December, 2007 - part two

Transcription

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Horses learn by …….Part 3. ......................................................by Tony Lander
Continuing on from my last article, many people will have heard or understand the
following 4 points about horses:1.
2.
3.
4.
Horses
Horses
Horses
Horses
are sceptics, cowards and claustrophobic by nature.
are inquisitive, curious and playful by nature.
know what happened before what happened, happened.
learn by gaining comfort.
These four statements embody the process of horse learning.
This month, I would like to continue the theme and explore the notion that horses are
“inquisitive, curious and playful by nature”
As discussed previously, traditional horse training
often applies fear, intimidation and mechanical means
to get a horse to submit. This type of process goes
against every fibre of the horse’s being, such that
they will fight until they are mentally, emotionally
and even physically broken or at worst - dead.
Obviously, most horse training does not end in either
a horse or human death, though many times the
horse’s innate characteristics are subjected to so
much ‘treatment’, the horse will often ‘re-treat’ into
itself so that it no longer displays its own character.
The opposite approach to fear, intimidation and mechanics is to apply communication,
understanding and (horse) psychology. In an effort to improve ourselves as horsemen,
we need to understand that a horse by nature is programmed to overcome most fear to
the point where tolerance is natural. In helping our horse’s to tolerate our ideas and
aspirations, we need to balance this with the horse’s own sense of pride, spirit and need
for play, meaning we do not want to bore our horse, nor ‘overpower’ him to the point
where he is ‘robotic’.
So how do we assist our horse to become the proud, spirited, playful, inquisitive and
respectful horse that is his right to become, while maintaining the leadership needed to
be safe, in control and be a partner all at once. The simple answer is to be a Horseman!
However this does not give you the detail of HOW, so let’s investigate some of the how,
now!
Horses tend to look at the world in fairly simplistic terms. One way to understand their
view is to consider they categorise everything into 1 of 3 categories. For the sake of this
article, let’s consider that your horse has these 3 categories:•
•
•
will it eat me
can I eat it
I will dominate it, or (horse) play with it
Generally, everything a horse comes into contact with (which could
actually be something a few kilometres away, but in earshot or in
view) goes into the first category as an initial reference, evidenced
by the head being raised, ears shoot forward, eyes stare at the
object, and often a ‘snort’ is heard, ie. “WILL IT EAT ME”. If this
feeling continues, the horse will probably turn and run a distance
Horses learn by …….Part 3.
Copyright International Horsemans Institute 2007
by Tony Lander – December 2007
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(commonly known as the ‘flight line’) then turn and face the object again. A decision is
made here, either the object now is far enough away and the horse can relax or another
flight line run is required. At this point the horse generally relaxes (may take some time)
and may start to eat again, or as often happens, curiosity becomes aroused and the
horse then begins the wary approach to the object.
Curiosity and inquisitiveness is an incredibly powerful force in horses, allowing them to
investigate what is commonly fearful objects and places. What is fascinating is the
process the horse goes through to actually reach that scary object, and this is one of the
keys to training our horses. If we can simulate a horses natural tendencies when training
them, the process will be so much more calm, easy and productive.
Back to our scared horse – generally the horse will NOT walk directly to the object, rather
they might circle around it
and progressively get closer to it,
or more often they will
wander back and forth in a sort of
arc,
again
progressively
getting closer. However, any
unexpected move, sound or
perceived danger from the object
and the horse will again
move away, maybe even run
another flight line. This
whole process is one of ‘approach
and retreat’ as I have
already described in article 1, so
again this is another clue to
teaching our horses.
Once the horse actually gets to the object he will generally tentatively sniff it and once
the curiosity is so strong, he will start to do any or all of the next actions – lick, mouth,
bite, push it and definitely attempt to bite or chew on it, in other words “CAN I EAT IT”.
Obviously, if this scary object is not food, the horse will do no
more eating of it, other than chewing it and quite possibly
‘ruining it’. If it is really not that tasty, the horse will then
possible totally ignore the object as not of interest or possibly
he will now decide that it fits into the third category “I WILL
DOMINATE IT, OR (HORSE) PLAY WITH IT”. Now comes the
fun part, as the horse goes through his repertoire of
dominance moves, which might include any or all of pawing,
striking, walk / jump over it, rearing, running by and bucking
/ kicking at it, pick it up, throw it, run with it.
All of the antics the horse displays during his ‘dominance
dance’ provide us with a window to his innate character, spirit
and learned experience.
As a Horseman, we can take this knowledge and apply it to our techniques in our quest
to better help the horse learn, desensitise and develop in the most appropriate way for
him.
The scenario I have described above of how a horse looks, lives and learns by
categorising everything and then ‘dominating’ it, is often described by people as ‘VICES’.
I am sure you have heard of horses being labelled ‘runaways’, ‘pull backers’, ‘buckers’,
‘rearers’, ‘kickers’, ‘biters’ and the list goes on. Sadly, some people have not had the
good fortune to find the knowledge that lets them see how a horse looks at the world and
understand that ‘training a horse’ is most effective if you can become congruent to his
particular character, spirit and experience and help him through any of his fearful,
hesitant, resistant, exuberant learning opportunities.
So how then do we, as a Horseman, provide our horses with learning opportunities and
then allow the horse to discover for himself how he can accept all the situations we put
him in and all the tasks we ask him to perform?
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One of the best ways is to continue from the last article where we had built a good
respect with our horse by learning and practicing the first 3 (Principle) Dance Steps. Now
we can progress onto the Purpose Dance Steps which combine the Principle Steps and
introduce more freedom, interest and allow for the horses enthusiasm to come through.
Just a thought, like anything new we want to learn, we first need to learn the basics,
practice those basics and progress onto more and more difficult ‘moves’ or combinations
of ‘moves’ until they become more practiced and if we want to be proficient, we need to
practice until they become Habits.
Sometimes, during the learning of the Dance Steps I am describing in the articles, we
might be tempted to practice a ‘basic’ move too many times for the horse and so bore
him or maybe even cause him to look for another answer, in so doing the horse may give
you a response you do not want or do not expect. The best way to prevent this is vary
the tasks, have plenty of ‘down time’ where you just relax with your horse, you are
welcome to “expect a lot” however you do need to “accept a little”, do not be critical on
yourself or your horse.
I introduced in the first article the theme of dancing with your horse, if you remember
1,2,3..1, being 1 introductory dance step, 2 principle dance steps, 3 purpose dance steps
and 1 freestyle or challenge dance step.
I went on to describe the 1 Introductory dance step - ‘Tolerance & Trust’ which, through
approach and retreat can build desensitisation to all sorts of ‘scary stuff’, which develops
a horse who is not sceptical and is no longer a coward.
Then we went on to look at how we can help our horses overcome their claustrophobia
and additionally build in respect for the human.
