It is hard to believe that Christmas is right around the corner. Our lives continue to be enriched by the folks coming out to learn about horses.
Very exciting this year has been the number of young children coming out to Horse Around. In the past, our program has focused primarily on teaching adults because I thought the amount of content would bore young children. Well, I was wrong. We do keep the sessions shorter for children but they are just as keen to learn about horses as adults and once the techniques are mastered, they are able to effectively manage the horses on the ground as well as any adult. It is amazing to see a wee young girl handle our big 16.1hh Skeeter effectively - and he listens.
Click on this link, and you will be able to see the Christmas card Gord prepared for me this year that incorporates the beautiful artwork we received from our youngest student Vanessa - just 7 years old.
Also this year has brought more folks who already own horses and are wanting to improve communication with their equine companions. It is fun to teach folks who know very little because they have no preconceived ideas. It is also very rewarding to work with folks who already have a horse and watch the improvement in the relationship they have with their horse.
Have a wonderful Christmas with your friends and family!
Tovie, Gord and the "Boys.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Friday, October 29, 2010
The Extreme Cowboy Race Lives On
Last night Angie Benson invited a few of her friends over for an evening of learning and fun with our horses. Angie put together a wonderful course of obstacles that was challenging for both horse and rider, and was based on the concept of the Extreme Cowboy Race. Some of the obstacles were pretty scary and required an enormous amount of patience and trust to manouvre through the course. Ron Ellard and his wife Michael-Anne took Skeeter and Jack and Gord and I took Magic and Nugget. It was terrific to see all the horses gain confidence as the evening progressed.
Thanks to Jan for the use of her beautiful arena and to Angie for her creativity and the enourmous effort and that went into setting up the course.
We're already looking forward to next week's course - well maybe not Skeeter.
If Michael-Anne and Ron are game again, I'm going to suggest we switch horses to make it even more interesting.
Tovie, Gord and the "Boys"
Thanks to Jan for the use of her beautiful arena and to Angie for her creativity and the enourmous effort and that went into setting up the course.
We're already looking forward to next week's course - well maybe not Skeeter.
If Michael-Anne and Ron are game again, I'm going to suggest we switch horses to make it even more interesting.
Tovie, Gord and the "Boys"
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Better Care for Our Pleasure/Pasture Horses
Since the introduction of motorized vehicles, the usefulness of horses for work and transportation has virtually come to an end. The role of horses became a recreational pastime for entertainment - mostly for children and young adults. In recent years, mature adults have taken up their long simmering passion for horses. As their children grew up, they found themselves in good health, with an abundance of time, and financially secure. All of which are minimum requirements for horse ownership. The only ingredient missing is knowledge and skill.
While horses are still considered livestock by some, many horse owners will tell you they consider their horse to be a member of the family - a pet no less loved than the family cat or dog. As with all our pets, horse owners want the best care for their horses. This has led to a push for more research with regard to equine digestion, dentistry, and hoof care.
What the surge in research is finding is that we are doing more harm than good by what are often considered "standard" care practices. Overfeeding and shoeing horses being two of the more serious assaults on our horses' health.
Horses are foraging animals that were designed to move 20-30 miles per day on rough terrain, foraging for small amounts of food throughout the day.
It is no wonder that digestive upset (colic) and chronic hoof problems (laminitis/founder), are two of the most common reasons horses die an early, often excruciating, death. I also believe serious behavioural issues are associated with overfed and under utilized horses.
There is a huge difference in feed requirements for a horse who is not ridden often versus a horse used for competitive purposes. No different than the person with a desk job versus a professional athlete. Athletes can consume copious amounts of carbohydrates without ill effects to their health because they utilize the energy. Someone with a desk job could not expect to eat the same type of food or quantity without ill effects to their health.
