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SAND HILLS HORSE SENSE "Helping Hooves Program"
is devoted to promoting
relationships and
choices that lead to
a positive future.
Sherry is now an
EAGALA Certified
Horse Professional
working in conjunction
with Melissa Dearmont &
Mid-West Country Clinic
L.E.A.D.
"Leadership through
Equine Assited
Development"
will help you with
building relationships,
problem solving,
attitudes & behaviors,
conflict & stress,
responsibilities,
positive choices,
and much more.
By appointment!
Classes & Retreats
are offered on request!
Call 1-866-757-3853
or 1-402-684-2908
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JOIN the FREE
Heart in Your Hand
YAHOO CHAT GROUP to learn & communicate
with natural folks.
Please e-mail the moderator at freeman@diodecom.net
To Read Sherry's Blog Page go to Sherry's Blog
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Cimarron & Laci |
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All horses are so beautiful! |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Classes
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- 1. How much time will I spend hands on with my horse in a combination workshop?
- a. During the two days approximately 8 hours will be spent hands on with your horse.
- b. About 2 hours will be spent on classroom teaching.
- c. Another 2 hours is spent doing simulations without your horse.
- d. Finally 2 hours will be spent sharing our learning and doing recaps.
- e. The rest of the time is for breaks, putting horses away or getting them and tacking up.
- 2. What can I learn from the various classes? (See class descriptions)
(The ABC’s of foundation natural horsemanship)
- a. Rope/stick handling
- b. Focus, soft feel, timing, and balance
- c. Relationship, Respect, and Trust building exercises.
- d. How to make mental and emotional connections with your horse.
- e. Your leadership/partnership responsibilities
- f. Your horse’s partnership responsibilities.
- g. Equine behavior/psychology
- 1. Left and right brained behaviors
- 2. How horses think and act (motivation)
- 3. Teaching/learning techniques that work
- 4. Prey/predator differences
- 5. What to do when things go wrong
- 6. Communication/body language/attitudes
- 7. Reading your horse
- h. Preflight checks/safe mounting
- i. Impulsion exercise/ how to make your horse go easily
- j. Phases/releases/steady & rhythmic pressure
- k. How to be a passenger with harmony/riding on balance point
- l. How to stop horse in emergencies.
- m. Effective riding on the rail.
- n. How to communicate effectively with horse on ground and while riding.
- o. Directing your horse with your whole body.
- p. Backing up with lightness.
- q. How to help your horse develop efficient gaits
- r. How to help your horse be more coordinated and athletic
- s. How to help your horse, be calmer, braver, and smarter.
- t. Direct/indirect rein
- u. Transitions/foot fall
- v. Controlling the hindquarters
- w. Moving the front end
- x. Leading up freely
- y. Side-passing
- z. Combining maneuvers
- 3. Is there going to be different levels of horses/riders?
Well of course there are going to be riders and horses of different levels. No matter how we would screen people, they will all be at different levels with different issues and different goals. All the horses will come with different personalities and levels of confidence in themselves and their humans. That is why we limit the number of people and horses participating so that we can give individual attention to each person. However there may be certain prerequisites for attending some of our classes in an effort to present the most pertinent information to those participating.
I believe that with my extensive training in teaching in a multi-age classroom in public schools that I have been prepared for the challenge of teaching people of different backgrounds and levels. Of course, we would like to have a class where everyone is on the same level, but that is just not realistic, so we seek to do the best that we can to meet the needs of each individual.
When we are helping an individual with their horse, we find we are only able to do what that horse and rider are ready for. Working with a group of riders, sometimes things work out where one rider and horse will be able to come through on a learning situation in such a way that the rest of the group gets a pretty good picture of what the meaning was, even if they may not quite be ready to do the exercise at the same level. Someday they will be ready and now they have a picture in their mind of what it is supposed to look like.
It is our responsibility as your instructors to answer each person’s questions in a way that they understand. It is our goal to help each individual progress from where they are to where they would like to be. That won’t happen in a couple of days, but it is a beginning. You won’t be able to perfect what we ask you to do during our short time together and we don’t expect you to.
