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Diary of Trail Ride on March 20th, 2005 at Cottonwood Creek Stables
Diary of Wakefield Workshop April 30th, 2005
Diary of American Legacy Workshop Aug. 27-28, 2005
Diary of American Legacy Workshop June 10-12, 2005
Diary of Lincoln Workshop June 13-14, 2005
Diary of Cottonwood Creek Stable Class Sept. 24, 2005
Diary of Madison Clinic November, 2005
Diary of High View Farms Workshop, September 10-11, 2005
Lessons Learned at Madison Jan. 2006
Diary of American Legacy Workshop Jan. 21-22, 2006
Diary of Holstein May 2006
Diary of Weeping Water and BKT Arena Spring 2006
Diary of Sioux City 2006
Diary of Chance Ridge 2006
Diary of Private Lesson Days Summer 2006
Diary of Calamus Women's Camp 2006
Diary of Calamus Youth Camp 2006
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Diary of the American Legacy June 12, 2005
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We started Friday evening in the beautiful lounge of the Amleg facility near Omaha, NE with introductions and sharing for the first hour. It was so nice for us to put faces to the names of friends we have met on the Internet horsetales yahoo group. Of coarse everyone was curious about why my arm was in a sling. I told the story of how it happened at the Jack Brainard clinic and it prompted a good discussion of safety, confidence, and philosophy that we all learned from. Basically, we all need to make our own decisions and follow our own instincts no matter what someone is telling you to do. None knows you and your horse better than you do. Accidents do happen, but often times can be avoided if we listen to the horse.
Before we played with our horses, I did a simulation of balance riding using Chris as my horse. This demonstration is always an eye opener and is definitely easier understood than applied when you are on your horse, especially if he is being emotional.
Next the students brought their horses into the arena and were asked to demonstrate what they already know about the seven games. I used this time to evaluate both horses and handlers, to determine what direction we needed to take the learners. We had a wide span of levels and I knew that it would be a challenge to meet all the students needs, but I was confident that I could help each person to make significant progress in the next two days.
Since three of the students had little or no experience with natural horsemanship exercises, I had each person do leading on the rail, where the goal is to get the horse to walk, stop and back-up at your speed. It is as if you are the mare and they are the foals. The better your horse sticks to you at the speed that you determine, the more confident your horse is in your leadership abilities. This exercise leads to the fantastic harmonious ability to play with your horse at liberty.
The next morning we met in the arena for a short lecture on natural horsemanship philosophy and principles, which we continued after each break during the day. As we were talking most of the horse were having a real problem standing still. They wanted to crowd their handlers and each other. It is so amazing that if you give a horse and inch he will take a mile. Consistency is so important, if we overlook a behavior one day and then expect our horse not to do it the next, we will be very disappointed and eventually frustrated.
We started by approaching our horses with a few twists to gaining trust of our hands by rubbing areas that we normally ignore, like the nose, mouth, and under the tail. Approach and retreat is all important as well as knowing when to stop. If our horse has areas that he would prefer that we don’t touch then we may have a trust issue. One horse had difficulty recognizing the stick and string as friendly, and Keith did a great job helping the horse to realizing that he was not going to die. Most of the horses accepted the stick and string as a relatively unthreatening object. Learning to massage our horse with these objects so that the horse actually likes it takes time, patience, coordination, and putting your heart in your hand. Remember the stick is simply an extension of our body.
We spent the rest of the morning playing on the ground with steady and rhythmic pressure, plus backing and drawing our horses. Some of the students were just happy that they moved their horse’s feet, others were instructed about how to get in time with the horses feet. We found out that putting energy in our body as well focus and facial expression often made the difference between being stuck and the feet moving. So many of the horses had too much forward motion instead of lateral movements, which led us to start being more particular about foot placement. We also discovered that most of the time the reason our horses move in the incorrect direction is because we are not in the proper position, and don’t remain persistent enough. Before we broke for lunch some of us had to learn what phase four felt like, but were pleasantly surprised that we didn’t have to go there often, once our horses realized that we were capable of commanding their respect without getting mean or mad.
After a nice long break for lunch everyone came back to the arena saddled. Keith did a correct mounting demonstration. Before mounting we went over lateral flexion and circling our horses to see how they were responding and let the saddles settle in. Getting in the habit of pre-flight checks before mounting can often times save us from accidents.