Pasture horses standing in grass up to their bellies are literally eating themselves to death. We can significantly minimize that risk by using a grazing muzzle to restrict their intake and reduce or stop all together, supplementing their diet with rich feeds (i.e. alfalfa and molasses based feeds). If you click on the title of this blog, the link takes you to SafeGrass.org. This web-site is devoted to educating horse owners about the dangers of overfeeding our horses.
We need to learn how to keep them healthy and happy!
Tovie and the "Boys"
While horses are still considered livestock by some, many horse owners will tell you they consider their horse to be a member of the family - a pet no less loved than the family cat or dog. As with all our pets, horse owners want the best care for their horses. This has led to a push for more research with regard to equine digestion, dentistry, and hoof care.
What the surge in research is finding is that we are doing more harm than good by what are often considered "standard" care practices. Overfeeding and shoeing horses being two of the more serious assaults on our horses' health.
Horses are foraging animals that were designed to move 20-30 miles per day on rough terrain, foraging for small amounts of food throughout the day.
It is no wonder that digestive upset (colic) and chronic hoof problems (laminitis/founder), are two of the most common reasons horses die an early, often excruciating, death. I also believe serious behavioural issues are associated with overfed and under utilized horses.
There is a huge difference in feed requirements for a horse who is not ridden often versus a horse used for competitive purposes. No different than the person with a desk job versus a professional athlete. Athletes can consume copious amounts of carbohydrates without ill effects to their health because they utilize the energy. Someone with a desk job could not expect to eat the same type of food or quantity without ill effects to their health.
Pasture horses standing in grass up to their bellies are literally eating themselves to death. We can significantly minimize that risk by using a grazing muzzle to restrict their intake and reduce or stop all together, supplementing their diet with rich feeds (i.e. alfalfa and molasses based feeds). If you click on the title of this blog, the link takes you to SafeGrass.org. This web-site is devoted to educating horse owners about the dangers of overfeeding our horses.
We need to learn how to keep them healthy and happy!
Tovie and the "Boys"
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Horses have so much to teach us...
Today we had a group out to discover what horses can teach us about being effective leaders, learners, communicators, and managers. CentrePoint Non-Profit Management have developed a six month mentorship program for Executive Directors in the non-profit sector who have been in their roles for less than 18 months. We have found that folks can learn a lot about their roles by understanding how effective horse trainers interact with different horses. Akin to people, horses have different personalities and aptitudes. Effective horse trainers will identify these traits in the individual horse, and adjust themselves in order to bring out the brilliance in every horse. They are constantly observing the horse, looking for resistance, and then rating how much to ask of a horse and how much pressure can be applied in order to push past the resistance to promote learning and cooperative interaction.
Never stop learning!
Tovie and the "Boys"
Never stop learning!
Tovie and the "Boys"
Monday, September 13, 2010
Wild Horse Rescue
My friends, Tim and Linda, had a beautiful experience over the summer that I thought worth sharing with you. They were out for a quad ride near their property in Sundre, when they came across a very young wild foal that had been abandoned by its mother and its herd. It was badly injured and near death. If you click here, you can read their incredible story, along with the very happy ending.
Here is a photo of Lucky & Linda enjoying one of the few days of sunshine we had this summer.
You may remember Tim and Linda's painful experience last summer when they acquired their first horse and it unexpectedly died the day they got it home. Since then, Tim and Linda have purchased two beautiful mares, Miakoda, Barbie, and now their herd is complete with their little wildy, Lucky.
Miakoda and Barbie.
Linda and Tim are enjoying their beautiful herd more than they ever could have imagined.
Let's hope for a warm Indian Summer!
Tovie
Here is a photo of Lucky & Linda enjoying one of the few days of sunshine we had this summer.
You may remember Tim and Linda's painful experience last summer when they acquired their first horse and it unexpectedly died the day they got it home. Since then, Tim and Linda have purchased two beautiful mares, Miakoda, Barbie, and now their herd is complete with their little wildy, Lucky.
Miakoda and Barbie.
Linda and Tim are enjoying their beautiful herd more than they ever could have imagined.
Let's hope for a warm Indian Summer!
