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 4th and 5th 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, 20,21,22nd Nov '09
Written by Helen sharp
Wednesday, 25 November 2009 20:05
Monbulk Clinic Report20/21/22 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 2nd 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, Silversand, Oct 9/10/11th Oct 2009
Written by Sunnydale
Monday, 02 November 2009 21:07
Advancing clinic-9/10/11th 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!
Last Updated on Sunday, 08 November 2009 18:58
advancing clinic 9-11th Oct 09
Written by Mary House
Monday, 12 October 2009 14:37
October 09
Perfect spring Blanchetown
weather, warm sunny days, cold freezing nights, but once again the
'mob' gathered for an Advancing clinic under Steve’s watchful eye. This
time I took my old Appy, Tex, he is 22, hasn’t done much serious work
for many years, just enjoying life as a trail ride horse, after taking
me to Novice Dressage – in another life that was!
Sasha was home because she is
undergoing some extensive re-education due to some very bad floating
times, her choice to bang about in the float, not my choice to have a
float falling apart which once mended necessitated a restart in this
part of her education, she just wasn’t ready for the clinic, I am
through ‘winging’ it each time I shut the back door with her, and we
will get the job right this time!
One day we will really
understand the timing feel and balance that is necessary to produce a
perfectly balanced riding horse, for this weekend two of us had gone
for a ‘holiday’! But I think we would both say that by the end we had
achieved a huge amount of lightness and timing, infact everyone
participating had managed to learn something huge on their journey of
horsemanship. I for one was blown away with what dear old
Tex offered me by the last day, I was able to proudly announce that I
felt I had my old dressage horse back under me, he was light, forward
and more willing than when we used to compete so much so that I am
tempted to do a few low key tests with him to test out our new found
freedom!!
There is something very special
about a few days at Silversand, it is nothing tangible, just the spirit
of the place, time spent with likeminded people, a wander through the
labrynth being an essential part of the visit, feeling for and
accepting the spirituality of the place, which is then topped off with
Steve and Irena’s wonderful hospitality. We all look forward to the
next visit as we are driving out from this visit. ……pity they cant be
more often but………..see you in April.
Last Updated on Thursday, 15 October 2009 07:24
Creden Hill course Hereford
There were faces familiar and faces new for this clinic in Herefordshire (how many is it now …4 ? … 5 ?) and we gathered yet again at Emmas wonderful facilities which includes the use of an indoor school if it rains ( which it DID) as well as lovely open fields .
As always we started every morning with a brain cell challenge to get us mere mortals focused on what we wanted for ourselves and our horses from each day. Of course this ranged from such “simple” things as “developing feel” to wider aims such as “get more confidence”….. we don’t watch much from Steve do we ?
Some of the aims of the individuals as well as the group as a whole
Barbara wanted feel able to find her energy without fear of “repercussion”, overcoming a habit developed in childhood.
Jackie wanted to integrate timing much more skilfully into the physical actions.
Nic wants to gain the skills to help her troubled pone find courage and make the right choices when he is troubled.
Emma wanted to be able to be confident and effective with her stallion.
All of us want to improve our observation of where the horse is at and recognise the smallest try so we can reward it.
Of course Steve on one session turned it round and asked us where WE need to be - to be there for our horses
what do we need to be to be effective with our horse ?
things like
Observation, feel, emotional neutrality, confidence, knowledge to develop into skills, body awareness, energy awareness, fairness …. and much more. ( if I had known I was going to volunteer to write a report I would have made notes !)
Some memories if individual pairings progress over the three days
Nic and Staro
Staro, a blonde bombshell of a haflinger, was bought as a quiet riding pony by Nic but the holes in his education became apparent when she got him home……and he reacts to questions being asked of him by depositing riders on the ground ! Although happy to have Nic vault on him sometimes… at other time the least request led to high energy acrobatics. Over the three days Steve used his skills and knowledge to help this little fella work through his fears and find some place of comfort, at times yielding to soft cues both on the ground and ridden. We could see things beginning to click into place for him. Nic will be continuing to work with Rose and the future for this little pone lies in a place of love that is for sure.
