|
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
There is just something about springtime that feels wonderful. The days are getting longer and the weather, while unpredictable, is always inching out of darkness and cold in the direction of warmth and longer days. Our horses sure know what is coming and can feel quite frisky as they shed off their winter coats. One day or even hour of that day, it is winter with snow and freezing rain. The next brings sun and warm breezes. This can play havoc on horse’s psyches as they try to adjust to the sudden swings. And you will feel this if you are riding. So pay close attention to the weatherman and what your horses are telling you. Keep your horses’ minds engaged and focused on the task at hand.
Bringing your horses back into work after winter must be done quite consciously since many horses have been idle for some months. Be fair about not pushing too hard too fast as your horses get back into shape. Have their feet taken care of and get the spring vaccinations, worming, etc out of the way sooner than later. And do not push a horse hard after worming and vaccinations.
Taking time on the ground to establish your leadership is of utmost importance. A horse that respects our ground commands is more likely to do the same in the saddle. We culminate our program with a couple graceful exercises called Ballet. These two maneuvers connect brains and feet in constructive use of energy while promoting the safety of the horse and rider. When the horse is right, he’ll invite the ride.
And this is precisely what my 7 Step Safety System is all about. Control begets Confidence which leads to advanced Communication, hence the 3- C’s! |
|
|
|
|
I’ve spent the winter on the other side of the globe where summer is now drifting into wonderful fall weather, similar to our Septembers and Octobers.
Beginning in Australia in late November, I conducted clinics and privates first on the west coast in Perth, then back to the Melbourne area where I had yet another successful clinic. Early January found me arriving in New Zealand, where I have roots from many years of visits in pursuit of the wily trout that habituate the streams of both islands. Word spread fast that a horsewhisperer was in town and in no time I was meeting the horse people and the troubled horses began finding me.
Horses and their owners are the same the world over. There are extremely knowledgeable and experienced horsemen and women here in New Zealand; there is just the opposite as well. Just as in the states, there is a level of naiveté that is downright dangerous, simply from lack of knowledge. The natural horsemanship movement hasn’t taken hold in New Zealand as it has in the States and Australia. I believe this is because so many are focused on competition and have already set their goals that don’t include the quiet revolution.
Interestingly, I did meet one quite knowledgeable man with an amazing grasp of NH, a true student of the horse. John Kimber and I immediately found common ground in our methods and spent a productive weekend sharing knowledge. I watched closely as this master deftly gentled a quite troubled mare. This substancy five year old chestnut had been throwing her owners and regressed to a quite disturbed horse. John had actually started the horse a year earlier, but she’d not been handled for many months, then expected to perform perfectly sans groundwork. And in so many cases that is the kiss of disaster.
John had never seen my work. But the similarities in our approaches were truly amazing and I had very little to improve upon after he skillfully brought this horse back from her troubling times. Within an hour John Kimber was riding a relaxed, happy, once again confident horse that truly emulated his own attitude. We then shared a wonderful meal and evening with a handful of horsy locals, spinning horse-tales into the wee hours that later turned into a true slumber party. The next morning I worked my system on the mare, explaining each exercise in depth so John could really grasp my spin on NH. The mare was all the better for it and quite pleased to be back in the hands of confident handlers.
How refreshing for me to meet another open-minded horseman that genuinely had a love of the animal and a matching desire to continue the endless process of learning.
Just yesterday I worked with a very interesting mare that hadn’t been ridden in a year. Another chestnut of mixed breeding, this 14-3, eight year old was a real sweetheart on the ground, but a rocket when mounted. With a bit too much energy, her owner, lacking any formal training, had simply pointed her uphill and let her go upon mounting her. Somehow both parties had survived this approach for several dozen rides, but Renae had come to her senses and realized there must be a better answer for taking the starch out of this charged-up horse.
I experienced a very hot horse upon mounting up and immediately suspected either pain or ill-fitting equipment. I inspected the horse’s back, finding nothing obvious, but did replace the hard leather girth. But upon mounting again, I had about the same horse. The very moment she had her head and a good chance to play up, she did. So the key was not to allow her to even think about anything but the task at hand. I kept her bent and busy doing serpentines, circles, one-rein stops, backing, etc. Within a few minutes she came to her senses and settled into a very nice riding horse.
