

3. Is the custom program a riding program or groundwork program?

It includes both riding and groundwork, with a focus on developing foundational strength.

4. Will the custom program replace riding, or is it meant to complement it?

The program is designed to complement your riding, not replace it.

5. Is ridden work included with the custom program?

Yes, ridden work is included where appropriate.

6. Are rider exercises included with the custom program?

Yes, rider-focused exercises are part of the program.

Horse Suitability & Safety

7. Is the custom program suitable for all horse breeds and disciplines?

Yes, it can be applied to all breeds and disciplines.

8. Can ponies do the custom program?

Yes, ponies can benefit just as much as horses.

9. Can young horses do the custom program?

Yes, even horses not yet under saddle can benefit from age-appropriate exercises.

10. Can older horses benefit from the custom program?

Yes, including retired horses who are no longer in regular work.

11. Is the custom program safe for horses with past injuries?

Yes, with exercises adapted to fit the horse’s current abilities.

12. Should I get my vet’s clearance before starting the custom program?

Yes, we always recommend checking with your veterinarian first.

13. Does my horse need to be sound to start the custom program?

Not necessarily, as exercises can be adjusted to your horse’s level of comfort.

14. What if my horse has medical restrictions, can I still do the custom program?

Yes, we design the program to respect any veterinary restrictions.

15. Is the custom program okay for horses currently in full training?

Yes, it can be added alongside a horse’s existing training routine.

16. What if my horse is retired—can they still participate in the custom program?

Yes, retired horses often benefit from the exercises provided.

Program Structure & Activities

17. What kinds of activities are included in the custom program?

The program may include exercises, stretches, massage techniques, taping applications, lunging, and ridden work.

18. Do the exercises progress in difficulty in the custom program?

Yes, the program is designed to gradually build strength and ability.

19. How long are the sessions in the custom program?

Most sessions take a minimum of 30 minutes.

20. How much time per week will the custom program take?

We recommend at least three separate sessions per week.

21. How long is the custom program?

The program is a minimum of 16 weeks.

Guidance & Support

22. Will I get step-by-step instructions in the custom program?

Yes, every exercise comes with clear instructions.

23. Do you provide video demonstrations in the custom program?

Yes, video demonstrations are included for clarity.

24. How do I know if I’m doing the exercises correctly in the custom program?

You can submit videos for feedback to ensure proper technique.

25. How do I know my horse is doing the exercises correctly with the custom program?

Video submissions allow us to review your horse’s form and posture.

26. Do you check in on form and technique, or is it all self-guided with the custom program?

We provide check-ins to help ensure proper execution and safe progress.

27. What if my horse struggles with an exercise in the custom program?

We adjust the plan to match your horse’s needs and abilities.

28. Do I need to be an experienced rider or handler to do the exercises with the custom program?

No, the program is designed for horse owners of all experience levels.

29. Will I get personal feedback on my horse’s progress with the custom program?

Yes, personal feedback is a key part of the program.

30. Can I send you videos of my horse for review with the custom program?

Yes, video review is included to help guide your progress.

Results & Benefits

31. How soon will I see changes in my horse’s topline in the custom program?

Many clients notice changes within about four weeks, though every horse is different.

32. Will the custom program help my horse move better under saddle?

Yes, improved strength and balance often translate to better movement.

33. Can the custom program improve my horse’s balance and coordination?

Yes, balance and coordination are key focus areas.

34. Can the custom program help with stiffness or unevenness?

Yes, the program encourages greater suppleness and evenness.

35. Does the custom program also help with behavior and focus?

Yes, many horses become more attentive and engaged through structured work.

Logistics & Sign-Up

36. Do I need special equipment to get started with the custom program?

No, we work with what you already have and suggest options only if needed.

37. Is the custom program done online or in person?

The program is fully online for convenience and flexibility.

38. What’s included when I purchase the custom program?

You’ll receive a detailed assessment, a customized exercise plan, and ongoing one-on-one support.

39. Do you offer payment plans for the custom program?

Yes, you can choose between a paid-in-full or monthly payment option.

40. How do I sign up for the custom program?

Simply start by filling out our application form to begin the process.

