December, 2007 - Natural Equipment

Transcription

May you all have
a joyous ride this
Christmas!
Have an awesome
New Year!
Thanks for all your
support in 2007!
Cheers & Fun,
Lee, Danny, Josh & Bre
COMPETITION
Did you make any horse
resolutions for 2008?
We would love to hear about them..
Winner receives a
$30 Gift Voucher from
Natural Equipment.
Email to Lee at [email protected]
Please write in subject line ‘Competition’
Xmas cheers
ll
to a
our
ine
frie
Wow, well here it is our December issue. What a year it has
been, lots for us all to reflect on. I have been so inspired
by all the great stories I hear, chatting to people on the
phone, via email or at horse events. We all share a common
connection, our love of horses.
nds
FROM THE EDITOR
eq u
There is so many people I want to thank for all there help and support this year. To all
the instructors and advertisers in the Neva Say Neva, thank you! To Louise Campbell
for all her great work in putting together the front page each month and other adverts
and articles…she is so creative, I look forward to what she has designed for me each
month, you are a star! To Gillian who never ceases to amaze me with her website
designs and also for her overwhelming dedication to working for us. Trish & Sandra for
their proofreading skills, sometimes I don’t get things to them, so I should say now that
if there is an error…that would be because they didn’t get to proofread it ☺. There are
so many other people that have truly supported us this year, you all know who you are,
and from the bottom of my heart I thank you all. Thanks to all the readers, I hope you are
enjoying the newsletter as much as I enjoy doing it.
It has been amazing to see the changes in horsemanship this last 12 months. Natural
Horsemanship is often now referred to as ‘good’ horsemanship or horsemanship ‘done well’,
horsemanship with ‘feel’…there is more of a holistic approach starting to come through as
well. I for one think it is awesome, I have been a part of Natural Horsemanship now for about
12 years, and have enjoyed seeing so many great horseman and horsewoman being able to
go out there and spread the word.
I know many people have different ideas on what ‘natural horsemanship’ is or should be.
To me though there is no wrong idea, it truly is a personal way at looking at things; wether
you believe it to be riding bareback and bridleless, keeping your horse in natural surrounds,
offering natural feeds, riding in a halter, learning to communicate and read your horses
body language, just being as one with a horse, whatever it is for you, know that is what is
right for you. You might change your ideas, I know I have, when I started I thought ‘natural
horsemanship’ was all about riding in a halter and bareback (forget the bridleless, I was
still trying to stay on a horse), but now I just know for me it is more of a way of being
with a horse, it is about listening to them more, it is no longer about tasks, but it is about
having fun and staying safe. I also want my horses to be having fun as well.
I thought that my horses were having fun… but then it dawned on me, yep while I was
going out there with a smile and laughing and running around, I was having fun… but did I truly look to see if my horse was having fun?? Now of course there are times
when we all have to do something we don’t want to be doing…but
wouldn’t it be nice if someone occasionally checked in to make
sure you are okay and if it is as good for you, as it is for them.
Well I always spend between Chrissy and New Year reflecting
on the last year and thinking about the year ahead… I am
already very excited about 2008! I hope you have some great
things planned and that you take some time to sit back and relax
and enjoy time with your family, friends and horses. Till January
Lee
Winner of last months competition!
CONGRATULATIONS TOHelen Vagg
Summerzar Audacious
sidepassing over me.
Winner!
Now that is using your imagination!
A Simple Statement.
I ride. That seems like such a simple statement. However, as many womenwho ride know, it is really
a complicated matter. It has to do with power and empowerment. Being able to do things you might
have once considered out of reach or ability.
I have considered this as I shovel manure, fill water barrels in the cold rain, wait for the vet/farrier/
electrician/hay delivery, change a tyre on a horse trailer by the side of the freeway, or cool a gelding
out before getting down to the business of drinking a cold beer after a long ride.
The time, the money, the effort it takes to ride calls for dedication. At least I call it dedication. Both
my ex-husbands call it 'the sickness'. It's a sickness I've had since I was a small girl bouncing my
model horses and dreaming of the day I would ride a real horse. Most of the women I ride with
understand the meaning of 'the sickness'. It's not a sport. It's not a hobby. It's what we do and, in
some ways, who we are as women and human beings.
I ride. I hook up my trailer and load my gelding. I haul to some trailhead somewhere, unload,
saddle, whistle up my dog, and I ride. I breathe in the air, watch the sunlight filter through the trees
and savour the movement of my horse. My shoulders relax. A smile rides my sunscreen smeared
face. I pull my ball cap down and let the real world fade into the tracks my horse leaves in the dust.
Time slows. Flying insects buzz loudly, looking like fairies. My gelding flicks his ears and moves
down the trail. I can smell his sweat and it is perfume to my senses. Time slows. The rhythm of the
walk and the movement of the leaves become my focus. My saddle creaks and the leather rein in my
hand softens with the warmth.
I consider the simple statement; I ride. I think of all I do because I ride. Climb granite slabs, wade
into a freezing lake, race a friend through the Manzanita all the while laughing and feeling my heart
in my chest. Other days just the act of mounting and dismounting can be a real accomplishment.
Still I ride. No matter how tired or how much my seat bones or any of the numerous horse related
injuries hurt. I ride. And I feel better for doing so.
The beauty I've seen because I ride amazes me. I've ridden out to find lakes that remain for the
most part, unseen. Caves, dark and cold beside rivers full and rolling are the scenes I see in my
dreams. The Granite Stairway at Echo Summit, bald eagles on the wing and bobcats on the prowl
add to the empowerment and joy in my heart.
I think of the people, mostly women, I've met. I consider how competent they all are. Not a weenie
amongst the bunch. We haul 40ft rigs. We back into tight spaces without clipping a tree. We set up
camp. Tend the horses. We cook and keep safe. We understand and love our companions, the
horse. We respect each other and those we encounter on the trail. We know that if you are out there
riding, you also shovel, fill, wait, and doctor. Your hands are a little rough and you travel without
makeup or hair gel. You do without to afford the 'sickness' and probably, when you were a small
girl, you bounced a model horse while you dreamed of
riding a real one. Now you are there. I ride.
-Author Unknown (although, many of us feel she is our sister)
Page 2
“What’s in a name ? “
A story of faith, strength and love.
In this time of turmoil in the
horse industry, there are so
many stories of despair.
person's name was to have
knowledge of him --maybe they
were correct
EI has hit the industry and
knocked it for six, horses are
being lost and business is
floundering.
Our beloved one was born on
5/10/07. From the first glimpse I
knew something was not right .
He was a large ,mature looking
foal ,but was not reacting like a
newborn. He was sleepy, lying
down, not feeding and not alert. It
required a lot of human help to
enable him to stand and he
couldn't suckle for more than a
few seconds.
So are you ready for a good
news story, amidst all this
trouble ?
I have been lucky enough to
witness this first hand and it
has been one of the most
treasured experiences of my
life, not just because of the
happy ending.
This little creature has
touched me and connected
with me at the deepest level,
right at the soul.
His message I’m sure was,
never give up, trust, be brave
and accept .
I’ll let Evelyn take the story
over.
Fran.
***************************
What's In A Name?
As the time approached for Lily to
foal, I naturally considered some
names for the new baby. I wanted
to acknowledge Lily's effort by
giving the baby an "L" name.
I desired something significant
though unpretentious .
"Libra" seemed nice for a girl-sign of balance, zodiac sign for an
October birth---Lief for a boy--it
means "Beloved One"
Wow! The universe was certainly
listening . The people of times
past were wary of
names ,believing that to speak a
Lief only
hours after
his birth.
I watched anxiously
during that hot windy day and by
lunchtime ,rang a vet who said
many big foals are a bit sleepy-as long as he had sucked and
was walking about ,it would be
OK--this advice brought no comfort.
Fran had visited once and came
again in the evening . Her assessment was to insist on a vet visit.
Galvanised into action, I refused
to accept a negative reply . At
10pm we met Sam Power who
cheerfully and valiantly helped us
through the next six days. They
were difficult days. Poor little Lief
experienced a nasogastric tube,
numerous blood tests and intravenous infusions, At that time, I'm
sure he though humans were
large heavy creatures whose
main role was to sit upon small
struggling foals. The essential
problem was that, due to his
poor nursing and general weakness, he had failed to ingest
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sufficient protective antibodies.