OLD HABITS DIE HARD
I believe there is a poignant lesson in the above-mentioned vignette, namely being very conscious not to create bad habits in our horses. As I explained to Renae, a horse learns very quickly, good and bad. If you approach a hill and run up that hill two times in a row, it has become a habit for the horse. They are doing exactly what they think we want them to do, have anticipated our wishes, remember the last time, and away we go. Now in some cases this is great, because we can get many of the good things that we do want to do routinely very well entrenched into the horse’s psyche, like groundwork and warm-up exercises. But we must be careful about our repetitions and absolutely certain we are instilling what we do want instead of what we don’t. The point is- we want our horse listening to us. Therefore we must be strong leaders and be very proactive and ahead of the power curve. We must always anticipate and be one step ahead of the horse. And most horses prefer this to making their own decisions. Become a good leader and the horse will gladly follow. |
|
|
A DISCUSSION ABOUT PAIN AND DENTISTRY |
|
One of the procedures I’ve added to my clinics prior to riding is searching for back pain, which unfortunately occurs with too many horses. Simply running your index finger, supported by your thumb, down either side of the spine about 2” from the center or using a nickel on edge in the same spot, will predictably locate problem areas as the horse flinches or ducks out from that pain. And don’t sugar-coat it. Use enough pressure to find out. Circular massage and T-touch, Linda Tellington Jones healing techniques, can help sometimes in minutes, though many horses are in need of professional attention. Chiropractors, equine massage therapists, and dentists are thriving for very real reasons. Seek help if in doubt, but learn to locate problems. And if you’re considering an equine career, consider the above-mentioned professions. They pay well and are a wonderful compliment to training horses.
In my opinion, the pad between the horse’s back and your saddle is the most important piece of equipment you need to own. Don’t skimp here. We use and recommend Supracor pads and Synergist saddles. These manufacturers truly care about your horse’s protection and comfort and yours as well. We can help you find the right saddle and pad and save your money in the process; just let us know your desires.
A large percentage of horses that come my way need dental care. Unwanted backing, rearing, and bit avoidance are the signs of tooth issues. Sharp points naturally develop on horses’ molars creating a dangerous situation especially when bits are used. There are instances of horses going over backwards to avoid pain and actually killing their riders. Learn how to check your horses’ teeth or have a professional do so.
|
|
|
|
We are now full-swing into our clinic season for 2008. (Several upcoming clinics are listed below plus you can check the schedule on my website to see clinics scheduled by some of my accredited instructors.)
- April 13-19 Intensive clinic at White Stallion Ranch, Tucson, Arizona
- April 19-20 Gentle Solutions clinic at Moonraker Stables in Catlett, VA
- April 26-27 is presently open for a Midwest or east coast clinic
- May 3-4 Gentle Solutions clinic in Muncie, Indiana
I’ll be working with individuals at my home ranch in Ashton, Idaho during the summer and fall.
If you have any interest in attending or helping organize a clinic, please contact Dances With Horses. All clinics will be posted at the schedule link at:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gift Certificates
We are now offering gift certificates in any amount. This is a great chance to help your favorite horse person achieve their goals. They have the flexibility to choose the product that most fits their needs.
Video of the Month
For those just becoming familiar with my Gentle Solutions approach to communicating with these wonderful creatures, our Video of the Month Club is a sensible option. With 12 works and a book, you’ll receive a new work every month to absorb before the next one arrives. This is a fabulous way to learn the life-long journey called Horsemanship.
Video of the Month Link
Bob Claymier announces the release of his long awaited training DVD entitled “Complete Guide to Horse Breeding, Foaling and Foal Training”. This 3 DVD set contains over four hours of information that the first time or inexperienced horse breeder will find essential before embarking on such an effort.
The DVD was nearly two years in the making and was mainly extended due to his brood mares being shy about having their live births filmed last year. The events unfold real time much like chapters in a book that begins with mare/stallion selection and end with weaning of the foal produced with all other stops covered as an owner might expect occurring at their own facility. Bob did try to get the editors to morph Brad Pitt into his part but let’s hope “maturity” is a trade off. Family members including 10 year old grand daughter Emily reviewed the preliminary effort with Emily proclaiming the breeding segments “very interesting”. This elicited a warning note on the final version that “explicit live video” is contained herein which ought to guarantee parts of the effort showing up on sites other that those for horse lovers.
The set can be ordered by going to Bob’s website homepage at – www.desert-rose-arabians.com – and clicking on the ordering link or is available at his own facility should one be in the neighborhood. Frank was also kind enough to participate in a video clip previewing the project and his input can be viewed by again going to the website and clicking on “DVD Sales”.
Bob’s main purpose for the project was to add to the body of knowledge on the subject as it may be the most comprehensive set of information available from a layman’s viewpoint. The secondary goal was to help owners be more responsible breeders because we often see mares that should not reproduce being bred to stallions that should have already been gelded. Horses are too precious of an animal to produce one that may be unwanted or unloved.
Missy Wryn’s Clinic Highlights DVD makes its debut!
“I took the best of the clinics over the year to make a comprehensive DVD of my “W”Holistic Natural Horsemanship training methods”, Missy says.
The DVD Includes:
- The Four Core Emotional Concerns that you and your horse share
- “W”Holistic Joining – this invokes your horse’s instinct that you are the leader without having to round pen and exhaust your horse
- Three Foundational Requirements that every horse needs to learn to be safer within your herd of two, you and your horse
- Five Fundamental Ground Techniques that translate under saddle for a safer ride
- To Order: www.WHolisticHorsemanship.com
Forco Nutritional Supplement
I’ve had fits keeping weight on Lakota Breeze, my 22 yr. Anglo/Arab. In May I began using Forco Nutritional in earnest, adding a couple scoops a day to Lakota’s feed. He was recently praised by a knowledgeable vet as in almost perfect condition!