To help us help our horses, we can practice the 2 Principle dance steps :Yield to a steady energy and
Yield to a rhythmic energy
Now that we have started our dancing, by learning the ‘compulsories’ (the steps you
need before you learn the ‘fun’ steps) it is time to move onto utilising the compulsories in
a combination of steps to produce a more interesting and useful dance. I call these the
Purpose Dance Steps made up of 3 separate steps:
•
•
•
Backward and Forward
Circle
Sideways
Purpose Dance step – Backwards and Forwards
Objective – to balance your horse’s go and whoa. Naturally, horses tend to have more go
(forward) than they do have whoa (backward) so it is in our interest to help our horse
develop the balance between the forward and backward incentive.
This relates specifically to the horse’s desire to ‘run away’ from the scary object, as his
flight incentive is initially stronger than his “go toward” incentive. With patience and
practice we can help our horse have less flight by practicing the Backward and Forward
Dance Step. This can then be used as another form of approach and retreat.
Additionally, this step will build a horse’s balance so that your horse will have more
effective, efficient and balanced halts and go onto provide a fantastic foundation for
manoeuvres such as canter lead departs and graceful transitions down to backup.
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This dance step can be practiced both on the ground and on the horse’s back.
Initially, to learn the Backward of this step, the best approach is to
• stand in front of your horse, have him facing you about 1.5m away from you
• hold the end of your rope, hand wrapped around the rope, with your little finger
level with the end of the rope and the leather popper out behind your hand
• stretch your (rope) arm out straight and point just your pointer finger at your
horse
• Phase 1 – wiggle only your finger at your horse, so the rope does not move
• Phase 2 – close your finger and wobble your hand so the rope has a slight ‘wave’
moving down it to the ground (does not reach your horse)
• Phase 3 – bending your elbow bring your fist into your chest and back out toward
your horse in rhythmic energy, the wave goes down to the Clip on the halter
• Phase 4 – straighten you elbow and wave your whole arm from right to left which
makes the whole rope very active, and may even make the clip come in contact
with the horse
At any point when your horse moves
just one foot backwards – STOP and
relax. Remember it is what the horse
does just BEFORE you stop that he
learns.
Also, always start at Phase 1.
Repeat as needed to have your horse
step backward toward the end of the
rope. This may take a number of goes.
To learn the Forward of this step, the best approach is to
• Have your horse toward the end of the rope, facing you
• Relax your body and maybe bend over a little like you might greet a Japanese
friend
• Phase 1 – with open hands, ‘comb’ the underside of the rope, meaning no
pressure on the rope, you simply move your hands under the rope, eg. stretch
one arm out and slide your hand under the rope as you bring you hand towards
you, then do the other hand in rhythmical succession
• Phase 2 – keep combing the rope and now start to close your little finger around
the rope so there is a slight feel on the rope
• Phase 3 – keep combing with all your fingers closed around the rope, so there is a
nice even pressure on the rope and it is ‘taught’ between your hands and the
horse’s halter
• Phase 4 – close your hands on the rope and take a hold and half a step backwards
and wait for your horse to yield toward you, once he does go back to Phase 1
Caution – when you have a ‘tight’ hold on the rope be sure to be able to let your fingers
open if the horse violently reacts to the tight rope, otherwise you may receive a ‘Learn
Burn”
Eventually this will become a dance where you can wiggle your finger and your horse will
step backwards until you stop wiggling. You will be able to simply gesture to your horse
to come forward and he will step forward. Continue in this way and you will have the
ability and respect to be able to ask your horse to move one foot forward or backwards
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OR ask him to backup fast and canter forward to you, though this takes patience,
practice and passive persistence.
Purpose Dance Step - Circling
Objective – to help your horse develop balance in all gaits at all speeds while travelling in
a circle (or non-straight line). To allow you to assist your horse to develop courage by
going around scary objects, maybe in half-circles, much the same as he would naturally
do on his own. To do this on the ground and ridden.
Try thinking of dancing without some form of circling involved. Same with horses, they
do a lot of circles especially when the dominant mare has told the ‘naughty’ colt to stay
away until she allows him back in.
This is what we will simulate as an initial way to learn the Circling Dance Step.
The simplest procedure is to stand facing
your horse, facing you. Use the stick to
ask your horse to stop facing you and
move around you in a ‘small’ circle, while
you simply rotate on you feet in the one
spot.
An analogy of this is to think of an old
wooden Wagon Wheel. You are the
centre (HUB) and the horse is the outside
(RIM) of the wheel and the rope is the
Spoke. For the wheel to work the Hub
simply pivots around in one spot, while
the Rim (horse) walks around the hub at
a distance equal to the Spoke (Rope).
Your stick could actually be another
spoke, if you hold the handle and rest the leather end on your horses back
If your horse stops or faces you, simply start again. This will generally work well as you
will have already practiced the Principle Dance steps of Yield to Steady Energy (lead rope
direction) and Rhythmic Energy (from the stick), and have already practiced moving the
Front End around, as well as walking beside your horse.
Once you have your horse going in a circle, you can allow the rope to get longer and he
will make the circle larger.
You can then try starting your horse from
a distance. Again start by facing your
horse, facing you, then lift your rope to
“LEAD” your horse around the circle and
then ask him to go using your stick or
stick and string in the other hand.
Eventually you can get to where you can
practice small circles, large circles, fast
circles, slow circles, left circles, right
circles, forward circles, backward circles,
as well as spirals too.
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Purpose Dance Step - Sideways
Objective – to build balance and lightness in preparation for lateral manoeuvres as well
as canter leads and lead changes. To build more respect and add to your repertoire so
you can provide more interest and fun for your horse.
This dance step also continues to develop respect for the human and provides further
scope for helping our horses overcome fear by utilising the approach and retreat
strategy. If your horse is exhibiting fear or excitement and in so doing wants to “go”, you
can use the Sideways Dance to help him relax and think through his fear, as the
Sideways movement requires the horse to think more than simply running away.
Another fabulous benefit of the Sideways dance is that your horse can learn to become
more agile, lighter and more elevated while you are on the ground, before you dance the
same steps on his back.
This is especially exciting if your horse wants to go somewhere, toward something, eg. a
gate, another horse. At this point you ask him to go sideways and generally he will put in
some effort because he sees value in getting to the place he wants to be. You see benefit
in doing this because even though your horse ends up where HE wants to be, he has only
reached there by going sideways with exuberance – win win!
If we continue the theme, the Sideways Dance allows you to help a horse prepare for,
approach and retreat from and use his natural movements in an effort to overcome his
fear of people, places, changes and things.
One way to start a sideways is stand
with your back to a ‘solid’ fence and
have your horse face you, then send
him in a half-circle right to the fence,
when he faces you send him halfcircle to the left.
When your horse is reasonably
settled, and is heading toward the
fence, you start walking toward your
horse (you walk and stay right beside
the fence line) and with rhythmic
energy in your stick and string, cause
your horse to move away from you in
a ‘sideways’ movement.