He was also significantly
dehydrated ( his lower eyelid was
turned in and did not evert till he
had been rehydrated, three days
later)
By day three, I noticed Lief's
nostrils flaring with every breath,
and he had some grunting respirations (bad signs in human babies) Neither Sam nor I could
hear any abnormal sounds in his
chest, and he had no fever.
Trying to temper my fears, based
on knowledge of human illness ,I
attempted to be the patient's
naive grandmother ---with alarm
bells nevertheless ringing in my
nether brain---(baby's don't
always get fevers when they are
infected because their immune
systems are immature.)
Besides (I frantically tried to convince myself) he had been given
two $400 dollar bags of plasma ,
complete with all those lovely
horse antibodies and white cells.
Also, (I vainly continued to convince myself) he was receiving
twice daily injections of a very
potent antibiotic and just for good
measure, I begged Sam to add
some penicillin. Still, Lief couldn't
suck--too weak--milk the mare-syringe the milk--oops- didn't
swallow, most ran out--dreadful
flies, why does he always lie in
the manure heap?
Maybe he'll be dead when I
stagger down at 2 am--goodness
he's standing up and he's nickering to me--hope springs eternal.
Squirty, usually enigmatic and
distant in nature , stood by ,day
and night . Was he tuned to my
distress? or to Lily? or to Lief's ?
Who knows?. He stood in the
same place for days after we took
Lily and Lief away and stopped
mourning only after Lief was
finally out of serious danger.
Maybe he was sending energy-I've read accounts of other horse
A publication of Hunter Natural Horsemanship Centre
Page 3
Lief soldiers on.
families doing similar things.
By day six, it was obvious we
were not winning. When I saw
urine leaking from Lief's umbilicus, I knew I must either
euthenase him or find a miracle.
Miracles do occur.
The owner of Lief's father ,
Gaylene Kates was home , near
the phone , ready to help. take
him to Scone intensive care unit,
she said—speak to my vet-minutes later Ilonna Hudson on
the phone--he needs intensive
care--ring Jane Axon, the director,
get an emergency permit to move
him. Thank goodness Fran is
home, near the phone--help!
Sam answered his mobile and
rang Jane Axon--Scone nurses
rang me and organised everything.
Fran had been my rock of
strength during the previous six
days. She arrived quietly 2 or 3
times a day. I think she had more
showers in that week than was
healthy, as she tried to avoid any
spread of EI to Lief.
We loaded Lily and Lief and set
off on a very hot afternoon.
I had given Lief over a litre of intravenous fluid and glucose that
day. Fortunately, Fran insisted we
take the time needed to give him
More before we left. I don’t think
he would have survived the trip
without it, but in true grit style he
stood up all the way, panting at
about 120 breaths per minute.
A huge electrical storm had
zapped the phones, so we found
our way to the intensive care unit
by Fran’s instinct.
We were met with efficient welcome, oxygen tube and chest
ultrasound within 15 minutes. It
was a bad prognosis-interstitial
pneumonia-a surefire killer of
foals. Jane Axon, the director of
the unit, is slight, fair, calm,
pleasant, self effacing and exudes
competence.
We were relieved to hand over
our burden to her, her colleagues
and to the charming vet nurses,
who efficiently swung into action.
Soon our poor rag baby had a
central line inserted into the large
vessels in his chest and fluids and
antibiotics were pouring into his
dried up cells. He wasn't really
expected to live , but it was worth
a try. Lily coped, rather goggle
eyed , with her first stable, lots of
lights, people ,buzzers, machines
and lots of other mares and foals-all coughing and sneezing EI
mucus globules that flew through
the air towards our weak panting
baby !
By some extra miracle , Lief's
kidneys has survived his week of
relative dehydration and were
functioning well enough to cope
with gentamycin, a powerful and
much needed treatment, but
lethal to anything with dicky
kidneys.
Two more bags of plasma--What
was $800 by this time?--a mere
bagatelle!
Then began the heart -in -the mouth morning phone call routine.
Was he alive? yes--condition poor
but still breathing. next day a visit
to Scone --very sick--hanging in
though--lets keep going.
Next day another visit--still with us
---maybe a bit better. Third day
visit--can't see much change.
Fourth day--back to work . Deep
dark cloud above my head--really
not well--fluid in his abdomenneeds a catheter--OK go ahead
but no lung biopsy --too invasive.
But on that day Fran visited and
he nickered to her . She cheered
me with the idea that his spirit
was well--whatever happened ,whether his body lived or
died, his spirit was well.
On the sixth day of Lief's hospital
adventure, Fran and I arrived to
find an ominous warning posted
on his stable door.
Lief in hospital with his oxygen tube
"QUARANTINE CRYPTO ENTRY
AT BACK". At the rear door of the
stall were disposable overalls,
plastic overshoes, a bleach tray,
gloves and alcohol hand wash.
He had cryptospiridial diarrhoea
"Sorry" ,said Megan, the nice
young vet on duty, "this usually
finishes them off"
Jane was not hopeful ,but she
proposed TPN--total parenteral
nutrtion--feeding through the central line into the chest veins--very
expensive--but "worth a try".(she
sheepishly mumbled something
about having a free left over half a
bag of TPN solution--from some
racehorse owner's foal). So
Lily ,poor patient Lily, endured
being milked dry. Lief was allowed
to nurse on the empty teats every
two hours to stimulate his suck
and his bowel, but he took no oral
fluids.
Then his bowel stopped working--ILEUS-- the dread of surgeons ,
had set in. The bowel just stops
working, and you have to wait.
We were visiting three days later
when I noticed a "sneaky poo" in
the straw under Lief's tail---never
so much joy expended over
something so disgusting, foul
smelling and pasty. I was sure
after I had cleaned him up, I
would be the next crypto victim in
quarantine.
By this time , he was pottering
about the stall, wrapping Lily up in
his stretchy oxygen tube. She has
remained puzzled by this baby,
sure he is a changeling.
Page 4
Miracles Do Happen
The happy ending
Gradually he improved , but his
belly swelled with urine when the
catheter was removed .
Somewhere in there ,on one of
our visits (Pete Fran and me)--he
deteriorated--a fever--"Maybe
peritonitis" said Jane with sadness--"Maybe EI" said I--"Oh!, of
course" she exclaimed--"Didn't
even think of that!"
Sure enough Lily started to cough
and dribble at the nose.
Of course, Lief had to have the
last word. I left my EI infected
float in Fran's front paddock
with Lily and Lief. Shortly after
I arrived home ,Fran phoned to
ask me to remove it. Lief had
climbed into the draw bar and
had collapsed in a tangle of
legs , waiting patiently to be
rescued by Fran Mel and
Emma--unscathed!
S0, What's in a name?-----
Toward the end of week two ,
Jane proposed surgery to his ruptured uracus. This is a tube joining the bladder and the umbilical
cord, which normally closes at
birth. Lief's had ruptured and was
leaking into his abdomen.
It was a big risk with his chest in a
very parlous state.
The anaesthetist was a bit cross
about such a high risk case at
5pm, but Lief nickered to her from
the boot of Jane's 4WD ,and she
quickly shut up and did her bit.
His vital signs remained stable
throughout the surgery and he
came back to Lily and me, very
shaky but very much alive.
Poor Lily, despite her sedation,
called frantically for 2 hours and
when Lief returned, carried on a
mattress, she broke into a dripping sweat and stood in
a mesmerized state for about half
an hour, shaking uncontrollably.
Well , there's been so much
love and support given freely
by so many people. There's
been a sense of profound and
privileged contact with a little
being , whose eye reflects
nothing but wonder generosity
and patience; there's been the
experience of being treated
with gentleness and respect
by people whose busy-ness
and expertise could easily
cause them to become impatient and too preoccupied to be
kind( like we often meet in
human hospitals)
There's been something of a
crisis of faith.
Miracles do happen--but they
happen primarily in our hearts.
My educated scepticism made
me ask myself "what right do I
have to want this scrap of
equine to live when so many
babies, equine and human ,are
dying?"
While I prayed to the god of my
childhood "Please God let him
live" I simultaneously adopted
the Zen position that all things
are good, life, death –all of it.
