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Sherry is certified by:
* AAHS (American Asso. of Horsemanship Safety)
* EAGALA (Equine Asisted Growth and Learning Asso.)
* NEA Nebraska Education Assoc.
She is a member of
*NHC Nebraska Horse Council
*USEF (US Equestrian
Federation)
* AQHA American Quarter Horse Asso.
* PNHSC Parelli Natural Horsemanship Savvy Club
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"Sandhills Horse Sense"
is devoted to promoting
relationships and
choices that lead to
a positive future.
Sherry is now an
EAGALA Certified
Horse Professional
working in conjunction
with Melissa Dearmont &
Mid-West Country Clinic
L.E.A.D.
"Leadership through
Equine Assited
Development"
will help you with
building relationships,
problem solving,
attitudes & behaviors,
conflict & stress,
responsibilities,
positive choices,
and much more.
Individual sessions by appointment!
Classes & Retreats adapted to families or groups are
also offered .
Call 1-866-757-3853
1-402-684-2908
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Our Friendly Warning: There is always some risk involved in horse training for both you and the horse. Horses can cause serious injury.
Be sensible and don’t attempt anything that is outside your comfort level.
Any information on this website or that we present through any of our programs are intended to illustrate how we apply our training techniques with success.
However you are responsible for using this information wisely. If you don’t feel comfortable with your abilities or an exercise, don’t do it!
Seek advice or assistance from a professional before attempting things beyond your skill or confidence level.
Stay on the "high side of trouble".
Keep it natural and above all KEEP IT SAFE!
Warmly,
Sherry
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Items in this months newsletter:
Either scroll down the page or use the Quick Links below.
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MINI CLINIC with FREE TRAIL RIDE
available at Sherry's House starting again next spring on Wednesdays,
or upon special request any open weekend or day Sherry is home.
Tenative 2009 Dates:
April 15, 22, 29;
May 6, 13,20, 27
June 10,
July 1, 15, 29
Aug. 12,19, 26
Sept. 2, 9,16, 23, 30
Make plans to ride in the sandhills in 2009
Individual instruction in the morning followed by a Free Trail Ride in the afternoon (Very easy trails)
Only accepting 4-6 riders. It only takes two to make a day of it, so Call a friend now and join in the FUN!
Call Sherry at 308-730-2150 for more details.
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Sherry & Cisco
Having a great time!
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Dear Horse lovers,
A Creative Solution for a Hard to Catch Horse
Have you ever thought; “If I only had a round pen?”
Until very recently, I’ve not had a round pen at my place for over 6 years and I have gotten along just fine. I’ve always kept an open mind about using a round pen. I do have some reservations about a few of the techniques used in a round pen because a little too much unnecessary pressure can be put on a horse when we forget about the release and draw. If we are not careful a round pen can bring out the predatory tendencies in a person which will not benefit the horse.
I’ve read a lot of horse training books on harmony and feel with horses. I’ve watched my fair share of videotapes on gentle horse breaking. I studied educational psychology in college and can see how some of it relates to the horse human relationship. I’ve attended quite a few clinics of popular clinicians both as an auditor and rider participant. I’ve learned so much from the hundreds of horses I’ve worked with through my students and the many clinics that I teach. After all of these experiences I can see the benefit of a round pen when it is used properly. But what if you don’t have one?
Many of you don’t have a round pen at home and many real-life situations are not textbook or clinic examples, so you have to be creative and figure out ways to deal with what you have. If you don’t have a round pen don’t be discouraged, just take time to think about horse psychology and the training principles you know then apply it to your situation.
Here is an example of a real life situation that I encountered recently. A client called me to help her catch a hard to catch mustang. The problem was, he was in a pasture with no round pen available and there was not even a smaller square pen which we could chase him into. A pasture several acres in size was the only available place to attempt catching this horse not to mention that there were three other horses with him. I knew that chasing this horse around until he stopped was not going to work. Bribing him wouldn’t work either, that had been attempted to no avail. The little mustang had been winning the “You Can’t Catch Me” game for some time now, so I knew I needed a game plan before arriving. Of course His favorite tactic was to hide behind the other horses. In order to solve this dilemma I started thinking about how we could use the concept of moving a horse in a round pen until he turns toward you without the advantage that real panels would provide by keeping the horse confined.