As with all the learning, ask for a
small amount first then build distance
after the horse (and you) get the understanding. Once one side ‘works’ send a half circle
and go the other direction. (Whew, this is so much easier to explain with an actual
demonstration!)
Sideways means sideways, there is no critically exact manner in which to go sideways,
no critical angle to be on at this stage, as long as the horse is moving ‘sideways’, that’s
Great!!
(Word of warning – please do not ‘walk into your horse’ while asking him to go sideways
– stay at a safe distance, so that you do not get kicked)
If you practice and achieve the 3 Dance Steps described above (as well as the ones from
the previous articles), your horse will give you more respect, however more importantly,
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you will now have a whole new range of abilities to help your horse investigate new
places and objects in a way which matches to his natural processes.
You will be able to help him approach and retreat around things, move sideways toward
and away from things, always allowing him to retreat and get his confidence up. This
approach will keep your horse’s curiosity alive and active.
A great little saying to remember is “Curiosity leads to Confidence, Confidence leads to
Understanding, Understanding leads to Results”
Use the Dance Steps to build your horse’s confidence, and further enhance his confidence
by allowing him to express himself through his playfulness – let your horse rear and kick
out while he investigates new things, let him go backwards and in circles, as long as you
are safe and at a distance, maybe a longer rope?. You will enjoy his spirit and
exuberance – it is not something to ‘punish’ rather it is wonderful and with the Dance
Steps you will be able to direct it and re-direct it as you like, and your horse will respect
and appreciate you more and more for it.
Become the Horseman your horse wants you to be, learn to dance his dance, then lead
him to learning the things you want him to learn and he will dance with you!
Have a Wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year, and please give your horse a hug
and a rub for me.
Tune in again next month and “save the last Dance” for your horse!!
Tony Lander
Principal
Achieved 4 star rating as a PNH Instructor and Young Horse Trainer, now
teaching as part of the International Horsemans Institute using principles
learnt from Pat Parelli. Tony has competed successfully in the showring in
many different equine disciplines with his Purebred Arabian Stallion Clover
Park Sahony. Tony’s time is now dedicated to helping people get the best
out of their relationship with their own horses through Natural
Horsemanship. Over the last ten years, Tony has helped people and horses in
all states of Australia, North and South islands of New Zealand, the USA
and Germany. Tony presented at the inaugural International Horseman’s
Rendezvous in Germany in September 2006 and went on to win the Young Horse Starting competition in 2007.
Seasons Greetings
From
The International Horsemans Institute
Wishing You, Your Families and Your Equine
Friends
A Merry Christmas
And
A Happy and Healthy 2008
For more information on any of our courses please ring Debbie or Tony Lander on
1300 664 269 or mobile 0417 688 644, email ihi@bordernet.com.au
Or visit our web site www.internationalhorsemansinstitute.com.au
“Highlander Park” Winston Way, Molong NSW 2866
Phone 1300 664 269 or mobile 0417 688 644 Email ihi@bordernet.com.au
January 2008 Canberra Course Spectacular
2 International Horsemen
2 COURSES
Too Good to Miss
Over 5 Days, Tony & Birger, will run 2 Courses concurrently
5th & 6th January 2008 – Cert I & II Riding Course
If you want to advance your riding skills in a natural way, this is the course for you. Maybe you have
attended a course or two and have already tried some one rein riding, this course will help you gain
confidence in one rein as well as build your skill with stick riding and progressing onto two reins
safely, naturally and with respect for your horse.
5th - 9th January 2008 – Multi-Level Ground & Riding Skills
Indulge yourself – a 5 day course with not one but two International Natural
Horsemanship Instructors.
We will provide you with a safe,
friendly,
stretching
learning
environment and allow you to cover
the topics you would like.
To ensure you get the very best of
value, we will provide you with the
ingredients to produce the results you
want in the safest, naturally
progressive way for you and your
horse.
1300 664 269
BOOK NOW! – Phone
For more information and to confirm your position please ring Debbie or Tony Lander on
1300 664 269 or mobile 0417 688 644 or email ihi@bordernet.com.au
Costs
Accommodation
Course tuition cost for 5 days $770.00 (inc gst).
Partner’s tuition cost for 5 days $550.00 (inc gst).
Course tuition cost for 2 days $330.00 (inc gst).
Camping is available at the course grounds.
Horse Agistment
EI effects
Horse yards are available for the duration of the
course
Biosecurity measures will need to be followed by all attendees
Only Green Zone horses will be allowed to attend
Travelling permits will need to be acquired by attendees
Meals
No meals are provided at the course (kitchen facilities are available)
Course Dates:
5 days - Saturday 5th January 2008 through Wednesday 9th January inclusive
Start Time:
Finish Time:
Saturday 5th January 9:00am
2 day - Sunday 6th January 7:00pm
5 day – Wednesday 9th January 7:00pm
“Highlander Park” Winston Way, Molong NSW 2866
Phone 1300 664 269 or mobile 0417 688 644 Email ihi@bordernet.com.au
Anticipation
Frank Bell Clinic Dec 07 By Jan Dodds
Frank Bell . . . I love him, from a distance, in a pure and honest way. The way in which I love all the gentle
horsemen and women whose books, videos and dvds adorn my shelves. I love them because they exist to
make the lives of so many horses (and their humans) better for having
known them . . . and horses have healed my life and enabled me to cry all
the tears I could not cry at the time, for the losses and sadness in my life.
Because of them, (the horses and great horsemen) I now feel that I am
being the best ‘me’ I can be at this time.
So, I sit and count the ‘sleeps’ before I can be there to absorb the wonders
of the clinic, soaking it up as a sponge would soak up water, impatient for
the time I am actually there. Then, willing the time not to go too fast and
finding myself on the way home again. At this point, perhaps I should tell
you that I am not an eager teenager, but a ‘silvertop’ who waited fifty
years to begin living the dream (caring for other peoples’ horses), and fifty
five years to have it fulfilled when I found my own equine soulmate
(Rocco) and began learning to ride. My journey in horsemanship can be likened to a bottle of champagne
which has been uncorked. Because it has been contained for so long, the bubbles just keep effervescing,
overflowing with energy and just do not stop.
The details of the clinic which I will bring you therefore, will not be about technique and what happened
when, because we know that good horsemanship is all about feel and the application and release of
pressure at the right time, working with the nature of the horse and not against him. What I intend to
share with you is what it FELT like to be there, WHO the man Frank Bell is and what the HORSES told me.
The unique thing about Frank Bell’s philosophy is creating ‘intimacy’ with horses, that we only have one
opportunity to make a ‘first impression’ (people as well as horses!), and it better be a good one . . . without
that, you will not get the mind and the heart of the horse. With it, all else is possible. Having just finished
reading Frank’s book Gentle Solutions prior to buying my horse eighteen months ago, I remembered that
one of the criteria was that he would trust me enough (on first impression) to ‘give me his tail’ . . . he did,
and the rest is history . . . my horse and I thank you, Frank, for your advice!