Yet somehow I allowed my
mind the inner space to encompass miracle--a change which
without reference to reason
brings good and blessing to all
involved.
I think that's what we've had-whatever else happens, that's
what we've experienced and I
hope that the sense of the
numinous will hang about this
little baby while he grows and
that ,as we journey with him
through life, he will remain precious--not as a spoilt prima
donna, but as a reminder of the
love we share in all our hearts-the love that brings us closer to
all that truly matters. That love
is the true communication of
souls, one species to another
and can, if anything will, bring
us to the reality of who we truly
are.
Two days later' Jane was worried
that Lief would rupture his
abdominal sutures as he
galavanted around the small outdoor yard, calling to other foals
through the fences and trying all
the gymnastic tricks he had been
denied during his illness.
Joyfully we brought him home to
Fran's just short of three weeks
after our first desperate dash to
Scone. The staff at the unit were
as excited as we were.
Lief : The day we were not sure we would see.
Home from hospital, alert and alive.
HNHC
Horsemanship Group Lessons
at HNHC BRANXTON
2082 New England Highway Branxton
5th and 6th January 2008
PROGRAM
5th January group lesson 4pm -7pm , multilevel online and riding
6th January group lesson 7am-10am, multilevel liberty and riding
You may attend Saturday only or Both days
COST : Saturday only
$94 (HNHC member $85 ) Lesson only
Both days
$215 (HNHC member $195 ) Both lessons, dinner and
breakfast, overnight accommodation in shared room, horse yard.
Preference will be given to students attending both days, maximum of 8 riders.
December clinic Branxton 2007
I wish to attend
Saturday only or
Both days ( please circle )
I have enclosed a deposit of $40……………………..
Or please debit my credit card
----/----/----/----
Exp:
- - /- -
Name: ……………………………………Signature………………………………
Address……………………………………………………………………………….
……………………………… EFA insured club……………………………………
Phone………………………….Email…………………………………………………
Post deposit and booking form to HNHC 3 Storks rd , Glen Oak NSW 2320.
Fax 49886449
Enquires 49 886031
PLEASE note deposits are non refundable unless a doctor or veterinary certificate
is supplied or a replacement rider is found.
My name is Lynn Henry and I am passionate about horsemanship and education.
I was a biology teacher for ten years, but gave up this career to bring up my young
children. Now living on a small holding it seemed natural to buy a pony and ride. Just
one small problem, I knew nothing about ponies or riding. As a child I had never ridden.
This was a huge learning experience for me – looking at ponies through my children’s
eyes, sharing their expectations, dreams and fears. I wanted what they wanted, to be
safe and learn as much as possible about these little equines. This is where my journey
began fifteen years ago.
I have studied and trained with some of the leading figures in horsemanship and have
extended my knowledge to include a holistic approach to horses.
I am a horse and human healer, I have qualified as a horse Iridology practitioner after
studying with Helen Collinson. I am also a qualified Shiatsu for horses practitioner with
the Scottish school of Horse Shiatsu.
I have published through Kenilworth Press Think Like A Pony Foundation Book. The
second book (in a 3 part Series) Think Like A Pony On the Ground has just been
released in the UK and will be released in Australia very soon. At the moment I am
writing Think Like a Pony in the Saddle, which will be published in 2008.
I am passionate about horses and helping people to develop a relationship with them,
built on respect and understanding. By taking this communication and understanding
into riding, people can learn to develop harmony in the saddle.
Many children and adults around the UK have begun to learn together with their ponies
and are enjoying the wonderful journey of understanding pony behaviour.
Thank you to all my students both equine and human who have helped me to grow in
understanding over the years. This journey never ends, we are all learning!
Lynn Henry
The Whole Picture
For your pony to be healthy and happy, you need to
look at many different things, all of which are important
to make a whole picture. If any of these key points are
missing, then your pony may not be as healthy and
happy as he could be.
To look after and care for a pony we need to understand what it is that he needs. This is often very different to what we think he needs.
The pony that we keep at home in a paddock or at a
livery yard has a life which is far removed from a natural environment.
To understand what is important to your pony you will
have to see the world through his eyes and try to understand what it is like to be a pony
Think Like a Pony on the Ground Series
Written by Lynn Henry Illustrated by Su Smith
All pony-mad children (and their parents) want a pony who has perfect manners, is confident, happy and, above, all safe. This series of educational workbooks, based on understanding pony behaviour, shows how you can create
the pony of your dreams.
By working through simple, fun exercises, with and without a pony, you (and
your parents) will discover what makes ponies ‘tick’. These books show how
you can use that knowledge to develop a wonderful relationship with your
pony, based on leadership, trust and communication.
The first three Think Like a Pony workbooks (Step 1, Step 2 and Step 3) cover
training on the ground. They contain imaginative exercises to train both ponies
and handlers, using signals that ponies can readily understand. The exercises
are designed to improve all aspects of handling and are an essential preparation for riding.
Further Think Like a Pony workbooks will deal with riding, gradually building
ridden skills, from mounting, through to walk, trot and canter, hacking out and
jumping.
The Think Like a Pony workbooks use simple language, photographs and illustrations to explain how to achieve this. The lessons are progressive and
sequential, each building on the next.
In all, the Think Like a Pony collection of workbooks will provide an invaluable
education in horsemanship – on the ground and in the saddle.
I had hoped to have these books here for Christmas, it is now
looking like early New Year. If you would like to know when they
arrive, send me an email and I will be sure to notify you!
On the Ground—Workbooks 1, 2 & 3
For further information go to www.naturalequipment.com.au
Riding with Synchronicity
What does a horse’s body position look like
when it is working in a good balance with
hind quarter engagement?
Very few people seem to have an
understanding of the balance and self
carriage that horses need to have, in
order to be ridden so that they can
remain sound, healthy, happy and
athletic. This is a very important subject
in all of my courses. It is equally as
important as using psychology to work
with horses. Their mind will be in a
better frame when their body is and vice
– versa.
This article is to give you a pictorial view
so you have more of an idea of what
you are looking for at the end result
and in the process. These pictures
are of students at the recent Ultimate
Horsemanship Experience (UHE)
To keep it very short and simple the key points are:
• That horses need to push with their hindquarters for forward propulsion rather then pull
themselves along with their front legs. And the hindquarters rather than the front end, need
to bear more of the weight of the horse, saddle and rider - most people know this. What
a lot of people don’t know is the only way that this can happen is through the hind legs
reaching further forward under the body and this can only happen if the horse’s back can
lift up under the saddle and the rider. So there is a way to sit on a horse to encourage this
and the saddle must allow the back to lift. Engagement of the hindquarters can only be
achieved if the horse’s mental and emotional state is right and if the physical body is in a
healthy enough condition state to allow it.
• The horse’s head and neck is its balancing system. Its position is the symptom of what is
going on in the horse’s back, ribcage and hind quarters. It just gives you feedback rather
than it being the part that you have to make the adjustments to.
It is very hard to achieve something if you don’t know what you are looking for. So that needs
to be the starting point and this article can help you there.
Figure 1.
Sarah Tunnicliffe riding on the last day in the
recent New Zealand UHE course on her young
andalusion horse. Here you can see a lot of
softness in the body of the horse and the rider
and a very happy relaxed expression on the
horse’s face - Sarah looks deep in thought,
there was a lot to take in during those 5 days.
The horse is showing a lot of reach in his
stride, softness in the joints and lightness in
the placement of the feet on the ground. The
horse’s hind leg is starting to reach further up
under the body almost under the back cinch.
For higher levels of hindquarter engagement
this hind foot would reach even further, it
Figure 1.
could reach as far and the front cinch. Where
the hind leg is placed when it is supporting the
weight is the important part. A lot of horses
when they are impulsive and hollow will over
track with their hind feet but in the moment of
the weight bearing phase of the stride the foot
will be positioned behind the stifle. When this
is the case the hind legs are doing nothing to
support the horse’s weight or propel the horse
forward and the front legs will be doing all the
work and pulling the horse along.
What would be even better in this picture is
more lift through the back and especially the
whither as you will notice it looks like the neck
dips down just in front of the saddle. This
saddle could be restricting this horse a little.
Figure 2
Joy Wooton -Banyandah UHE.