Emma and Beau
Beau is a very handsome QH stallion and although we took sensible precautions having a stallion working in the arena (principly the in season being mare kept to separate sessions) there appeared little need for that in that Beau was a gentleman. Even when others were in high energy Beau remained calm and was a credit to Emma . Steve fell in love with this lad….. one could see why. Emma works calmly with him and Steve recognised that and helped her to raise her energy and confidence level with him … engendering respect but not fear. He observed small things to deal with- like coming in close with his shoulder - that if not dealt with now can lead to issues later. Emma also further developed her rope skills.
Maggie and Calypso
Maggie attended this year with her new part andalusian Calypso. On day one he played driving with Steve but did not want to go straight or turn right with Steve at his left hindquarters. Patience was the key in getting Calypso to a place where he could do so … and it was interesting to see that later when Steve wanted to work him from the right side Calypsos energy in escaping was higher … he does not seem to like what is on his right side much! When driven from right side of hindquarters however he could maintain straight much better .
Maggie and Calypso made tremendous progress over the three days mostly working quietly in the background working on soft transitions on all the exercises. She was highly praised indeed by Steve for getting to the stage of “doing nothing” to get some very beautiful soft work out in the open field as well as indoors. As for the ropes on day three…….. rather scary at first and added a little life to the work …….but Maggies quiet peristance paid high dividends and she was soon working alongside the rope and then coiling that rope back in like a pro.
Tasha and Cody
VERY handsome ( and tall !) 2 year old chestnut boy with loads presence.
A baby still trying to find his balance as his legs just did not seem to be able to coordinate at times when asked for circles faster than walk and when his energy went up. After some exercises with Steve he started to use his back legs much better and to coordinate them with his front. Stood like a rock when energy levels in school sky high … Tasha is very aware of him all the time even when just stood quietly and ensures that space and manners are maintained, so important in the human / equine relationship. On day two Cody started with very little energy and in talking about injecting energy into the shoulders it mattered which way the stick was used…. With an upward swish to lift up the shoulders. Cody learnt some very useful lessons about paying attention to energy and Tash says she will now turn him away till next summer when he will come back and refresh his education.
Barabara and Roberta … The “Starry” dapple grey mare.
Steve helped Barabara to developing the skill of moving the shoulders from in front by walking “through” them … moving them by mimicking the way horses move each other. They already know that , we are not trying to teach them, we are teaching ourselves how to do it. Then inject fun …. do it faster ! Roberta could lean ... both on the ground and ridden ... but learned fast once it was made clear to her she must not ! Barbara found it hard to use the required energy levels , saying she is not used to it. She has very interesting insight as to how childhood issues and adult habits / temperaments can affect how much we are in touch or not with our energy and how effective we are at using it. It can be hard to tune in to it if we have never explored it or have suppressed it ….
Steve also encouraged Barbara to make plans before starting working with Roberta so she can clarify what she is asking Roberta to do and its one less thing to think about so much once actually working.
Day three…….. Barabara “did nothing” and got “IT “….. that place where the horse does something we wanted when we don’t DO anything ………… yeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
Jackie and Tom
An ex pacer Tom has physical and mental baggage which Jackie has had to help him to deal with over the 10 years she has had him … and its taken a bucketful and more of love and patience and hard work and TIME to get this sweet gentleman to where he is now. Even her “stretch for the sweetie” is a carefully thought out way of helping him stretch his lovely neck .
She is working on his canter now as because of his breeding and working life he more naturally paces. As Steve found it seemed that the more energy in the intitial ask for the canter the more it helped him to coordinate the legs into the canter. On days two and three it became clear that one of the advantages of his history as a pacer in harness is that he is just bombproof with lines, plastic bags and ropes on / around his body and legs. He did the exercises so calmly.
Jean and Toffee …. The luverly spotty mare
Conspicuous by her quietness was Toffee ……….nothing seems to phase this gal …… She did not even mind getting wrapped up with ropes at all or having bank robbers jump out at her ( see the exercises below !) It seems rude having so little written about her as she seemed to cope so well with all the excercises and have no “issues”. When in the arena the main intention Jean had was to be working on improving her softness and Jane appears to have more talent than she gives herself credit for.
