THE END OF THE SEASON: Horsemanship Reflections
Here in the Sierra Nevada foothills (we are right at the big
“uphill’ into the mountains and just 70 miles from Lake Tahoe) Fall is here and
Winter is close behind. Days are shorter, blankets are on the horses more often
than not and we begin to go into “maintenance” mode with our equine pals and
our horsemanship.
It has been one heck of a season! Here are some highlights:
HORSE SHOWS: We decided to try out a “horse show series”
this year. Unlike some of the obstacle challenges and trail trials we have done
in the past (and we love doing them by the way) where the partnership is judged
on communication and confidence, the classic horse show is all about “slow,
pretty and refined” in the riding and execution of maneuvers. Lots of tough
competition at these shows where horses and humans with some real experience in
this type of activity participate. We had to adapt quite a bit as did our
horses to be comfortable in this environment. However, we have to say that we
were really blessed and met some great folks during the show series. Other
riders shared their experiences in the show pen along with much laughter and
fellowship. The feeling of “community” certainly made all the hard work worth
it. Everyone encouraged everyone and that means everyone improves. We focused
on Trail Classes because – frankly – riding around in a big oval with 10 (or
more) other people just did not appeal to us. Those that it did and that
competed in those classes were fun to watch but we know our horses well enough
to know that those classes would not appeal to them. Trail Classes bring all
the skills needed to be successful in an obstacle challenge or trail trial to
the show pen and combine them with “slow, pretty and refined.” Our horses will
never have that “refined” look (Ronan is a chunky Foundation bred Quarter Horse
and Argent is a Kiger Mustang) but they did well overall and rose to every
challenge we placed in front of them. These shows also illuminated where we
could improve our “tool box” which was good. We wrapped up the season with a
wall full of multi-colored ribbons. Surprising to us Ronan won Reserve Champion
for the series and Argent placed 6th Overall respectively in the
overall high point category. Not bad for our first foray into this activity.
WORKSHOPS: Wow…so many cool moments! We hosted some
workshops and we were blessed to take part in others. We met so many fun people
and wonderful horses! We got to spend time and (as always) learned lots with
Susan Wirgler, Wendy Belt and Denise Veitz (all awesome trainers and
clinicians) We traveled around a bit. Foundation Skills, Obstacles, Improved
Communication, Training on the Trail, Round Pen, Confidence Building…the list
goes on and on. We covered lots of miles and lots of topics with the workshops,
lessons and clinics. We built up a real momentum and established some great
starting points to help one another achieve our horsemanship goals. Sharing in
the wins and seeing the improvements (also the “ah-ha” moments was and is such
a blessing. We are really looking forward to see what 2018 brings!
PROJECT & OTHER HORSES: We had a chance to help two
“project horses” this year. Both had some “unique” histories and so much
potential. Each had their own set of challenges that pushed our understanding
of the horse and horsemanship to new places. These “project horses” are
thriving with their new families and we could not be happier. They certainly do
teach us and we attempt to help them. We worked with some friends on getting
their horses more comfortable with trailer loading. We helped improve ground
manners and skills with other friends. Along the way we had a chance to help
one another find those holes in the partnership and make the bonds stronger.
Time spent in fellowship with good people and good horses is an investment for
the soul.
2017 5th ANNIVESARY SPRING EQUESTRIAN RETREAT:
Five years of hosting this event. Bar SZ Ranch is, as always, beautiful. We
tried some new activities and share so many awesome moments it is hard to put
it all into words. This event gets better each year! For 2017 we added the City
Slicker Cattle Drive, the Adventure Quest Poker Ride, the Arthouse Breakfast,
and City Slicker Team Sorting as well as some fun “mini-workshops” and the Beer
Truck! The Raffle is always a good time! We had lots of marksmen enjoy the
shooting range and the Knife/ Ax Throwing. We even had a Poker Night! The event
happens over Memorial Day Weekend and we certainly cram lots of food, and fun
into the 4 day/ 3 night event! In fact this event is SO much fun that we pretty
much filled up (we do a have few spots left) the 2018 registrations within 90
days of posting the details!
It was a good “season” of the horse in 2017!
2018 kicks off with a great “Spring Back Into Horsemanship”
workshop in February. We working on the concept for a “Patterns, Potluck &
Obstacles” workshop for March. There will be some field trips, horse shows and
more on the horizon. We look forward to sharing these experiences with you in
2018!
Thanks for making 2017 so much fun!
Cheers!
Laurie & Michael
