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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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NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER "Are You Being Duped By Your Horse?"
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Dear Horse lovers,
"A boy is a boy a long time before he knows his alphabet, longer before he has learned to spell, and perhaps several years before he can read distinctly; and yet there are some people who, as soon a they get on a horse, entirely undressed and untaught, fancy that by beating and spurring they will make him a dressed horse in one morning only. I would feign ask such stupid people whether by beating a boy they would teach him to read without first showing him the alphabet? Sure they would beat him to death before they would make him read.
- Reproduced from The Man Who Listens to Horses (Original source unknown)
Are you being duped by your horse?
It is usually a left-brained confident horse, who does this. He is smarter than you bargained for, and he is fine as long as you don't ask too much from him.
I have found that it is usually easier to deal with a right-brained horse who is out of control than a left-brained confident horse with very little energy who is testing you because he is not intimidated by you. These horses are the kind that are constantly working their way up the pecking order ladder, especially with you! They are like trying to move a freight train when it is off the railroad track. They are pushy and dull, resistant and stubborn.
At least a right-brained impulsive horse will move his feet. Ray Hunt says "you can't train a horse if you can't move his feet." The right brained horse needs consistency and repetition to build trust.
The left-brained dominant type horse is bored easily by repetition, so variety is the key. Keep him learning new things and guessing what is next. Please don't overdo circling with this horse. If you don't keep changing the circle often it can easily become mindless circles to your horse. Do lots of change of direction, transitions of gait, sliding it into a sidepass, etc.
You have to engage this horse's mind. If you just tell his body what to do you are in for a power struggle. Quit focusing so much on the circle game and think about interesting things you can do with sideways, squeeze, backing, and driving. Use a variety of obstacles so there seems like a purpose to your horse. Change the task by asking from a different zone.
If you aren't good at playing games with this horse he will take charge and play with you.
Here are the games this horse will play with you:
Hmmmm! Let me think of ways to get my human frustrated or intimidated so they ask for less or quit altogether. At first it may seem like harmless pushiness but it is a constant testing to see how far they can go with you. He knows every one of your habits and can read your intentions like a book. They feel your emotions rise and they know victory is close when this happens. You can't fake it with them.
There game is how hard can I make this human work and how little can I work. This is my horse Cisco!
Our game should be how little can it take to get this horse to interact with me.
You need to earn this horse's respect, win their friendship, and do the unexpected (maybe even the opposite of what he expects you to do). Just when he thinks you are about to go to phase four go back to phase one, something like that. Just when he thinks you are going to send him in a circle pet him, back him, do a sideways from zone one. Just when he thinks you're going to ask him to lope, let him stop and rest. When he is dog walking, cause him to walk even slower. Start using reverse psychology.
You must be playful with this horse to keep his interest. As soon as it feels like work to him he'll quit on you. Give him lots of rest for rewards. Force or punishment will not get you very far with these horses. These horses already feel safe and comfortable around most humans so they feel like playing and food can act like a reward for them. But don't use treats as a bribe. Caution: (Remember food doesn't work at all on the right-brained horse.)
Since these horses are already safe and comfortable around people they feel like playing games with them. If you don't come up with interesting games, they will. Their games are designed to push your emotional buttons, get you impatient, tired, scared, or frustrated so you will give up at least for the day. Then they can go back to their paddock and have more horseplay with the herd who are much better at playing games with them than you are.
So if you have been duped by your horse, get up, quit whinning and start getting creative! Don't worry so much about why your horse is doing this. Do something about it and worry about the whys later.
Like the story of teaching the boy to read at the top of this page, this horse won't get better through force, beating, or intimidation. Go back to your foundation training and add a little spice to the ABC's so your horse is motivated to participate in the learning with you. Pet him just when he thinks you are going to whack him. Love him for who he is, and find ways to develop his potential through evaluating what he is good at and stick with that. Don't try to make him into something he is not. But most of all become the kind of horseman your horse needs for you to be. Don't try to change your horse without changing yourself first.
Happy Trails,
Sherry Jarvis
EXCITING FALL & WINTER NEWS!
PRIVATE LESSONS from the TRAVELING TRAINER
The September & October private lessons at Chance Ridge in Elkhorn and in Grand Island were a great success.
So we will continue them throughout the winter.
Plus we will be adding them in Lincoln and Madison also. Dates will be announced soon.