Working with what I had available I planned to see if I could catch the other horses first and tie them on the outside of the pasture, preferably in a corner. I figured that the mustang would run over to be with his buddies in the corner. I presumed that when I made him move out he would circle back so as not to get too farm from his friends, creating an invisible round pen. This was my game plan and it worked with a few alterations. Remember always have a plan but be flexible to change it when needed.
With my play book in hand I drove to the clients place. When I arrived it was raining, not buckets, but enough to get us nice and wet. We had on slickers which added another unforeseen and interesting element which we suspected would cause concern for the horses. I suggested this is a real life situation where we can't always be in a textbook clinic type environment, so let's make the best of it by using our creative thinking. I reached into my quiver full of savvy skills and principles drawing out the ones I thought we could use to set this experience up for success.
As we walked in the pouring rain and very tall and wet grass to find the horses I advised my client to not even think about catching her horse. I told her not to look at him, to ignore him completely as if he wasn’t even on the planet with us, and above all breathe. Don’t hold you’re your breath because it will create brace in your body which will cause an unfriendly appearance. Wouldn't you know the herd was in the farthest corner from where we began our journey?
When we approached the herd they snorted at our rain gear just as we thought they might. I reminded my client not to put any pressure on them, that all we need to do is blend in and become a part of the herd. It worked. The young Arab couldn't stand it, she was so curious she had to check us out. As I stood still breathing very relaxed she came up to sniff me. Then she turned farted and ran off bucking. The others followed suit but didn't go far before they circled back around us. We began to blend with the herd again. The other two mares came up to greet us, but the mustang never approached us. I suggested some other ways we could look more inviting.
After petting all three horses, we kept ignoring the horse we really wanted to catch until he finally got curious enough to come smell me. But he still said “No touching allowed” as I reached my hand out to his nose. After he quietly left I again acted like I didn't even know he was in the country. We continued to love on the other horses except the Arab who had decided I was indeed the boogie man wearing that long black slicker. So I took it off, threw it on the ground and continued to love on the other two horses. It was so funny when the Arab and the mustang started stomping my rain coat. The mustang even began eating it. While this was going on we haltered the two mares. By this time the mustang was entertaining himself with the stick on the ground, he was chewing on the handle. We laughed when he picked up the string and drug the whole thing around.
We only had two halters so we left the Arab loose. Remember my plan was to tie the other horses on the outside of the fence in the corner. But since we didn't have enough halters, the other horses didn’t belong to this gal and it was barbed wired with a bunch of farm equipment around it, we decided to not take a chance of any of them getting hurt. Instead I had my client hold the two horses we had caught about 60 feet away from the corner creating an imaginary round pen.
After putting my slicker back on I began to play with the two loose renegades. It wasn’t long before the little mustang decided to catch me!!! If you have a hard to catch horse you need to quit thinking about catching him. Use some reverse psychology. Take the attitude that you want the horse to catch you. It was amazing how well the imaginary round pen worked. The smart mustang never left 40 feet from the horses in the middle.
The Arab tried to get in our way a few times, but she was easy to move around when needed. I never once thought about catching this horse. I stayed between him and the two mares in the middle of our imaginary round pen. I mirrored his every move. I was very careful about staying in the neutral zone. I stayed in the proper position so I could still keep him from joining the two mares without driving him away. I only put pressure on him once when he tried to drive me away so he could join the two mares in the middle. It took very little energy from me to let him know he couldn't push me around. I didn’t even need to raise my hand. I just gave him the teacher look “You’re in trouble now Buddy”. I did not have a stick in my hand. I did not use a rope or the lead to direct the horse because my purpose was to draw the horse in to me not drive him away. The halter was draped over my arm in a casual way.