Rose and Brecon , a handsome black welsh D gelding.
One of the rare horses that can have his nose on the outside and still move the hips away, Steve had to ask Brecon to move his shoulders out and bring nose in …. this caused some tension in Brecon at first but he slowly began to relax. Despite an apparent calmness in the main body Brecon is a little worrier at times… contact with bit and high energies worried him……… but the bit chewing and tension behind the jaw gave the game away. He is still at the stage of learning the difference between energy and intent and day three was certainly the day this was paid attention to. See the notes on the exercises !
Rosie worked away quietly with him mostly in the background and her experience as an instructor meant she could do this with it benefitting Brecon by working in a group.
His steadiness came into the spotlight in the exercises with the ropes, he and Rose had a wonderful time and wowed us all by cantering with the rope and turning under without a second thought.
Jackie and Seren
Big and beautiful mare could be rather emotional at times…….. exploded into canter first few times but it was decided it was Jackie leaving first that made Seren run away .Steve advised her to drive Seren away not “pull” her along by leaving first. Jackie had to work really hard to break her pattern of being ahead of Seren … but when she did Seren became more “with” her and the canters much slower. After then working on the slower exercises on day one and start of day two …… driving shoulders / indirect rein / back up / drive shoulders Jackie then wanted to inject some “fun” Into the work. Steve reminded her about placing herself and her tools to better place Seren so she could change direction with more balance. They could therefore inject energy into the changes in direction and pace with more fluidity … which also challenged Seren to use her brain and engage more.
Foal Handling
Polly ……… well what can we say ….. she won everyone’s hearts such a confident and bright young foal . She learned quickly and was soooo responsive to Steves slight touch ….. , she was yielding her head , shoulders and hindquarters in minutes. Steve certainly found her tickly bits ….. but in doing so was also getting to touch all the areas we need to touch … belly , girth area, legs, feet, tail etc. He reminded us that once this was done at this early age (two - three months) she could then be turned away and if even not touched till next spring she would remember this and be much easier to handle.
Exercises to do …….
Drive forward, indirect rein into back up - turn shoulders away into another direction
The games. … Last session on Thursday was rather fun …. But fun with a purpose.
The bank robber game . You park your horse outside the bank and go in to rob it, the alarm goes off and you hightail it out and get on yer horse !!!!! Oh boy are ours not used to such energy ! mmmmmmm but you never know it might be handy if our horses ARE calm and we CAN have high energy and they do not move because the intent is not there for THEM to move. So we all laughed .
Dragging ropes ….. brilliant for teaching the partnership shoulder in ! Some horses reacted with a bit more “caution” when asked to walk near the rope especially near hind legs….. apart from Toffee who did not seem to care if it became knitting with her legs as the needles ….. and Tom who used to have stuff wrapped all round his legs as a harness racer.
Circle with ropes
One rider sits in middle with rope….. other rider hold end in one hand and rides circle without either losing rope or letting rope bend and touch the ground.
Pairs with ropes
Front rider has rope end loosely draped over hand…….rider or walker behind holds rope and decides to walk / halt or reverse and rider to feel the intent and respond so that the rope is not pulled out of hand or touch ground. Oh and should horse / rider not stop in time one should let go !
Then could try riding parallel to each other . At turning point use indirect / direct rein to turn horse under rope and face other way………not to bad t walk but there were a few moments of hilarity when the trot was attempted ! \though must say Jackie and Rose even tried it at canter ooooeeeer
Jackie and jean wanted to change the game to skipping … not to be tried at home folks !
As well as the participants we had about a dozen spectators each day and as usual one learnt just as much (if not more at times) by watching … oh and of course Steve picks on us from time to time and challenges us to tell him what he should say / do next in response … so we can’t drop off top sleep even if any of us would ever, ever want to !
BTW Thanks to Carol from all for bringing the gingerbread cake…. Yuuuuuuuummmy
And then you Kas for organising the whole thing ... we know how much work THAT is !
Laura
For me the quote of the whole clinic just HAS to be
“The energy stuff works way better than touching them with the string”.
Silversand Horsemanship
