Jonathan Field Clinic

This month I am writing about a marvellous clinician who recently conducted two back-to-back clinics in our local area. Clinics are a great way to expand your learning with your horses and get you motivated to get out and play with your horse.

Jonathan Field is a wonderful teacher - patient, observant and funny. He truly wants to help improve relationships between horses and their handlers. Click on the title above to learn more about Jonathan Field.

In early May I was introduced to Lisa. Lisa had signed up for Jonathan's Level 1 and Level 2 clinics and didn't have her own horse so I agreed to let her take Skeeter. When we dropped him off, it reminded me of sending my daughter off to summer camp. I was excited for the experience he would have but worried he would be lonely and homesick. As expected though, Lisa took very good care of him and they did well together, despite having only met. I was lucky enough to go over and watch a few of the sessions and the two of them did a terrific job. Now that Skeeter is home, it is obvious that he is definitely better off for the attention and time Lisa put into him. Luckily for Skeeter, Lisa wants to continue playing with him.

Due to our unusually harsh winter, none of our boys got much quality time over the past few months. I have always said it is unfair to play with our horses infrequently and then expect them to be perfect when we want to use them. Good horses are developed and maintained by spending quality time with them and Skeeter is a testament to this statement. Too bad, they couldn't have all participated in Jonathan's clinics.

Many thanks and a warm welcome to Lisa - our newest barn buddy!
Tovie

Horse Industry Association of Alberta liked what we are doing

The Horse Industry Association of Alberta invited us out to their "Getting Started With Horses Seminar" during the Acreage & Lifestyle show down at the Roundup Centre last weekend. It was great to see so many potential Newbies who are looking for more information about getting started with horses. Last month, a representative from the HIAA came out to see what we're doing and I was delighted that they thought our program worthwhile enough to promote at their booth throughout the weekend. As with their seminars, we want to attract city folks who may not have an agricultural contact person to help them get started in the wonderful world of horses.

We look forward to helping you get started.
Tovie & the "Boys"

Open House was a Success

We were pleasantly surprised by the turnout yesterday, despite the frosty temperatures. It was wonderful to meet some new faces and catch up with some familiar faces who stopped by to have a coffee with us. I think everyone enjoyed being with the "boys", especially 3 year old Rachael - they really are very charming.
A big thank you to everyone who braved the cold to spend the afternoon with us. I personally can't think of a better way to spend a bitterly cold afternoon, than hanging out in a cozy warm barn with friendly people and friendly horses. This will definitely be a must-do on a regular basis.












Stay warm,
Tovie and Gord

Open House January 24, 2008 1:00 - 4:00

There were several folks who contacted me in 2008 expressing a keen interest in learning about horses. I completely understand how the serious business of life can get in the way of doing fun things, especially when you don't know what the fun is all about. So, we decided to host an Open House next Saturday, January 24th and invite folks to come out and see what the program is all about and meet the horses. Initially, I only invited folks who haven't been out before, but then thought it would be a great opportunity to invite past participants to stop by and say hi to us, and the "boys" of course. Because our sessions are one-on-one, it is easy to form great relationships with our students and I miss them when they move on to the next phase of their adventure (some take riding lessons, others purchase a beloved first horse, and others are satisfied to have learned just for satisfaction of knowing more about what makes horses tick). I have sadly discovered there isn't enough time in a day to keep in touch with each and every student or I would be on the computer all the time instead of out in the barn "Horsing Around".

Hope to meet you or catch up with you next week!
Tovie, Gord and the "Boys"

Horse Breeders & Owners Conference

The Horse Industry Association of Alberta hosted the annual Horse Breeders & Owners Conference in Red Deer last weekend. If you are at all interested in horses, this is a must attend event. The line up of speakers were all leaders in their fields. It was a weekend of education, networking and socializing. The organizers did a fantastic job and I am sure they were pleased with attendance. It was terrific to meet new people, and socialize with friends. For newbies just getting started with horses, it can be a confusing and frustrating world with the variety of opinions and expertise. This conference presented several top DVM's (doctor of veterinary medicine) who shared their latest research findings in various fields from dentistry, hoof care, parasite control, and the effects of strength and flexibility on a horse's bio-mechanics. I have always believed in gathering as much information as possible and forming my own opinions with regard to the care of our horses.

To learn more about the Horse Industry Association of Alberta and what they offer, click on the title to get to their web-site.

Kind regards,

Happy New Year

We at Just Horsing Around would like to wish all our participants a wonderful 2009 because you sure made our 2008 a very special year.

I made a big change in 2008 by leaving my downtown corporate job to Horse Around full time. Rush hour has a whole new meaning for me now and instead of making me cranky, it makes me smile. Getting cut off means our big old German Shepherd, Shilo is playing and jumping in front of me on the way to the barn or feed shed. Getting stuck in traffic means there is a horse in front of me that won't move out of my way. Merging is awesome because it means my horse and I are connecting beautifully, and I always get the best parking spot when my horse parks at the mounting block for me to get on his back.

The day after I left my job, I was offered my first training opportunity. Honey is a lovely 3 year old mare who had had some mishandling episodes previously and was quite mistrustful. Honey is the youngest horse I have worked with and now that I have earned her trust, she is turning out to be a very willing partner and a joy to work with.

What many folks starting out with horses don't realize, is that every time we handle a horse, we are teaching it; good or bad. By improving our handling skills and confidence, we can create more good than bad. This improves our relationship with any horse we are lucky enough to encounter.

Have fun and be safe Horsing Around in 2009,
Tovie, Gord, and the "Boys"

Christmas Gift Idea

Christmas is right around the corner and Just Horsing Around has the perfect gift idea for that "horse crazy" person in your life - a personalized gift certificate. This is the perfect gift for the young at heart who may have thought their dream of being with horses had passed them by. The sessions are private and the focus is on what one needs to know prior to getting in the saddle. The program can be tailored for those looking for a recreational experience to those who may be contemplating horse ownership. Since all interaction with our well-mannered horses is on the ground, age and/or physical limitation are a non-issue.



We will help you make that special someone's Christmas wish come true!
Tovie