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One of the students from the clinic in Broken Bow wrote a very nice review of some things she learned this weekend. She is not a beginner to natural horsemanship and is quite an accomplished rider. I thought her comments were worthy to pass on to others as a learning tool. Here is what she wrote:
One thing I know that really came home this weekend is the
importance of being physically fit for my horse. Pat Parelli says
we need to be mentally, emotionally and physically fit for our
horse. It is one of the 4 responsibilities of the rider.
On Saturday morning, Sherry had me working on the draw at a trot.
She told me to run backwards and Shade just kept walking. Sherry
kept saying faster and I kept trying. I finally was fast enough
that I got two steps of trot from Shade. When Sherry asked what I
had learned, I said I need to learn to run backwards! It is tough!
I was sure I was going to land on my butt!! Lesson learned-walking
backwards fast is not enough for us, practice running backwards
without your horse until you can do it well.
Then in the afternoon Sherry did the Saddling and Mounting demo. I
had a terrible time dragging myself onto Shade. At that moment I
was remembering the discussion on this Board about mounting and
mounting blocks. So I went home and thought about it. When I was
preparing for my level one test (way back in 2003) I was walking 2
miles a day and stepping up on a chair leading with both legs 20
times every night. Then I was practicing my mounting from both
sides every day. I passed the mounting with no difficulty. What
happened? Well, no more walking, no more chair exercises and
mounting one time from the left whenever I ride.
Sunday I shared this revelation with Sherry and the class and she
gave me an extra tip. On the three bounces to mount, think of them
as phases, each bounce a little springier. Sunday mounting went
much better. But I know I need to get back into a conditioning
program if I am serious about passing level two (and I am Sherry!)
and upholding my responsibility to my horse.
My third BFO moment came Sunday afternoon when we were preparing for
Bulls eye. Sherry was giving instructions and told us to focus on
the track we wanted to make around our cone. I have been playing
this game for 2 years focusing on the cone. I always thought Shade
wanted to go to the center because that was the "sweet spot" where
she could rest. Wrong! She was going to the cone because I was
focusing ON THE CONE! When I focused on the circle track, she was
happy to stay out there.
I had a wonderful time this weekend. I love watching Sherry ride,
so glad she is healing and back in the saddle. Thanks Sherry!
The same student wrote a very good description of how to mount properly.
For mounting the
steps are:
1. Move the saddle horn (pommel) back and forth to get the
horse to balance himself.
2. Hold the "rein in the mane" (left hand for left side
mount). Give the horse slack on the opposite side, and loose enough
on mounting side that horse doesn't turn head.
3. Face the horse's tail and reach for the stirrup (right hand
for left side mount), put foot in stirrup.
4. Hold saddle horn (pommel) with right hand and hop around
until you are able to look your horse in the eye.
5. Bounce up and down 3 times, step up in the stirrup and
position your hips forward. This is a power position if the horse
moves, you can go with him.
6. Reach over the horse and rub/pet his right shoulder to "ask
permission" to swing your leg over.
7. Swing your leg over and sit down gently, pick up other
stirrup.
On step #5 (my numbering system) Sherry was coaching me to think of
my 3 hops/bounces in phases and put more energy and spring into each
bounce to use the momentum to help step up in the stirrup. Bounce #1
I'm thinking of getting on, #2 I will get up, #3 I promise to get up
there! (Sherry-did I forget anything?)
For the Level One test, I had to step up and down 3 times before I
could swing my leg over. Both sides. Each step up is a little more
difficult. So I knew I had to attain a certain level of fitness to
pass. Being the goal oriented person I am, I did what I needed.
Then being the busy human I am, I fell back to my lazy ways.
In my younger days I rode 16+ hand horses, English. No trouble
getting on. Now that I am "mature" I find it a challenge to mount a
14.3 hand horse, western with savvy. Sometimes it takes an event
you make that lesson sink in. Sherry's clinic this weekend was such
an event. I know where I want to go, and day by day I'm learning
what it will take to get there.
Thanks
Sherry, for being there.
Cheryl
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There are More Student Stories of Lessons Learned on Sherry's Blogs
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Yahoo 360 Blog
Multiply Blog
If you would like to submit your story and pictures just e-mail Sherry.
We would love to share your success with the horse loving internet world.
Sherry is interested in following your journey all the way.
She will shed tears with you, encourage you, and celebrate the victories with you if you want her to.
She is not here for just one clinic or lesson but to support you in every way as you continue the journey.
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