Tovie
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Summer Camp 2010
My friend Lisa and I took Skeeter and Nugget to Jonathan Field's ranch in Merrit, BC to participate in a week long horsemanship camp. It has been a privelege to learn from Jonathan Field. He is an inspiring horseman but also a terrific teacher and that is not always easy to find. He and his family, and staff are gracious hosts and welcome everyone. Everything about the week was fantastic, including the other participants. One of the participants, Jim, summed it up beautifully when he said there wasn't one person attending that you wouldn't want to be friends with. I think it is simply the type of people Jonathan attracts to his life. Jonathan treats each participant and their horse with the utmost respect, no matter what level they are at. He really brings out the best in both the horse person and their horse with delightful humility.
This clinic primarily focused on achieving path, speed, bend and balance; and always in that order. There is no point working on the speed of your horse if you are not maintaining the correct path, and certainly no point in working on bend and balance if you don't have path and speed mastered. I can't tell you how much Jonathan's method of teaching has improved my overall riding experience.
I used to think that I would be a happy person if all I ever did was ground work because that is where I feel confident and competent. For the first time since I started riding, I am truly excited about riding. Don't get me wrong, I have enjoyed trail riding in the mountains but arena work never appealed much to me. I now realize that was because I didn't really know what to do in an arena. My newfound joy of riding has come from knowledge and will only increase through practice.
What this year has taught me, is how important it is to find the right coaches to fully appreciate the equestrian experience.
I can't wait to practice our newly acquired skills and will hopefully have another opportunity to attend Summer Camp 2011.
Enjoy your summer,
Tovie and Lisa and Nugget and Skeeter
This clinic primarily focused on achieving path, speed, bend and balance; and always in that order. There is no point working on the speed of your horse if you are not maintaining the correct path, and certainly no point in working on bend and balance if you don't have path and speed mastered. I can't tell you how much Jonathan's method of teaching has improved my overall riding experience.
I used to think that I would be a happy person if all I ever did was ground work because that is where I feel confident and competent. For the first time since I started riding, I am truly excited about riding. Don't get me wrong, I have enjoyed trail riding in the mountains but arena work never appealed much to me. I now realize that was because I didn't really know what to do in an arena. My newfound joy of riding has come from knowledge and will only increase through practice.
What this year has taught me, is how important it is to find the right coaches to fully appreciate the equestrian experience.
I can't wait to practice our newly acquired skills and will hopefully have another opportunity to attend Summer Camp 2011.
Enjoy your summer,
Tovie and Lisa and Nugget and Skeeter
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Fun in Las Vegas
You may recall our trip to Redmond, OR to see Clinton Anderson back in April; we enjoyed him so much that we decided to catch his Walkabout Tour in Las Vegas this past weekend. Yes Las Vegas in June is hot. We went down with friends Lisa & Dave, and Sherri & Mark - all very easy folks to travel with as they were game for anything. Lisa had some luck at blackjack and Sherri was lucky at the slots.We all did some pre-Stampede shopping and found some things we haven't seen up here so that was fun.
Originally, Clinton Anderson invited his two mentors from Australia, Ian Francis and Gordon McKinlay to join him in Vegas but only Ian Francis was able to attend. We Canadians had the pleasure of sitting with Ian during the VIP event Saturday evening. He shared some training tips and stories from down under - a real highlight for us all. We Canadians even received an honourable mention the next day. Clinton isn't as well known in Canada because his popularity grew through his series on RFDTV, a satellite station which isn't as commonly received in Canada.
Clinton's message is simple - get two eyes and keep the feet moving front back, left and right. Basically, if you don't have two eyes, your horse isn't paying attention to you. This opens you up to potential injury as he may react to whatever is distracting him with no regard for your personal space. Without having your horse's full attention, he is also unlikely to retain whatever lesson you may be trying to cover that day. By directing your horse's feet in various patterns, you are establishing confident leadership of your horse, thus earning his respect.