This horse typically wasn’t very interested
in going forward much at all. She had a very
short choppy stride and did all the work with
her front legs, pulling herself along. As moving
and being ridden was so uncomfortable
and such hard work for her, her attitude and
expression were usually very unhappy. Here
you can see that after adjusting the saddle,
Ted usually had absolutely no interest in being
ridden in an arena and being schooled – but
by day 5 he couldn’t believe how good being
ridden and his body could feel. Again this was
achieved through adjusting the saddle, the
rider’s position and working on the body with
the Energy work.
Figure 2.
changing the rider’s dynamics and several
sessions of Energy and Bodywork this mare is
starting to open up and reach out in her stride.
You might notice how she is really reaching
and extending her front leg, all the way to her
toe - this is not typically seen in most horses
but it should be.
The mare still has some restriction through
her hindquarters, back and shoulders which is
why her head and neck are up and she is not
reaching forward through her shoulder as well
as she could, but it’s a huge improvement and
the look on her face says it all.
Figure 3
Sue Storrier and Ted at the Banyandah UHE
Course. Again this horse was described as
an under impulsive horse that lacked interest
in being ridden unless his interest was kept
through external stimuli, for example, trail rides
or gathering sheep. When moving and being
ridden doesn’t feel good to horses they will
either shut down or at the other end of the
spectrum they will try to just run away, that is
be over impulsive. For the horse that is shut
down the external stimuli or a job takes their
mind off the fact that they aren’t enjoying being
ridden. This strategy will work for a while until
you run out of ways and ideas to keep their
interest. When you can get riding and moving
to feel good to them, which it can, that will be
the real answer.
Ted began experimenting with how he moved,
as you can see in the picture above, he is
experimenting with ways to lighten his front
end and use his hindquarter. At first he tried to
lift his head and neck to find his balance, in the
next picture you will see that he finds a better
way to do it. You can see by the look on his
face and the softness in the joints of his legs
that he is feeling OK about it all.
Again notice the extension through to the toe
in the lower legs and feet. Ted is just starting
to try to reach through with the hind legs. It
is important that people can understand the
process of experimenting that the horse will
need to go through in their body as they try to
find the most efficient way to move. They must
feel supported in this process so they will keep
trying instead of feeling criticised because it is
not perfect yet.
Figure 3.
Figure 4
Here is Ted after he has figured a bit more
out. Now he is starting to stretch through
his whole spine, lift up through the back and
particularly the whither area, causing the head
and neck to lengthen and lower. You can see
her mind, emotions nor body were in the right
place as you can see in the photos above.
She was very much on the forehand and
both the horse and rider had a lot of brace in
their bodies because of their lack of balance.
Simply changing Bonnie’s position and
balance at the rising trot made a big change
almost immediately in this little mare.
Figure 4.
how much more reach he now has with his
stride especially in front. You might notice
how much more reach Sue has with her
legs now. You can get the feeling that he is
‘swinging’ along, that means that the hind
legs have started to push instead of the front
legs pulling him along. This is happening
because the horse physically ‘can’ do it now,
previously it was impossible.
Figure 5-1 & 5-2
Bonnie McIntyre - This combination probably
made the most dramatic change of all at the
Banyandah UHE. In the first riding session
this little horse was very impulsive and
extremely hollow
and looked very
uncomfortable
to ride. Neither
Figure 6
Figure 6
By the last day they were ready to learn more
about engagement. Above and following are
some photos of the process. Here the little
horse is starting to lift her back and be able
to reach through with the hind legs. At this
point she is still very down hill with more of
her weight on the forehand. Bonnie’s position
is excellent with a lovely quiet, consistent rein
contact and good focus to help the horse.
Figure 5 - 1
Figure 5 - 2
Figure 7
Figure 7
With a little more instruction to Bonnie on how
to encourage the horse to lift her belly, ribcage
ad back the little mare started to experiment
with trying to lift more through her back and
whither to lighten her front end. Note the
expression on the horse’s face, she is enjoying
the session. She is really reaching well in
her stride and having her nose in front of the
vertical is excellent. She just needs to lift up
through the back and the whither a little more.
on a loose rein. This is the quality of movement
and the balance that all horses need as a
starting point – no matter what discipline they
are in and even just for trail riding. They don’t
always need to be ridden with this much rein
contact or mental concentration, remember
these photos are of the learning process,
but this is the minimum level of balance
and hindquarter engagement necessary for
a sound, healthy, happy and athletic riding
horse. From here and while still maintaining
the qualities of lifting, lengthening, reaching,
stretching and opening the whole body, the
horse’s body shape or outline will conform
as needed to produce the degree of hind
quarter engagement needed for the specific
manoeuvre required whether it be for dressage,
cutting or any where in between.
Advancing...
Figure 8
Figure 8
In this picture the mare has experimented
with lifting more up through her whither and is
stretching her neck down to do this. Because
she still has too much restriction and not
enough power in her HQ’s at this stage her
nose comes behind the vertical slightly and
she is still a little on the forehand. But they are
really starting to get it. Through continuing to
work on the mare’s body to free her up more
and more and with Bonnie’s knowledge of the
riding dynamics this combination will just keep
getting better and better.
Following are pictures of myself riding
Alchemist showing the process for
increasing collection and engagement.
This horse is an interesting project for me.
Without a doubt one of the biggest teachers
I will ever have.
He was very unsound particularly on the right
hind, he always stepped short and was uneven
on a right hand circle and had no possibility to
engage his hindquarters at all. He was given
to me by Pat and Linda Parelli after I had
been able to make so much progress with his
rejuvenation.
Ideally for a casual everyday working trot the
outline of the horse would be somewhere
between the above picture and the previous
one, with the whither up and the nose more in
front of the vertical.
At first some horses may need some rein
contact to get to this level of self carriage but
later they will be able to find it and maintain it
Figure 9
Figure 9
My goal for this session was to get his whither
and back up more ( he looks flat in front of
the saddle) so that he could get his hind legs
further underneath him and be more powerful
and athletic.
expression on his face that this is not as easy
for him. If you look behind the saddle, to the
loin area, you will see how long and flat that
area is, you will also see the muscle tension
there. His body is physically finding it hard to
go with this much engagement but he is trying
very hard.
Figure 12
I ask him to try and engage more and come up
more in front. He tries but you can again see
by the look on his face that this is hard for him
but he still tries. It no longer feels effortless
and easy for him and I can feel he is struggling
and it is beginning to feel like hard work for
me and that I need to push him, so that tells
me that is all he is physically capable of at this
point.
Figure 10
Figure 10
Here his whither and back is more up but
there is not enough push from his hind leg
therefore his nose comes behind the vertical.
If the rider (me) would only lift her sternum and
focus up, then the horse would be able to lift
his sternum and focus and the hind legs would
be able to come through more.
Figure 12
Figure 11
Figure 11
Now we are starting to both lift more in front
and his nose has come more onto the vertical,
ideally I would like his nose just in front of
the vertical this means that the hindquarters
are really powering. His weight is still slightly
more on the front end. You can see by the
You can see the tension in his neck and
shoulder and hindquarters and he is no longer
reaching with the front legs like he should.
Even though his front end has come up he
has started to flatten out through the whither
rather than lift up out of it. So it is not more
training that he needs right now, it is more
bodywork to free him up further. His mind was
willing but the body couldn’t do it. This was
a very talented jumping horse that has been
previously physically pushed beyond his limits.
That is the reason why he ended up being
donated to the Parelli Ranch in such a bad
physical, mental and emotional state – and the
reason that he now is my horse.
Ultimate
HORSEMANSHIP EXPERIENCE
COURSES 2008
Incorporating
• Connecting with Horses
• Riding with Synchronicity
• Universal Energetic Bodywork
with Mel Fleming & Tony Robinson
JANUARY
Jan 21st -27th ( 7 day course)
‘Banyandah’, via Howlong, NSW
FEBRUARY
Feb 2nd -3rd ( 2 day course)
Introductory course, Groundwork only
Coffs Harbour area, NSW
Figure 13
So we finish the session in a place where he
feels soft and comfortable and go home to
think out where to work on his body so we can
get to the next level. We have already come
along way just for him to be sound at all.
Hopefully this has given you some more
ideas about what you need to be aiming for.
