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"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
will be offered soon!
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Sherry is a member of
*NE Horse Council
*USEF (US Equestrian
Federation)
*EAGALA (Equine Assisted
Growth & Learning Assoc.
*Parelli Savvy Club
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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
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For this months newsletter scroll down the page.
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Sherry & Cisco
Having a great time!
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FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER "What is Natural Horsemanship? Will you Benefit?
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Dear Horse lovers,
It is true, we all have our own ideas about what natural horsemanship is. I thought I would try to clear up any confusion about what I believe natural horsemanship is and why I am so passionate about it.
First of all natural horsemanship is just a name given to a philosophy of handling horses which has been around for a very long time. It is nothing new.
In his book “True Horsemanship through Feel” Bill Dorrance says; Good horsemanship is an approach to learning that combines flexibility of thought & actions with a willingness to experiment and to indefinitely postpone negative judgment of the horse, oneself, previous owners and bad experiences the horse may have had.
The first term I think we need to look at is “natural”. What does natural mean? Webster’s describes it as: based on an inherent sense of right & wrong or justice; being in accordance with or determined by nature; having an essential relation with someone or something; an inborn talent occurring in conformity with the ordinary course of nature; possessing or exhibiting the higher qualities of human nature like, kindness & affection; not artificial; marked by easy simplicity & freedom from artificiality or constraint; free from pretense; having a spontaneousness; something that is likely to become an immediate success.
Horsemanship according to Webster’s is a rider or driver of horses; one whose skill in caring for or managing horses is exceptional.
**So if we put this all together natural horsemanship is.... people reaching toward exceptional skill in caring for or managing horses in a way which is accordance with the nature of the horse by having an essential relationship with the horse using justice, kindness, affection and not using artificial constraints. The person is striving to be spontaneous and free from pretense. There is a marked easy simplicity & freedom in their system of developing the horse. They will find success as they persevere and remain true to themselves and their horse. Of course, a bit of inborn talent doesn’t hurt!
The greatest challenge I have found in my journey of trying to become more natural with my horses is in mastering my own thoughts, emotions, and physical inadequacies. Therein lays the answer to the question I posed in the title “Will you benefit?” Yes definitely, in more ways than you can ever imagine. Not only will you win your horse’s heart, you will go beyond what most people think horses and humans are capable of doing together.
You will find the concepts and principles you apply to your horsemanship skills will transfer to many other areas of your life. You will become more mentally, emotionally and physically fit. You may also find your attitudes toward horses and life in general changing. Things which used to unsettle you are now no big deal, and it will reflect in your personal and business life too. Your creativity, confidence, communication, leadership, and problem solving skills will increase. Now those are some pretty powerful benefits. Plus we haven’t even mentioned that your horse will be more willing, safe and fun, if you are dedicated to changing with your horse, and will quit blaming him for all the problems.
Do I think natural horsemanship is for everyone?
No, some will choose another path.
Do I think everyone would benefit if they chose natural horsemanship?
Yes, because I know it is more than just about training the horse, although that is a nice bonus.
Do I think only people who call themselves natural horsemen are natural?
No, some people are natural even if they don’t call themselves "natural".
Do I think natural horsemanship is the only way?
No, there are other ways. However, some of the principles practiced don’t line up with the principles of natural horsemanship. I will stay true to natural principles as I have learned them because I know they work and it just feels right in my gut.
Do I think those other ways are ineffective or wrong?
No, but I do questions whether some common practices that seem acceptable to many are what is best for the horse, even though it seems it is best for the human.
Do I think those other ways are cruel & ignorant?
Only if the mental, emotional, & physical state of the horse is compromised for the sake of human goals, then I would be concerned for the horse.
Do I think only the people who call themselves natural love their horses and have a relationship with them?
No, most people who have horses love them and want what’s best for their horse. Some just don’t know how to go about getting the relationship they desire. And we all know there are a small group of sour apples in every industry whose motivations are questionable.
Do I think those who claim to be natural horse people are better than those who don’t practice the same principles?
No, I look to see if the horse and relationship are a mess. If they are, then whether they claim to be natural or not, they need help. We are all at a different place in our journey, it doesn’t make us better or worse than someone who is in a different place.
What worries me is when we stop the journey and get satisfied with less than what we know we are capable of doing. It also bothers me when we start to think we have arrived and have nothing more to learn.
Do I think there are bad examples of horsemanship from people who claim to be natural?
Yes, there are good and bad in every group. But if those claiming to be natural aren’t progressing they may not be practicing the principles properly, and they do need more instruction and experience.