One of our excursions took us to Eldorado Canyon, a long abandonded gold mining town that has been purchased by a local family and is now being recreated. It is a short drive from Las Vegas and we thoroughly enjoyed our time there. As you already know, any interaction with horses makes my day, and our visit to Eldorado Canyon provided just that. Along with tours of the resurected gold mine, they also offer horseback tours. While we weren't dressed appropriately for riding, Billy the wrangler, took us up to the corrals to meet the dude string horses. Billy obviously does a terrific job of caring for these horses. They were all in terrific condition and very friendly. Unfortunately that is not always the case with dude string horses and when it isn't, I am amazed that they tolerate "dudes" at all. I have always felt that dude string horses are worth their weight in gold. It was refreshing to see this dude string healthy and happy.
Now we are busy preparing for the next great adventure. Lisa and I are taking Skeeter and Nugget to the Jonathan Field camp in Merrit, BC next week.
Happy June!
Tovie & Gord
Originally, Clinton Anderson invited his two mentors from Australia, Ian Francis and Gordon McKinlay to join him in Vegas but only Ian Francis was able to attend. We Canadians had the pleasure of sitting with Ian during the VIP event Saturday evening. He shared some training tips and stories from down under - a real highlight for us all. We Canadians even received an honourable mention the next day. Clinton isn't as well known in Canada because his popularity grew through his series on RFDTV, a satellite station which isn't as commonly received in Canada.
Clinton's message is simple - get two eyes and keep the feet moving front back, left and right. Basically, if you don't have two eyes, your horse isn't paying attention to you. This opens you up to potential injury as he may react to whatever is distracting him with no regard for your personal space. Without having your horse's full attention, he is also unlikely to retain whatever lesson you may be trying to cover that day. By directing your horse's feet in various patterns, you are establishing confident leadership of your horse, thus earning his respect.
One of our excursions took us to Eldorado Canyon, a long abandonded gold mining town that has been purchased by a local family and is now being recreated. It is a short drive from Las Vegas and we thoroughly enjoyed our time there. As you already know, any interaction with horses makes my day, and our visit to Eldorado Canyon provided just that. Along with tours of the resurected gold mine, they also offer horseback tours. While we weren't dressed appropriately for riding, Billy the wrangler, took us up to the corrals to meet the dude string horses. Billy obviously does a terrific job of caring for these horses. They were all in terrific condition and very friendly. Unfortunately that is not always the case with dude string horses and when it isn't, I am amazed that they tolerate "dudes" at all. I have always felt that dude string horses are worth their weight in gold. It was refreshing to see this dude string healthy and happy.
Now we are busy preparing for the next great adventure. Lisa and I are taking Skeeter and Nugget to the Jonathan Field camp in Merrit, BC next week.
Happy June!
Tovie & Gord
Monday, May 24, 2010
May Long Weekend Adventure
Well I hope you all enjoyed the beautiful long weekend. Considering the forecast was calling for snow, we were lucky to not see a drop of rain. Gord and I took Magic and Nugget to Water Valley to help our friends with their annual branding. It is a terrific opportunity to catch up with folks we typically see only a few times a year; after the work is done.
This year there were 4 ropers catching calves and 3 teams of wrestlers, so it went very quickly and best of all, nobody got hurt for a change. One of the ropers was 14 year old Candace - pretty impressive to watch her focus and success. Candace has been competing at various roping competitions and is doing very well.
Nugget did a great job of helping round up the cattle to prepare for sorting considering his limited experience with cattle. Sunday, we went bushwack riding with Jimmy, Sherry and Lyle and their daughter Candace. The trails, in some areas, were nearly non-existent but Nugget didn't miss a beat. He bulldozed his way through the bush and bog as good as any seasoned trail horse.
Monday, I got to help cut a couple of cows that are going to be sold. Sherry let me ride her mare, Wages. It was quite an experience riding a seasoned cow horse - very exciting. There really is nothing like riding a responsive, willing horse.
