Hi guys...sorry i havent posted this week...it's been pretty busy.
Um, my brain is so full that im mostly taking notes and hoping things will sink in when i get back. I can't even remember what we did on Monday........
Yesterday was about creating power through lateral movements, so, sideways basically. On tuesday....erm...i can't even remember that! Oh well, you can have a look at my notes when i get back!
We had our last campfire with Pat and Tim last night. It was really good fun, and Tim is going to try and arrange coming to the UK next year, and come up to Scotland after the conference. That would be very cool, and a lot of fun!
Tonight i am going to pack! Tomorrow night we as a group are going out for a goodbye party type thing! It's sad but i am so looking forward to coming home!
Anyway, i'm gonna scoot off...today is about lead changes :-) I just need to stay awake!!!!!! Not getting very much sleep atm..... 5-6 hours?!
Take care everyone, see you sooooooon!
xxx
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Friday, June 20, 2008
Friday 20th
So, sorry i haven't posted for a while...my days have been pretty full!
Tuesday was all about fluidity. We also looked at the 8 responsibilities in the classroom, and about how fluidity was part of our responsibility. Pat and Caton came along with the dogs, and Caton did an awesome awesome fluidity demo with his horse. Pat was basically telling him what to do...flying lead changes, slide stops, spins etc etc. That was very very cool to watch.
Wednesday was jumping day! We jumped 4ft jumps! I'm kidding. We jumped very small jumps, and only at the walk! We had a classroom session, then a demo with a few people on the ground and ridden, and how we can create motivation to jump. We also had another campfire that night, and Pat came along for a bit again.
Thursday was about Leadership and the parelli formula...Rapport, respect, impulsion, flexion. We also looked at the elements of change, and what we had to go through as a person to be able to change. Finally we took note of what makes a successful student. We also did some cool things on the seat builders this week. I've had a tough time being able to round my back, and i finally got it, and we've been doing excercises at the same time to be able to multitask.
Last night Tim Sullivan was playing at a bar in town, so a big group of us ended up down there and had a really fun night dancing away. I had to dance to avoid the risk of old rather creepy men asking me to dance...:-s A couple of the girls had been asked and i knew i couldn't do it, so i found friends to dance with!
Today's topic was bits and bit savvy! We also looked at the fluid rein, and had an interesting simulation and session on the seatbuilders playing with that.
Yesterday afternoon has been the best day so far! I rode Dusty bareback and bridleless in a pen, and we got halt-canter-halt transitions, with a half spin to set off in the other direction. It was awesome...so light and i didn't even have to touch the string round his neck. After that we did some chilling out, munching grass. Then we went out for a trail ride. Avery asked me along. There were only 3 others on the ride, and we did mostly trotting, and lots of uphill, downhill, transitions...everything. I cantered downhill and it felt awesome! yesterday was just a brilliant day.
There's been problems on the ranch the past few days...there's a virus going round... It began at Pat's barn, and everyone was sick for 24 hours....now it's got up here and at least 15 people have been or are very ill....So i've been taking boatloads of herbal pill things to try and boost my immune system so that i don't get whatever it is.
Tomorrow a few of us are going on a hike to find some natural hot springs...i.e. ones we dont have to pay for. And on Sunday 6 of us are going rafting!!! I can't wait. Some people are off to the Denver tour stop, but i'd prefer to hang out with my friends here. It kinda seems wierd that the only way we see Pat and Linda is to drive for 6 hours to see them at a tour stop! But oh well.
I think that's everything for this week....
Take care ya'll, keep it natural!
xxx
Tuesday was all about fluidity. We also looked at the 8 responsibilities in the classroom, and about how fluidity was part of our responsibility. Pat and Caton came along with the dogs, and Caton did an awesome awesome fluidity demo with his horse. Pat was basically telling him what to do...flying lead changes, slide stops, spins etc etc. That was very very cool to watch.
Wednesday was jumping day! We jumped 4ft jumps! I'm kidding. We jumped very small jumps, and only at the walk! We had a classroom session, then a demo with a few people on the ground and ridden, and how we can create motivation to jump. We also had another campfire that night, and Pat came along for a bit again.
Thursday was about Leadership and the parelli formula...Rapport, respect, impulsion, flexion. We also looked at the elements of change, and what we had to go through as a person to be able to change. Finally we took note of what makes a successful student. We also did some cool things on the seat builders this week. I've had a tough time being able to round my back, and i finally got it, and we've been doing excercises at the same time to be able to multitask.
Last night Tim Sullivan was playing at a bar in town, so a big group of us ended up down there and had a really fun night dancing away. I had to dance to avoid the risk of old rather creepy men asking me to dance...:-s A couple of the girls had been asked and i knew i couldn't do it, so i found friends to dance with!
Today's topic was bits and bit savvy! We also looked at the fluid rein, and had an interesting simulation and session on the seatbuilders playing with that.
Yesterday afternoon has been the best day so far! I rode Dusty bareback and bridleless in a pen, and we got halt-canter-halt transitions, with a half spin to set off in the other direction. It was awesome...so light and i didn't even have to touch the string round his neck. After that we did some chilling out, munching grass. Then we went out for a trail ride. Avery asked me along. There were only 3 others on the ride, and we did mostly trotting, and lots of uphill, downhill, transitions...everything. I cantered downhill and it felt awesome! yesterday was just a brilliant day.
There's been problems on the ranch the past few days...there's a virus going round... It began at Pat's barn, and everyone was sick for 24 hours....now it's got up here and at least 15 people have been or are very ill....So i've been taking boatloads of herbal pill things to try and boost my immune system so that i don't get whatever it is.
Tomorrow a few of us are going on a hike to find some natural hot springs...i.e. ones we dont have to pay for. And on Sunday 6 of us are going rafting!!! I can't wait. Some people are off to the Denver tour stop, but i'd prefer to hang out with my friends here. It kinda seems wierd that the only way we see Pat and Linda is to drive for 6 hours to see them at a tour stop! But oh well.
I think that's everything for this week....
Take care ya'll, keep it natural!
xxx
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Thursday 19th
Hi guys!
This is just a quick post to say don't worry....i'm still alive, and will get round to posting something tomorrow lunchtime! Or later tonight, i'm not sure. We're heading out to hear Tim Sullivan play in town.
It's been an awesome week, and it's gone so fast yet again!
Anyway, i'll tell you everything later!
xxx
This is just a quick post to say don't worry....i'm still alive, and will get round to posting something tomorrow lunchtime! Or later tonight, i'm not sure. We're heading out to hear Tim Sullivan play in town.
It's been an awesome week, and it's gone so fast yet again!
Anyway, i'll tell you everything later!
xxx
Monday, June 16, 2008
Monday 16th
Hey everybody!
On friday afternoon i just got Dusty out and went for a little wander around, then jumped on and rode bareback. Julia asked me if i had ridden bridleless yet, to which i replied 'no'. I walked into the roundpen, took off his halter, and had an awesome ride. Everything was there, it was very very nice. After that i did my forward roll off the back of him which lots of people thought was cool.