It is a combination of connecting with their
mind, emotions and spirit, having the saddle
fit right and having the rider’s dynamics and
balance right, on a horse that is physically able
to do it. I had learned and figured out a lot
about the psychology (mind, emotions, spirit),
saddle fitting and riding dynamics but Tony
Robinson’s Universal Energetic Bodywork has
enabled me to help horses physically be able
to do it. It has become such an essential part
of my training now that I had to invite him to
co – teach with me as it was the only way that
I could give students the whole picture and all
the ingredients that they needed.
I’d like to take this opportunity to wish you all
Merry Christmas and a very happy New Year.
Until next time,
cheers
Mel
Feb. 6th-10th (5 day course)
Coffs Harbour, NSW
Feb. 20th-24th (TBA) ( 5 day course)
Tasmania
MARCH
March 1st-4th (4 day course)
Bangalow, NSW
March 8th-12th (TBA) ( 5 day course)
Townsville, QLD
March 19th-30th (10 day course)
Moonbi, via Tamworth, NSW
APRIL
April 2nd -6th (5 day course)
Unconfident riders Adelaide, SA
April 9th-13th (5 day course)
Confident riders Adelaide, SA
April 23rd-27th (TBA) - 5 day course
Margaret River , WA
MAY
May 7th-11th (5 day course)
Gold Coast, QLD
May 21st-25th ( 5 day course)
East Gippsland, VIC
For all enquiries and bookings contact Mel Fleming
email: [email protected]
02 6760 5519 or Int: +61 2 6760 5519
or go to website: www.melfleming.com.au
the Ultimate
Immerse yourself in a horsemanship experience that you
will never ever forget. An experience that will instigate
phenomenal and lasting changes in yourself and your
horse. This retreat like experience will be different than
any other horsemanship course that you have done
before. For true excellence in horsemanship all four
aspects of the horse and human make-up need to be
addressed simultaneously – the mind, the body, the
emotions and the spirit. Throughout history horses have
been immortalized because of their great spirits and
horsemen were legendary because of the connection
they had with their horses. You will begin to discover this
depth of horsemanship in this course.
The course will include Connecting with Horses, Universal
Energetic Bodywork & Riding in Synchronicity. It is unique in
that you will learn how to look at and deal with any behaviour
or performance problems from both perspectives of soundness
in the body and training and riding techniques. You will begin to
realize just how many of the
problems you are having
with your horsemanship are
caused by physical issues
in the body, you will learn
to distinguish them from
training issues and learn to
treat them yourself. Without
working simultaneously from
both these perspectives
of training and health it is
impossible to have a willing
and harmonious partnership or
peak performance.
The major difference between a really talented
horse or rider and a not so talented horse or
rider is that they are thinking differently and
they able to use their bodies differently. This
course will enable you and your horse to be
able to begin to think and use your bodies
in ways that will lead to the possibility of
achieving the highest levels of horsemanship
and performance. What is more the qualities
that you will develop will also
assist your everyday life,
making it easier and more
enjoyable.
Connecting with
Horses
Delve deep into the insides
of your horse so you no
longer look “at” him you
will look “into” him. You will
discover what more there
could be, in partnerships with
horses and develop a heart
connection with your horse so you will “have
their heart” so to speak. You will see the depth
of their spirit and their desire for interaction
and connection with
you. You will learn
how to connect with
horses mentally,
emotionally, physically
and spiritually, by
mentally focusing your
attention, raising your
level of awareness
and perceptiveness,
developing feel and
learning practical horse
handling techniques.
Universal Energetic
Bodywork
Universal Energetic Bodywork is one of the
most empowering and effective healing
therapies available today, opening up potential
for all possibility. It is so old that it is new again
and is available for everybody to learn.
It is a process of
channelling Universal
Energy to balance the
energy flows within the
body. Energy or Chi as
it is known in eastern
cultures is the source of
all life. It makes up the
universe, the planet and
all matter including our
physical bodies. In states
of disease (dis-ease)
these energy flows are
out of balance, leading
to illnesses, infections,
viruses. Unequal muscle
tension patterns develop pulling the skeleton
out of alignment and the internal organs
becoming compromised and therefore not able
to function optimally. All of this causes pain,
discomfort and dysfunction in the body leading
to resistance and the impossibility for the
horse to perform or behave as we would like.
Most people have
no idea of the extent
to which physical
problems are the cause
of their horsemanship
troubles. You will learn
to read the many
tell tale signs on the
body which indicate
problems that are
going on internally and
become aware of how
poor conformational
and postural traits
affect horses. Most
of these are usually overlooked as being the
instigators of behavioural or performance
problems, as with traditional thinking these
things are usually just accepted as “the
way it is” and simply put down to old age,
unpreventable wear and tear, or genetics.
They are usually deemed
irreversible and something
that just has to be lived
with, but this is not the
case and you can learn
to start changing these
things yourself. Your horse
will love you for it and this
treatment is very easy to
learn.
Universal Energetic
Bodywork works on people
too. You will be able to
free up your own body
so that you can be more
fluid, have better balance, better co-ordination
and feel and think clearer, all essential for
excellence with horses.
Riding with
Synchronicity
Riding with
Synchronicity is leading
the way in an advanced
and effective approach
to horse riding for all
disciplines from high
level performance to
trail riding. Horses want
to be ridden in absolute
harmony, synchronicity
and balance. In these
states horses will be
happy, healthy, relaxed and athletic. It allows
riding to become the freeing, enjoyable and
exhilarating experience that it is meant to be,
for both the horse and the rider.
When you can let go of all the restrictions or
blocks in your body you can find total balance
and harmony and you will develop the feel and
timing that is intrinsic
in talented riders. More
balance leads to more
confidence and riding
can become pain free.
For performance this
better balance and
mobility will allow you
to be less inhibitive to
your horse so you can
be ‘right there’ with
him and allow him to
perform to his true
potential.
Riding with Synchronicity teaches you the
theory of the balanced and biomechanically
correct posture that horses need to be ridden
in so that they stay sound, are athletic and
in which performance manoeuvres will feel
effortless for them. You will then learn the
practical techniques and riding dynamics
necessary to achieve this. You will see how
saddles affect the horse and rider’s comfort
and performance and be better able to select
the right saddle.
You will learn to think and feel from your
horse’s point of view and be able to use
psychology to motivate you horse to “want
to”. You will learn the rhythm, smoothness and
softness that horses love to feel when they are
ridden and how to develop these qualities for
high level competition performance.
The process of learning ‘Riding with
Synchronicity’ involves retraining your brain,
nervous system and body so that it is able
to move freer, have better balance and coordination and think and feel clearer. The
concepts are very simple and the application is
made easy through developing the rider’s body
awareness with body balancing exercises,
through riding simulations, demonstrations and
Energy and Bodywork.
Lower Limb & Foot Care,
Trimming & Shoeing
As a special addition for this particular
course, due to its longer length we will include
sessions on balancing the feet for shoeing
and trimming. You can learn how to trim your
own horse or else just learn to recognise the
qualities of a good trim or shoeing job so you
can make informed choices in regards to this
critical aspect of horsemanship.
How to care for the lower limbs (knees &
hocks to the feet) is another essential aspect
for soundness, performance and health and is
generally a subject very little is known about.
Pricing, Bookings & Enquiries
For more information and to read
student testimonials you can go to the
website: www.melfleming.com.au
or email Mel at [email protected]
or phone on 02 6760 5519
The Ultimate
COURSES 2008
Incorporating
• Connecting with Horses
• Riding with Synchronicity
• Universal Energetic Bodywork
JANUARY
January 21st -27th ( 7 day course)
‘Banyandah’, via Howlong, NSW
FEBRUARY
February 2nd -3rd ( 2 day course) Coffs Harbour area, NSW
Introductory course, Groundwork only
February 6th-10th (5 day course) Coffs Harbour, NSW
February 20th-24th (TBA) ( 5 day course) Tasmania
MARCH
March 1st-4th (4 day course) Bangalow, NSW
March 8th-12th (TBA) ( 5 day course) Townsville, QLD
March 19th-30th (10 day course) Moonbi, via Tamworth, NSW
APRIL
April 2nd -6th (5 day course) Unconfident riders Adelaide, SA
April 9th-13th (5 day course) Confident riders Adelaide, SA
April 23rd-27th (TBA) - 5 day course Margaret River, WA
MAY
May 7th-11th (5 day course) Gold Coast, QLD
May 21st-25th ( 5 day course) East Gippsland, VIC
For all enquiries and bookings contact Mel Fleming
email: [email protected]
02 6760 5519 or Int: +61 2 6760 5519
or go to website: www.melfleming.com.au
We had a dressing up competition and
look at some of the entries...