Needless to say, it was another amazing horse experience - they just keep coming!
Bye for now,
Tovie & Nugget
This year there were 4 ropers catching calves and 3 teams of wrestlers, so it went very quickly and best of all, nobody got hurt for a change. One of the ropers was 14 year old Candace - pretty impressive to watch her focus and success. Candace has been competing at various roping competitions and is doing very well.
Nugget did a great job of helping round up the cattle to prepare for sorting considering his limited experience with cattle. Sunday, we went bushwack riding with Jimmy, Sherry and Lyle and their daughter Candace. The trails, in some areas, were nearly non-existent but Nugget didn't miss a beat. He bulldozed his way through the bush and bog as good as any seasoned trail horse.
Monday, I got to help cut a couple of cows that are going to be sold. Sherry let me ride her mare, Wages. It was quite an experience riding a seasoned cow horse - very exciting. There really is nothing like riding a responsive, willing horse.
Needless to say, it was another amazing horse experience - they just keep coming!
Bye for now,
Tovie & Nugget
Friday, May 14, 2010
Jonathan Field Clinic
I've just come back from 3 more fantastic horse days. I had the privelege of attending a Jonathan Field clinic up in Thorsby, AB this week. There are many great horse people out there, but being a great horse person does not necessarily make them a great teacher. Jonathan is a great teacher and horseman.
I had an opportunity to see Jonathan in action last year during a clinic, just west of Okotoks. I was introduced to Lisa Green through a mutual friend, Teresa van Bryce, because Lisa was looking for a horse to ride, and Teresa knew I had my hands full with three. I introduced Lisa to Skeeter and it was love at first sight. Then Lisa informed me that she had signed up for two upcoming clinics and asked if she could take Skeeter.
Clinics are a great way to increase your knowledge and improve your skills, so I try to take at least one clinic every year, and have taken clinics with some amazing folks (i.e. Ray Hunt, Alexandra Kurland, and Robin Hood, to name a few). I must say that Jonathan's clinic is one of the best I've ever attended. Not only is he respectful and kind towards each participant and their horse, he is extremely knowledgeable and observant. You come away feeling that you had his undivided attention, and that he really cares about your progress by providing positive encouragement and strategies to help you bring your horse along.
He is conducting a Level One clinic in Cochrane this coming weekend so if you have a chance, I would highly recommend going to watch.
Tovie & Nugget
I had an opportunity to see Jonathan in action last year during a clinic, just west of Okotoks. I was introduced to Lisa Green through a mutual friend, Teresa van Bryce, because Lisa was looking for a horse to ride, and Teresa knew I had my hands full with three. I introduced Lisa to Skeeter and it was love at first sight. Then Lisa informed me that she had signed up for two upcoming clinics and asked if she could take Skeeter.
Clinics are a great way to increase your knowledge and improve your skills, so I try to take at least one clinic every year, and have taken clinics with some amazing folks (i.e. Ray Hunt, Alexandra Kurland, and Robin Hood, to name a few). I must say that Jonathan's clinic is one of the best I've ever attended. Not only is he respectful and kind towards each participant and their horse, he is extremely knowledgeable and observant. You come away feeling that you had his undivided attention, and that he really cares about your progress by providing positive encouragement and strategies to help you bring your horse along.
He is conducting a Level One clinic in Cochrane this coming weekend so if you have a chance, I would highly recommend going to watch.
Tovie & Nugget
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Water Valley Cattle Drive
Today was a great horse day. Every year Gord and I enjoy helping our friends in Water Valley, with their annual cattle drive. We drive a herd of cow/calf pairs, along with a couple of bulls, approximately 14 miles, through some really pretty country.
This is the 16th year for me, and I can honestly say, this year was the best yet. I rode Jack and I couldn't have asked for a better horse. Gord and I usually ride at the front, leading the herd, along with the mule wagon, driven by Lyle MacDonald. A couple of times we had to retrieve cows that strayed into the bush and Jack responded beautifully to everything I asked of him.