We were surprise that the mustang never even tried to leave the imaginary round pen. It was magical. Every time he stopped or gave the slightest indication he wanted to be with me, I walked a little toward the two mares in the middle. I was a little amazed myself how well it worked. It only took about 20 minutes before the mustang joined up with me. I still had not tried to catch him or halter him. I sent him out about 3 or 4 more times as a test to see if he was truly caught and wanted to be with me before I put the halter on without the lead. After that he continued to be with me on his own accord.
Before leaving I helped my client come up with some alternative techniques and strategies to set her up for success when she is by herself. After putting together her game plan we went to
her house to dry out and eat some lunch. It was a very successful and fun morning playing with horses because we used some creative solutions to catch a hard to catch horse even though we didn’t have a round pen, or a perfect setting to apply the principles. So the next time you are bemoaning the fact that you don’t have a round pen or a real life situation presents a less than perfect setting put on your thinking cap and experiment with the principles and savvy you have worked so hard to learn. You might just be pleasantly surprised at the result!
There is a very happy ending to this story. The next day it only took the owner 10 minutes to catch this horse using the strategies we set up for her and only 3 minutes the next time. I know that it will only get better as these two continue to develop their relationship and savvy by using creative solutions for real life situations.
Hope to see you on the trail this summer or fall,
Sherry Jarvis
PS:"There are three kinds of men. The one that learns by reading. The few who learn by observation. The rest of them have to pee on the electric fence for themselves."--Will Rogers
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REGULAR PRIVATE LESSONS IN OMAHA AND LINCOLN AREAS FOR SUMMER!
Horsemanship Private Lessons:
Please sign up as soon as possible, because we are usually fill up.
Sherry goes to various barns and even makes house calls in the Omaha and Lincoln areas once a month.
So call to reserve your time and find out locations or if she can come to your house.
The cost is between $40-$50 per hour depending on the location because of arena fees.
If I have to drive over 40 miles from where I am staying then a mileage charge is added.
Aug 21-24 Private Lessons in Omaha and Lincoln Areas
Aug. 8-15 Lusk, WYClinic and Private lessons
Sept. 18-21 Private Lessons in Omaha and Lincoln Areas
Oct. 16-19 Private Lessons in Omaha and Lincoln Areas
“WIN YOUR HORSE’S HEART” (And Be a Better Horseman)
Buy your personal signed copy from Sherry Only $18.69 (+tax)
Also available on-line at Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble
Back by popular demand: YOUNG HORSE HANDLING CLASSES was held at Sherry's place in Burwell April 3-5 followed by the colts staying with Sherry and her intern Erica for 30 days. The owners came back at the end of the month to get their young horses and spend a day under instruction with their horse. They were amazed and very pleased at what their horses could do and how calm and relaxed they were.
We already have people wanting us to offer this class again. So we are looking at Sept. 1 through Oct. 10 We will only take 4 horses, and are nearly full, so if you want to take advantage of this opportunity let us know right away.
Click above on the information flier to discover more.
TRAIL RIDE PREPARATION CLINIC
at Elkhorn Equestrian Center was enjoyed by all and at the NE Expo I had some request to do the class again. So if anyone is interested in hosting it, I would be more than happy to do it.
NEW CLASSIFIED PAGE ON WEBSITE
Free to Heart in Your Hand Horsemanship Clients
We have added quite a few new horses for sale this month, so check it out.
RIDE FOR FREE by Hosting a 2-day Clinic
Host a 2-day clinic and if you positively get 7 other people signed up with deposits then you ride for free.
You will also be required to make arena arrangements, plus a few other duties. For more info go to our hostess page.
15-20% OFF SMOOTHSTRIDE RIDING PANTS (Only a few sizes left from 2008 inventory.
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EVENT SCHEDULE
May-Oct. 2009 Camp Schedule
Call Sherry at 308-346-5663 to set up a special personal time for you and your horse.
