LOM October 2004

Dear Frank,

Thanks again reminding me how important it is to always be mindful, patient, safe and teach horses (and handlers) the 7-SSS as well as remember it's application to any situation that you and your horse, or your client and horse may encounter.

I just got back from what was supposed to be a 7-day horse trek (unguided) in County Grange, Ireland. I learned a ton. I ended up canceling the tour, after the 3rd day, for fear of my and my sister's personal safety.

I've been using the 7-SSS system for over a year now, and have begun to train, as you know, in your Accreditation program. Due to some terrible flight mishaps my sister ended up arriving a day later, so, unknown to us, we missed our first " getting to know your horse" day, and were dropped on the border of Northern Ireland with a map, 2 horses, and our survival instincts.

Because I've written a book about this already (should be published within the year) I won't go into specific details, other than to say 24 hours riding, lost on supposedly " marked" trails (it wasn't), in a non-endurance saddle, on a 17 hand 2,000 lb. Irish Draft horse, is all torture and no fun.

However, one detail that I will hammer upon is: no matter how crazy a horse owner, seller, stable manager, rider, etc... thinks you are or takes the time to give you the " stink eye," don't skip your 7-SSS. It literally, saved both of my and sister's lives (she was nearly thrown when her " docile" horse took off in full, race-horse run on the beach.) Due to the 7 SSS, and ballet in the saddle, I was able to get her safely off her horse, calm him as much as I could, for another rider to take, and we made it back to the barn.

Now, home, and back with my own horse, Rainmaker, I realize and understand the importance of spreading the 7-SSS, and forging that natural bond between horse and rider.

Thanks again to you Frank, and Willis as well. Keep the advice coming.

Cheers,

Christienne Wadsworth

Los Angeles, CA

I wrote you a few months ago about our 5 yr.old bay gelding, " Tonto" . We've had Tonto since Jan.17,2004. I just wanted to let you know all of your advice really helped us. Tonto belongs to my 17 yr.old son and he is really enjoying riding Tonto more and more. You gave us advice on how to get Tonto out of biting and cow kicking. Tonto has been very calm and sweet and we thank you. Tonto hasn't tried kicking in months (although we are always on guard) and he doesn't put his ears back acting aggressive anymore.

I held a bamboo stick where his foot would come up and Tonto kicked the stick one time, it scared him and he never kicked like that again.

We don't hand feed him at all and he doesn't try to nip or bite. My son gives him small pieces of carrot after a ride from a small bucket and Tonto loves it. Both those things were your advice and we thank you.

Steamer was at his best. I had so much fun and he was so relaxed and so comfortable jumping anything I was asking him to. Not one refusal.

For the trailer, I didn't practice during the week and when I arrived Sunday to put him in, he was doing his dance and it took me 20 minutes. When we left the show, he went right in. This is great!

We are doing great (Steamer and I)! Yesterday it took me 2 hours to put him in the trailer but I kept doing the exercises and kept my cool. Then at lunch it took me 10 minutes.

Not only was the trailer loading issue very very interesting, but I got a lot from the clinic. Everyone loved it and we are already talking about doing another one.

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Letters Of The Month: October, 2004

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