On Saturday i had a very lucky opportunity to go spectate a clinic about 30 mins from here. It was my first time seeing him, and most probably my last. Ray Hunt was teaching colt starting, horsemanship and cow working. I stayed all day saturday. It was wonderful listening to him, and trying to take in everything he said, as i'm sure every word meant something! It was a shame about the people he was teaching though, but nevermind. They had no idea, and that's not their fault, but i felt it was a real waste of Ray's knowledge, because the majority of people there will go home, think it was a good clinic and never learn from it. Saying that, 'You can't blame the blind for not seeing.' They will see it eventually...it's all part of the journey!
We went to see a movie in town on Saturday night called Made of Honor. It was very funny. Half the film was set in Scotland though, which made me a bit homesick. They spoke with a proper scottish accent at times, and i cracked up laughing on my own in the cinema until someone translated it in the movie!!! That was funny.
Sunday morning was spent at the laundromat...joy! Meanwhile, the newbies turned up-only 11 this time. Orientation was at 3, so a few of us went to play with our horses and the pond before that. I sent Dusty in at liberty....after he ran off once...:-p I then hopped on bareback and bridleless, checked out my basics, then went riding in the pond. I got soaked up to my knees, but it was great fun. Don't worry mum i had my trainers on.....i didn't ruin my boots. There are some cool pictures which i hope people will send in emails or whatever.
Oh, and something else. A lady turned up on Friday, whose name is Ally(well that's the shortened version) She is a high level dressage rider from Costa Rica, and has come to spend the last 2 weeks with us. After that she will spend 2 weeks riding with Pat. She is a lovely lady, and is a lot of fun too. She's working on her L2 right now, but we watched a couple of video's of her riding and she's a great rider.
Anyway, food calls now! It's lunchtime!
Take care, xxxx
On friday afternoon i just got Dusty out and went for a little wander around, then jumped on and rode bareback. Julia asked me if i had ridden bridleless yet, to which i replied 'no'. I walked into the roundpen, took off his halter, and had an awesome ride. Everything was there, it was very very nice. After that i did my forward roll off the back of him which lots of people thought was cool.
On Saturday i had a very lucky opportunity to go spectate a clinic about 30 mins from here. It was my first time seeing him, and most probably my last. Ray Hunt was teaching colt starting, horsemanship and cow working. I stayed all day saturday. It was wonderful listening to him, and trying to take in everything he said, as i'm sure every word meant something! It was a shame about the people he was teaching though, but nevermind. They had no idea, and that's not their fault, but i felt it was a real waste of Ray's knowledge, because the majority of people there will go home, think it was a good clinic and never learn from it. Saying that, 'You can't blame the blind for not seeing.' They will see it eventually...it's all part of the journey!
We went to see a movie in town on Saturday night called Made of Honor. It was very funny. Half the film was set in Scotland though, which made me a bit homesick. They spoke with a proper scottish accent at times, and i cracked up laughing on my own in the cinema until someone translated it in the movie!!! That was funny.
Sunday morning was spent at the laundromat...joy! Meanwhile, the newbies turned up-only 11 this time. Orientation was at 3, so a few of us went to play with our horses and the pond before that. I sent Dusty in at liberty....after he ran off once...:-p I then hopped on bareback and bridleless, checked out my basics, then went riding in the pond. I got soaked up to my knees, but it was great fun. Don't worry mum i had my trainers on.....i didn't ruin my boots. There are some cool pictures which i hope people will send in emails or whatever.
Oh, and something else. A lady turned up on Friday, whose name is Ally(well that's the shortened version) She is a high level dressage rider from Costa Rica, and has come to spend the last 2 weeks with us. After that she will spend 2 weeks riding with Pat. She is a lovely lady, and is a lot of fun too. She's working on her L2 right now, but we watched a couple of video's of her riding and she's a great rider.
Anyway, food calls now! It's lunchtime!
Take care, xxxx
Friday, June 13, 2008
Friday 13th
Hiiiii guys!
Well we're at the end of course 2!!!! This past 2 weeks has gone SO fast!
Yesterday we had tournaments in the morning. It started off with a faculty tournament, which was great fun. It was really really good to see!
After that we did student tournaments. They were really good too. It was good for me, because it brought my competetive side up but i was able to think about my horse rather than the winning or getting the task done.
Oh, on wednesday night, we had Tim Sullivan, who is a local musician/entertainer come to the campfire and play guitar and sing. There is a picture on the video of the fluidity 1 course of him. He was very good!
Thursday afternoon we went for a big trail ride which was awesome. Really good fun and beautiful scenery too.
Today was finale day.....sad day again. But, before we broke for lunch, the faculty gave us a demo of what they are playing with with their horses, which was really brilliant. It was a real inspiration and got everyone really fired up. Terra and Trevor roped the mechanical cow, John rode one horse bridleless and drove another in front of him with long lines, and Avery played with A Kiss and A Hug whilst riding A Kiss. It was sooooooo awesome!
Elle xxxx
Well we're at the end of course 2!!!! This past 2 weeks has gone SO fast!
Yesterday we had tournaments in the morning. It started off with a faculty tournament, which was great fun. It was really really good to see!
After that we did student tournaments. They were really good too. It was good for me, because it brought my competetive side up but i was able to think about my horse rather than the winning or getting the task done.
Oh, on wednesday night, we had Tim Sullivan, who is a local musician/entertainer come to the campfire and play guitar and sing. There is a picture on the video of the fluidity 1 course of him. He was very good!
Thursday afternoon we went for a big trail ride which was awesome. Really good fun and beautiful scenery too.
Today was finale day.....sad day again. But, before we broke for lunch, the faculty gave us a demo of what they are playing with with their horses, which was really brilliant. It was a real inspiration and got everyone really fired up. Terra and Trevor roped the mechanical cow, John rode one horse bridleless and drove another in front of him with long lines, and Avery played with A Kiss and A Hug whilst riding A Kiss. It was sooooooo awesome!
Elle xxxx
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Wednesday 11th
Yesterday turned out to be Spooky Silhouettes day, not trail riding! It was fun. We watched a demo in the morning where Berin dragged a mechanical cow and got people to follow it with their horses. He did this again in a workshop that was running during the afternoon. We also played the matador game during a workshop. Basically, the faculty members were helping us to improve our HQ disengage and direct rein. If you were around at Lyla's course, then you'll remember the task.
Last night, 6 of us decided to go make a campfire somewhere out in the wilderness. It was great fun! We sat and talked, and had a fire, and we ate things called Smores, which are very yummy. It's like crackers with melted marshmallow and chocolate inbetween.