Forco enhances the bio flora in the horse’s digestive system, thereby making better use of the food. Stool size is reduced dramatically, indicating more efficient digestion. The site for more information on this cutting-edge product is:
Forco Nutritional Supplement
Telephone/Email Consulting
Most of our accredited instructors have alternative horse-related talents.
We list each instructor’s additional talents with a link to their own explanation of this skill. From there you may email or call them or if geography is on your side, make a physical appointment. These instructors have spent years acquiring these specific skills so will likely need to be remunerated for their time helping you through your issues. Our goal is to share our knowledge at every level so horses and humans may reach their true potential. |
|
|
One of my most inspiring mentors, John Sharp will turn 94 April. While John isn’t actively training horses anymore, his wisdom and legacy continue to spread throughout the globe.
And speaking of John Sharp, his wisdom recently saved a life. John informed his attentive listeners years ago about flipping over onto your stomach in the event of a foot being caught in the stirrup in a run-away situation. Doing just that will release the foot. One of my clinic organizers was recently in that situation. Her horse slipped and went down. She went off to the side and couldn’t scramble fast enough to get her foot from the stirrup before the horse stood up and bolted from the fright of it all. She had remembered this tip from our clinic last summer and it truly did save her life!
|
|
|
|
|
As interest in natural horsemanship explodes worldwide, more and more horsemen are gravitating toward our program. Time and again the simplicity and predictable results of the 7 Steps seem to be the drawing cards. While there are numerous programs to choose from, no one has made it more understandable. You see, after watching all the greats in the early part of the movement, I had to reduce the scattered concepts into something I could get my brain around. And it worked!
ACCREDITATION PROGRAM
With dozens of trainers spanning the globe on the road to accreditation, our ranks are expanding. Our goal is to have 7-Step Safety Instructors in barns and stables worldwide. We invite you to explore this option. This is not complicated nor does it take years of tests, levels, and huge funds to master. This is about teaching this proven logical set of exercises so that horses and riders travel in confidence, instead of fear. This is about having a simple plan before riding that dramatically heightens horse/rider safety. This is about turning safety into an artful dance called “Ballet in the Saddle” as the duo performs this graceful dressage maneuver that uses the horse’s energy constructively while promoting again . . . safety.
Achieving accreditation status is a whole lot more than mastering the system. I think of it as a pie divided into thirds.
- The first third is all about perfecting the 7 Steps and being able to teach it to others. When you teach something, you’ve learned it twice.
- The second part of the equation is a general knowledge of horses, tack, nutrition and the almost endless details we all need to keep learning as horsemanship evolves. Competent riding is part of this section as well. You must ride reasonably well to be taken seriously.
- The third part is portraying a high level of professionalism. This all goes a long way in the credibility category.
Those of you on the path, stay the course. I know it isn’t easy, but then none of us would be involved if it was! Don’t hesitate to use Marry Morrow for advice. She has a rock solid understanding of the system as well as the hurdles in perfecting it. We need you out there helping other horsemen and women.
Accreditation Certification Link:
ACCREDITED
INSTRUCTOR INPUT
With spring being
the essence of this
newsletter, many
owners are turning
their thoughts to
breeding their
mares. As someone
who is actively
involved in breeding
programs and in
helping others in
the same area, I am
always amazed at how
cavalier many
approach the
subject. If one
were baking a cake,
you wouldn’t
purposely go to the
store and buy
anything but the
freshest and best
ingredients
available. Such is
not always the case
in the horse
breeding world
however as mares
that should never
reproduce are often
bred to stallions
that should have
been gelded. An
owner must further
ask themselves if
they have the time,
money, facilities
and experience to
start a project that
will be years before
the foal they
produce is a mature
riding companion.
One might be better
off buying a
weanling or yearling
where they could
still have the
amazing experience
of raising a young
horse but would be
able to pick the
gender preferred and
be able to tell
something about its’
color, conformation
and temperament –
none of which are
highly predictable
when breeding from
scratch and you can
be further
guaranteed that it
will be an order of
magnitude
cheaper. (Many of
these topics are
covered in my new
DVD release which is
discussed elsewhere
in this
newsletter.) Bob
Claymier |
|
|
|
| |
| DANCES WITH HORSES CHARITABLE FUND |
|
Every week I receive requests for donations from horse rescue programs, trail improvement, and handicapped riding. We simply cannot help every one of these fine organizations, so have decided to create our own charitable fund. This will allow us to survey the requests and help the organizations that are really making a difference.
We invite your tax deductible donations as well as your requests for help. The organization must be a registered 501c-3 entity with a clear vision and strong management.
Thanks to all those kind souls who have helped our cause throughout the past year.
Please visit our charitable link at:
Charitable Donations |
|
|
Remember - Your success is our success |
|
| All the Best from the whole gang at Dances With Horses.
Safe Riding. |
|
|
Frank Bell & Dances With Horses
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Horses know nothing of money, status, beauty or accomplishments . . . horses only see our hearts and accept or reject us based on what they find within . . . In short, horses do naturally what humans can pass a lifetime without ever mastering. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Home
Newsletters