We hope that the information and tasks that we give you to do will have a good enough foundation that you will be able to build upon them at home. Just remember that follow-up is critical. We don’t just come to town for the weekend, take your money, and leave you to figure things out on your own. We hope to develop a long-term relationship with you where we can continue to help you reach your horsemanship goals. My goal is to develop my students to be better than I am through consistent, instruction that challenges, inspires, and causes us to ultimately do what is right for our horses.
- 4. What kind of equipment do I need?
We require that you bring a rope tied halter with at least a 12 foot lead line attached with a fairly heavy metal snap.
We recommend that you bring a horseman stick, not a whip. The stick must be sturdy and unbendable. Whips are very flimsy and they sting. The purpose of the stick is to be an extension of our arm, not a punishment instrument.
It doesn’t matter if you ride English or western. Just be sure that your saddle is comfortable for both you and your horse. Fit is important.
Just because you may have seen me riding bareback with confidence, I do not require that you ride bareback at our classes, unless of coarse you are ready and would like to.
No spurs, please!
- 5. What kind of bit do I need?
We prefer that you ride in the halter, however if you feel totally unsafe, we really do understand, because we have been there. If you must have a bit, we ask that it be a snaffle, because we will be doing lateral movements.
- 6. What if I need a stall?
It depends on the facility. The stall or camping fees are not included in the cost of the class. Sometimes we need advanced registration for the stalls so the facility owners can make room. Just note on your registration form that you will need a stall and how many nights. Not all facilities provide feed, just ask.
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7. Is food provided?
Again it depends on the facility. I have had a couple of groups that wanted to do a carry in on the second day. Some places have a concession, but this does not happen often. So bring food and plenty of water for you, because we will be working hard.
- 8. Do I need health papers/coggins, or vaccination records?
Most facilities only require this if you are coming from out of state. But it is always good to ask.
- 9. What time do I need to be there?
Most of the time on the first day we start at 8:30 with registration, so it would be a good idea to be there by 8:00 am. We will start at 9:00 am with classroom, not getting horses until around 10:00 which should give your horse plenty of time to eat and get settled in. We will be finished around 5:30. The second day we start at 9:00 and end at 5:30.
- 10. How much riding will we be doing? (See class descriptions/event formats)
It depends upon which class you are taking. In a combination class we usually spend the morning doing groundwork and the afternoon riding. Any problem that you have while riding your horse can be fixed on the ground, so we will not leave out the groundwork. Note: if we feel that your horse is unsafe to ride one of us will continue to do ground work with you until the horse is ready.
In the Focus Riding class you will be doing considerably more riding than in the combination class.
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11. Why do the classes cost different prices?
See Event Formats
We strive to give our students the best deal possible. The cost depends on the number of students and the cost of the facility, which varies. We strive to keep our prices as low as possible and give great value. If the class is full with 10 students it is usually around $200 for two full days. (See Cost of Services)
- 12. What type of events do you offer? (See Class descriptions/ event formats)
- We offer private or small group lessons in various locations (like Chance Ridge near Elkhorn, Tumbling T near Seward, my place near Burwell, and also the Grand Island area.
- We have 1, 2, or 3-day workshops all over the state of NE, and even will travel to other states.
- We have 3-5 day Camps at Calamus Outfitters Ranch near Burwell, NE for youth, women, parents with their children,and even family horse vacations.
- We do learning tournaments, equine psychology classes, Riding & Liberty Demonstrations, kids one day 4-H or pony club group lessons
- We do motivational speaking (topics range from horse relationship, stess or conflict management to building a successful horse business)
- Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Therapy for individuals, families, corporations, or organiations with Melissa Dearmong from Midwest Country Clinic.
- A combination of any two of these are available as requested by the host or students in advance.
- 13. How do I get you to come to my area? (See Request Services and Hosting a Class)
We would love to come to your area to serve you and meet your needs. It is as simple as asking, then making the necessary arrangements.
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