Today's theme is bridleless riding! Avery gave an awesome demo with her horse 'A Kiss' It's amazing what such a big horse is capable of! He is huge in all directions!!!! This afternoon there are lots of different workshops which we can go to, and at the end of the day there is a trail ride, depending on which stage you are at....Control, Confidence or Competence.
Oh i almost forgot.....Yesterday we were doing trail riding simulations in the morning, and while the whole group was busy, a few people noticed Pat and Linda turn up on their horses. Linda was on Allure, and Pat was on a new horse of his called Savvy. She is from the Atwood ranch, and she's beautiful! They also had a special guest, who's name is Julie Crone. She was a jockey and was the only female jockey to be admitted into the hall of fame! Impressive. She won $91 million from her years of racing! Then she met Pat and is helping him to turn around the world of racing! She was riding Smart Seven!
So that was very cool! Oh and Kristi is back. She went away for a while for her daughters graduation, but she's back now! Yay!
Tonight we have campfire, with Pat, Tim Sullivan and Katie Drake. However, the wind is still pretty rough. Let's hope it drops!
That's it for today!
xxxx
Last night, 6 of us decided to go make a campfire somewhere out in the wilderness. It was great fun! We sat and talked, and had a fire, and we ate things called Smores, which are very yummy. It's like crackers with melted marshmallow and chocolate inbetween.
Today's theme is bridleless riding! Avery gave an awesome demo with her horse 'A Kiss' It's amazing what such a big horse is capable of! He is huge in all directions!!!! This afternoon there are lots of different workshops which we can go to, and at the end of the day there is a trail ride, depending on which stage you are at....Control, Confidence or Competence.
Oh i almost forgot.....Yesterday we were doing trail riding simulations in the morning, and while the whole group was busy, a few people noticed Pat and Linda turn up on their horses. Linda was on Allure, and Pat was on a new horse of his called Savvy. She is from the Atwood ranch, and she's beautiful! They also had a special guest, who's name is Julie Crone. She was a jockey and was the only female jockey to be admitted into the hall of fame! Impressive. She won $91 million from her years of racing! Then she met Pat and is helping him to turn around the world of racing! She was riding Smart Seven!
So that was very cool! Oh and Kristi is back. She went away for a while for her daughters graduation, but she's back now! Yay!
Tonight we have campfire, with Pat, Tim Sullivan and Katie Drake. However, the wind is still pretty rough. Let's hope it drops!
That's it for today!
xxxx
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Tuesday 10th
Well, yesterday was ribs day! No we didn't eat ribs for dinner, though that would have fitted quite well!
We looked at how ribs help us or prevent us from moving in certain ways, and how to help our horse become as flexible on one side as the other, and ourselves too!!! I found it difficult with Dusty to get sideways motion...i think that's a LB thing. I'm so used to Lorraine moving sideways so easily.
I watched a fascinating session with Trevor and Julie(from England). She's never saddled a horse before and the horse she leased from Texas is pretty unconfident. So, Trevor spent a long time building up to the saddling, by first improving Julie's rope/pad/saddle skills and also desensitising the horse. It was awesome to watch! In the end, she managed to saddle her horse by herself! Brilliant!
In the evening Katie Drake came and did a small performance in the lodge, which was really cool. She's a great singer, and like all of the people here, very genuine and friendly.
No more bear sightings for now, but Charity(a room mate of mine) and I sat and watched a deer outside of our cabin for about 20 mins last night. We shone the torch through the window and watched. That was pretty cool.
I think today is trail riding day, but i'm not entirely sure! I guess i will find out in a little while.
xxx
We looked at how ribs help us or prevent us from moving in certain ways, and how to help our horse become as flexible on one side as the other, and ourselves too!!! I found it difficult with Dusty to get sideways motion...i think that's a LB thing. I'm so used to Lorraine moving sideways so easily.
I watched a fascinating session with Trevor and Julie(from England). She's never saddled a horse before and the horse she leased from Texas is pretty unconfident. So, Trevor spent a long time building up to the saddling, by first improving Julie's rope/pad/saddle skills and also desensitising the horse. It was awesome to watch! In the end, she managed to saddle her horse by herself! Brilliant!
In the evening Katie Drake came and did a small performance in the lodge, which was really cool. She's a great singer, and like all of the people here, very genuine and friendly.
No more bear sightings for now, but Charity(a room mate of mine) and I sat and watched a deer outside of our cabin for about 20 mins last night. We shone the torch through the window and watched. That was pretty cool.
I think today is trail riding day, but i'm not entirely sure! I guess i will find out in a little while.
xxx
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Sunday 8th
Evening everyone!
We just saw the coolest thing....a brown bear came down onto the ranch and was wandering around, and came around 50m to 75m away. It was soooooo cool. The highlight of my day!! Weekends are becoming a bit boring. There isn't a lot to do round Pagosa, especially when you don't have a car.
Friday was leadership day. We were looking at it through an impulsion point of view. It was pretty interesting. We also had a special guest.......Linda! She came and had a chat with us which was cool. I rode Dusty bareback, which was hilarious, because i kept sliding backwards everytime we trotted. He's like a motorboat....or he's uphill is probably a better way to put it. I've been experimenting with trying to be fluid enough that i don't get pushed back, but it's hard work.
Friday night i went out to a new friends house with a group of people where we got to sit on sofa's and watch movies!!!! woohooo! I miss sofa's...lol. Saturday was an extremely lazy day, and today has been pretty lazy, but i did play with dusty and rode a bit. I discovered why my draw on yo-yo isn't great....Dusty waits for pressure on the halter before he comes in, so i played with getting him to draw on my body language rather than waiting for pressure on the halter.
When i rode, my trot was a lot better...i think we're getting there, but i have a lot more appreciation of 'narrow' horses, as i have to stay very central on Dusty otherwise i tip off to one side. His canter is a dream though...very smooth and so easy to sit to.
Tomorrow is the start of week 4....only 3 weeks left...:-(
xxx
We just saw the coolest thing....a brown bear came down onto the ranch and was wandering around, and came around 50m to 75m away. It was soooooo cool. The highlight of my day!! Weekends are becoming a bit boring. There isn't a lot to do round Pagosa, especially when you don't have a car.
Friday was leadership day. We were looking at it through an impulsion point of view. It was pretty interesting. We also had a special guest.......Linda! She came and had a chat with us which was cool. I rode Dusty bareback, which was hilarious, because i kept sliding backwards everytime we trotted. He's like a motorboat....or he's uphill is probably a better way to put it. I've been experimenting with trying to be fluid enough that i don't get pushed back, but it's hard work.
Friday night i went out to a new friends house with a group of people where we got to sit on sofa's and watch movies!!!! woohooo! I miss sofa's...lol. Saturday was an extremely lazy day, and today has been pretty lazy, but i did play with dusty and rode a bit. I discovered why my draw on yo-yo isn't great....Dusty waits for pressure on the halter before he comes in, so i played with getting him to draw on my body language rather than waiting for pressure on the halter.
