Silversand Horsemanship

Silversand Clinic   -    12-14^th November 2010      

We had a good turnout for Steve’s recent clinic at Monbulk, though this clinic was actually held at Mt Evelyn ARC grounds. Steve had come across from SA the week prior to the clinic, via Bendigo, where he was in demand for a 3 day clinic there. He was heading off to Equitana to compete in The Way of the Horse after leaving us. He had his 2 very nice Palomino geldings with him, Gandalf and Kola, and they were used for demos, both at the clinics and at Equitana.

Friday, the 1^st day, was held at MEARC grounds and was quite warm but there was fairer weather brewing! We had 2 groups each day, the same people doing 3 half days in all. Three half days seem to work better than 2 full days as concentration of both horse and owners starts to wane as information overload takes over! The morning group was new to Steve’s methods so he started them off doing ground work and explained how this important work translates to when you are in the saddle. Yielding forequarters, hindquarters, backing, circling and sideways all need to be soft and without a brace in the horse’s body and creating that softness comes from timing and feel, 2 things that can often elude riders, both novice and advanced. Also getting in time with your horses feet makes life so much easier for the horse. E.g.  when asking the horse to yield with the front end it’s no use asking the horse to take a step across when that leg in question is firmly planted on the ground. You would be setting the horse up to fail. Steve also talked on recognizing a try in the horse. Most tries go unnoticed but when you get in tune with your horse you may see the smallest try, it may be as subtle as a flick of an ear, reward that and you’re well on the way to understanding your horse.

The afternoon group had already done some natural horsemanship at previous clinics but Steve still recapped on all of the above, making sure there was no-one that didn’t understand and sorting out any issues that they may have had since the last clinic. This group was saddled up to ride before the day was out and they touched on the same groundwork whilst under saddle.

The following 2 days were also to be run at MEARC grounds but the mother of all weather was going to hit overnight. Just happens that one of the students got to talking to Adam Wootton the day before and he said that his indoor arena at Yarra Junction was idle that weekend and that we were welcome to use it (for a fee of course) so Steve and I made an executive decision to take him up on his offer. Best decision ever. Saturday was horrible, wet and windy, but everyone, without exception agreed it was worth the extra travel (and dollars) to not get wet. For some it was a first just to step inside an indoor arena with their horse, let alone one that had a fully set-up show jumping course in it (Adam did kindly offer to dismantle it but we declined as we were able to use the jumps as part of our training and exercises).

Both groups continued on from the day before with the morning group saddling up today as well. There were some nervous riders but Steve has a very calming influence and doesn’t mind riding your horse if you’re having trouble with one thing or another. Quite often it all comes back to the timing and feel and for some it is a confidence boost to see Steve work through an issue that the horse may have.

Over the 2 days at Adam’s there was enough room to do some ‘dry’ cow work. One exercise involves 2 horses being ridden parallel with each other about 3-4 metres apart. One is the ‘cow’ and the other rider mirror images the movements that the other horse is doing. The horses get really tuned in to one another and it gives them a job to do. Steve also had quite a few other exercises for us as well and they all eventually helped to soften the horse.

Everyone at the clinic had some ‘personal best’ moments that are too lengthy to go into detail here but there was certainly a definite change in the horses and their riders from the start of the weekend to the end. All agreed that it was a very worthwhile clinic and all showed interest in attending Steve’s next clinic in February 2011, to continue their journey into the awareness of softness, feel and timing.

I am hosting another of Steve’s clinics on 18^th,19^th and 20^th February 2011 so if anyone is interested in coming along or needs more information please contact me on 9756 7076 or 0419 030137 or helenjsharp@bigpond.com .Don’t leave it till the last minute as rider bookings are limited! Venue is unconfirmed at date of writing but will be in the Yarra Valley somewhere! (indoors?)

Philip Nye Clinic April 2010

Silversand students travelled far and wide ( Germany, England, Scotland and those more ‘local’ from NSW, Victoria, Kangaroo Island and of course Sth Aust) to Blanchetown to attend the bi-annual Philip Nye clinic at Silversand in mid April. They came to be immersed in the knowledge and skill of this great, though little known, horseman from Tasmania for a full 5 days.

What was the content of the clinic I hear you ask? One attendee was heard to say as the last day drew to a close “Now I remember why I got a horse. I was one of those little girls who dreamt of having a pony and pictured myself riding it around as free as a bird. I finally have that feeling. I can die happy”. Well, I hope she doesn’t go that far but many go through their whole horsemanship journey without so much as a glimpse of what it can be like to feel this softness.