We were joking that it only took me 14 years to really get Jack well broke. What is really happening is that my horsemanship skills are finally creating the relationship I've always wanted with my horses.
Being a good horse person requires knowledge, time, experience, and lots of practice; for those of us who were not born naturally gifted horse people.
The good news for folks just starting out with horses, is that there is an abundance of learning opportunities that weren't available when I was getting started. Finding a coach you are comfortable with will shorten your learning curve immensely.
Happy spring!
Tovie and Jack
This is the 16th year for me, and I can honestly say, this year was the best yet. I rode Jack and I couldn't have asked for a better horse. Gord and I usually ride at the front, leading the herd, along with the mule wagon, driven by Lyle MacDonald. A couple of times we had to retrieve cows that strayed into the bush and Jack responded beautifully to everything I asked of him.
We were joking that it only took me 14 years to really get Jack well broke. What is really happening is that my horsemanship skills are finally creating the relationship I've always wanted with my horses.
Being a good horse person requires knowledge, time, experience, and lots of practice; for those of us who were not born naturally gifted horse people.
The good news for folks just starting out with horses, is that there is an abundance of learning opportunities that weren't available when I was getting started. Finding a coach you are comfortable with will shorten your learning curve immensely.
Happy spring!
Tovie and Jack
Sunday, April 18, 2010
The Rewards of Just Horsing Around
Mark and Sherri have been coming out for lessons and shared their experience with me this morning via e-mail. I wanted to share their comments to reassure anyone else out there who has had a fearful experience with horses. It is possible to overcome your fear and enjoy a safe, productive experience with horses.
Thanks again to you and the boys, for sharing such a wonderful experience with us. After having a very negative introduction years ago (being thrown and then having the horse fall on top of me), I had been very nervous around horses while still admiring and loving them from a distance. My intent for these lessons was to simply become more comfortable with horses, and hopefully to progress to the point of experiencing a Join Up. To have that dream come true today, both for me and my husband, was truly magical -- small pun intended since our first Join Ups were both with Magic!
Your training methods have been great, with a clear, consistent approach and a variety of horses that have allowed me to progress from initially being unable to even convince Jack to move, to working through my fear and building up my confidence, to now working in the round pen with Magic. There is obviously still a lot to learn, both about the horses and our role as humans, but this has been an incredible beginning.
I've included a few pics that Mark took with my iPhone. In case it doesn't show, I have to tell you that I LOOOOVE Magic! :-)
Thanks for taking Mark and I through this journey.
Regards,
Sherri
You are so welcome Sherri and Mark. It has been my absolute pleasure to share your love for horses and see your confidence restored.
Thanks again to you and the boys, for sharing such a wonderful experience with us. After having a very negative introduction years ago (being thrown and then having the horse fall on top of me), I had been very nervous around horses while still admiring and loving them from a distance. My intent for these lessons was to simply become more comfortable with horses, and hopefully to progress to the point of experiencing a Join Up. To have that dream come true today, both for me and my husband, was truly magical -- small pun intended since our first Join Ups were both with Magic!
Your training methods have been great, with a clear, consistent approach and a variety of horses that have allowed me to progress from initially being unable to even convince Jack to move, to working through my fear and building up my confidence, to now working in the round pen with Magic. There is obviously still a lot to learn, both about the horses and our role as humans, but this has been an incredible beginning.
I've included a few pics that Mark took with my iPhone. In case it doesn't show, I have to tell you that I LOOOOVE Magic! :-)
Thanks for taking Mark and I through this journey.
Regards,
Sherri
You are so welcome Sherri and Mark. It has been my absolute pleasure to share your love for horses and see your confidence restored.
p.s. Magic clearly loves you right back!