Are you interested in being part of a group
of like-minded people??
I have decided to start a group
(who is yet to be named, any ideas?)
in the Newcastle/Hunter Area.
Playdays
Social Trail Rides
Fun Tournaments
Video/DVD nights
Camp Outs
Plus whatever other ideas
you have!
I will be organising a meeting for early January so those that might like to be a
part of this group can come along to discuss what you would like to do in 2008!
Due to EI we will start with horse free meetings to start with.
If you are interested please send
Lee an [email protected]
Everyone is very welcome!
www.internationalhorsemansinstitute.com.au
ph 1300 664 269
0417 688 644
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
ph 1300 664 269
0417 688 644
(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?
ph 1300 664 269
0417 688 644
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.
ph 1300 664 269
0417 688 644
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
ph 1300 664 269
0417 688 644
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,
ph 1300 664 269
0417 688 644
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 [email protected]
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 [email protected]
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 [email protected]
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 [email protected]
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 [email protected] to arrange this.
Frank’s website is www.horsewhisperer.com (his American site)
and in Australia, it is www.horsewhisperer.com.au.
Email addresses
[email protected]
[email protected]
(Australia)
(America)
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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: [email protected] 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.
To subscribe to this newsletter and
get on the mailing list: CLICK HERE
You also may have noticed that I have an
updated website...A fresh, clean look!
D,N Website: CLICK HERE
To unsubscribe: CLICK HERE
Info on clinics: CONTACT K2
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
2
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
T
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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 [email protected]
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
N
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.
(continued on next page...)
3
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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
[email protected]
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!
4
“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
5
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
Copyright 2007 Temenos Fields, Inc december
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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
Y
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S
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.
T
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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 [email protected]
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: [email protected]
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
The Australian Brumby
Horse Register
www.abhr.com.au
The Australian Brumby Horse Register has a new website with all the information
needed to register a Brumby for show events or breeding purposes.
The Register was established in 2005, to help
promote and preserve the Australian Brumby as a
breed. Although an important part of Australia’s
heritage, growing pressure to manage wild horse
numbers has resulted in many Brumbies being
either shot, mustered or trapped to remove them
from conservation areas. In response, a number of
wild horse enthusiast groups are now working with
governments to re-home horses removed from
national parks.
With care, nourishment and handling, Brumbies can
quickly develop into good quality, all round pleasure and sporting horses. Years of
natural selection produce horses with great conformation and sound, robust genetics.
The Register is open to all Brumbies in Australia as long as they satisfy certain criteria,
most importantly being in the wild for five generations or being a foal of authentic
Brumbies.
The first ABHR Brumby Classes were held in 2006 at
the Bellingen Agricultural Show in northern New
South Wales with horses captured from the Guy
Fawkes and Oxley Rivers National Parks. Since then,
several Brumby Classes have been held in NSW with
prize money now offered by the Register and
associated sponsors.
From the website , you can download registration
forms, view ABHR show results, find out where and
when future events will be held and learn how to go about organising a Brumby class in
your area. For more information, visit the Australian Brumby Horse Register at
www.abhr.com.au
By Sandy Radke
HORSE CONTROL
Who is a control freak? ‘Not me’ you might think to yourself. Well then, try this
test – Next time you are on your horse outside of the arena or round yard, place the
reins on the horse’s neck and don’t touch them for ten seconds. If you are still in one
piece and didn’t touch the reins then try twenty seconds, then thirty seconds, then a
minute. Actually, in the interests of safety and trust, this may be better tried within the
round yard or fenced arena.
Some people just love to be in control. And that’s OK, if it is
control of their own lives; but problems can and do arise when
the ‘control’ is exerted on other’s lives. ‘Others’ can mean
other humans, and other animals, more specifically, in this
case, horses.
Often people whose lives are out of control find it easier to try
and impose control on others rather than bringing the chaos
under control within themselves. This can be in degrees and
can be so subtle that the controller, the controlled and the
observer have to look very hard indeed to see what is happening.
control is often shrouded under a thick smokescreen.
The subtlety of
Control. “I’m doing it for my horse’s sake or benefit”. Rugging a horse for example, or
keeping a horse in a close environment where it can be easily controlled; like in a small
paddock, yard or stable and by itself. The horse then needs the human to provide food,
company and release. The horse is ‘easier’ to catch; less effort is required on the
human’s behalf. The human is instantly in control of the horse’s needs and wellbeing.
And the human is satisfied – they are in control. And because the horse is in a small
area with little natural room to move freely, and is dependent on the human for food and
comfort (both control issues really) the human can then provide shelter in the form of
rugs. And everyone is happy (apart from the horse).
The daily ritual (by some horse owners) of removing the rug in the morning (sometimes)
and replacing it in the evening, gives the human a ‘sense of control’. This action/ritual
may be misguided because in the horse’s reality, they do not need a rug! The human
often disagrees with this concept by justifying the rugging actions and saying “I don’t
want him to be sun bleached” or “I don’t like woolly horses” or “he gets cold” or “it helps
keep condition on” and so on. When you examine these and many other similar reasons,
they are all control issues. Too bad if rugging ain’t good for the horse. Often the human
is only really thinking of him or herself. Or someone else has control over the human’s
emotions and guilt. Like the marketers of horse rugs!
To relinquish control is to understand and to give and to have freedom - real freedom!
To allow a horse to be a horse, to let a horse choose, to give a horse its freedom is about
letting go ourselves; metaphorically and physically. Go back to the ‘no reins’
scenario above. It can be hard to let go sometimes but it is, more often than not,
harder maintaining control. That could mean that it can actually be quite easy to
let go. It is a decision not an experience whether it is hard or easy. Your decision!
It takes effort on your behalf to restrain a horse, physically, emotionally or
mentally. It is time consuming and expensive to rug horses. The labour and time
required purchasing, mixing and delivering horse feeds daily in stables, yards or
paddocks too small for the natural horse, is enormous and very costly indeed.
Control issues really become apparent when the horse is ridden. The term ‘micro
manage’ is often used to describe how some people control their horses. These riders(?)
are constantly adjusting the horse to try and achieve obedience, straightness,
predictability and in their minds ‘perfection’. So often this micro managing is carried out
in the horse’s mouth of all places. Their mouth! Have you seen the range of bits
available so that people can control their horses? Have you seen all the other gadgets,
gizmos, straps, chains and levers and implements of force that are used in conjunction
with some of these bits? Just so these people can control their horse! If this is not true
then they could go out and do their dressage test in a halter and without spurs! Forget
the rules! The people who use these types of implements seem ignorant of the physical
and mental damage they can do to the horse. However they can be quick to justify their
actions; but did anyone ask the horses how they feel?
There is a classic horse quote around and it goes something like “Nothing forced is ever
beautiful”. Sadly, many riders and horse people are oblivious to this maxim because we
see way too much force exerted and imposed on horses by some to get the horse to do
what the human wants. Control, yes. Pretty, no way! It is the use of pain and the fear
of pain that is employed by these control freaks over their horses.
So just what is it about the personality of these people that they have to have a need to
control animals many times larger and more powerful than themselves? A bittersweet
aspect of this is how horses put up with this mistreatment. Some are destroyed
physically and/or mentally; some lose their spirit; some breakdown whilst others get
resentful, nasty or sour. And some just comply with the human’s wishes and demands
and, I would like to think, wait patiently for the day when the human realises that they
have been over-controlling of the horse to compensate for a lack of their own personal
life control.
Talking of ‘lack’, could there also be a lack of
understanding, a lack of skill and a lack of trust? And
maybe a lack of LOVE in their lives? When there is ample
(read ‘unlimited’) love, what often comes with it is ample
softness, gentleness, respect, empathy, understanding,
willingness to learn and to grow personally, spiritually and
emotionally and the big one of them all; freedom.