The FLOW of the next few days would eventually become apparent to the participants but anyone that has worked with Philip knows there is always much work to be done. To set the tone of this clinic Philip introduced us to the word ROBUST – to get horses and riders to the stage where the flow of energy (high and low) becomes normal – so that we could operate in extreme circumstances and take it all in our stride (literally and metaphorically) speaking. If you and your horse can function when things are less than ideal then you are developing a robust and stable system in your training.

In the first few days we spent time relaxing, seemingly just sitting around in Irena’s good picnic chairs, and on the horses, but we were starting to develop our robustness in very subtle ways. Creating a good chemistry, learning how to be OFF and ON, helping our horses differentiate between our energy being OFF (relaxing) to when the energy suddenly surges to ON. Ball (of the very large red variety) and stick skills were improving as we sat in a circle with the horses totally relaxed behind each person while all this ‘frivolity’ went on around them. Most times we were laughing so much we were aching! The horses hardly blinked an eyelid at what we were doing, even when a wayward ball or stick went flying past.

Philip did demos of EXTREME stuff with lots of energy – no pussyfooting around here. Extreme saddling and mounting were done with the flourish of a teenager, getting us to move our bodies at least 10 % faster than we would normally go (our homework was to build on that 10%), creating an energy flow that the horses then associated with ON, then doing an extreme RELAX when the flow was definitely OFF. When combined with INTENT the energy in that arena was very powerful. For example, at one stage we would just be ‘lounging’ in the chairs and Philip would count us down 3-2-1 and we’d jump off the chairs and throw in a few star jumps before mounting our horses to trot off – or not!

The riding developed a definite flow of its own, starting with the old bugbear of many – the dreaded one rein!! Rope skills that had been lost over time were suddenly re-emerging and as confidence grew so did the skill factor. Patterns and lines and clear pathways for the horses to follow soon got the flow happening. At first this was just at halt but we gradually progressed over the 5 days through the gaits till canter was as easy as halt. Fear, apprehension and tension block the flow and energy but with patience, time and familiarity this eases to create a positive rhythm. By day 5 this was very evident in all horse/rider combinations. At first riders were making what they perceived as errors, mistakes, the wrong move or the wrong direction but once Philip pointed out that there is no such thing as a ‘mistake’ – just a move that was less than perfect, to just go on as if nothing happened I, for one, felt myself becoming more free in my riding because I didn’t have this image of ‘making errors’ and being bogged down by those thoughts. He said to use it as information on what to do next time and use it as our opportunity to develop.

At all times the gate at the back of the arena was open and for a few days we met under the trees and used the natural bush land to help us see the pathways and to get the horses robust without the confines of 4 walls. Riders also needed to focus and plan ahead on what lines they were going to take as quite often a tree or low branch appeared out of nowhere! This was also an opportunity for ‘comfort zones’ to be tested and not stressed. How do we expand that comfort zone? Use consistency, repetition and controlled stress - slowly touching the outside of the CZ but coming back in before stress takes hold. This applies to horses and humans alike.

Towards the 4^th and 5^th days we worked on 0 to 100 (in energy) and back again, getting the rhythm right, doing downward transitions by going to the new gait and not from it e.g., from trot go TO the walk. This alleviates negative energy and pulling, letting the horse find his way down by not creating stress but keeping the flow and pathways open. Most riders found that rubbing their horse’s neck in a backward rubbing motion helped immensely as a calming effect on the horse and they slowed down. Philip set up some great tracks for horses and riders to follow by putting poles on barrels, thus creating a tunnel effect and a way for the horses to more easily see where they were meant to be heading. This also helped us when Philip asked us to go ‘hands free’. After some initial angst riders became confident enough to be cantering their horses, hands out wide (picture the little girl on her pony) with full confidence that once the energy level was dropped going to the downward transition gait was as simple as thinking about it.

In the last part of the clinic Philip got us to do all of the above with bridles on so that we could see that when making the transition from halter to bit it was no different. The horses didn’t make a fuss of the bit being in their mouths even when a small amount of contact was made on the reins and we all got the same result as if we were still riding in a halter.

Philip and Jenny are such lovely people and whilst at Silversand were asked many questions. This clinic was really enjoyed by everyone that attended and we were very lucky that Philip was able to present the ideas of his ROBUST model to us. A clinic with this sort of content is a definite must for those that are serious about improving their horsemanship and their relationship with their horse.

A big thanks to Steve and Irena (and Basil, the catering guru!) for organizing everything.   