“I have found every successful person I’ve ever spoken to had a turning point. Their turning point was where they made a clear specific, unequivocal decision that they were not going to live like this anymore. They were going to succeed. Some people make that decision at 15. Some people make it at 50. Most people never make it at all” By Brian Tracy.
Seven years ago I made a clear, specific, unequivocal decision that I was going to be more natural with my horses and learn everything I could. I didn’t want to live like I was anymore. I knew there had to be a better way. I wanted to become exceptional with horses. I knew nobody was going to do the work for me. If I wanted to be successful I would have to put in the time and sweat. I would have to make some sacrifices, go through some uncomfortable changes, and be open-minded to try new things. I know I haven’t arrived yet, but the progress I have made is more than I ever dreamed possible at the time. And now my sights are even higher.
I want to encourage all of you reading this to make a decision to become the kind of leader your horse needs for you to be. If you choose to study natural horsemanship with me, it won’t always be easy. I won’t promise you any quick fixes and purple ribbons tomorrow. But I will promise you will make some peronal changes which will provide benefits which will last a life time for both you and your horse. Not only that, the skills you learn will transfer to other areas of your life as well. Finally both you and your horse will have even more fun and be safer, so you can enjoy each other for years to come.
Happy Trails,
Sherry Jarvis
PS: The journey is worth every bit of sweat and tears we have to put into it, and your horse will thank you the most.
WINTER NEWS!
"
COMPUTER CRASH!
During the snow storms over the holidays a power outage caused our computer to crash; consequently we lost our newsletter mailing list.
Many people write to tell us how much they look forward to our newsletters, and how they seem to speak to them according to what is happening in their horsemanship journey.
The bad news is that I lost my address book. So if you did not receive a January newsletter we were unable to recover your e-mail address.
In order to sign up you will need to go to Join our mailing list"
However, here's the good news; if in the past you filled out a registration form for one of our classes then we should still have your contact information. We are still working out the bugs from this unfortunate crash.
Somehow in the change over my e-mail address got mixed up also. If you sent me an e-mail that got kicked back to you, please check to make sure it is sej@carrollsweb.com not scj@carrollsweb.com
THANKS FOR YOUR HELP IN THIS MATTER!
TOURNAMENT GAMES WINTER SERIES
The Tournament Game Days are a BLAST!
We will have them in conjunction with private lesson weekends in Omaha, Lincoln, and Grand Island.
They will usually be on Saturday mornings for 9:00-12:00
We will limit the number to 16 participants so be sure to register in advance by e-mailing Sherry at sej@carrollsweb.com.
WINTER MINI CLINICS WITH A THEME
Also in conjunction with the private lesson weekend, we have a 2 hour mini clinic with a theme, maximum number of participants is 6, so be sure to register in advance by e-mailing or calling Sherry 308-730-2150
They will usually be on Saturday or Sunday afternoon from 1:00-3:00.
The next one is Feb. 10th at Tumbling T Arena near Seward:
We still have two openings; one from 9:00-12:00 and one from 1:00-4:00. Call now to reserve your spot!
REGULAR PRIVATE LESSONS from the TRAVELING TRAINER at these HOMEBASE Locations:
Chance Ridge, Elkhorn, NE
The Tumbling T Arena, Lincoln, NE
Susan Hanabus Arena near Grand Island, NE
(Check the schedule page for dates.)
As long as the roads are good the dates will remain the same, if not we will reschedule to the back up dates.
CALL 308-730-2150 NOW TO RESERVE YOUR PERSONAL TIME!
(First come first serve basis, time slots always fill.)
I will try to remain as flexible as possible with scheduling.
You will need to make arrangements in advance for your time slot and keep your lesson time or trade with someone once you have reserved a certain time.
Please try to sign up at least 2 weeks prior.
Cancellations will be charged.
PRIVATE -$80 (2 hour)
SEMI-PRIVATE
(2-people $130 - $65 ea.)
(3 people $165 -$55 ea.)
Extra hours negotiable.
Horses for lease $25/lesson or bring your own horse.
NEW PACKAGE DEALS ON PRIVATE LESSONS
Starting in February: Buy four consecutive montly lessons and get the fifth one FREE.
Total cost is $330. Pay 1/2 ($165)upon first lesson. The other half ($165) at the 4th lesson. Fifth lesson is FREE.
**This does not include semi-private lessons, but check with me personally and we will see what we can work out. It also does not include a lease horse, arena or stall fees. Only the instruction is FREE
If there are at least three people in your area wanting private lessons and
you are only a 2 hour drive from me I will come for a day.
If it is a 3-4 hour drive I need at least 6 people.
If you are further than 4 hours we can still talk.
I have stick and will travel!
