Mary Debono has created a concept what she calls the Debono Moves. The Debono Moves is Movement (Re)Education and is influenced by the Feldenkrais method.
Mary is a Feldenkrais practitioner (for humans) and has also been working on dogs and horses (and other animals) with her Debono Moves for more than 30 years.
It is an approach where through gentle movement suggestions we remind the horse that movement can feel easy and pleasurable. Through time, horses (and the same with us) have created habitual movements that might not be desirable and can create tension/pain in the body. These habitual movements could have happened through injuries, environment, or training. With the Debono Moves we can “wake up” dormant movement patterns and sensations that have been hidden by habitual compensations. We reminding the horse that there are other possibilities, what will help them to move with more ease, be more flexible and balanced and help them with their overall well-being. It a kinesthetic conversation where we reawaken the horse’s connection with their true potential and strengthen their bond with us.
I have been practicing Feldenkrais myself for almost 12 years now and was introduced to Mary’s work by my friend and Feldenkrais practitioner Grace Chapman. It has now been 5 years since I started studying with Mary in her on-line Move with your Horse program, what has been a wonderful and insightful journey.
In October 2023 I travelled to the US to attend advanced training and even that we learned a lot of the moves in our online program after my trip to the US I came home with a better feel and understanding on how to pull it all together, not only have the “words” but can start creating “sentences” and tell “a story”. A story that horses love to listen to and help them move with more ease and feel better.
Since July 2024 Mary created the Insider Group, where I am a part of, what is designed for her advanced students where we dive deeper in the method through collaborations and discussions. In June 2025 I became a Certified Equine Debono Moves Practitioner.
My intention is to share this wonderful method through in-person workshops or individual lessons.