Arrival . . . Day one
Juravon Park Equestrian centre boasts wonderful facilities and is located
between Melton and Gisborne in Victoria. I was here, at last, along with
other observers and eleven riders with their horses. Typical of clinics, most
people arrived feeling just a little bit reserved, not knowing each other or
quite what was going to happen. Frank’s Australian representatives (‘family’
he calls them) are wonderful hosts and helped everyone settle in. An
unassuming, regular sort of man, eating some breakfast, casually moved
amongst us and as he chatted and answered questions, you realised it was
Frank Bell himself. The author and film-maker had come to life! Although no
‘showman’, he moved with an air of confidence which draws both people
and horses. He is a charismatic man who does not boast of his own
prowess, but shows an interest in those of us who come to meet him. We had come from far and wide,
Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia . . . folk from Canberra too, who were hoping to entice
Frank to do a clinic for them there. Even some of the ‘locals’ came from as far away as a four hour trip.
What an assortment of people there were . . . seasoned horsemen of many years standing whose livelihood
was horses to an interstate young woman who had only a handful of riding lessons under her belt, working
with a borrowed horse! None of us, from the seasoned to the novice, were disappointed as we watched
Frank weave his magic with a lively young horse brought in for the demonstration. Those of you who have
the more impulsive horses will understand what happens when you bring such a creature into a strange
new environment with heavy rain beating down on the tin roof (yes, it did rain!). Within a short space of
time, Frank had not only calmed her, but bonded with her to the degree that you might imagine her
standing there with him forever. During the day, we learned more of this bonding process, of ‘give and
take’, intimacy, the beginning of ‘the dance’, desensitising and ‘ballet on the ground’ . . . you will have to
read the book ‘Gentle Solutions’ written by Frank to see exactly what this
means. The afternoon was complete with a discussion about the benefits
of barefoot trimming.
Those of us who were staying locally, met for dinner together – such a
change had transpired from the beginning of the day with everyone
entering into lively chatter as if we’d known each other much longer.
Frank’s generosity of spirit was evident during the course of the weekend,
but having had the privilege of being seated next to him at dinner (his
‘date’ for the evening, he quipped!) I was able to understand that this is
exactly how he lives his life . . . a simple lifestyle, lived by a man who sees
his skill with horses as a gift to be used for the benefit of others. A man
who respects the ‘prior knowledge’ that students bring with them to his
clinics and a willingness on his part to learn something from each one. As with the horses, Frank Bell leaves
you ‘wanting just a little bit more’.
Ballet in the saddle . . . Day two
The second day brought that ‘little bit more’, as skills were first reviewed, then translated into manoeuvres
in the saddle. The dance of the change of direction, the backup and turns on the forehand and
hindquarters became the same in the saddle as practised on the ground. Horses and students more
confidently filled the arena. The giant of a Clydesdale, the chunky Welsh Cob, the appaloosa and a myriad
of thoroughbreds and mixed breed horses carrying their riders, all danced around that arena.
Later on, information about proper saddle fit, the detriment to horses due to poorly made and ill-fitting
saddles, as well as the importance of the best and most protective saddle pad which could be afforded,
was presented to us. A de-constructed saddle illustrated how poor workmanship and materials could, would
and did, create back and muscle pain for our horses. Myofascial release massage and trigger point therapy
was demonstrated on a ‘sore horse’ and this completed the wholistic approach of the clinic. Willem, the
capable trainer who had travelled from Queensland who had been acting as Frank’s right arm during the
weekend, introduced the concept of one rein riding for the last session of the afternoon. For most
participants, this was a novel idea, but it became quite an eye-opener to them and the smiles from ear to
ear said it all.
But there’s more . . . just when you thought the day (and the clinic) had
ended Frank said ‘o.k, let’s go and trailer load some of these hard to load
horses. The cheeky Welsh Cob which Frank had just finished loading
decided to turn himself round and look over the back door. So one would
have to say Frank displayed great timing in his decision to show us an easy
quick release knot to secure our horses (facing the front!) in the float!
We all departed, the richer for having experienced the delight of Frank Bell,
happy association with like minded people and armed with the knowledge
how to create more joy and safety with our horses. For those who have
been in natural horsemanship circles a while, the concepts which Frank
presented would not necessarily be new ones . . . but for those who have
no desire or requirement to spend weeks, months and years doing
groundwork before riding, this process gets you in the saddle safely (once you have mastered them and
taught them to your horse) in a relatively short period of time. Frank’s way of bonding with a horse is
remarkable and that, for me, was the BEST thing. Should you be interested in having Frank run a clinic in
your area whilst he is still in Australia, you still have a chance!
Contact Libby Landers at libby@horsewhisperer.com.au to arrange this.
Frank’s website is www.horsewhisperer.com (his American site)
and in Australia, it is www.horsewhisperer.com.au.
Email addresses
libby@horsewhisperer.com.au
frankrbell@earthlink.net
(Australia)
(America)
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7
Dressage, Naturally
with Karen Rohlf
Creating healthy biomechanics and stronger partnerships through combining
natural horsemanship principles with the art of dressage.
photo: Coco
never underestimate the potential for harmony & lightness to improve in ways you cannot yet imagine
Welcome back to the
New: Ever feel like you want to enjoy
the feel of the rope reins, but would prefer to
Temenos...
Temenos is an ancient
have something that matches your dressage
Greek word. It refers to a sacred space that has no
limits, where special rules apply and extraordinary events are free to occur.
Current Events...
Karen on Youtube!
Checkout a
video of Karen and Monty playing with collection, especially pirouettes...liberty, bridleless and in the tack!
SCHEDULE: click here for 2008 schedule
bridle? Are you working on developing your
steady connection with the horse’s mouth and
wish you had something quieter and steadier
than metal on metal or a slobber strap to attach the reins to the bit? I designed just the
thing!
My upcoming workshops are:
Visit my WEB SHOP
They can be
purchased now and will be able to be
Feb 9. FULL, open to auditors
shipped after Dec 10
email: karenrohlf@dressagenaturally.net to
submit something to newsletter.
Dec 1. FULL, but open for Auditors
January 5. FULL, but open for auditors
The Open Format Workshops series is well
under way here at my place and it is going
well...you will hear from students in this
issue.
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I hope you have checked out the online
magazine: Horses for Life
(www.horsesforlife.com) It is beautiful and the
November issue contains an article by me on
Mental, Emotional and Physical Self Carriage.
Watch for more contributions from me there in
the future!
Book: I am hoping to
be able to take orders
right before Christmas, and be able to
ship a couple weeks after that...keep your
fingers crossed!
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Finding
Balance
by
Peggy Finnerty
and Sam
(yes, the same Peggy
who has taken some of
the photos you have
seen in these newsletters!)
Thank you Karen
for your help at
our last workshop.