THE GENERIC PROGRAM FAQ

Introduction & Overview

1. How do I cancel the generic program?

You can cancel by logging in on your computer and following the steps in our self-guided YouTube tutorial.

2. How do I contact support during the generic program?

You can reach our team anytime by emailing info@michelle-method.com.

3. Is the generic program a riding program or groundwork program?

The generic program focuses on simple groundwork exercises only.

4. Will the generic program replace riding, or is it meant to complement it?

It’s designed to complement your riding and can easily be done after a ride.

5. Is ridden work included with the generic program?

No, ridden work is not part of this program.

6. Are rider exercises included with the generic program?

Yes, basic rider exercises are included.

Horse Suitability & Safety

7. Is the generic program suitable for all horse breeds and disciplines?

Yes, it provides foundational work suitable for all breeds and disciplines.

8. Can ponies do the generic program?

Yes, ponies can participate as well.

9. Can young horses do the generic program?

Yes, young horses can safely take part in the basic exercises.

10. Can older horses benefit from the generic program?

Yes, older horses can also benefit from the gentle structure.

11. Is the generic program safe for horses with past injuries?

No, if your horse has a history of injury, the custom program is a safer choice.

12. Should I get my vet’s clearance before starting the generic program?

Yes, we recommend consulting your veterinarian before beginning any new program.

13. Does my horse need to be sound to start the generic program?

Yes, horses should be sound before starting this program.

14. What if my horse has medical restrictions, can I still do the generic program?

No, horses with medical restrictions should use the custom program instead.

15. Is the generic program okay for horses currently in full training?

Yes, it can be added alongside regular training.

16. What if my horse is retired—can they still participate in the generic program?

Yes, retired horses can still benefit from the basic work provided.

Program Structure & Activities

17. What kinds of activities are included in the generic program?

It includes basic groundwork exercises and simple stretches that can be done after rides.

18. Do the exercises progress in difficulty in the generic program?

Yes, the program builds gradually every two weeks with added reps and sets.

19. How long are the sessions in the generic program?

Each session takes about 45 minutes.

20. How much time per week will the generic program take?

Expect three sessions per week for your horse and three for the rider.

21. How long is the generic program?

The program runs for 16 weeks.

Guidance & Support

22. Will I get step-by-step instructions in the generic program?

Yes, clear step-by-step instructions are included.

23. Do you provide video demonstrations in the generic program?

Yes, you’ll have access to demonstration videos.

24. How do I know if I’m doing the exercises correctly in the generic program?

Feedback on form is not included—this is a feature of the custom program.

25. How do I know my horse is doing the exercises correctly with the generic program?

Reviews of your horse’s form are only available through the custom program.

26. Do you check in on form and technique, or is it all self-guided with the generic program?

The generic program is fully self-guided; check-ins are part of the custom program.

27. What if my horse struggles with an exercise in the generic program?

If your horse struggles, stop the exercise and move on.

28. Do I need to be an experienced rider or handler to do the exercises with the generic program?

Yes, this program is best suited for horse owners with some handling experience.

29. Will I get personal feedback on my horse’s progress with the generic program?

No, personal feedback is only offered in the custom program.

30. Can I send you videos of my horse for review with the generic program?

No, video review is a feature of the custom program only.

Results & Benefits

31. How soon will I see changes in my horse’s topline in the generic program?

Most horses show visible changes around the 8-week mark.

32. Will the generic program help my horse move better under saddle?

Yes, the exercises are designed to support better movement under saddle.

33. Can the generic program improve my horse’s balance and coordination?

Yes, the program encourages improved balance and coordination.

34. Can the generic program help with stiffness or unevenness?

No, this program does not specifically address stiffness or unevenness.

35. Does the generic program also help with behavior and focus?

No, behavior and focus improvements are not part of this program.

Logistics & Sign-Up

36. Do I need special equipment to get started with the generic program?

Yes, you’ll need bell boots and four poles.

37. Is the generic program done online or in person?

The program is offered online.

38. What’s included when I purchase the generic program?

You’ll receive foundational exercises and stretches with video demonstrations.

39. Do you offer payment plans for the generic program?

Yes, weekly payment options are available.

40. How do I sign up for the generic program?

Simply click the sign-up link provided to get started.