OTHER LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES THIS WINTER!
Host an EQUINE PSYCHOLOGY CLASS this winter:
The class in Grand Island on Jan. 31st was fantastic.
The class in Hickman on Feb. 9th is already full.
However there is still room in the one at Seville arena in Lincoln on Feb. 11th from 1:00-3:00, so sign up now.
Another equine psychology class in Grand Island March 7, 6:30-8:30 back-up weather date March 21. Call Alison 308-381-7917
Host a LEARNING DEMONSTRATION for a 4-h group, saddle club, or group of friends:
I will bring my horses or use a problem horse from the group to give you an evening or afternoon of learning by watching. Interactions with questions and answers will be a big part of the learning environment. So for those who are always wanting to audit or are just curious about what we do in natural horsemanship this is a perfect opportunity. I promise you will learn a lot. It costs less per person than a clinic or private lesson.
SPRING AND SUMMER NEWS!
WOMEN'S CONFIDENT LEADERSHIP CAMPS EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT DEADLINES
March first is the early bird discount deadline for the May Women's Clinic. So get your registration in now and save $100.
NEW YOUTH CAMPS at Chance Ridge this summer
May 29-31; June 26-28; July 17-19; Aug 14-16
These camps will be devided into 1/2 day sessions from 9:00-12:00 and 1:00--4:00 according to age and experience.
Ages from 7-17; bring your own horse or lease a horse.
Discover more information on the Youth Camp Page, or you can call me at 308-730-2150 for a brochure.
NEED YOUR YOUNG HORSE STARTED WE CAN HELP!
We are now teaming with Sarah Sortum from Calamus Outfitters Ranch near Burwell, NE.
Sarah is nearly through her PNH level 3. She has been training mules and horses for years. Mules are her first love, but she is also very good with horses.
A lot of you have asked me to take your horses home with me, or to start your young ones. However because my traveling schedule is so hectic, I just don't have time to devote to this, my students, and all the other responsibilities I have making sure Heart in Your Hand Horsemanship is always growing and progressing in a positive direction.
I am pleased to announce that I can finally meet this need through Sarah. I know that Sarah will develop your horse in a natural and safe manner. She will be able to take horses at the end of March. Please call or e-mail Sherry for more information about Sarah.
After Sarah has helped your horse, I will be glad to help you understand how to continue developing your partnership. This will help insure that you get your money's worth and all the hard work Sarah has put into your horse will remain and keep progressing positively.
Because this is a partnership, it is important that both the horse and the owner have equal training, otherwise you may be disappointed with the money spent on training the horse alone.
JOB OPENING!
Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries is now hiring summer wranglers to serve on the summer ministry team at Carol Joy Holling Camp in Ashland, NE.
Job description: Teach basic western horsemanship including ground school, riding in the arena and trail rides with 4th-9th grade campers, at Carol Joy Holling Camp. Care for herd of 30 horses and a variety of small animals plus maintenance of the barn, riding areas, tack and other equipment. Keep appropriate records on horses, riding schedule and performance. Wranglers must have AAHS certification or other documented horsemanship training/certification.
Contact: Gretchen Ahrens at gahrens@nlom.org
or toll free 888-656-6254
For more information or to apply, click on www.nlom.org, then click on summer camp, then summer staff.
Gretchen Ahrens
Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries
27416 Ranch Road Ashland, NE 68003
1-888-656-6254 ext. 605
We already have 50 members on our Heart in Your Hand Yahoo Chat Group.
This group is dedicated to natural horsemanship students lead by Sherry & Keith Jarvis whose aim is to help both the horse and rider to become even more successful by presenting a balanced foundation from which you can build a confident, trusting, respectful relationship,without sacrificing the spirit of either the horse or the human. This is a place to share natural horsemanship philosophies and how horses change our lives including those little victories/defeats that don’t mean anything to the "normal" crowd, to have a place to celebrate/vent leadership issues, blinding flashes of the obvious, or brainstorm creative ideas! We will be able to organize natural play days, tournaments, and post information and announcements of natural horsemanship happenings.
This group is by invitation only. You are officially invited by receiving this newsletter. If you would like to join Heart in Your Hand Horsemanship's Yahoo group please e-mail Leigh the moderator at freeman@diodecom.net
2007 Spring/Summer Camp & Clinic Schedule
SIGN UP NOW AND GET YOUR EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT!