I've been stuck for
a while and it
never fails to
amaze me how
you quickly see the
problem and, most
importantly, you
see solutions.
My difficulties have
shown up in many
areas but seemed
concentrated in
the canter. In a
nutshell, my horse was tipping into
bends, pushing his shoulder, head
and neck out, dropping his hindquarters in and then being so choppy, stiff
and bracey that sometimes (a lot of
times) I'd do very little cantering. Did
I forget to say he was on his forehand. Yes, all that and I didn't know
what to do or how to help him.
up lifting her shoulders and arm and
Sam followed her. Then she leads him
into a relaxed low stretch on the circle and the most beautiful trot he's
ever done. It must have felt good to
him because suddenly he was moving
out, balanced and no cadence problems, lack of impulsion or ugly ears.
smooth. At times, I'd feel him slip
back into his old position and I'd push
his hindquarters out and the smooth
ride would come right back.
Then Karen coached me into a better
position with my arms (my arms were
too far back and not allowing Sam to
move forward as well as he could)
A lot of us have the same problem so and even though it was awkward and
it turned into a group exercise and we felt wrong I've been practicing my
So I showed it to Karen in the circling
all played with it for a while. Then
new position as well as the exercisgame online. He does it all the time,
after lunch we rode around the round es to help balance and
even at liberty, so I knew she'd spot
pen and practiced the same exercise
strengthen Sam at home and it's a lot
it right away and she did.
with the rail to stop us from falling
better.
into our circle. We had about 10
Karen suggested that we begin workhorses all going around doing the ex- It's hard to work at home alone and
ing on shoulders in...aka hindquarters
ercise at once. It was a blast and my
keep getting the same problem on
out...on a circle. She explained it to
horse "got it" right away. I think he
different horses and in all areas and
me and then took my horse and
winked at Karen and said thanks.
not know what to do. I could see it
demonstrated how to begin this exerbut didn't know where to start
cise. I watched Karen quickly put
Later I was scared to break the magic to solve it. Thank you Karen so much
Sam into a balanced position that was
and actually test our work out on a
for showing me ways to channel my
asking him to stretch and explore a
canter where it all shows up, but I
efforts. Just cantering more made it
way of going he has forgotten (he
figured, this is the place to fall apart
worse and now I understand how to
wasn't always this unbalanced).
if you are going to because help is
help my horse find his balance and be
right there.
comfortable before we even get to
I asked him to do the same and again
the canter.
I realize how quickly horses tune in
So our canter was the best ever. My
when we use body language. Karen
horse was round, relaxed and
(Continued on next page...)
turns her shoulders and draws herself
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Copyright 2007 Temenos Fields, Inc December
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I hope I get this quote right (but if I
don't, I'll get it from our quote/
important thoughts chart we are
making) but Karen told us to look for
the simple problems inside the complex maneuvers. So that means
breaking the complex moves down
into parts and perfecting the small
things first.
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Thanks Peggy, for sending me this!
The shoulder-in position is a really
valuable one for the horse. Once we
have responsiveness, we can get
more particular about using this position correctly, not just for the sake of
doing it, but in order to achieve its
benefits.
The shoulder-in position has
these benefits:
1. Frees and supples the shoulders
because the shoulders are now opening and not just swinging forward.
2. Increases the capability for bending
bend in the horse. In order to do
shoulder-in ‘just right’ the horse
needs to bend.
3. Increases engagement of the hind
end. If you get the positioning just
right, the inside hind leg will land
Copyright 2007 Temenos Fields, Inc Decemeber
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more under the center of the body
and will automatically be carrying
more weight.
When horses have basic balance issues I don’t really think of fixing the
horse, I think of giving the horse
more possibilities, knowing that balance will feel better to the horse, too.
I love how Peggy said: [I had Sam]
“explore a way of going he has forThanks for the help Karen. I apprecigotten (he wasn't always this unbalate your direct approach and not hav- anced).”
ing to fumble around and discover it
on my own. I am so excited about
I observed the horse, saw what directhese workshops.
tion he was falling out of balance,
~Peggy Finnerty, FL
then thought, what would the oppopfinn582@yahoo.com
site of that look like, and set out to
make sure:
1. I had enough communication with
Karen:
the horse to ask for what I was picturing.
2. The horse was in an open emotional state.
Photo: Coco
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The I slowly (at the walk first) established communication about doing
that positioning (in this case,
shoulder-in), and let the horse practice the coordination of finding it easily. I let the horse have a release
sometimes by stopping (when he
needed to mentally process) and
sometimes by changing to just
stretching on the circle (which really
feels good (to the horse) to do after a
well-done shoulder-in!)
So it wasn’t so much about me keeping the horse in balance, it was just
showing the horse a possibility, proving to them that they can do it, and
then letting them move how they
would like...Often it works just like
Peggy reported...the horses say
“Thank you” and you see the best
movement from them when it seems
we are asking nothing, just allowing
them.
’shoulder-in’
So how do you do a shoulder-in?
The diagram shows the positioning.
Things to watch for are:
• Neck in alignment with the chest
(don’t over-bend the neck, if the
neck is over-bending probably the
body isn’t bending enough. Better
to have not enough bend anywhere
than too much of the wrong bend.
• You will feel a little ‘push’ under
your inside butt cheek if the inside
hind is stepping under in the right
place
• Stay on your line of travel. Know
where your line of travel is and stay
on it. Keep your focus on the
line...most people end up looking
down to the inside instead of where
they are going.
• Keep the withers between your
hands. Point your chest in and
bring your hands and the horse’s
front end with you. If the horse
walks in instead of staying on the
line of travel, don’t bring your
hands back out to correct, (check
your focus first) then reinforce with
your inside seat and leg if necessary that those hind legs keep
walking on the line of travel.
• Think about aligning your inside
seat and outside hand. Like the
horse’s inside hind is going through
to his outside front foot. The connection between the horse’s inside
hind and outside shoulder is important.
• Keep your energy and weight going
in the direction of your line of
travel...a common error is to lean
over and collapse to the inside.
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I often say ‘shoulder-in’ is a secret
code for ‘step the inside hind out’
because although, yes, we must put
the shoulder in, often the predominant focus and communication with
the horse feels like reminding the
hind end to not follow the front end
and make a turn to the inside....in
other words to remind that inside
hind to stay out there. It is not about
pushing the hind end way out (which
will put them back on the forehand
again) it is about getting it under the
middle of the horse.
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Linda Johnson also shared a quick
note on the shoulder-in exercise:
Karen had us do an exercise of
_SHOULDER IN_where she had us
to do this exercise around the outside
of the round corral in the walk. She
had me think to move the inside rear
leg over in a way to be able to see his
inside eye. And still keep my eyes
going in the same direction. Then af- Linda Johnson, FL
ter just a few strides, give long rein for
ljohnsonusa@yahoo.com
reward. It is such a simple solution
not to think shoulder in, just move the
inside rear leg over.