Learning to read when a horse is right or left brained will determine whether it is safe to mount or not. During the lateral flexion exercise it was not difficult to determine how much resistance each horse still displayed. The timing and feel in our hands can often mean the difference between a claustrophobic feeling for the horse and moving into softness. I was extremely proud of each student, because several had never ridden their horse in a halter/hackamore before. Each was brave enough to step outside of their comfort zone and try it, even if they need the safety net of their bit and reins underneath it. It was a wonderful victory that none needed their bit, and many thought that there horse responded better than when in the bit.
Before the afternoon was over we had experienced a lot of different emotions, from frustration and tears to wonder and joy. One horse was particularly unconfident under saddle and needed to be very close to his travel mate which made riding her very difficult. Her rider kept her cool and was so determined to learn and succeed, however, for her own safety she wisely watched the second half of the afternoon, as did one other student who felt that she needed a break. I was so happy that these students communicated to me their concerns and I trusted their judgment of their capabilities and limitations. I believe that they learned just as much from watching.
The students were so willing to learn and followed my instructions so well that I was surprised at how much ground we were able to cover in one afternoon. These are the concepts that we developed: go button phases, one-rein stop, direct rein, nine-step back up, focus, riding on the rail, sitting the trot. Whew, what a terrific job by all!
During a break I was privileged that the owner of this unconfident mare let me take her in hand and take her through some exercises to get her attention, respect, and confidence in a human leader. Her and I were sweating greatly before we were finished, but her attitude and continence had greatly changed in just 20 minutes. I simply asked the horse to change directions over and over to keep her thinking and get her attention on me instead of the other horse. It wasn’t pretty as I only had one arm, but we still were able to get the desired effect and communication. After the half-moon exercise, I did the leading on the rail that the students had performed the night before. I had the mare trot away from her friend and walk very slowly back towards the friend. Soon she realized that we were going at my speed and I left her alone as long as she stayed out of my space and continued at the speed that I chose as the confident leader of this partnership.
We concluded the day with a sharing time discussing what each person had learned and the progress that each had made. This is always my favorite part of the day, because I continue to learn from the comments that students make. It was amazing that during this discussion the horses were standing completely still compared to all the dancing, pushing and shoving that had occurred just 8 hours earlier. Granted they were probably somewhat tired, but there is something to be said for quantity as well as quality time spent with our horses that somehow magically develop the relationship.
The next morning while having donuts and coffee in the lounge many were expressing how exhausted they were last night, but felt that it was worth it as they had learned a lot. We quickly reviewed the lessons that we had learned about ground exercises yesterday, followed by sending our horses out to put their nose on various objects, and then continued with sideways and squeeze. The most important observation that I made was that the better the driving game was the better the horse did the sideways and the squeeze. The foundation is critical, because all other exercises build upon it and even transfer to riding. Also the more confident, and less claustrophobic the horse was the easier these exercises were accomplished. Taking the time it takes to get the horse confident and less claustrophobic with the half moon exercise creates an environment of success. Find a way to set your horse up for success and they will respond with more enthusiasm rather than react out of defensiveness.
It was an honor, fun, and exciting when one of the students allowed me to teach her horse to jump over barrels in the squeeze game. I have to say that it went textbook perfect. This reinforced to me that if we will follow the steps this will work! I chose this particular horse to demonstrate with because I observed that the prior and proper preparation for her to succeed was solidly in place.
We had a lovely potluck for lunch with lots of great conversation, and laughing. Seemed that everyone would have been content to quit and just visit the rest of the day, but I wanted them to get their moneys worth, so I encouraged all to get saddled. While they were saddling I set up some cones and barrels for us to put purpose and accuracy to our riding skills. We introduced the indirect rein and found out that most of us needed to improve our porcupine game on the ground in order to lighten up our horse’s hindquarters. Hindquarter control is so important at a walk first if we ever chose to do canter departures, leads, and lead changes. Plus it is just darn safe to have control of that powerhouse when we need it. We talked about the pushing passenger lesson principles, and practiced it with variation, because it is impossible to do in a large group and small arena. I did see that it improved the seat of several students, and they began to sit the trot with grace, timing and balance with their horse. It also helped several of the horses to relax more in their gait.
We concluded with a pattern around obstacles, which each person performed to the best of their abilities. The purpose of this challenge pattern is to let the students see how others are doing. It seems that we are so busy during the workshop that we don’t pay any attention to what others are doing. It also gives each one a chance to practice what they have learned with purpose. Finally, it really does build confidence, because each person usually does something new or better than they have previously been capable of.