March 3:Private lessons at Grand Island, Sue Hanabus Arena
March 9-10: NE Horse Expo; Lincoln, NE
March 10:Pony Club Clinic, Lincoln
March 14-17: EAP Training in Utah for Sherry
March 23-25: Private lessons at Chance Ridge, Elkhorn
March 30-April 1: Private lessons at Tumbling T, Seward
April 7: Private lessons at Grand Island, Sue Hanabus Arena
April 14-15: Curtis College Clinic (EBD March 14, 2007)
April 21-22 Chance Ridge, Elkhorn,Clinic NE, Clinic (EBD March 20)
April 27-29 Cottonwood Creek Stables, Holstein, NE Clinic (EBD March 20)
May 4-7: Women’s Confident Leadership Camp (EBD March 1, 2007)
May 19-20: Trail Ride, Calamus Outfitters Ranch, near Burwell, NE
May 26-28:Clinic Tumbling T Arena, Seward(EBD April 1)
May 29-31: Youth Camp, Chance Ridge, Elkhorn, NE (EDB March 1, 2007)
June 5-7: Youth Leadership/Horsemanship Camp (EBD April 1, 2007)
June 9-10: Clinic at Grand Island, Sue Hanabus Arena (EBD May 1, 2007)
June 12-14: Youth/Parent Leadership/Horsemanship Camp (EBD April 1, 2007)
June 19-22: Women’s Confident Leadership Camp (EBD April 1, 2007)
June 26-28: Youth Camp, Chance Ridge, Elkhorn, NE (EBD May 1, 2007)
July 10-12: Youth Leadership/Horsemanship Camp (EBD May 1, 2007)
July 17-19: Youth Leadership/Horsemanship Camp (EBD May 1, 2007)
Aug 7-9: Youth/Parent Leadership/Horsemanship Camp (EBD June 1, 2007)
Aug. 14-16: Youth Leadership/Horsemanship Camp (EBD May 1, 2007)
Aug. 31- Sept. 3: Women’s Confident Leadership Camp (EBD June 1, 2007)
Oct 5-8: 2nd Annual Alumni/Women’s Confident Leadership Camp (EBD July 1, 2007)
Cattle Drive and Trail Ride 2007
Our next cattle drive at Calamus Outfitters will be in the spring. The exact date is still to be announced.
We are also planning a 16 mile trail ride in conjunction with the Burwell Rodeo in July! Look for details soon!
FAMILY VACATION AT CALAMUS OUTFITTERS RANCH
Rent a cabin $75/night for two people $100/night for 4 people. Sleeps six maximum.
Includes a kitchen (microwave & frig), bathroom (shower only, no tub), air-conditioning, picnic table, and grill. Two bunk beds (one double, one single)
Stall is $10 a night. Bring your own hay.
Exciting new pens, arena, and round pens were built this month!
Horses must be current on all vaccinations.
Private Instruction is $25/hour at the ranch.
Lower group rates per hour, or a package deal per day.
Call to arrange your special package deal for a small group.
Lease one of my horses $25 a day.
Miles of trail riding, fishing, boating, canoeing, tanking, swimming, etc.
Lodge is available to lease for larger groups. 10-20 people $350 a night.
There are also camper RV hookups close to the Calamus Lake.
There is a small house in Burwell available to rent for only $65 per day. It has two bedrooms a bath, kitchen and living room. However it is about 15 miles from the ranch, but only 2 miles from me.
Don't forget the fall cattle Drive, Oct. 15-17th only $75 plus room
If you are interested in any of the above ideas please let me know, as the cabins do book up quickly especially during hunting season.
This opportunity is available all year because I also have access to an indoor arena; however, it is about 20 miles to the facility.
There is a rental fee of $12 per hour for the indoor arena.
BOOK INTERVIEWS
If you have a story about a horse dream that was nearly destroyed or you just want to share your success with the world, let me know. I will be interviewing people this fall for my book.
Thanks for reading and hope to see you on the trail soon!
Happy Trails,
Sherry Jarvis
PS: Look for the monthly training tip soon if you are on my mailing list. If you are not join the mailing list today for more tips and inspiring student success stories.
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2007 SUMMER CAMPS YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS
WOMEN'S CONFIDENT LEADERSHIP CAMP
YOUTH HORSEMANSHIP & LEADERSHIP CAMPS
and YOUTH PARENT LEADERSHIP & HORSEMANSHIP CAMPS
at CALAMUS OUTFITTERS RANCH near Burwell, NE
Do you want to be even more confident?
Do you want to have greater leadership skills?
Do you want to develop a deeper relationship with your horse?
Do you want to be able to communicate more effectively?
Do you want to be safer yet and have even more fun?
Then SIGN UP NOW for a camp where you will be saturated in a horse expereince which will lead you to new discoveries about your horse and yourself.
Go to registration page for form.
Only accepting 6 to 12 participants for these special camps to ensure individual instruction and special attention!