If we can find it easier to relinquish control and both the horse and human are more
relaxed, then wouldn’t that be a nicer situation? To give freedom is to have freedom.
And that would be nice for horses and humans all over the world.
© Glenn Wilson - September 2007
Hooves
‘The Natural Horse’
By Jamie Jackson.
Vivid accounting of wild horses and their natural habitat. The model for true natural
horse care. 192 pages.
$42.00 + $7.00 P&P
‘Making Natural Hoof Care Work For You’ by Pete Ramey.
Written in down to earth language and chock full of photos and drawings. A perfect
companion to Jamie Jackson’s H.O.G. Horse owners will find countless bits of useful
information in this book to make their hoof care programs more successful. 192 pages.
$42.00 + $7.00 P&P
‘Horse Owners Guide to Natural Hoof Care’ by Jamie Jackson.
The ‘bible’ of the Natural Hoof Care movement. Step by step instructions for the Natural
Trim. For horse owners wanting to do their own hoof work or improve their understanding of Natural Hoof Care, for farriers wanting to transition to Natural Hoof Care, how to
make the successful transition from shod to unshod. 320 pages.
$45.00 + $7.00 P&P
‘Founder: Prevention and Cure the Natural Way’ by Jamie Jackson
Step by step guidelines to natural healing for foundered horses to bring them back to
complete soundness with beautiful naturally shaped and functioning hooves. Extensive
discussion of diet and management issues. 156 pages.
$32.00 + $7.00 P&P
‘Paddock Paradise’ by Jamie Jackson.
A fresh and creative look at ways we can encourage healthy horse movement so essential to our horse’s health. Even smaller paddocks can be fenced in a way to get our
horses ‘on the move’ based on wild horse herd behaviour. For all horses in all climates.
$42.00 + $7.00 P&P
Hoof Trimmer’s Stand
If you are trimming hooves yourself, this hoof stand will save you time and effort. Designed to be comfortable
for horse and trimmer. Height adjustable and robust construction.
$115.00 + $15.00 P&P
For orders please send cheque or money orders to
Glenn Wilson (Hooves Naturally)
149 Waterfall Creek Rd
Tallangatta Valley 3701
Ph 02 6071 0210 or 0418 991 680
or www.waterfallcreek.com.au/horses
“Horsemanship Experience”
An exciting new 3 day course incorporating a combination
of horsemanship, concepts in cow working and colt starting
demonstrations. A great way to learn new skills, try new
experiences and gain a foundation of knowledge for all
types of horsemanship.
22, 23 & 24 Feb 2008 - Hunter Valley, NSW
Juliette Rodowicz t 02 4998 3358 e [email protected]
29, 30 & 31 March 2008 - Yarra Valley, Victoria
Jayne Glenn t 03 9739 1078 e [email protected]
Good horsemanship is good
horsemanship and should not be
thought of as a fad or a style
David has over 20 years of experience from starting young horses and
dealing with horses with behavioural issues, to teaching people the
foundations of horsemanship. His expertise has been showcased
throughout the world at international shows and events.
His strengths are the beginnings and development of a foundation on
a horse. The better the preparation and foundation the better the
outcome. Laying a foundation for performance is the best preparation
for success for both horse and rider.
Now you have the opportunity to take part in one of his great courses
as he returns to tour Australia & New Zealand in January - April 2008.
AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND TOUR - COURSE CALENDAR
date
location
course
enquiries & bookings
26 & 27 Jan
QLD - Dysart
2 Day Advanced
Wendy Davidson
t 07 4958 2729 m 0400 434 811
e [email protected]
9 & 10 Feb
16 & 17 Feb
Tasmania
2 Day Introduction
2 Day Intermediate
Jacqui Smythe
t 03 6248 1795 m 0409 928 393
e [email protected]
22, 23 & 24 Feb
NSW - Hunter Valley
A Horsemanship Experience
Juliette Rodowicz
t 02 4998 3358
e [email protected]
1 & 2 Mar
4 & 5 Mar
NZ - North Island
NZ - South Island
2 Day Intermediate
2 Day Introduction
Jock, Ivana & Lee Ruddock
e [email protected]
7 & 8 Mar
9 & 10 Mar
NZ - North Island
2 Day Intermediate
2 Day Advance
Sarah Tunnicliffe
t 07 8255034 m 0274 221 994
e [email protected]
14 & 15 Mar
16 Mar
QLD - Bundaberg
2 Day Introduction
1 Day Intermediate
Helena Botros
t 07 4153 4299
e [email protected]
29, 30 & 31 Mar
VIC - Yarra Valley
A Horsemanship Experience
Jayne Glenn
t 03 9739 1078
e [email protected]
5 & 6 April
7 April
QLD - Mackay
2 Day Introduction
1 Day Intermediate
Kiley Tolsen
e [email protected]
For information on the above courses please contact the names listed or you can contact David by email: [email protected]
or visit his recently launched website: www.davidstuart.com.au
Good horsemanship is good
horsemanship and should not be
thought of as a fad or a style
His relaxed manner, comfortable presence and ease in front of an audience has meant that David’s
expertise has been showcased throughout the world at international shows and events, including:
to the Dubai Royal Family, Burghley Horse Trials ( 4 star, premier 3 day international event), Horse of
the Year Show, Your Horse Live, The British Horse Society’s annual spring instructor’s conference and
Equitana Asia Pacific.
In November 2003, David was part of the team invited to The Royal Mews, Buckingham Palace to
demonstrate Natural Horsemanship to Her Majesty the Queen, which would be nerve racking for
most. David impressed all involved with his relaxed manner and aptitude for horsemanship.
Over the years, David has had the opportunity to meet and train with some of the best horsemen in
the world, such as Ray Hunt, Mike Bridges, Craig Johnson, Martin Black, Pat Parelli and many others.
Meeting Ray Hunt while attending college was a pivotal point in David having a career with horses,
as was the meeting of Pat Parelli while on an exchange programme to America, riding and training
cutting horses. Riding cutting horses and the starting of young horses was one of the best ways to
gain a lot of experience in a relatively short period of time.
Pat played an enormous role in the development of David’s horsemanship expertise, teaching
methods and presentation abilities. Through an involvement with the Parelli organisation, over
a time frame of 15 years, extensive focus and training was given in the areas of horsemanship,
horse training and the teaching of people.
David’s strengths are the beginnings and the development of a foundation on a horse. A Solid
Foundation is about the preparation and building blocks for the future, it’s about getting a good
start in life to then go on and build a future. With horses it is about getting a horse to where they
are self confident and understanding of the task at hand. Perhaps it is trailer loading or having
their feet trimmed or shod, maybe it’s being saddled and ridden for the first time.
The better the preparation and foundation the better the outcome. Laying a foundation
for performance is the best preparation for success for both horse and rider.
David will be running courses in Australia and New Zealand
January to April 2008 - Details on previous page
Visit David’s new website:
This year David has given demonstrations at “Gatcombe”( a 3 day event in the United Kingdom)
and at “Princess Anne’s estate” plus, he will again be appearing at the ”Burghley 3 day event”
and “Your Horse Live in the U.K.”
www.davidstuart.com.au
David has over 20 years of experience from starting young horses and dealing with horses with
behavioural issues to teaching people the foundations of horsemanship. With a huge amount of
experience working with horses and people all over the world, David has visited the continents
of Australasia, North America, Europe, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates. This
has involved helping amateurs, professionals and professional organisations within the equestrian
industry, enabling them to become safer and more competent around horses, giving them a
foundation to build on.
ONE DAY HORSEMANSHIP CLINICS
in Tasmania
With the Horse’s horseman,
CARLOS TABERNABERRI from
www.whisperingacres.com
January 12th (South) and 13th (North) 2008.
Venues to be confirmed
All rider positions have been filled but we welcome fence
sitters – maximum of 30 per clinic so book early please.
$80 for the day including drinks – BYO lunch & chair.
Carlos is a new breed of horseman who speaks for the horse,
holding clinics and lessons at his property in Victoria, all over
Australia, regularly in the USA and now in Europe too.
His gentle methods have a solid groundwork base that develops
relaxed and safe horses to ride, through learning the true meaning
of lightness and leadership.
Some comments from the previous clinic……
“Thank you for a truly wonderful day!! The Clinic was fabulous and very
useful.”