Listed above is the summer private lessons dates scheduled for the Omaha and Lincoln areas, and below are the camp dates for summer at Calamus Outfitters near Burwell.
The dates are subject to change so please confirm by calling or e-mailing us. There are a few events still in the works without dates, so periodically check our schedule page.
PRIVATE LESSON RETREAT
There have been several people come spend a few days with me at my house this summer for intense private lessons. Some stay in my spare bedrom and others rent a nearby cottage for more privacy. If you are interested, please call so we can arrange the details.
2009 Summer Horsemanship Camp Dates
at Calamus Outfitters near Burwell, NE
Women's Confident Leadership Camp Dates:
May 15-18; June 12-15; July 10-13; Sept. 4-7; Sept. 11-14;
4th Annual Alumni Women's Camp
Oct. 2-5
Youth Horsemanship Camps (at least 12 yrs old)
June 16-18; July 7-9; Aug 4-6
Youth/Parent Horsemanship Camps (12 & under)
June 23-25; July 21-23;
Cowboy/Cowgirl Camp for the whole family
May 23-25 (Memorial Day)
Internships
Two years ago I had a very successful time with Erica and she came back again last year and we started two colts. She took them both to the alumni women's camp in Oct. and they both rode great even though it was only their 6th or 7th rides. This year she spent the month of April with me to start five 3 year olds.
If anyone is interested a similar opportunity, call Sherry for more information at 308-346-5663. There is a new page on our website with details about this great opportunity. (It is not a salaried internship)
GET REAL POSITIVE AND LASTING RESULTS
We promise an experience with us will give you a new perspective and confidence about your horsemanship which will take you to even more success and fun with your horse.
Horsemanship is a lifetime endeavor. The more we learn and experience the more artistic we can become in our expression of movement with the horse and the happier and more willing the horse will be.
Horse ownership is for fun, recreation and personal growth. Making the right investment to help insure less frustration and more safety will put the joy back into the experience. That is an invaluable gift.
Spending hard earned dollars on riding lesson, a clinic or camp may sound like a self indulgent luxury. But, without coaching on a regular basis, the best professional athletes admit their performances begin to deteriorate. At an amateur level, your investment in riding lessons will create personal joy and yield measurable progress in your goal to become the best rider and horseman you can be. Isn't that what you expect?
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Reviews of New Horse Book
Before you read one more "how-to" book, it's absolutely necessary that you read Win Your Horse's Heart because if your whole way of THINKING about the human/equine relationship doesn't change, all the how-to books in the world aren't going to work for you. And once your perspective changes, everything else will fall into place and you'll be amazed how "easy" your training becomes. This book and Tom Widdicombe's Be With Your Horse ought to be the bibles given with every horse purchase.Buffy: New Zealand
I am so happy to hear from you! I was actually planning to call you in the next couple of days to tell you how much I enjoyed your book. It made me laugh and cry. It was such a wonderful testament to the power of natural horsemanship. I was inspired and touch by it very much. I especially identified with your memories of the horses you owned before you became "enlightened" (smile). I, too, remember the first few horses I owned as a young girl and wish I had understood them more. I unfairly blamed them for a lot of things that were my fault and wasn't as patient with them as I've learned to be. I appreciated how you weren't too hard on yourself, because your actions were based on your knowledge at the time. Thank you for writing the book and sharing your story with others. Tammy
Hi sherry. just wanted to drop you a line and say THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR MY BOOK AND SIGNING IT FOR ME!!!!!! It was good to see you in person at the expo. I have started reading your book and am really enjoying it. I have a coming 5 yr old gelding that is very curious and I find myself frustrated with him alot!!!!! But I waited for him to put his attention back to me while working with him like you suggested and I'll be darned if he didnt PAY ATTENTION BETTER!!!!!!!! I cant wait to finish it!!!Megan
I have read your whole book! I have sat here in my chair with my blanket over me, only interrupted by the occasional break. This book brought me to tears and then to joy. I have dog tagged the pages that I will reread. I loved the stories about Sunshine, Cisco, Dolly, and Slick.