Monbulk Clinic Report   20/21/22 Nov ‘09

This clinic was the first in Monbulk and was very well attended. I thought we’d try a 3 x ½ day format instead of a 2 x 1 day clinic as in the past it had seemed that the longer days were a mentally and emotionally draining experience for horse and human! By having the shorter days the riders were able to absorb a lot more and reinforce their lesson by watching the other group. Most commented that they actually saw and learnt much more by doing it this way.

So with this in mind we started at 9am on the Friday morning with Bron, Vicki, Kerrin, Jaime and Melissa meeting with Steve under the trees at the Monbulk Pony Club grounds for his usual chat on ‘your goals, problems and expectations for the clinic’. Di and Debbie also joined us as fence sitters for most of the clinic.

Once out on the arena with the horses Steve went through the program starting with the groundwork and its importance in relation to the ridden work. The weather was starting to warm up by now to the high 30’s, and with it came the wind. The dust on the arena was getting thicker so the girls were ready to finish by noon.

After lunch the next group of ladies was ready to start their session, having ridden to the grounds from down the road – quite literally! Carolyn, Vesna, Jan, Sylvia and Sandra were friends so it made for a few laughs amongst themselves over the weekend! They went through the same things as the morning group but had to endure a severe wind storm. Thankfully, once that had passed, it brought with it a welcome cooler change.

The weather on Saturday was much kinder to us so everyone bounced into the arena with much enthusiasm. Steve started with some ‘human being horses’ simulation on softness, bracing and angles, showing the importance of the angles, body position and energy levels. It was very eye opening to all the girls, just by doing these maneuvers on a person, how it would effect the horse so I think it was with some trepidation that they brought their horses back in to try and ‘get it right’!! With both the groups there was a lot of experimentation until somehow the right thing ‘just happened’ and there was much licking and chewing from horses and humans! They progressed to their ridden work with the main focus on indirect rein, getting the feel and timing right.

That afternoon Sylvia had brought her car and float into the arena to use for float loading training for her Clydesdale. This really reinforced what Steve had been working on throughout the day. Even though ‘Moose’ was OK to go in the float he was obviously uncomfortable once in there as he found it difficult to stay in, preferring to come straight out very fast. Gradually the time in the float got longer but the trick was to ask him to back out before he felt like he needed to leave. When Sylvia timed it right, he backed out quite slowly. It was very good to watch. A good way to end the 2^nd day.

Constant rain all night made the arena a bit ‘lake like’ in places when we re-convened for the last day but it actually drained very quickly. With coats at the ready we headed to the arena for a quick groundwork refresher but all too quickly the bleak day turned into torrential rain. I saw some wonderful indirect rein happening as horses turned butts to the driving rain. We all ran for shelter to the only tree in the corner of the arena but it was pretty much in vain. But we were all here to ride and ride we did. I took advantage of the rain to get some lovely soft feel while trotting into the rain. Soaking wet saddles made for extra ‘stickiness’ (more like Velcro) in the saddle which was OK when everything is going well but not if you need to exit the saddle quickly! All of us (including Steve) needed a pat on the back for actually riding in those unpleasant conditions – silly or dedicated? – not sure which!

Steve had set up 3 pairs of barrels and we did some groundwork doing figure 8’s using indirect rein then once saddled used the barrels for more of the same sort of work. Some also took advantage of the wet surface to practice going through the water at trot and canter. We finished a bit earlier as everything was saturated. I took my horses back home, along with Steve (he was staying at my place) who had a well deserved hot shower and a change into dry clothes. We found him some very ‘loud safety yellow’ plastic boating pants which, paired up with a green plastic fishing jacket, looked a treat. At least he would stay dry with the added bonus that we could see him if he got lost!

Once back at the grounds we decided that we would view the Footfalls DVD on Steve’s laptop in the clubrooms which created a lot of interest, then just as the rain started to ease it was time to get back into it again.

For the final session of the clinic two of the ladies decided that they weren’t wet weather riders so we only had 3 to brave the now clearing rain. The float was back again for more float training reinforcement. About ½ way through the session the other 2 riders decided that they were having withdrawal symptoms and they would like to ride after all so they went home to get their horses. When they rode in a short time later their horses didn’t really care for the mud at the entrance to the arena and stood their ground. Steve had only been saying earlier on how to get your horse through this type of situation and now we had a chance to see it in action. We got a wonderful display of how to use an indirect rein to get the horses through their lack of forward. By not asking them to go through the mud directly but instead, asking them to look at the mud with each eye by using indirect rein to change direction, creates confidence and doesn’t cause a brace (in mind and body) by keeping their legs moving and then before you know it they have one foot in the mud and they’re through. An excellent demo. That group finished off with getting in time with the feet in all directions, backing and some direct rein.