When i rode, my trot was a lot better...i think we're getting there, but i have a lot more appreciation of 'narrow' horses, as i have to stay very central on Dusty otherwise i tip off to one side. His canter is a dream though...very smooth and so easy to sit to.
Tomorrow is the start of week 4....only 3 weeks left...:-(
xxx
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Thursday cont.
So, today was fluidity day. In the classroom this morning we did a few simulations, and went through all the strategies for helping us be fluid at different gaits.
We had a fluidity makeover too, where we had 2 students come in, and had the faculty help them. That was interesting to watch! After that we were pretty much able to just go experiment.
Dusty has an awesome trot and canter!!! He is SO powerful, and was offering extended trot and everything. It was great fun. The canter was very very smooth aswell which was cool. I discovered a few habits which i'm going to try and change over the next few weeks. Warm up strong to ride soft...i only ended up riding for a short time after warming up for around 45 mins or so. I think i rode for 30 mins?
Was a good day. It snowed a bit this morning but the afternoon was pretty nice.
xxxx
We had a fluidity makeover too, where we had 2 students come in, and had the faculty help them. That was interesting to watch! After that we were pretty much able to just go experiment.
Dusty has an awesome trot and canter!!! He is SO powerful, and was offering extended trot and everything. It was great fun. The canter was very very smooth aswell which was cool. I discovered a few habits which i'm going to try and change over the next few weeks. Warm up strong to ride soft...i only ended up riding for a short time after warming up for around 45 mins or so. I think i rode for 30 mins?
Was a good day. It snowed a bit this morning but the afternoon was pretty nice.
xxxx
Thursday 5th
Hi everyone,
Tuesday was posture day!! We looked at our own posture and at our horses posture. We looked at good banana's and bad banana's, and went and checked out our own horses. We marked where our horses scapula was with crayon type stuff, you know what i mean...and also where our horses were over and under developed, whether that be muscle, fat or lack of both.
In the afternoon we played with preparation for saddling!-being able to walk, trot and canter, do transitions, and jump at a walk, trot and canter. This was to see if our horse was mentally and emotionally fit for saddling.
Yesterday was saddle day! And also riding day! First everyone put their saddles on logs, and everyone went and sat on each saddle. After that we had a classroom session on saddles, what to check for, good and bad saddles, and shimming. We also had a demo from Berin on preparation for riding. So, first do your prep's for saddling, and then go on and prep for riding.
After lunch we had a demo on shimming, using the faculty's horses as demo's. Finally we got out to our horses!!! I've had issues with my saddle....as in...i never got given one! So, finally i got a saddle. I'm riding in the natural performer. It's a nice saddle. Dusty has a lot more go when we ride, so that's cool. Our instructions were to practice HQ disengage, lateral flexion, direct rein, and just mosey with our horse. It was very interesting to see that a lot of people did those few things, then just carried on 'working on' what they had been doing before they came here. Is it just me or don't they get it? Oh well, it's everyone's own individual journey. We didn't ride for 2 weeks....there's a reason for that! But, Dusty and i went for a good wander around, playing me and my shadow. Others were cantering/galloping around. When i asked them how it was going, the response generally was...''Hmmm, okay'' Whereas mine was ''Yeah, great!'' I wasn't asking much from Dusty, i really wasn't, but what i did ask was very soft and willing! I just found it very interesting!
Today is fluidity day, but it's raining, so i don't know how much riding we'll do.
Congratulations Linda on passing your level 1!!!!
xxxxx
Tuesday was posture day!! We looked at our own posture and at our horses posture. We looked at good banana's and bad banana's, and went and checked out our own horses. We marked where our horses scapula was with crayon type stuff, you know what i mean...and also where our horses were over and under developed, whether that be muscle, fat or lack of both.
In the afternoon we played with preparation for saddling!-being able to walk, trot and canter, do transitions, and jump at a walk, trot and canter. This was to see if our horse was mentally and emotionally fit for saddling.
Yesterday was saddle day! And also riding day! First everyone put their saddles on logs, and everyone went and sat on each saddle. After that we had a classroom session on saddles, what to check for, good and bad saddles, and shimming. We also had a demo from Berin on preparation for riding. So, first do your prep's for saddling, and then go on and prep for riding.
After lunch we had a demo on shimming, using the faculty's horses as demo's. Finally we got out to our horses!!! I've had issues with my saddle....as in...i never got given one! So, finally i got a saddle. I'm riding in the natural performer. It's a nice saddle. Dusty has a lot more go when we ride, so that's cool. Our instructions were to practice HQ disengage, lateral flexion, direct rein, and just mosey with our horse. It was very interesting to see that a lot of people did those few things, then just carried on 'working on' what they had been doing before they came here. Is it just me or don't they get it? Oh well, it's everyone's own individual journey. We didn't ride for 2 weeks....there's a reason for that! But, Dusty and i went for a good wander around, playing me and my shadow. Others were cantering/galloping around. When i asked them how it was going, the response generally was...''Hmmm, okay'' Whereas mine was ''Yeah, great!'' I wasn't asking much from Dusty, i really wasn't, but what i did ask was very soft and willing! I just found it very interesting!
Today is fluidity day, but it's raining, so i don't know how much riding we'll do.
Congratulations Linda on passing your level 1!!!!
xxxxx
Monday, June 2, 2008
Monday 2nd
Hi Guys,
Hope everyone had a good weekend! I certainly did.
Friday turned out very emotional for most people! We were shown video's, and handed out certificates, and spent some time reflecting on the 2 weeks. It was very good...although i got a little emotional, it really brought everything together. I felt a bit lost still at the end of the course, but i found an ending there, or at least a stepping stone in the road.
On Friday night a group of us, around 20 i guess, went out to celebrate one of the ranch crew's birthday. Sam turned 23. So we went to a bar in town, and spent a lot of time dancing and drinking. it was a very fun night, however the morning was a different story!
On Saturday we did laundry and had a wander round town. I think we were there until around lunchtime, and in the afternoon we pretty much just chilled out. That evening we went to the cinema to see a movie called Baby Mama. It was RUBBISH! Oh well!
On Sunday i helped Trevor with parking the newbies trailers up at the car park, then in the afternoon we had orientation for the following 2 weeks. In the evening a group of us went to the hot springs, where we conducted a very funny experiment. We had practiced in class how to help a RBI come out of their shell. We caused them to become curious by matching and mirroring. Mirror their stance and mirror their breathing. So, at the hot springs, there was this guy standing underneath a waterfall obviously in his little happy place in his head. He had been standing there for a long time...same position and everything. So, the others dared me to go match and mirror him and see how long it takes to get him to look at me. So, i walked over the waterfall and took up position next to him, only a foot away or so, and matched his stance and his breathing. It took about 1 1/2 mins before he looked at me, at which point i couldnt stop myself from giggling anymore, so i had to leave. It was hilarious! We're off to the springs again tomorrow, so i will see if we can come up with any more experiments.