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!
Schedule of PRIVATE LESSONS:
GRAND ISLAND; NOV. 11-12
(I am still working out a deal for an arena in Grand Island, in the meant time, I make house calls.)
CHANCE RIDGE Elkhorn; Dec. 1-3; Jan. 12-14; Feb.16-18
(As long as the roads are good the dates will remain the same, if not we will reschedule)
CALL NOW TO RESERVE YOUR PERSONAL TIME!
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.
Lessons are on a first come first serve basis,
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 or bring your own horse.
TOURNAMENT GAMES WINTER SERIES
The Tournament Games we had last Oct. 28th at Chance Ridge in Elkhorn were a blast for everyone. We had 8 participants and plan to have more, but we will limit the number to 16 so be sure to register in advance by e-mailing Sherry at sej@carrollsweb.com.
The next tournament at Chance Ridge will be on Dec. 2nd from 8:00am to 1:00 pm.
Report on Tournament Games by Shelia
What I found is that complicated patterns are really just a series of simple steps, if you can break it down in your head that way. It's easy to forget what to do next, though, to accomplish one's goal when you're out there. We had a course with about eight tasks to do, first on-line, then riding. In-hand was harder. It involved weaving the horse between a line of cones while standing up against the wall, so you had to send them. Then send them to stand on the wicked blue tarp for a count of ten, then stand inside a rope circle and ground-tie while we ran around them. Then stand in a hoop between two cones and send them to do a figure eight (can't step outside the circle); then sit on a stool and yo-yo him backwards between two close cones (gotta be straight or it doesn't work!). Squeeze him over four cavalettis next to the wall, at a trot (don't knock them down). Do circling game in rope circle while standing in a small hoop. Have him put two feet up on the bridge and stop for a count of five. Then send him on over the bridge and jump over some barrels. Riding tasks were similar, but we had to weave through the row of cones and then BACK through them, which was a long ways to back!
It was so enjoyable to be with a bunch of people who are all learning similar techniques, compare notes, meet others. It was nice to not see people frustrated with their horses (or at least not showing it, if they were!) and everyone riding safely and sanely! I felt totally relaxed being with the group. I hope to do it again!
Tournament Games and Private Lessons in Lincoln and Madison this winter.
We have a small group of people in both of these areas interested in getting together once a month this winter for tournament games and private lessons with me. We are still working on the dates, so if you are interested at all please let me know so we can gage how many people we can anticipate.
Lincoln will be at High View Farms, and Madison is the county fairgrounds. Both arenas are heated, so unless the roads are bad we will have a grand time.
Other Learning Opportunities for Winter
Host an equine psychology class this winter:
I had a wonderful equine psychology at Cindy's house in Hickman this summer. It was a good way to get out of the heat. With this class we can get in out of the cold and still keep learning about our horses in a progressive and natural way, which always helps to build our confidence and skills level.
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.
WOMEN'S CONFIDENT LEADERSHIP CAMPS
The Women’s Confident Leadership Camp at the Calamus Outfitters Ranch near Burwell, NE on Oct. 6-9 was a life changing experience for many. It was better than I expected in everyway. Even the weather didn't stop us, although it did dampen us.
Go to the Diary of the camp to read more about it.
Here are a few testimonies:
It was more wonderful than words can describe! As Sherry said "It went way beyond our expectations!" 13 wonderful women, Keith and 14 horses. I am still digesting it all , trying to journal it and laughing so much every time I think of all our
adventures/encounters/thresholds and stories to tell.
On the very first day Sherry talked about how horses live in the Here and Now, not the past. I realized I was haning on to my fear,doubt and mistrust in my horse from my past accident (broken pelvis from a buck) exactly one year ago this weekend. That was preventing me from moving forward. I was able to let it all go. Yes I had tears of relief. It was refreshing for me to accept Cimarron for the horse his is today. Trust the knowledge I have gained since. The trail ride through the Sandhills was full of thresholds for me , but every woman there encouraged, rode along side and took care of me. THANK YOU so much to you all. Cindy
The more time passes, the more I cherish the weekend at Calamus. It was a joy beyond compare. I did get soooo much more than I went for. I will treasure these memories for a lifetime. I was the youngest and almost a loner as a child. Then at Calamus we all bonded so easily it was like the pajama and girl party I had never had.
