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
Monday, May 24, 2010
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
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