After the challenge pattern we wrapped up the day with another sharing discussion about things we learned, the best and worst parts of the time we spent together. I feel so blessed to have been a part of the horsemanship journey of each of the special people and their horses that participated. I am overcome with joy and gratitude that everyone was safe, and that each took something away with them to enhance their lives with their horse.
Now for a little pat of the back for each student and word of encouragement.
Tami you and Reba are a good pair. She is such a beautiful horse, and I know that you will be able to get her more relaxed while riding yet maintain that spirit that I believe you love in her. Remember the 4-leaf clover pattern that I showed you, do it often, it really works. One day your husband will ask, “How did you do that?”
Melody even though you were not able to bring John as you intended, I believe that it was a good learning experience for both you and Mystery. It always builds our savvy when we don’t have our push button horse, plus seems to be very humbling. I’ve eaten plenty of humble pie that believe it or not has helped build my confidence and motivation to be better all the time. I’m not putting all your horses down, but boy, it sure was nice to get home and play with a very easy and responsive horse, and not have to always be correcting. You all will get to that point someday, just don’t give up.
Chris, you and Jarvis seemed to understand each other. I like the way you realized when you were getting to critical with him. It is a fine line to determine when you are being particular yet not critical. It’s mostly in the attitude. I did see improvement in your seat the second day. If you do lots of true pushing passenger lesson, you will learn how to sit the trot comfortably. Thanks for being the only male in the class and supporting Melody in her dreams.
Shelia, Wow what a milestone you accomplished by bringing Jake and changing your attitude toward him. I am so darn proud of both of you. He is an awesome horse and you are much better at all of this than you think. I would say that you are really ready to move on to level 2. You don’t have to be perfect to pass level 1 and you are better than others whom I have seen who passed level 1. I love the way you sat the trot in your English saddle and Jake’s top line was level, and it looked like a smooth and relaxed trot. Way to go!
Amy H. it is obvious how much you love Scooby and he is very attached to you. Horses are not leaders, but followers, and he is continually looking to you for leadership, as he is a bit unconfident, but he does it in a respectful way. He really wants to please you, and that is half the battle. As you know exactly what you are asking and give him clear communication, he will respond with enthusiasm, grace and beauty. I really loved the way he was so relaxed in the halter while riding. Thanks for trusting me to try it, and keep doing it at home in an enclosed area, he will love it, and so will you.
Diane I can hardly believe that you have had your horse for such a short time. I would have guessed that you had been together for much longer. I am so glad that you found each other, I am sure that you will have many happy hours together. I know that all of the ropes, stick, and body movements seemed foreign to your body, and that you felt uncoordinated, but believe me everyone feels that way at first. I still sometimes get all tangled up in the equipment. Repetition will train your muscles to respond without thinking. Also you ride much better than you think you do.
Amy S. I realize that Oaky frustrated you the second day, but think how beautifully you did the first day. My guess is that the first day it was all new to her and she went with the flow, as she seems to be a pretty laid back mare. The second day she may have thought, “Hey, I think we should just go back to the way it has been, you are asking way to much of me too soon!” Often times when you start expecting more from your horse things get worse before they get better, because they are basically like humans and would rather take the easy way out of most situations. I think you both have great potential and really applaud you for keeping up with the group with the little experience that you had with what we were doing. Hang in there, it will work!
Kayla you know how much I love your little horse. I didn’t realize until yesterday when I got your Mom’s e-mail that you were only 14 years old. How marvelous you did to hang in there through the frustrating times when that other mare was annoying your horse. You showed an inner strength that is rare in someone your age. I am so impressed, if you keep it up you are going to be a very GREAT horsewoman. You have a head start that is fabulous! Watch out though, everyone is going to want to buy your horse as you develop him.
Lori you are a very patient woman. Summer was certainly a handful, and you never gave up. Your determination in the face of stress and even danger is quite a positive characteristic of your personality. I hope that I have given you some arrows for your quiver to handle your mare. If she were my mare, I wouldn’t be in hurry to ride her, until I had better ground manners, and exercises. These will develop the respect and confidence that she needs. It will take a little longer with her, because it is harder to break long engrained habits. There is hope, so be the best that you can be for her! Don’t let her bully you!
Cindy, thanks for all of your help! You and Array are brilliant and it is time for you to get out of level 1. I’m excited for you to take your horse’s home. I believe that you will progress faster now it will be so thrilling.
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