When I worked on it at home, It is
harder for him to move the left leg un‘backwards shoulder-in’
der, so I occasionally do a turn on the
forehand. Now when I lift my reins, position my body, now he is beI often teach shoulder-in the first
time (to riders and horses) by going
ginning to move from my seat bones! around the outside of the round pen
We have started this in trot steps
(going track right, the rail would be
now!
on my right, I would ask the right
hind to step out a bit until the horse
I have been riding Dressage for about
was looking slightly in at the rail. The
10 years. I started with a 15'3 h,
rail helps keep the line of travel withQuarter Horse that I trained to second
out having to use so much leg and
level that I sold as a lower level
hand to correct. Thanks again Peggy!
school master. Then, I thought, I
must have a Warm Blood!! As I was
shopping 3 things that I did not want
were: a mare, Grey or 17h. Well,
I bought a 17h, Grey Hanoverian,
well at least no mare! I was schooling third level with him with some issues that I had not been able to work
through, then I met Karen at Adult
Horse Camp last summer. She is
helping me with those issues and I
am now a total Dressage Naturally
convert!!
Karen:
Thanks Linda for sharing that. In
order to help the horse understand and keep sensitized, you
can practice doing an exaggeration for a moment. This is what
she was doing when she did a
turn on the forehand (more exaggerated yield of the hindquarters
than in the shoulder-in) when she
felt the horse get sticky. It is not
used as a punishment or to be
more difficult, just to be more obvious at this stage. The exaggeration is done at a walk. If you get
that sensitive at a light phase,
then the amount of yield you need
for a shoulder-in should be...a
fraction of that light phase! It also
gives you and the horse an opportunity to just practice the coordination.
I did meet Linda when I co-taught at
a United States Dressage Federation
Adult Camp. She already had her
heart in the right place for her horse,
and I am so happy to be able to help
them realize more of their goals!
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“When experience moves beyond words, life begins to have meaning.”
Quote: Anonymous? I saw this on a bumper
sticker on the back of the tour truck for a
mountain bike trip I took in Utah.
Photo: Michael Grohmann
‘Natural’, ‘Normal’, ‘Traditional’, ‘Classical’, ‘Gentle’, ‘Conscious’... what
kind of horsemanship do YOU do?
As the last newsletter of this year, I just
thought I would write a little about my
thoughts on the names we use to describe what we do. I named what I do:
Dressage, Naturally... so as you might
imagine, I get a chance to visit with many
people who say the are dressage riders
and many students who say they are
natural horsemen. And unfortunately, I
have seen a lot of righteousness in both
camps.
NH student: “ My horse was abused before I got him, that is why he is so ...(emotional, dull, shut down, etc).”
Me: How was he abused? What happened?
NH student: “oh he used to be in a traditional barn and they lunged him in sidereins.”
Or:
Dressage student: “Natural Horsemanship people just let their horses run
around as they want, they have no idea
that’s wrong... you need to work to make
your horse be correct.”
And of course, sometimes these statements are a fair description of a situation,
but most of the time, in the above example, the NH (Natural Horsemanship) student may be placing blame and is not
looking at their own current effect on the
horse... and the dressage student may be
mentally/emotionally souring her horse as
she forces his body in the name of correct
biomechanics.
I have heard dressage riders making fun
of Parelli students, saying: “It’s like a cult,
they all dress the same. These NH trainers are just about marketing.” They say
this as they stand in Pikeur full-seat
breeches, Kyra Kyrkland shirts, Dansko
clogs, holding Jack Russel terriers (or
corgie). NH students will whisper to each
other about a professional that is a ‘normal dressage’ trainer as if ‘normal’ and
‘dressage’ are inherently bad words.
(What will we do when the majority of
people are natural horsemen? Will the
word: ‘normal’ then be ok?)
Words are powerful in that they are just
one step away from our thoughts. We
humans like to name things and put them
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in categories. Our brains will work hard to
find a label to put on everything we see.
So, what are we thinking? What are our beliefs about horsemanship and what is our level
of understanding about what we are seeing?
What do we really mean with these labels?
What is ‘normal’? What is ‘natural’? What is
‘classical’? There are amazing horsemen who
will never call themselves ‘natural’ and people
who call themselves natural who will never be
horsemen. Words may be powerful but they
are also extremely inadequate to describe
anything of real value. That is why, when
some thing truly amazing happens, we become speechless. So be careful when giving
something a label.
Does having a rope halter make you natural?
Does having your horse wear a noseband
make you predatory? Is it possible to train a
horse in a double bridle and spurs from day
one and be a true horseman? Is it possible to
train your horse at liberty and bridle-less his
whole life and be abusive? If someone
doesn’t call themselves ‘natural’ does it mean
they don’t love their horse? Exactly what are
we looking for, really? Sometimes those qualities are difficult to define. I love to quote the
Federation Equestre International’s definition
of the object of dressage:
The object of dressage is the development
of the horse into a happy athlete through
harmonious education, resulting in a horse
that is calm, loose, supple and flexible, but
also confident, attentive and keen, thus
achieving perfect understanding of his
rider.
Pat Parelli describes natural horsemanship in
this way:
The dynamics of horsemanship can be
obtained naturally through communication,
understanding and psychology, rather than
fear, mechanics or force.
Doesn’t it seem like we all want the same
thing? Can we train our eyes to see these
qualities without confusing ourselves with labels or outfits? We all want to be horsemen.
Maybe we should forget about all the differences and focus on the commonality of the
horsemanship. Or, as Parelli writes it:
Horse.Man.Ship: A horse and a human going willingly together.
I feel it is important to understand that ‘dressage’ and ‘natural horsemanship’ want the
same thing, (even though it may express in a
different shape). Of course, only I know what I
am picturing in my head when I use the terms
‘dressage’ and ‘NH’. I am not picturing dres6
sage as the ‘rollkur’ and horses with tight
backs flicking out movements, I am picturing
grace and athleticism and harmony. I am not
picturing NH as flopping around with a horse,
letting him do whatever he wants and then
whacking him with a stick if he doesn’t do
something right. I am picturing a bond and
relationship where the horse is free to express
himself and the human leads him in a way that
makes sense to him. I do my best to not let
the bad examples of each cloud my opinion of the ideal.
The examples of people attempting to achieve
this ideal may be less that ideal at any particular moment...Our best chance is be aware. To
ask our minds to suspend judgement long
enough to open our senses and feel what is
going on. Every time a NH student has the
urge to equate ‘dressage’ with ‘being unfair to
your horse’, or a dressage student equates
‘NH’ as something ‘frivolous’, it stops the flow
of knowledge in its tracks.