SPOTS WIL FILL UP FAST! SO REGISTER NOW!
We are very excited about these camps as the people who attended in 2006 were very pleased and all of them expressed interest in returning in 2007.
Waiting list available!
2007 SUMMER CAMPS-Calamus Outfitters, Burwell, NE
May 4-7: Women’s Confident Leadership Camp (EBD March 1, 2007)
June 5-7: Youth Leadership/Horsemanship Camp (EBD April 1, 2007)
June 12-14: Youth/Parent Leadership/Horsemanship Camp (EBD April 1, 2007)
June 19-22: Women’s Confident Leadership Camp (EBD April 1, 2007)
July 10-12: Youth Leadership/Horsemanship Camp (EBD May 1, 2007)
Aug 7-9: Youth/Parent Leadership/Horsemanship Camp (EBD June 1, 2007)
Aug. 31- Sept. 3: Women’s Confident Leadership Camp (EBD June 1, 2007)
Oct 5-8: 2nd Annual Alumni/Women’s Confident Leadership Camp
(EBD July 1, 2007)
WEEKEND OR WEEKDAYS?
The reason for having some camps during the week days as opposed to the weekend is because the lodges at the Calamus Outfitters Ranch are already booked up for the weekends next summer.
The only thing left availabe are the cabins.
So you can see how critical advance registrations are.
The ranch is a busy and very popular place.
You will love it!
SIGN UP BY EARLY BIRD DATE & RECIEVE A DISCOUNT!
We are offering discounts for those who sign up with a $200 deposit before the early bird discount dates.
This will help us secure the deposit so we can pay the reservation fee for the cabins and lodge.
If an real emergency comes up for you and you are unable to attend,
we can apply your deposit to other lessons, clinics or camps.
We understand that things can happen, so we will remain as flexible as possible.
SAVE $$ with an EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT!
SAVE $100 OFF 4 DAY CAMPS AND $50 OFF 3 DAY CAMPS!
SAVE AN ADDITIONAL $50 IF YOU HAVE ATTENDED ONE OF OUR 2-DAY CLINICS!
These discounts apply only when the $200 deposit is recieved prior to the Early Bird Deadline Date.
4 Day Women's Confident Leadership Camps
Accomadations in modern comfortable Lodge
Maximum 12 students
Arena, round pens, play ground, trail rides, swimming, and tanking available
Lease a horse for $100
Cost of 4 day camp is $850 includes:
Lodging $120; Meals $80; Pen for (1) horse $30; Classroom & misc. supplies $20;
12 hrs. of Instruction is only $112.50 a day only $10/ hour;
(if you get in on the above discounts.)
It is still only $150 a day for instruction
(if you miss out on the above discounts.)
Note: If you come the night before you will either have to find your own accommodations elsewhere, or you can reserve a room for you & your horse at the Ranch for about $50, meal not included.
3 Day Youth Leadership/Horsemanship Camps
Must be 12-18 years old because parent will not be attending.
Accomadations in cabin that sleep up to six
Only taking 6 students
Cost of camp is $650 includes:
Lodging $80; Meals $55; Pen for (1)horse $20; Classroom & misc. supplies $20;
Instruction is only $125 a day if you get the above EBD discounts; about $158 without the discounts
Lease a horse for $75
Last year some kids stayed an extra day they were having so much fun and learning so much, this can be arranged.
Swimming, tanking, tubing available.
Note: If you come the night before you will either have to find your own accommodations elsewhere, or you can reserve a room for you & your horse at the Ranch for about $50, meal not included.
3 Day Youth/Parent Leaderhsip/Horsemanship Camps
6-14 years old accompanied by a parent who can also participate in the activties. (ages remain flexible)
Accomadations in cabins that sleep six. (2 cabins available)
Maximum 6 kids with one parent for each child.
Lease a horse for $75
Cost of camp is $750 for a pair which includes:
Lodging $160; Meals $110; Pens for (2)horses $40; Classroom & misc. supplies $15;
Instruction is only $125 a day for two people with above EBD discounts.
Parent instruction is essentially FREE!
Note: If you come the night before you will either have to find your own accommodations elsewhere, or you can reserve a room for you & your horse at the Ranch for about $50/person, meal not included.
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DEMONSTRATION LOCATIONS!
We are looking for demonstration locations such as county fairs, equine related events, stables, horseclubs etc.
These demonstrations are a cost effective way to introduce horselovers to natural horsemanship ideas which can lead to a safer and more enjoyable relationship with your horse.
They are also inspirational and educational.
Please contact us, if you know of an excellent location for such an event.
Thanks,
Sherry
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