Whilst it seemed that Steve had mainly worked on indirect rein everyone could see that it was paramount to their safety to get this working softly and without a brace, especially at higher speeds. There is much practicing to do and all said they’ll be back for the next clinic in Feb 2010.

Advancing clinic  -  9/10/11^th October 2009  

This clinic was up there with the best that I’ve done at Silversand. This is probably due to many things but I guess the main reason that makes a good clinic is the people (friends) that I share the time with.

There were 9 of us riding – Mary, Linda, Nick, Coralie, Pam, Kim, Alison, Trish (UK), Shirley and myself with Richard, Belinda, Sue, Christina, Jess, Fiona and Bruce also there at various times giving moral support.

The first day started with the usual discussion of ‘why, what and how’ in the Emu Shed. A lot was on softness, timing and feel but I added that I also needed to get a dose of ‘Silversand’ running through my (now) Victorian veins, to ride with like-minded friends that I have missed over the last few months. My 4 legged teacher for the weekend was Kola, having left my 2 furry boys in Melbourne. I don’t think I have ever ridden in a clinic on a horse that wasn’t mine so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from Kola but I’ll say this now, if you ever get the opportunity to ride one of Steve and Irena’s horses – take it!

Once outside on the arena we started with some groundwork, making sure our horses were ‘with us’. We also played with shoulder-in and half pass maneuvers on line and then after lunch we continued with this work under saddle. Steve showed us the importance of doing small serpentines, concentrating on our timing, to get the horse flexed and supple through his mind and body, thus becoming light and soft. Steve had brought out the ‘spare’ bosals for those that hadn’t already purchased one, to have a try if they so desired. Well, most did and were very impressed with the results. We also had a play at some pretend cow work which tends to show up any softness and ‘stuck’ issues, especially in the shoulder but Steve and Nick gave a fine demo with their horses of how it should be done.

Friday evening Steve showed us a DVD on horse anatomy which gave excellent footage on how certain muscles and the skeleton work when the horse is in motion and when there is a rider on it’s back, and how the rider sits and positions the horse effects the whole movement of the horse.

Saturday dawned after a very cold night and after our morning chat about the previous day’s good efforts it was decided that more of the same was the order of the day. Steve had also brought out the stock whip and some had a play with that and also lots more ropes so we had a go at half pass on 2 lines (long reining). Some found it easier than using just the one rope but also it meant that you had an extra rope to get tangled in! I had a try with just the 45’ rope around Kola’s neck and was able to get some nice ground work without relying on the need of halter and rope.  

Back in the saddle Steve demonstrated some suppling exercises to get the horse soft to your hand through his body, and of course through his mind. We were basically getting to the outside of the horse through his inside!

Later that arvo Nick brought out some polo-cross racquets and balls (soft ones thankfully!) and a few of us demonstrated our lack of ball skills!! But it was all good fun. Being totally useless at ball games of any sort I gradually mastered the art of balancing the ball between racquet and leg of horse (with a very patient and obliging Kola) and shimmying the ball up Kola’s leg to the shoulder whereby the ball just ‘fell’ into the racquet net! Simple as! Nick is a young seasoned polo-cross player and he made it all look so easy.

After tea we had a ‘round table’ brain storming session about ‘things’ of which many ideas were hatched. Great work guys!

Sunday morning started with a part running of a Buck Brannaman DVD which greatly inspired us all that day and it was VERY obvious by the results we were achieving. It was like we were a totally different group of people and horses. I now carry that feeling and will be working extremely hard to get that on my own horses back home.

Steve did some one on one time with us and I can clearly say that the improvement in all of us was nothing short of stunning and beautiful to watch. Mainly shoulder work, on the circle in time with the feet – getting that upward lift and forward movement and staying soft.

On a personal level, being with these guys just inspire me to do better. This group meets regularly at Silversand and we give each other support, and are listening ears when needed – an extended family so to speak. A lot of us have been through ‘stuff’ together and have always been encouraging to each other.

As for Steve and Irena I’ve not met a more dedicated couple. Nothing is too much trouble for them. Steve’s horsemanship knowledge is up there with the best so if you’ve never been to one of their clinics do yourself a favour and GO!!!

A big thankyou to Kola who was my special palomino partner for the weekend. He reinforced my reasons for this horsemanship journey and I will impart his ‘feel’ to my own boys. (I wanted to sneak him into my suitcase but I think he would be missed).

An awesome weekend folks!