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Clinton Anderson's Walkabout Tour
Today we are in beautiful Redmond, OR at the Eagle's Crest Resort. The sole reason for our trip was to attend Clinton Anderson's Walkbout Tour. Clinton Anderson is a world famous horseman and clincian. For two days, Clinton demonstrated his training methods on some very difficult horses. Gord and I have been fans of Clinton's, having watched him on RFDTV, so we were not surprised with the fantastic results Clinton achieved with the demo horses. What we didn't expect was the incredible humour with which he delivered his message.
Clinton reiterated my thinking that most new horse enthusiasts are in their early 50s. They now have the time and money to pursue their love of horses. These folks want to learn how to manage horses safely and effectively. Clinton's message dispelled a common belief that if you didn't grow up with horses or start early in life, it isn't possible to become a good horseman. One of the best statements I receive from students, after our lessons, is that they now believe that horse ownership is possible later in life.
We met some terrific folks (Leslie & Gary and Flat Stanley, and Victoria & Jim) in the stands, and were delighted to be invited to join them out for dinner. Horse people really are some of the nicest folks; and loving horses is a tremendous common denominator for meeting and connecting. Hopefully, there will be a chance to get together with them for a ride sometime in the future. Turns out Jim is also a talented song writer and was so inspired by Clinton Anderson that he wrote a song about his experience. Check out "Our Favourite U Tube Videos" in the right hand column of the blog site - Move Your Feet. We have invited these folks to come up for the Stampede and would love the opportunity to share Calgary at it's finest.
Leslie is a farrier and barefoot enthusiast and graciously shared some tips to help me with my own barefoot trimming.
Now we are even more motivated to get home and play with "Boys".
See you when we get back to Calgary.
Tovie and Gord
Clinton reiterated my thinking that most new horse enthusiasts are in their early 50s. They now have the time and money to pursue their love of horses. These folks want to learn how to manage horses safely and effectively. Clinton's message dispelled a common belief that if you didn't grow up with horses or start early in life, it isn't possible to become a good horseman. One of the best statements I receive from students, after our lessons, is that they now believe that horse ownership is possible later in life.
We met some terrific folks (Leslie & Gary and Flat Stanley, and Victoria & Jim) in the stands, and were delighted to be invited to join them out for dinner. Horse people really are some of the nicest folks; and loving horses is a tremendous common denominator for meeting and connecting. Hopefully, there will be a chance to get together with them for a ride sometime in the future. Turns out Jim is also a talented song writer and was so inspired by Clinton Anderson that he wrote a song about his experience. Check out "Our Favourite U Tube Videos" in the right hand column of the blog site - Move Your Feet. We have invited these folks to come up for the Stampede and would love the opportunity to share Calgary at it's finest.
Leslie is a farrier and barefoot enthusiast and graciously shared some tips to help me with my own barefoot trimming.
Now we are even more motivated to get home and play with "Boys".
See you when we get back to Calgary.
Tovie and Gord
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Extreme Cowboy Race
This weekend I had the ultimate privilege of participating in the Extreme Cowboy Race, clinic and demonstration. The event was hosted by the Stampede Board and was held during the Acreage & Lifestyle show. The clinic was led by world reknown and respected horseman and clinician, Craig Cameron; an incredible teacher that hails from Texas. Click on "Extreme Cowboy Race" (above) to learn more about Craig's amazing career and the Extreme Race.
I took Outback Jack and we were both so completely out of our league and comfort zone that I actually considered withdrawing from the clinic so as not to embarass myself and more importantly, put undue stress on Jack. I am so glad I didn't withdraw because we received amazing support and encouragement, not only from Craig Cameron, but from other participants. Because of that support, Jack and I are a far more confident team. It was truly only of the best horse experiences because of the people I rode with. They could have easily written me off and judged that I had no business being there but instead they were cheering and offering advice that helped us improve.
Our friends, Dave and Lisa, came down and took video coverage of our runs so if you are interested, check out the YouTube clip, located in the right hand column of the blog site under "Our Favourite U Tube Videos".