With our horses, we must be so careful to
discern between what some may call
‘disrespect’/‘resistance’ and what is actually
fear, or lack of understanding, coordination or
strength. We must also be gentle with each
other. If it is someone’s desire to
be abusive, and use their horse
in order to inflate their own
ego...well that is not
Horse.Man.Ship at all of any
kind and this person should take
up motorcycles. (And we must,
as a community of horse-lovers,
do our best to protect the
horse.) But, if their intentions are
for the horse, and they are just
not ‘there’ yet with their skills,
let’s not condemn them or our
image of the ideal. Perhaps we
can forgive them... meanwhile
quietly doing our part to be the best example
of what we dream horsemanship should be.
Maybe they just have no idea how good it can
get... yet.
horses & humans can do together. I saw a
circus trainer demo at a dressage symposium,
I saw amazing dressage during a bullfight.
what is going on in the world?! This makes no
sense! ;-) I demoed with Champion reiner,
Craig Johnson...he rode my horse the way he
rides and I rode his horse the way I ride..they
ended up looking the same ... like something
in the middle. That is another favorite quote of
mine: The truth is always in the middle.
Dressage, Naturally...what is it? Is it an oxymoron? A paradox? Is it two things combined?
Is it dressage, is it natural...both or neither? Is
the name redundant synonyms? Who knows!
Maybe it’s an enigma or Japanese koan (like
the ‘sound of one hand clapping’). Maybe by
giving it a seeming oxymoron for a name I will
keep our minds busy in the corner trying to
make sense of that label, so our bodies will be
free to feel, observe, sense and just BE a
Horse.Man (well, Woman).
Dressage Naturally is a pledge to be a
student of the whole horse, and to find
the truth he holds
in his center.
~K1
So in 2008, imagine we simply have the clarity
of mind to be able to see cause and effect. To
really understand our horses, really know ourselves and to see exactly the influence we are
having on our horses... so we may go willingly
together. We need to keep the best of intentions, gather skills and observe. Horses are
already perfect horses. Once you realize that
they are training us to be better for them...
amazing things can happen.
The more I learn, the more the labels disappear. I do my best to only see
Horse.Man.Ship or lack of Horse.Man.Ship.
The rest is just really cool, amazing things that
“Be surprised. To wonder is to begin
to understand.” ~Jose Ortega y Gasset
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TIFFANY MITCHELL :
Hi everyone, all you dressage naturally readers. I’m Tiffany Mitchell,
currently one of Karen’s working students. I’m from Ocean Shores
Washington, not a town many people know of. It’s just a tourist destination out on its own little
peninsula. I grew up and worked
there at a local stable. Where I
learned to ride and became introduced to the Parelli program by my
first instructor Nance. Around the
time I turned fifteen I found a place
called Cardinal Ranch. I was accepted there as a volunteer, and
wound up staying for a year and a
half. A lot of what I have learned
with horses came from being there.
Where I met many more natural
horsemanship enthusiasts to call
friends, and where I first heard of
Karen Rohlf.
I went to a clinic of hers in June of
this year and I was hooked. I just
loved the way she presented and explained things, it really helped everything make sense. I was so worried
about talking to her; it took me a
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while to work up enough nerve to ask
about being her working student.
When I finally did, she was so nice, I
was able to relax .. well a little any
way. Luckily it all worked out great
and now I’m here learning from the
best person I could have hoped for.
I’ve been here for about two months
now and it seems like no time has
gone by at all. I love being able to
watch her lessons and learn from others as well as learning directly from
Karen. I’m also really enjoying how
calm things stay, it’s a nice atmosphere to be in. My ultimate goal is to
compete in top level eventing, and it
has been great getting started towards
my goals a little more directly. I’m
looking forward to my future here and
to learning much more.
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ship started at a young age
where my sister Nancy and I began our journey through the Parelli levels. Ever since, we have
been eager to learn as much as
possible about our equine friend
and today I am working on passing my Level Three.
During this journey through the
levels I was taking part in a clinic
with David Lichman where I first
heard about Karen looking for a
working student. Having only
seen Karen in Parelli demos, I
was ecstatic about having the
possibility of working with her.
David introduced me to Karen
the following day where they
were teaching a clinic together. A
couple months later I was her
new working student. From the
moment I got here I have been
constantly learning new things.
There have been so many differCLAIRE DEVISSE :
ent riders, horses,
personalities, body
types and biomechanics to look at
and learn from. I
feel like I am finally beginning to
understand that
learning is a journey and not a destination. I look
forward to all of
the additional
things I have to
learn from Karen
through this experience. Karen is
not only an amazing
rider and
My name is Claire Devisse and I
teacher,
but
she
is
truly an
am currently a working student
with Karen Rohlf. Before I arrived amazing person to be around
everyday as well, I feel like I will
here at Temenos Fields I was in
not only be a better horseNaples, Florida where I was
woman when I leave here, but a
working and going to college.
better altogether person as well.
The summer before I arrived at
Thanks Karen!
Karen’s I was fortunate enough
to attend the six week course at Claire
the Parelli center in Colorado. My coodles88@aol.com
education in natural horseman7
THE 5TH SNOWY MOUNTAIN RIDE
By Camilla Davidson
In early December 07 we took off on another venture into the Snowy
Mountains, to a wonderful place called Currango, just north of the Tantranga
Dam out of Adaminaby. To have time out from a busy world and to enjoy both
the horses and each others company, which we definitely did !!!!
Let me introduce you to the travellers, myself Camilla Davidson, from
Braidwood with Sophie Lee's young 3yr. Filly, Cotton. Kate Gwinn, from
Braidwood with the mighty Mare, Encore. Cheryl Kesteven from Canberra
with Kate Gwinn's brilliant Mare, Powder Finger and last but not least Sue
Elsbury from Canberra with Jill Middleton's increasingly great mare, Matilda
(4 ladies, with 4 mares!!)
Cheryl and Sue travelling in Sue's car from Canberra and Kate bringing her 2
horses and myself bringing Cotton and Matilda, travelling in the green zone
with our EI travelling horse statements all in order and on us. We all met in
Cooma to go on together.
From the very beginning, this trip was to be different from the others, with the
paddock conditions for our horses changed from being kept close to us and
having to set up our own electric fencing and hobbling and bells on, to being
some distance away (1km) and us having to deal with this change. We had to
decide firstly, to go or not to go on our 5th trip (the only thing sure in life is
change !! ), we went and the change turned out to be okay. In fact the horses
being more comfortable with more movement (no hobbles or bells needed).
With the horses being in a very secure fencing with double sided electric
fence, so no brumbies could get in, and ours could not get out, Stewart (the
very helpful care taker of Currango) said if any horse got in or out, they
deserved to stay in or out !! We had to agree, as the fencing was so good. We
also did not have to put fencing up and then take fencing down.
There were a few more mishaps with the vehicles this time than in other times,
yet all OK in the end, so just more to talk about. Kate and I were pulling 2
horses each so we suggested Sue & Cheryl go on to get the camp; set up, billy
put on, so we could have a nice cup of tea when we arrived and had unloaded
the horses into their new paddock situation. Well Kate and I arrived only to
find no little white car anywhere, so we proceeded to find out where to put the
horses (as there were these new paddock arrangements since we were last
there) and to unpack, whilst in our minds a little concerned for the 2 others.