Today during remuda we played with our 45ft line, and our CS'. One game was quick draw with CS'. We had to flick the stick up with the string and catch it, then hit a certain point. After that we played with improving our skills with the 45ft line.
After that we had a classroom session, and basic introduction to everyone(the faculty). Next we had a demo from Avery and her horse 'A kiss' on me and my shadow. We went and played with that for a while before another demo from Avery with a students horse on Control, Confidence, Competence. The aim was to saddle the horse, but we never got there. But hey, that's ok. Play with the horse that shows up!
My play session with Dusty today was awesome. He was very willing and we had a lot of fun. So, i'm a happy little munchkin tonight :-)
Oh, i forgot to mention...we had a simulation on the seatbuilders today too...a.k.a Big Red! I forgot how much fun they were!!!
Thats it for today guys!
Take care and keep it natural!
xxxx
Hope everyone had a good weekend! I certainly did.
Friday turned out very emotional for most people! We were shown video's, and handed out certificates, and spent some time reflecting on the 2 weeks. It was very good...although i got a little emotional, it really brought everything together. I felt a bit lost still at the end of the course, but i found an ending there, or at least a stepping stone in the road.
On Friday night a group of us, around 20 i guess, went out to celebrate one of the ranch crew's birthday. Sam turned 23. So we went to a bar in town, and spent a lot of time dancing and drinking. it was a very fun night, however the morning was a different story!
On Saturday we did laundry and had a wander round town. I think we were there until around lunchtime, and in the afternoon we pretty much just chilled out. That evening we went to the cinema to see a movie called Baby Mama. It was RUBBISH! Oh well!
On Sunday i helped Trevor with parking the newbies trailers up at the car park, then in the afternoon we had orientation for the following 2 weeks. In the evening a group of us went to the hot springs, where we conducted a very funny experiment. We had practiced in class how to help a RBI come out of their shell. We caused them to become curious by matching and mirroring. Mirror their stance and mirror their breathing. So, at the hot springs, there was this guy standing underneath a waterfall obviously in his little happy place in his head. He had been standing there for a long time...same position and everything. So, the others dared me to go match and mirror him and see how long it takes to get him to look at me. So, i walked over the waterfall and took up position next to him, only a foot away or so, and matched his stance and his breathing. It took about 1 1/2 mins before he looked at me, at which point i couldnt stop myself from giggling anymore, so i had to leave. It was hilarious! We're off to the springs again tomorrow, so i will see if we can come up with any more experiments.
Today during remuda we played with our 45ft line, and our CS'. One game was quick draw with CS'. We had to flick the stick up with the string and catch it, then hit a certain point. After that we played with improving our skills with the 45ft line.
After that we had a classroom session, and basic introduction to everyone(the faculty). Next we had a demo from Avery and her horse 'A kiss' on me and my shadow. We went and played with that for a while before another demo from Avery with a students horse on Control, Confidence, Competence. The aim was to saddle the horse, but we never got there. But hey, that's ok. Play with the horse that shows up!
My play session with Dusty today was awesome. He was very willing and we had a lot of fun. So, i'm a happy little munchkin tonight :-)
Oh, i forgot to mention...we had a simulation on the seatbuilders today too...a.k.a Big Red! I forgot how much fun they were!!!
Thats it for today guys!
Take care and keep it natural!
xxxx
Friday, May 30, 2008
Friday 30th
Yesterday morning in remuda's our group did a lot of simulations with Trevor. It was really good fun, and very interesting too. We learned how to teach spins in the round pen as well as problem solving and practicing things like change of direction. We also played a very large circling game, where everyone in the group was a horse and trevor was the person in the middle. Everyone felt very different things from him doing the same thing. Very interesting.
Classroom session, aka demo session was all about sideways and squeeze. Megan went through that with her horse Nexus, and then we had problem solving with Terra. Megan came in again to do a inspirational demo. Her horse loves to jump, and boy can he jump high!
In the afternoon there were a couple of workshops set up, one of which was swimming! Well....getting your horse in the pond really. A few horses swam, but not many. Dusty went in, turned and looked at me, and said 'What now?!' He's definately been there, done it and got the T-shirt!
Just after dinner a few of us noticed a loose horse out in the meadow, and went out to investigate. Turns out that loose horse was Allure, and he was following Linda and Remmer up to the lodge. So, we all went and talked to Linda, and thanked her many many times, for loads of different things. Everyone got frisked by Allure...he's a very funny character. I think Linda will be around more in the coming week to do demo's etc. At least she said we'll see more of her next week!:-D
After that i decided to go to the hot springs again with a few people....it's heavenly! I wish i had one of those at home!!! hehe
Today is the final day of the first 2 weeks! It feels like we've been here for so long, but that time has passed so quickly! We have remuda's, and then what they call the finale! No idea what that will be like.
El xx
Classroom session, aka demo session was all about sideways and squeeze. Megan went through that with her horse Nexus, and then we had problem solving with Terra. Megan came in again to do a inspirational demo. Her horse loves to jump, and boy can he jump high!
In the afternoon there were a couple of workshops set up, one of which was swimming! Well....getting your horse in the pond really. A few horses swam, but not many. Dusty went in, turned and looked at me, and said 'What now?!' He's definately been there, done it and got the T-shirt!
Just after dinner a few of us noticed a loose horse out in the meadow, and went out to investigate. Turns out that loose horse was Allure, and he was following Linda and Remmer up to the lodge. So, we all went and talked to Linda, and thanked her many many times, for loads of different things. Everyone got frisked by Allure...he's a very funny character. I think Linda will be around more in the coming week to do demo's etc. At least she said we'll see more of her next week!:-D
After that i decided to go to the hot springs again with a few people....it's heavenly! I wish i had one of those at home!!! hehe
Today is the final day of the first 2 weeks! It feels like we've been here for so long, but that time has passed so quickly! We have remuda's, and then what they call the finale! No idea what that will be like.
El xx
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Thursday 29th
This week is going SOOOOO fast! Last week was very slow, but i don't know where the days have gone this week. Crazy!
Anyway, yesterday was a good and exciting day. We had remuda's, and had trailer loading demo's. After that we went to the small coverall to get lessons on the circling game. Kristi demonstrated with her horsey Olay. Then John did problem solving with 3 different horses, so that we could get some more arrows for our quiver.
After lunch we had a VERY exciting special guest......Pat Parelli and Casper! Pat gave us a talk on the circling game, and used Casper for demo, and of course did some inspirational stuff too! It was fab. Apparently Pat doesn't do those kind of demo's anymore so that was really cool. And it was cool to see Casper seeing as he doesn't go out on the road anymore.
That was followed by our play session with our horses. I had a great session, apart from the fact i got a learn burn. I had a 50% chance of being right, and i was wrong! Oh well. The rest of the session was great though. Played circling at liberty, and sat on a barrel in the middle. We did transitions, and change of direction whilst i was on the barrel, that was SO cool. Then we had a little play with increasing his confidence with zone 5 driving, and we managed to canter and come back to a back up from zone 5. Dead chuffed!