The participants ranged from professional trainers who ride full time; and riders who grew up riding and showing, to backyard keeners like me that muddle along with videos and magazines and juggle our riding schedule between jobs and family.
As good as Jack is, I believe that Jack's biggest problem has always been me and I really felt that more this weekend than ever. When I become unravelled, so does he. When I can stay calm and present in the moment, so does he.
Both we and our horses can achieve greater accomplishment through gentle persuasion and patient guidance. As intimidating as it can be, surround yourself with excellence and wisdom; but more importantly, be receptive to learning what others are willing to share.
Happy Spring!
Tovie and Outback Jack
I took Outback Jack and we were both so completely out of our league and comfort zone that I actually considered withdrawing from the clinic so as not to embarass myself and more importantly, put undue stress on Jack. I am so glad I didn't withdraw because we received amazing support and encouragement, not only from Craig Cameron, but from other participants. Because of that support, Jack and I are a far more confident team. It was truly only of the best horse experiences because of the people I rode with. They could have easily written me off and judged that I had no business being there but instead they were cheering and offering advice that helped us improve.
Our friends, Dave and Lisa, came down and took video coverage of our runs so if you are interested, check out the YouTube clip, located in the right hand column of the blog site under "Our Favourite U Tube Videos".
The participants ranged from professional trainers who ride full time; and riders who grew up riding and showing, to backyard keeners like me that muddle along with videos and magazines and juggle our riding schedule between jobs and family.
As good as Jack is, I believe that Jack's biggest problem has always been me and I really felt that more this weekend than ever. When I become unravelled, so does he. When I can stay calm and present in the moment, so does he.
Both we and our horses can achieve greater accomplishment through gentle persuasion and patient guidance. As intimidating as it can be, surround yourself with excellence and wisdom; but more importantly, be receptive to learning what others are willing to share.
Happy Spring!
Tovie and Outback Jack
Monday, January 25, 2010
2010 is off to a great start...
Hello all,
To our blog followers, I apologize for neglecting to post for awhile. I appreciate your interest and am grateful you have expressed your disappointment because it tells me you enjoy reading the blog. I promise to work harder at posting regular updates.
As you know, 2009 was a bit of a downer with the loss of so many wonderful four legged companions, but I am happy to report the "Boys" are fluffy and happy. We managed to get in quite a bit of riding over the holidays which was a nice change over last winter.
2010 is already off to a great start and we'll be "Horsing Around" more than ever. Lori Kovach, from the Calgary Board of Education, recently visited to review our program and check out the facility. Lori advised us today, they will be adding our program to their Continuing Education roster. While we didn't get the details sorted out in time to be published in their brochure, the course information will be posted on their web-site under Chinook Learning Services, so keep an eye out for that.
Our first course will run four Thursday's in May (excluding the Thursday before the long weekend). We will still be offering the private one-on-one sessions but for you social folks who enjoy learning in a group environment, this will be a great option.
Happy 2010!
Tovie, Gord, and the "Boys"
To our blog followers, I apologize for neglecting to post for awhile. I appreciate your interest and am grateful you have expressed your disappointment because it tells me you enjoy reading the blog. I promise to work harder at posting regular updates.
As you know, 2009 was a bit of a downer with the loss of so many wonderful four legged companions, but I am happy to report the "Boys" are fluffy and happy. We managed to get in quite a bit of riding over the holidays which was a nice change over last winter.
2010 is already off to a great start and we'll be "Horsing Around" more than ever. Lori Kovach, from the Calgary Board of Education, recently visited to review our program and check out the facility. Lori advised us today, they will be adding our program to their Continuing Education roster. While we didn't get the details sorted out in time to be published in their brochure, the course information will be posted on their web-site under Chinook Learning Services, so keep an eye out for that.
Our first course will run four Thursday's in May (excluding the Thursday before the long weekend). We will still be offering the private one-on-one sessions but for you social folks who enjoy learning in a group environment, this will be a great option.
Happy 2010!
Tovie, Gord, and the "Boys"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)