You have written this book well and my congratulations to you for doing such a good job. I’m kinda glad I was sick as it would’ve been VERY difficult to put this one down! I look forward to learning more from you at the clinic in June and many other sessions after that.
Thanks Sherry for being a stabilizing force for me and my wacky thoughts regarding horsemanship. You really get it and it is very apparent-I look forward to the mentor/mentee relationship we can build.
Ok, just read “Trail of Inspiration for the Journey” and I am in tears. I feel like you wrote this for me. My first real trail ride as Cunningham Lake with Michelle was beautiful and without fault. It was magical. Your poem is that day for me.
Michele
I have the last 15 pages to go before finishing your book, but I already know that it's one of the most important ones I've read. AND I'VE READ 'EM ALL!!!!!
I wanted to congratulate you on your enormous, significant contribution to the wealth of equine training/behavioral literature out there. My own personal opinion is that the reason there "needs" to be so many different "how-to" books on empathetic horsemanship is that the most critical first phase to those books is either always missing, or certainly nowhere nearly as well written and cogently presented as you have done in your new book. That missing element is the entire change in THINKING and BEING that is absolutely necessary before all the very best intentioned techniques can have any hope of effectiveness, let alone success.
I'm about to order 10 more copies as (necessary) gifts. I thank and applaud you again,
Corey
Your book arrived on Mar. 11th and I have read it from cover to cover. Also, I have highlighted and underlined throughout its entirety. It brought back a flood of memories for me and I did cry where it really touched me. Presently, I am reading from the beginning again and find it difficult to put down.
Joan
I just finished your book and I loved it!!!!!!!!! I am going to start reading it AGAIN!!
Sharon
Finished your book, I really liked it. It was just like sitting down and having a conversation with you, all of your principals, beliefs and priorities were laid out in a very easy to read fashion. There was no place in the book that I want to lay it down. Actually I kept paging ahead to get sneak peaks. Congrads again! What a wonderful job you did.
Jessica
Just wanted to pass along a huge thank-you for your time and commitment to training people to be better companions for their horses as well as better leaders...my daughter, Jessica, and I learned a lot watching your clinic.
I have done lots of reading, Mark Rashid, Buck Brannaman, watching Monty Robert's on-line videos, as well as purchased Stacy Westfall's videos. I enjoyed your presentation and the way you work with the horses and really appreciate the way you explain every step you are making with the animal. I really wish we had brought our gelding along to work that day...hope we can catch you again in this area. I have tried the breathing/relaxing techniques with him and another horse we have and it really does make a difference, COOL!
I'm halfway through your book and it is well written and interesting enough I don't want to put it down.
Again thank you for your time and effort, putting yourself in all that you do for these magnificent creatures God has given us to care for...the best to you...Jamie
WIN YOUR HORSE'S HEART (Be a Better Horseman)
By Sherry Jarvis
is a must-read for those who love horses.
CLICK HERE to read a synopsis
To order go to Amazon.com OR Barns and Noble
Contact Sherry at 308-346-5663,
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In addition to the many camps, clinics and lessons we continue to offer, we have formed some study groups for those interested in getting together to support, inspire, and encourage one another on their horsemanship journey.
There are several women in the Omaha, Lincoln, Broken Bow and Grand Island areas who have already started meeting on a regular basis in order to advance even quicker and stay motivated toward excellence with horses.
We would like to see other groups popping up in other areas. If you are interested in starting or joining a study group call Sherry 308-730-2150.
For now the locations change because sometimes we meet at a person's house to watch DVDs,and other times we will meet at an arena to ride.The study groups are free unless there is an arena charge.
So Please call before coming!
STUDY GROUP GUIDELINES
These study groups are not exclusive, meaning we want to encourage people to come who may not be familiar with "natural horsemanship". We don't want this to be a club where only the "chosen few enlightened ones" can join, however we also don't want this to turn into a place where people bring problem horses expecting free lessons and a quick fix. If you have a problem horse please seek the support of a professional trainer like Sherry.
