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Diary of Trail Ride on March 20th, 2005 at Cottonwood Creek Stables
Diary of Wakefield Workshop April 30th, 2005
Diary of American Legacy Workshop Aug. 27-28, 2005
Diary of American Legacy Workshop June 10-12, 2005
Diary of Lincoln Workshop June 13-14, 2005
Diary of Cottonwood Creek Stable Class Sept. 24, 2005
Diary of Madison Clinic November, 2005
Diary of High View Farms Workshop, September 10-11, 2005
Lessons Learned at Madison Jan. 2006
Diary of American Legacy Workshop Jan. 21-22, 2006
Diary of Holstein May 2006
Diary of Weeping Water and BKT Arena Spring 2006
Diary of Sioux City 2006
Diary of Chance Ridge 2006
Diary of Private Lesson Days Summer 2006
Diary of Calamus Women's Camp 2006
Diary of Calamus Youth Camp 2006
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Diary from Cottonwood Creek Stable Class 9-24-05 near Hastings
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Sherry & Mercedes
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Here is a shorter than normal report about the class at Cottonwood Creek Stables. Sorry, I have just been so busy; it is hard to keep up with everything. Eventually, I’ll get it all figured out.
We had a diversity of students and horses. We had quarter horses, Morgans, andalusian, and a mini. We had students from level 2 to an adorable six-year-old girl on her mini who stole the show. We also had a two year old that we only did ground work with, a horse with only 3 rides that did great, and a beautiful well-trained show horse. We even had an auditor who trains dogs who was interested in animal behavior and learning. We had a tremendous amount of fun and learned a lot despite the huge differences in the ability levels and goals of each individual.
Here are some of the things that the students said that they learned.
1. To follow through with a request.
2. Groups are fun!
3. More control!
4. How a horse things so we can avoid problems.
5. A good way to backup and stop.
6. How to get my horse to walk out better.
7. The little things mean a lot.
8. To be exact in communication.
9. To be definite in purpose.
10. To create confident leadership for my equine partner.
11. To be slower with my hands.
12. To be more dramatic.
13. To be clearer in my signals.
14. How to improve my sideways by walking sooner.
15. How to get a better send.
16. How to keep my horse away from me.
17. Major help with circling game. (Short-range game)
I learned to never give up hope, even if you only have four students signed up that things will always work out. We only had 4 students preregistered, but ended up with 8 participants thanks to Joni.
I also learned that we could actually learn more from a diverse group than from a private lesson, because we learn from each other.
I learned that it doesn't matter how young or old, how big or small, how smart or not the horse or the person is,if the attitude is good, fun and learning will occur. I am simply the facilitator who is able to encourage and observe with a careful eye.
I learned that no matter what kind of horse you have or what discipline or activity that you want to do with your horse natural horsemanship methods will only help guarantee your success beyond the mediocre to the extra ordinary.
Here are the student comments about what the best part was:
1. Allowing me to bring my young horse and work with him on the 7 games.
2. Coaching on my problem areas.
3. Since I had already been doing the 7 games at home it was great to have somebody watch me doing them and giving me feedback.
4. Several people said the pushing passenger lesson riding alone and free in the arena was the best part.
5. Riding my horse for only the 4th time, a very very BSEG moment! It doesn't get any better than that!
6. The classroom instruction with visuals.
7. The questions presented to the students were an excellent addition.
8. Being able to learn along with my horse together. It was great!
9. Seeing the methods in motion.
10. Modifying things a tiny bit and seeing so much change in the horse.
The best part of the weekend for me was seeing the progress for each individual horse and person. I always enjoy the experience of having new breeds of horses at my classes. I have only owned quarter horses and paints and it is a real joy and privilege to be able to play with so many different breeds of horses. However, now I want one of each! Lastly, the best part for me is being able to be a part of guiding people on their natural horsemanship journey and helping them find new ways to develop a closer and finer relationship and partnership.
Here is what the students had to say about what the worst part of the weekend was:
1. I am sure that the lessons are worth the price, but a lot of us can't spare the cost.
2. Several people said that there was no worse part and couldn't think of anything.
3. It seemed to short. I would like a longer clinic with more time available to spend on both sides. (i.e. leading and groundwork from both sides, desensitizing).
4. It ended.
5. Two days seemed to short. The hands on time went so fast. I could have gone longer into the evening I was having so much fun!!
6. For me my mare was too forward and makes the clinic less fun than with my other horse. Maybe this was helpful as you gave me some good pointers to help me with this. (Bulls eye and passenger)
7. I liked the way you did the clinic on riding more basic. The last time the moving each foot was too hard to understand.
The worst part of the weekend for me, like the students, was that it had to end.
If I could live in the perfect world and have everything I wanted, I would have my own facility filled with students on a daily basis and I could do it all for free! However, unfortunately unless I win the lottery, I don’t think that will happen any time in the near future. But I will never rule it out as impossible.
I struggle daily with the fact that there are people who really want to learn and don’t seem to have the financial means to acquire what they need. I am keeping my prices as low as possible so that I can continue to do meet as many needs as possible. I too have training that I would like to attend to further my abilities and can’t afford it right now. However, I can say that every penny that I have spent on my training has been more than worth it. I will continue to save, so that I can continue my own training as well. I don’t think that we can ever know too much, practice too much, or love too much!
I would love to do a clinic longer than 2 days. If there are people who are willing to dedicate the time for a three or four day class, I will certainly offer it. If you want to be the first host of such an event, I will give you some great benefits for helping. So call or write if you are interested.
The week that I spent in Pagosa seemed to short also and now the Parelli’s are no longer offering one-week courses but two-week courses. They based their decision from evaluations and suggestions given to them by their students. as I also do.
Finally, I want to thank Joni for hosting another successful event at Cottonwood Creek Stables and all of the participants for being such willing, patient, and attentive students. We are planning another event at Joni’s on Dec. 10-11. It is an indoor facility and hopefully we won’t all freeze out. I am completely willing to play in my long underwear, even if they do make me look fat!
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Julie on Jupiter
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