Also, i didn't have a lot of respect out in the meadow field, so i had to make a game out of grass eating. So, i sent him on a circle, and every time he thought about eating grass i'd change direction. He soon got the idea it was much harder to try and eat than it was to just maintain his responsibilities.
Last night was cool too. We had a campfire with Pat. Megan(faculty), Sam(ranch crew), Nicole(tour team) and Jake(tour team) also joined Pat on guitars. We had a evening of sing alongs, and general fun. I really enjoyed that.
I'm gonna scoot now. Remember i need to know asap if you want that discount to come here!!!!
Take care,
Elle xxx
Anyway, yesterday was a good and exciting day. We had remuda's, and had trailer loading demo's. After that we went to the small coverall to get lessons on the circling game. Kristi demonstrated with her horsey Olay. Then John did problem solving with 3 different horses, so that we could get some more arrows for our quiver.
After lunch we had a VERY exciting special guest......Pat Parelli and Casper! Pat gave us a talk on the circling game, and used Casper for demo, and of course did some inspirational stuff too! It was fab. Apparently Pat doesn't do those kind of demo's anymore so that was really cool. And it was cool to see Casper seeing as he doesn't go out on the road anymore.
That was followed by our play session with our horses. I had a great session, apart from the fact i got a learn burn. I had a 50% chance of being right, and i was wrong! Oh well. The rest of the session was great though. Played circling at liberty, and sat on a barrel in the middle. We did transitions, and change of direction whilst i was on the barrel, that was SO cool. Then we had a little play with increasing his confidence with zone 5 driving, and we managed to canter and come back to a back up from zone 5. Dead chuffed!
Also, i didn't have a lot of respect out in the meadow field, so i had to make a game out of grass eating. So, i sent him on a circle, and every time he thought about eating grass i'd change direction. He soon got the idea it was much harder to try and eat than it was to just maintain his responsibilities.
Last night was cool too. We had a campfire with Pat. Megan(faculty), Sam(ranch crew), Nicole(tour team) and Jake(tour team) also joined Pat on guitars. We had a evening of sing alongs, and general fun. I really enjoyed that.
I'm gonna scoot now. Remember i need to know asap if you want that discount to come here!!!!
Take care,
Elle xxx
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Wednesday 28th
Hi everyone,
Sorry i haven't posted for a while...been busy. The weekend was pretty relaxing...i was SO tired. Sunday night a few of us went to the hot springs which was amazing. I could have stayed there forever, apart from the fact i was turning into a prune!!!
Monday's theme was the principle games, so games 1,2 and 3. We played with these, and played with giving them purpose, and also playing at liberty. I realised a lot of things that day. Some things were about me, and some things were about my relationship with a horse at home.
Yesterday was all about the yo-yo game. We also had a chance to play zone 5 driving with 2 reins in our remuda's with conga horses, which was fun. Again, we went out and played with giving the yo-yo game a purpose. That is the main theme for this whole week- purpose!
I really learned about 'Cause your idea to be your horses idea, but understand their idea first' yesterday. I kept thinking about stopping Dusty from eating grass, then Terra suggested i try switching sides and driving him back where i wanted him, so that he found my idea much easier than drifing off to eat grass. Obvious really, but isn't that the same with everything!
We also played volleyball on monday night...hilarious. I really cannot play volleyball....... However, i have another 4 weeks to get good at it!
Finally, we had a Q&A session yesterday with John Barr, faculty head, about anything to do with Parelli other than horsemanship. At the end of it, we were all given gift certificates which gave us a discount to a 2 week course, a 4 week course and a 6 week course. This doesn't happen often, and I would like to offer these discounts to anyone who wants to come to the center this year.
The discounts are
2 weeks- $738
4 weeks-$1475
6 weeks- $1991
These gift certificates are only valid until May 31st, so please contact me straight away if you would love this chance to be where i am...at the centre of it all...for less! You need to let me know before the 31st so that i can hand the form in!
Gotta go to remuda now,
Take care,
Elle x
Sorry i haven't posted for a while...been busy. The weekend was pretty relaxing...i was SO tired. Sunday night a few of us went to the hot springs which was amazing. I could have stayed there forever, apart from the fact i was turning into a prune!!!
Monday's theme was the principle games, so games 1,2 and 3. We played with these, and played with giving them purpose, and also playing at liberty. I realised a lot of things that day. Some things were about me, and some things were about my relationship with a horse at home.
Yesterday was all about the yo-yo game. We also had a chance to play zone 5 driving with 2 reins in our remuda's with conga horses, which was fun. Again, we went out and played with giving the yo-yo game a purpose. That is the main theme for this whole week- purpose!
I really learned about 'Cause your idea to be your horses idea, but understand their idea first' yesterday. I kept thinking about stopping Dusty from eating grass, then Terra suggested i try switching sides and driving him back where i wanted him, so that he found my idea much easier than drifing off to eat grass. Obvious really, but isn't that the same with everything!
We also played volleyball on monday night...hilarious. I really cannot play volleyball....... However, i have another 4 weeks to get good at it!
Finally, we had a Q&A session yesterday with John Barr, faculty head, about anything to do with Parelli other than horsemanship. At the end of it, we were all given gift certificates which gave us a discount to a 2 week course, a 4 week course and a 6 week course. This doesn't happen often, and I would like to offer these discounts to anyone who wants to come to the center this year.
The discounts are
2 weeks- $738
4 weeks-$1475
6 weeks- $1991
These gift certificates are only valid until May 31st, so please contact me straight away if you would love this chance to be where i am...at the centre of it all...for less! You need to let me know before the 31st so that i can hand the form in!
Gotta go to remuda now,
Take care,
Elle x
Friday, May 23, 2008
Friday 23rd
Hey guys!
This morning i woke up and saw frost on all the trees just higher than the ranch. That was cool. It was hella cold at night, but in the morning it was a lot better. However, weather got worse during the day-it snowed all of today.
So, we started off with goup remuda again, and then we did a classroom session on human horsenalities, and we tried to figure out where we ended up on the chart. That was very interesting, and also a bit difficult for some people, me included. After that we had a trailer loading session in the big coverall, followed by a workshop which focussed on assertiveness. The aim was to see if we could go up our phases, and not get aggressive. Also just to see what happened. We also had some rope skills tasks to try out, which were pretty fun.
It was around 5 by the time we finished that, so i got Dusty out and took him for some grazing, and to dry off in the big top(the big coverall). Woah! I am totally changing my mind about this horse. He is very LBE, and it is so much fun! He rears, strikes, jumps through the air etc etc. It's awesome!
I've also got some new card games to show you guys when i get home :-) They are very fun, a little dangerous at times though.