Then there is the fact that my father died when I was barely over being a rebellious teen. He had actually been a cowboy in the sandhills and probably ridden those very hills. My mother of 91 asked me if it felt like dad was with me. Obviously, the answer was yes!!!! It was a spiritual journey for me too.
As for the riding---better than I could have hoped or prayed for. So much to learn and so little time.
Sherry--you couldn't be more right---there was a tremendous amount of self realizations gained. Amazing horses and women, I could not have asked for more. I really had to save for this weekend and that made it a special outing to begin with, and I can honestly say it will always be some of the best money every spent!
Blessings to you all on your journeys--and Happy Trails Bert
My four days at Calamus have kept me going through this week. I feel lucky to have been a part of it. Everyone in the group fit in with everyone else. I feel like I have made 11 new friends.
The Calumus ranch was the perfect backdrop for this clinic! The beauty of the never ending land took my breath away. I fell in love with the Sandhills!
My thanks to everyone, Sherry, Keith, the Switzers (a true family, in every sense of the word!), and all you wonderful ladies and your horses. I wish we could always be together and stay together, but there I go again being unreasonable and unrealistic. It's just that you all made me feel so safe and a part of everything. We will always be together in my heart and in the memories I hold close to it!Sharon
I've been living in the past all day, thinking 1 week ago today I was in Calamus with my horse, being a real cow girl. At 6:30 I was putting John down for the nite & getting ready to have our first dinner! Cindy put it so eloquently, it was the time of my life. I felt like such a different person when I got back home on Monday. I felt like I really connected with John, but I got more than I bargained for. I feel like I made a lifelong friends.
Thanks to everyone for your support & words of encouragement. I also learned more than I thought possible, & I'm still processing! I will be reliving those 4 short days that we all spent together. They meant so much to me in so many different ways. May we all ride the wave in our own way. Safe trails to all. Melody
I enjoyed the individual women and horses so much. I keep thinking of all of you and the personnel tidbits you offered, the laughter was just what I needed. I felt like a kid again. I haven" t felt much joy since my mothers death in late May. I think this week-end was healing in some ways. I keep reflecting on the fact that we are like our horses. One of the things that keeps recurring is how I like to have plenty of time to think new material , new lessons, new anything over. I just like my space and not to be hurried into anything. Isn" t that just what Lakota likes too . Plenty of time and space. Sherry and Keith, Thank-You for your knowledge,understanding, and the patience to share with us. It was truly a spiritual experience. Kay
It was a spiritual experience for me too. I have felt (for the last 20 years or so) that the Sandhills are the most beautiful land God made. I'm glad I live here and like Sherry, I'm glad not everybody wants to live here! There was so much more to this camp than I had imagined. I was looking forward to getting away, forgetting life's pressures and spending quality time with my horse. Like Sherry says ..."we all want to spend time with our horses, but life gets in the way..." Well, at Calamus there was nothing to get in the way and I am so thankful for that! I also wanted to make new friends that are into natural horsemanship and looking for the same relationship with their horse that I am. You all gave me that opportunity as well, and I am thrilled to have met and gotten to know you and your horses. I am also thankful to Sherry for bringing us together. Cheryl
Heart In Your Hand Horsemanship T-Shirts and new brochures are now available!
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
Helping Hooves is off and running with many E.A.P. individual sessions already.
The sessions have been unbelievable, I think I am getting as blessed and learning as much as the people who are wanting and needing the help with personal growth and development.
Melissa and I having a L.E.A.D. workshop in Bassett, NE for a hospital nursing staff and health care professionals.
CALL US FOR DETAILS 1-866-757-3853.
If you know any organizations, schools, or businesses interested in our training workshops or retreats, please let them know about us. Our brochures are ready for mailing.
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNTS! for 2007
I am giving some discounts to those students who have attended more than one of my classes or sign up with a deposit at least a month early. I also give away a free classes to a host who gets at least 6 other people signed up and attending a class. Call for more specific details.
2007 Spring/Summer Camp & Clinic Schedule
SIGN UP NOW AND GET YOUR EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT!
April 14-15: Curtis College Clinic (EBD March 14, 2007)
May 4-7: Women’s Confident Leadership Camp (EBD March 1, 2007)
May 19-20: Ode Saddle Club Clinic (Omaha area, place still to be determinedl)(EBD April 15, 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)
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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