Kate & I had both noticed fresh car tracks down a dirt road before entering
Currango and both took note! Well we asked Stewart what was down that
track?? No worries, he said, if they went down there they will be fine, you
know, those famous last words. We decided as the horses were settled into
their paddock we would just go have a quick look down that easy track,
anywhere else would be to far, as its a long drive into Currango, along a pretty
interesting road and so we would have to start making phone calls. Well that
easy little road went for a long way and that easy little road got a little harder
to manage on every new bend and rise and we were in Kate's 4x4 drive Toyota
and once more, the tracks ahead of us got a little fresher, low and behold, as
we came over the rise there was Sue's little white city car looking very little in
the gully, they had slipped off the road, now I am going to cut the story short,
it was so slippery we ended up getting the 4x4 drive stuck, very close to the
little white car. so to save more disaster, we decided to leave the cars where
they were, as they certainly were not going anywhere and to start walking back
to the homestead, I knew a short cut (a real short cut !) and we would deal with
this dilemma once the road dried out, which it did the next day, so Kate got the
4x4 out and then pulled the little white city car out, no damage ! We were all
very relieved and felt good again, Sue especially. Looking at the map later we
found the road and it had written, 4x4 drive track!!
5th Currango trip - Ladies relaxing &
having loads of laughs
L to R Sue & Matilda, Camilla & Cotton, Powder Finger, Kate & Encore
Resting at ' The Rocks'
Lunch with Cheryl & Powder Finger
Now, our holiday with our horses started, having great rides out and plenty of time
around the hut to relax and catch up on many a topic. Kate on the lovely mare
Encore and Cheryl on the great mare of Kate's Powder finger, these 2 horses have
been on this ride a number of times now and so were the leaders when out and
about, leading the less experienced horses. They led us through creeks, up over
ridges and down into steep gullies and then onto the plains, such great experience
for young and inexperienced horses.
Because of all the great rain we have had the creeks and rivers were deeper and
flowing alot faster so Matilda and Cotton did need help in coping with these
crossings, so we spent time by these creeks chatting while the horses grazed
allowing them to eat the sweet grasses beside and then in the creeks, with Kate &
Encore going through and coming back, then Cotton and Matilda would cross the
creeks being their idea and so building their confidence. With other deeper narrow
creeks we would step off and help them across, this built their confidence and trust
in us, as we were leading them over and at the same time, keeping us all safe. By
the end of the 4 days they were crossing with no fear at all.
On this trip, mostly we saw the big herds of brumbies in the distance and a few
mares and foals a little closer to the homestead, except for one afternoon riding
home from Tantrangra Dam along the track we came around a bend only to see in
front of us, a lone chestnut brumby, looking wonderful, due to the very good
season. He came towards us, so close! Totally unaware we were there, until he
sensed us, looked up and then he was gone as quick as a flick of the tail, leaving us
looking on in awe at this wonderful creature. Guessing him to be a bachelor out on
his own, maybe searching for mares, not our mares we said ! Our mares seemed to
say the same appearing to be quite unsure of what they had just seen and quite
unsure of how to react! Yet very curious. they took a little time to settle. It really
is so so special to see horses in the wilderness and to be so close to a wild horse,
just gives you the most wonderful feeling, one that I just can not begin to explain
into words !!!!
Collecting the horses from the paddock
for the days ride
Day 3 - looking over Tantrangra Dam
Dec 07
Other car mishaps where to happen, yet I find them pretty mundane after the other
and we ladies dealt with them in our stride, flat tyre, stuck on a steep hill with
loaded float ( now that was a little out of the ordinary), the hassles of fixing a tyre,
that kind of every day stuff!
This article is about horses and trial riding !!!!
I think alot of people tend to under valuate the benefits of trial riding (I know I
once did), the experience and confidence that is built, it can give horses & people
of all breeds and ages, done in a "Thinking" manner of course.
Day 3 - looking over Tantrangra Dam
Not one time during the 5 days did we loose our spirit and the joy of being on the
mountain, to capture the right words is again hard for me, to be on this
wonderful mountain with extreme skies and weather changes,
being surrounded with the wonderful wildlife that is all around, it’s all an amazing
adventure and we will be doing it again. I hope to be riding my own horse by then,
who is actually stuck in Tamworth in the purple zone and not yet handled or
started, he is 2 years so once I can get my hands on him, we should be on our way.
I would like to take this opportunity in thanking both Jill and Sophie in trusting us
with their much loved and valued horses.
The photos will tell more of the story.
Car Mishap - Woops !!!!!
Sue, Camilla, Kate & Cheryl
New paddock @ Currango Homestead
L to R - Matilda, Cotton, Powder Finger
and Encore
www.woodworks.net.au
Woodworks @ Mt Beauty VIC
Custom kitchens for Horse Floats, Houses
and Commercial Businesses.
We make all kitchens
to individual customers
requirements and offer
a high quality level of
workmanship.
For more information contact Sharon.
Phone 0427 661 824
Email: mountainscene@optusnet.com.au
SOUTHERN TABLELANDS/ ACT FUN & SUPPORT DAYS
Hi all,
We had our last Fun & Support day for 2007 at the Bungendore show grounds, with only humans and 3 dogs to attend,
sadly no horses, yet we made the most of the horseless day. We had a great get together with loads to catch up on, as
its been so long, a lot of students did write in with their apologies for not attending due to other Christmas commitments,
understandable at this time of year.
We all had a great catch up and decided with or without our horses we would meet again in January 2008, so all will be
welcome, once we have a date and place, I will send out an e-mail. If any N.H enthusiasts & students of horsemanship
wish to be on this mailing list please drop me a line.
I will be booking the Bungendore show grounds for next years monthly N.H Fun & Support day meetings with the hope
that the EI will of lifted by then.
The Horsemanship Fun days are for anyone interested in joining a great
progressive enthusiastic group of horse people that meet once a month, if you
wish more information on these days please feel free to contact myself and if
you would like to be on the mailing list for the ACT and the Southern tablelands
and are not on my mailing list drop me a line.
Regarding Horsemanship courses, training & trial ride days, I will start
organizing dates once the EI Ban has been lifted, as soon as it has I will be
sending out course dates. Although we are in the green zone our vets are
strongly suggesting not to take in and train or to run courses, as a stand still is
what will help eradicate EI within Australia.
Kind Regards,
Camilla Davidson
Natural Horsemanship
02 48461002
0429 461 002
L TO R Hilary and Dog, Dee, Marilyn, Pip,
Joy, Lizzie, Sophie and Niki @ the horseless
Fun day, where of course there was plenty
of talk on our missing horses

December, 2007 - part two

Transcription

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