Apparently the weather might get better on Sunday. We're off to go do laundry, shopping, and visit the hot springs tomorrow i think. We can also get a bit of a lie in...woohoo! Though i wake up around 5.30 whether we have alarms or not!
In answer to your question Shells, we have a few different areas. There is the savvy park, which is a few acres and has obstacles, and a LARGE pond, then there is the small coverall, which i guess you can fit 2 or 3 50ft round pens in... Then there is the playground, which is pretty big, the big top, the grande arena, which is the huge sand arena you see in dvd's and such, and finally 'the meadow' i think they call it. That's pretty big too. So, there's lots of space, and we can use all of it. I will try and take some overview pictures to bring home. I will try and remember to take my camera with me this weekend!
Have a great playday everyone who will be at Bankhead! I look forward to hearing about it.
It's a little cold to be staying in the pc room for long, so im gonna head back to the lodge. Take care,
Elle xxxx
This morning i woke up and saw frost on all the trees just higher than the ranch. That was cool. It was hella cold at night, but in the morning it was a lot better. However, weather got worse during the day-it snowed all of today.
So, we started off with goup remuda again, and then we did a classroom session on human horsenalities, and we tried to figure out where we ended up on the chart. That was very interesting, and also a bit difficult for some people, me included. After that we had a trailer loading session in the big coverall, followed by a workshop which focussed on assertiveness. The aim was to see if we could go up our phases, and not get aggressive. Also just to see what happened. We also had some rope skills tasks to try out, which were pretty fun.
It was around 5 by the time we finished that, so i got Dusty out and took him for some grazing, and to dry off in the big top(the big coverall). Woah! I am totally changing my mind about this horse. He is very LBE, and it is so much fun! He rears, strikes, jumps through the air etc etc. It's awesome!
I've also got some new card games to show you guys when i get home :-) They are very fun, a little dangerous at times though.
Apparently the weather might get better on Sunday. We're off to go do laundry, shopping, and visit the hot springs tomorrow i think. We can also get a bit of a lie in...woohoo! Though i wake up around 5.30 whether we have alarms or not!
In answer to your question Shells, we have a few different areas. There is the savvy park, which is a few acres and has obstacles, and a LARGE pond, then there is the small coverall, which i guess you can fit 2 or 3 50ft round pens in... Then there is the playground, which is pretty big, the big top, the grande arena, which is the huge sand arena you see in dvd's and such, and finally 'the meadow' i think they call it. That's pretty big too. So, there's lots of space, and we can use all of it. I will try and take some overview pictures to bring home. I will try and remember to take my camera with me this weekend!
Have a great playday everyone who will be at Bankhead! I look forward to hearing about it.
It's a little cold to be staying in the pc room for long, so im gonna head back to the lodge. Take care,
Elle xxxx
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
May 21st
Today was a very full day... I am pretty brain dead, but i guess that's a good thing!
This morning started again with our Remuda's, where we talked a bit and did some more games. We played the communication game. That was a lot of fun, and involved a lot of giggling. We also did some classwork on strategies for the different horsenalities, and then had demo's following on from that.
Mark Weiler came to talk to us today after lunch. A few of us already chatted to him last night, but the whole group had a chance to ask questions today. It was very interesting to listen to him, and also very exciting! There is going to be some cool stuff happening this year. Sadly i can't tell you, but be excited!!!
After that we went out and played with our horses. It was a pretty windy and dusty day. The dust flying around is not a lot of fun i can tell you, but hey, nevermind. I discovered i thought i had a LBI, but actually had a mostly LBE today, which was really cool. He reminded me a lot of Frankie today.. hmm how interesting! In the good ways though. I seemed to be able to get him pretty motivated, which was really cool. I think i will try the 45ft line tomorrow and see if we can progress to getting more respect on longer lines. This week is still observation, and i'm trying very hard to observe, remember and compare everything. We have been asked to determine our horses horsenality in different situations, i.e. learning situation, herd situation, new environments etc.
That's it for today folks! Take care and keep it natural!
Elle xxxxx
This morning started again with our Remuda's, where we talked a bit and did some more games. We played the communication game. That was a lot of fun, and involved a lot of giggling. We also did some classwork on strategies for the different horsenalities, and then had demo's following on from that.
Mark Weiler came to talk to us today after lunch. A few of us already chatted to him last night, but the whole group had a chance to ask questions today. It was very interesting to listen to him, and also very exciting! There is going to be some cool stuff happening this year. Sadly i can't tell you, but be excited!!!
After that we went out and played with our horses. It was a pretty windy and dusty day. The dust flying around is not a lot of fun i can tell you, but hey, nevermind. I discovered i thought i had a LBI, but actually had a mostly LBE today, which was really cool. He reminded me a lot of Frankie today.. hmm how interesting! In the good ways though. I seemed to be able to get him pretty motivated, which was really cool. I think i will try the 45ft line tomorrow and see if we can progress to getting more respect on longer lines. This week is still observation, and i'm trying very hard to observe, remember and compare everything. We have been asked to determine our horses horsenality in different situations, i.e. learning situation, herd situation, new environments etc.
That's it for today folks! Take care and keep it natural!
Elle xxxxx
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
May 20th
So today i learned a few things...
Dusty is what they call an Appendix horse, which is a thoroughbred x quarter horse, so that's cool. He's also 21 years old!!! He doesn't look it, or seem it.
This morning we looked at horsenalities in the classroom, and had a couple of demo's and simulations relating to each horsenality. It was very interesting to simulate what to do for a RBI and RBE...and what not to do! :-D
Pat and Linda came home last night, and Pat and Caton came in to the classroom this morning to say hey! That was hella cool. He told us a bit about the ranch, how it started and got to how it was today and all that.
This afternoon we had workshops. Basically we had 4 different stations, with an obstacle at each, for example, a ball and a tarp. The faculty were around to help us read the horses and find out what strategy to use to help us. I had a really great afternoon with Dusty. We didn't really do much, but what we did, i was able to observe and remember, and compare to previous days. So that was cool. It's very difficult really making myself just observe...and to not ask too much of him. The point is not to go through the games this week, it's to observe his behaviour and really understand his horsenality. I also hung around to watch some of the faculty play with their horses, which is, of course, very inspiring.
That's about it for today! If there is anything small that anyone would like from the parelli shop, email me privately, and i will see if i can get it organised :-) They still have some iron on logo's. They are quite large...the 'Savvy' one and the parelli with horseheads one. Anyway, let me know. Saves on postage.
Elle xxxxx
Dusty is what they call an Appendix horse, which is a thoroughbred x quarter horse, so that's cool. He's also 21 years old!!! He doesn't look it, or seem it.
This morning we looked at horsenalities in the classroom, and had a couple of demo's and simulations relating to each horsenality. It was very interesting to simulate what to do for a RBI and RBE...and what not to do! :-D
Pat and Linda came home last night, and Pat and Caton came in to the classroom this morning to say hey! That was hella cool. He told us a bit about the ranch, how it started and got to how it was today and all that.