“Carlos has such a lovely attitude, his sense of humour and lack of ego, his
emphasis on softness, asking, and doing the minimum necessary are all so
much needed in the normal horse/human world.”
“Thanks again for opening my vision past what I have been taught in the past
- you have really opened my eyes up.”
Payment by cheque or money order made out to Whispering Acres
can be posted to Cynthia Cooper, 46 Wattle Lea Lane, Golden Valley.
7304. or email Cynthia at [email protected] or phone Cynthia
on 0419 372279.
We highly recommend you read his book ‘Through
the Eyes of The Horse’ before attending this clinic Available at www.naturalhorseworld.com/shop.htm
Greetings!
As the year is drawing to an end and everybody is preparing for the festive season and a new start for 2008. I
too am taking stock - literally! This past year has posed a lot of challenges for me at many levels and I have
decided to take a big step back, take time out and change direction.
My plan for next year is to go back to developing the healing side of working with horses, spending more time
in the field (forgive the pun!) something I started with initially as a complementary health practitioner, before I
found myself sourcing high quality products that would make life easier and safer for horse and rider. And
found that gradually I was running a business which then took me away from my healing work!
So time to make a big decision which was not easy as I do enjoy what I was doing, but things change and it is
time to move on: Currently I am selling off all saddles and accessories and only will be keeping a small
number of products in stock. As I intend to be going away for a couple of months I am also selling off at a big
discount the Unicorn products, which I am sure, is a welcome gift for a lot of horses and horse-owners as it
saves you heaps of time and money!
One application on average once a week only cost you around $2.50 and there is about 6 to 10 applications in
a bottle, depending on the size of your horse, not bad hey? Unicorn Protector natural fly-repellent is now
heavily reduced. So you could even consider giving this to your friends now so that they too can enjoy a flyfree season!
If you are still having doubts about how effective a natural product is versus chemical ones, than you may
want to check what Horsetalk Australia has said about the Unicorn products.
More info on our website: www.thecompanyforhorses.com
As an extra bonus we're giving away 100 ml free Elite shampoo with each bottle, plus a free back-copy of
Hoofbeats magazine for you to sample. As the price for the Unicorn products is at an all-time low, we're
expecting a lot of interest, so hurry as stock is limited!
Another nice little stocking filler is the rugcomb.
Lots of people have commented how easy it is to clear rugs from hairs. And it's great to clean out the boot
and seats of your car from hair, hay, dust and other rubbish as well in a few minutes, rather than using a
hoover for ages!
I would also like to mention that I am looking to help fundraise for causes like RDA, Kaimanawas etc. and am
making products available. So if you would like to have more information on this, then please feel free to
contact me to discuss what The Company For Horses can do to help your cause.
I would also like to introduce you to VEMMA (which stands for Vitamins, Essential Minerals, Mangosteen and
Aloe If you are concerned about your health and well-being, than please take a tour on
http://www.myvemma.com/loveyourlife and discover how VEMMA may help you and your loved ones.
If you, like so many horse-owners who are often either strapped for cash, time or both (sometimes those
horses seem to be growing in number in mysterious ways at times!), and are looking for an additional source
of income without having to give up precious time - certainly when the winter months or vet-bills are coming...
- than taking a tour at
http://www.vemmabuilder.com/8619322 maybe very enlightening!
Another good remedy for horses and humans is Matol; a great herbal elixer which has been around for over
70 years. All I can say is that it works! I can vow for that as I have been taking it myself for over 14 years - and
my horses get their daily dosage too! When you got race-horses you love this product; the recovery time is
much shorter as it has a lot of electrolytes in it.
When horses need to put condition on this will certainly do the job too!
Have a look at the health and wealth page on my website to see before and after pictures of Cessiopia.
With kind regards,
Lemayah Bone
How to keep
your learning
fun
by Wrangler Jayne
Natural Horsemanship with Heart
www.wranglerjayne.com.au
I eliminated the ‘work’ word a long
time ago from my vocabulary when
speaking about the time I spend
with my horses. Work can sound
like
something
unpleasant,
something that we ‘have’ to do,
when we would really rather be
doing something else!
My goal is to make learning for all my
students as fun and enjoyable as it is
for me. During my clinics - and on
my training DVDs - I place a huge
emphasis on the benefits of lightening
up, laughing frequently, adding lots
of variety to your sessions with your
horse and going out of your way to
have some fun!
Thing is, it is a proven fact that adult
learning must be fun for it to be highly
effective. Sure, you can still learn if
you are all serious and never crack a
smile, but you will relax more and
actually learn more if you don’t take yourself quite
so seriously!
Now, I’m not suggesting that you carry on like a
giggling girty - just that you see the humour in
your mistakes, that you are able to smile (with
Above:
Keeping it fun keeping it
focussed!
Photography © Barrie Collins
CollinsPhotographics@bigpondcom
Below: Lesson Fun: Michael having a
all your cheeks) and are able to see the funny side if
personal session with Jayne.
your horse doesn’t do exactly as you
want (it’s likely your fault anyway!)
People tend to get all uptight if they are
trying to teach their horse something
(and usually are learning themselves
too) and it doesn’t go perfectly. They
then grit their teeth and keep trying time after time after time- determined
to get it right. I believe that can be a
commendable attitude; however sometimes it would be fair to say that they
are asking for too much improvement, too
soon. I am fond of saying, there are no
unrealistic goals, only unrealistic timeframes!
If you set bite-sized goals and QUIT the
exercise when you get the improvement you
want, and go onto something else, you are
much more likely to make steady, sure
improvement.
MIX UP WHAT YOU DO!
Many students I speak with tell me that they
get bored. I can see why, when I hear what they are
doing during their time with their horse. Mix up what
you do! Do some things on line, some at liberty, some
with a saddle, some bareback - all in the one session!
End with a great scratch, a cuddle, some hosing down!
Don’t turn the games of natural horsemanship into
the jobs of natural horsemanship!
I guarantee you that when you start to lighten up, so
will your horse. Remember what motivates a horse;
after safety and comfort, it’s PLAY! Even refinement
can be fun, if you keep the concentrated sessions short
and sweet and give lots of rubs and allow your horse
to flex and stretch in between exercises.
laugh out loud!
See how good you feel when you laugh out loud! Just
do it next time when you are with your horse! By the
way, your horse will tell you if it’s been too long since
you had a good laugh, he may jump out of his skin
and snort at you like you have gone crazy! Because
he seems so amused, you’ll find yourself laughing even
Below: Arriba at the end of the session:
Cuddles, scratches, a shower, and time for more, and there is nothing wrong with that, unless you
are in a dressage test!
a nap!
IT IS IMPORTANT ...
It’s important to note here that I do think you need
to take what you DO seriously. Just don’t take
yourself too seriously. Natural horsemanship is an
important lear ned skill, and requires
understanding, sensitivity and patience. It requires
study, practice and reinforcement to achieve
excellence - and even to just progress. There is
nothing frivolous or silly about it - I am simply
suggesting that when you are engaged in your learning
sessions, that you think about ways to make it as
enjoyable for you and your horse as you can.
Horses do what feels good, and if it feels good to be with
you and to do what you are asking, they will continue to
do it. I often liken our horses to 3 year old children often about the same attention span and they have a
need for frequent cuddles, reassurance, patient
understanding and a need to play (have fun).
Use your imagination during your sessions - introduce a
new toy each time you do your ground play - ransack the
house/garage/shed for stuff you can play with! (just make
sure it’s safe and used under supervision).
When you are smiling and relaxed and breathing evenly,
you release endorphins into your system, which give you
a sense of wellbeing. When you are tight and holding
your breath, you release adrenalin, which your horse can
smell, and can have a negative effect on him. Laughing,
playing, taking time to do fun exercises as well as the
ones that are part of your study program, will pay off
hundred-fold .... it’s True!
Please contact us about my Horsemanship with Heart
courses and Training DVDs which will help you have more
fun and achieve more with your horse!
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!
Thankyou for reading my articles through the year!
Doing it with Heart,
Wrangler Jayne © 2007
Remember to visit www.wranglerjayne.com.au
and register for Jayne’s FREE newsletter
(FANTASTIC)!
You can purchase the Horsemanship with
Heart DVDs through the website.

December, 2007 - Natural Equipment

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