These groups are meant for students to express and show what they have learned with each other. It is a day of sharing creative ideas and free expression.
In order to encourage people who have never taken a lesson from Sherry to attend we respectfully ask that the first time you attend you do so as an observer only. This way you will have a more objective view of what it is all about by not having to attend to a horse. You will get a better sense of the expression and techniques of natural horsemanship.
Of course if the study group is watching DVDs that day instead of playing with their horses, then anyone is encouraged to attend whether they have taken a lesson from Sherry or not. It doesn't even matter whether you have a horse yet, maybe you are just thinking about getting one, then by all means come and learn.
Please always call before coming 308-730-2150
We now have over 70 members on our Heart in Your Hand Yahoo Chat Group.
This group is dedicated to natural horsemanship students lead by Sherry & Keith Jarvis whose aim is to help both the horse and rider to become even more successful by presenting a balanced foundation from which you can build a confident, trusting, respectful relationship,without sacrificing the spirit of either the horse or the human. This is a place to share natural horsemanship philosophies and how horses change our lives including those little victories/defeats that don’t mean anything to the "normal" crowd, to have a place to celebrate/vent leadership issues, blinding flashes of the obvious, or brainstorm creative ideas! We will be able to organize natural play days, tournaments, and post information and announcements of natural horsemanship happenings.
This group is by invitation only. You are officially invited by receiving this newsletter. If you would like to join Heart in Your Hand Horsemanship's Yahoo group please e-mail Leigh the moderator at freeman@diodecom.net
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Our Vision and Mission Statements
Our aim is to help both the horse and rider become even more successful
by presenting a balanced foundation from which you can build
a confident, trusting, respectful relationship,
without sacrificing the spirit of either the horse or the human.
Our Vision is to offer every horse lover an even better partnership with your horse
so you both enjoy a safe ride with confidence and harmony.
Our programs are more than just riding lessons.
Our mission is to present individualized programs designed
to meet the needs of horse lovers so you become even better horsemen.
These programs include: camps, clinics, private lessons, internships, demonstrations,
videos, and books which provide instruction that leads to self-discovery
about understanding the horse, clear communication and leadership skills
so you have more fun and success with horses.
Who can benefit from our horsemanship instruction?
Anyone who loves horses and has a desire to learn about
interacting with horses from the horses point of view with true feel.
What are the benefits of our programs?
Better:
Communication
Understanding
Leadership
Confidence
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Physcial Health
Skin Care, Diet and Exercise
Sherry has been told over and over that she looks and acts much younger than she is. Those who have taken lessons with her have experienced her energy and passion.
Her secrets are eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, don't drink or smoke, use sunscreen, wear a hat and take really good care of your skin with a dermatology tested and proven skin care system.
If you would like to find out more about the special skin care and dietary aide products that Sherry uses to stay looking young and full of energy call her at 308-730-2150 or 308-346-5663.
Sherry knows that a good horsemanship program will affect every area of your life. Staying in shape is part of it. Call Sherry to visit more about how she stays in shape for her horses. Or maybe, how her horses keep her in shape.
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Mental and Emotional Health
Sherry has been through some stressful and challenging times in her life like the rest of you.
She has bounced back through many life changes by keeping a positive outlook on life even though depression tried to take over at times. It seemed that her horses always kept her on track and so it was only natural that she wanted to share their healing powers with others.
Check out
"Sandhills Horse Sense" a program devoted to promoting relationships and
choices that lead to a positive future.
Sherry is now an EAGALA Certified Horse Professional working in conjunction
with Melissa Dearmont & Mid-West Country Clinic.
L.E.A.D. "Leadership through Equine Assited Development" will help you with building relationships, problem solving, attitudes & behaviors, conflict & stress, responsibilities, positive choices, and much more.
Right now sessions are by appointment!
Classes & Retreats are offered upon request!
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