This afternoon we had workshops. Basically we had 4 different stations, with an obstacle at each, for example, a ball and a tarp. The faculty were around to help us read the horses and find out what strategy to use to help us. I had a really great afternoon with Dusty. We didn't really do much, but what we did, i was able to observe and remember, and compare to previous days. So that was cool. It's very difficult really making myself just observe...and to not ask too much of him. The point is not to go through the games this week, it's to observe his behaviour and really understand his horsenality. I also hung around to watch some of the faculty play with their horses, which is, of course, very inspiring.
That's about it for today! If there is anything small that anyone would like from the parelli shop, email me privately, and i will see if i can get it organised :-) They still have some iron on logo's. They are quite large...the 'Savvy' one and the parelli with horseheads one. Anyway, let me know. Saves on postage.
Elle xxxxx
Monday, May 19, 2008
May 19th
Hey guys,
So today was our first day! It was hella cool. Had a lot of fun.
Oops, rewind. Yesterday afternoon we met our lease horses....
We were split into 2 groups, one of 5 and one of 4. Each group was sent into a roundpen, with the equivalent number of horses in each. I went in and sat down, and immediately 3 chestnut horses came over to investigate me. They stayed for about 5 mins, checking me out, nibbling me, sniffing me etc. Then this big grey horse walked over and the others buggered off... The grey horse stuck. I found his itchy places, and we were told that if the horses followed us if we walked away, we could halter them up.
When i had him out the pen, Avery came and introduced me to my horse. His name is Dusty. He is the same Dusty as many of you will have seen in DVD's. Anyway, he's fab! I love him to bits already. He whickers when i walk towards his pen, and loves to stand and chill out with me, preferably with grass.
This afternoon we spent shadowing our horses. Dusty likes to eat....a lot. He doesn't have many other ideas apart from eating... At least i have found his motivation! I was just getting to know him today basically, so i'll post more again when i learn some new things or whatever. Right now we're being told to mainly observe the horses.
So, that's it for today. We have a lot of free time, so i might end up posting everyday...we'll see.
Elle xx
So today was our first day! It was hella cool. Had a lot of fun.
Oops, rewind. Yesterday afternoon we met our lease horses....
We were split into 2 groups, one of 5 and one of 4. Each group was sent into a roundpen, with the equivalent number of horses in each. I went in and sat down, and immediately 3 chestnut horses came over to investigate me. They stayed for about 5 mins, checking me out, nibbling me, sniffing me etc. Then this big grey horse walked over and the others buggered off... The grey horse stuck. I found his itchy places, and we were told that if the horses followed us if we walked away, we could halter them up.
When i had him out the pen, Avery came and introduced me to my horse. His name is Dusty. He is the same Dusty as many of you will have seen in DVD's. Anyway, he's fab! I love him to bits already. He whickers when i walk towards his pen, and loves to stand and chill out with me, preferably with grass.
This afternoon we spent shadowing our horses. Dusty likes to eat....a lot. He doesn't have many other ideas apart from eating... At least i have found his motivation! I was just getting to know him today basically, so i'll post more again when i learn some new things or whatever. Right now we're being told to mainly observe the horses.
So, that's it for today. We have a lot of free time, so i might end up posting everyday...we'll see.
Elle xx
Sunday, May 18, 2008
May 18th
Hi everyone!
I'm finally here!!! It is absolutely amazing. I was lost for words when i arrived. I almost cried too, no idea why though.
I've pretty much settled in, my cabin is pretty cool, and i'm sharing with Alice, a swedish girl and an american girl. There are approx. 65 people on the first 2 weeks. I had a chat with Kristi, one of the faculty at lunch. There will be 10 instructors! I think we'll get our fair share of attention!
We have orientation in around 30 mins, and after that i think we meet our lease horses. Yay! It's pretty warm here, and i can be pretty sure of getting fitter! I have a hill to walk up to get to my cabin lol.
I spent lots of money in the shop already....whoops. But i think that's me pretty much done. I've still gotta get the things for people back home, but i can do that later. If there is something you would like me to get, email me, and i can buy it, as long as you promise to pay me!!! :-p Actually...as long as you pay mum!
I reckon i'm gonna have an absolute ball here:-D
I'll post again maybe in a few days when i have more to report!! (apologies in advance if i sound american when i come home.............)
Take care!
Elle xxx
I'm finally here!!! It is absolutely amazing. I was lost for words when i arrived. I almost cried too, no idea why though.
I've pretty much settled in, my cabin is pretty cool, and i'm sharing with Alice, a swedish girl and an american girl. There are approx. 65 people on the first 2 weeks. I had a chat with Kristi, one of the faculty at lunch. There will be 10 instructors! I think we'll get our fair share of attention!
We have orientation in around 30 mins, and after that i think we meet our lease horses. Yay! It's pretty warm here, and i can be pretty sure of getting fitter! I have a hill to walk up to get to my cabin lol.
I spent lots of money in the shop already....whoops. But i think that's me pretty much done. I've still gotta get the things for people back home, but i can do that later. If there is something you would like me to get, email me, and i can buy it, as long as you promise to pay me!!! :-p Actually...as long as you pay mum!
I reckon i'm gonna have an absolute ball here:-D
I'll post again maybe in a few days when i have more to report!! (apologies in advance if i sound american when i come home.............)
Take care!
Elle xxx
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
May 14th
Don't you always find the day before you go somewhere incredibly pointless....You're packed up and ready to go...and you just have to draw the day out before you can actually go. That's how i feel right now, it sucks. As far as i know, everything is packed. I'll probably get on the plane and realise i've forgotten something, but oh well.
Had a look at the weather forecast...Looks pretty warm! :-D
I'll try and get to a pc when i've arrived, let you all know i'm safe blah blah blah. If i don't then I will post when i'm at the center.
Take care, and keep it natural!
Elle x
Had a look at the weather forecast...Looks pretty warm! :-D
I'll try and get to a pc when i've arrived, let you all know i'm safe blah blah blah. If i don't then I will post when i'm at the center.
Take care, and keep it natural!
Elle x
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
May 6th
Welcome to my blog! This time I will be keeping notes from my experience at the ISC in Colorado!
It's now only a week to go, and i'm finally getting excited! 6 weeks in horse heaven!!! I will be busy packing and watching the Liberty and Horse Behaviour pack before i go! I hope to post maybe once or twice a week. It just depends on when i get the chance to get onto a computer. So, i hope you enjoy!
Pictures may come, but that's not a promise.
Elle x
It's now only a week to go, and i'm finally getting excited! 6 weeks in horse heaven!!! I will be busy packing and watching the Liberty and Horse Behaviour pack before i go! I hope to post maybe once or twice a week. It just depends on when i get the chance to get onto a computer. So, i hope you enjoy!
Pictures may come, but that's not a promise.
Elle x
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