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
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
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
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