Neva Say Neva
Brought to you by www.naturalequipment.com.au
Welcome
Volume 1, Issue 4
by Lee Woodland
September 2006
Hi Everyone,
Wow, yet another month has flown by!
Articles and Adverts for
the newsletter.
I have had an awesome month with finally finding
some time to spend with the horses. I feel so
much better for it, so I am very determined to find
even more time as the days get longer.
The ‘Cow Camp’ with Owen Gwinn was just
fabulous; I had a fantastic time. I took Danny’s
horse ‘Mate’ and we had a whole lot of fun. Of
course it would not have been as much fun if it
wasn’t for the fantastic people, awesome instruction, beautiful property and the delightful cattle ☺.
When sending in your advert or article it would be
appreciated if you could
attach it to an email in a
Word document.
James Elsbury and Owen Gwinn, and of course it
would not be a Cow Camp without the cows.
We learnt a new game, got to play with the mechanical cow, and played with real cows.
Putting principles to purpose certainly made a huge difference. I found that I took things in so
much easier when I had a purpose to put them too. With Mate I really found that his turns,
backups, and stops were so light when he found he had a job to do, he really switched on and
it was a heap of fun.
Photo’s are also best sent
as an attachment .
Remember !
It is FREE to advertise and
free to receive the newsletter, so let your horsey
friends know about it!
Deadline for next issue is
20th October
Email-
Owen really had a heap of patience, he was always very, very helpful and you felt like you
could ask questions, which was great.
It was really fun to ride with my NHS friends again as I always enjoy the social side of these
courses as well.
Camilla Davidson was also teaching a group of students, so we got to socialise with some of
them of an evening as well.
It takes me seven hours to drive to Braidwood, but I have to say I don’t regret that time at all.
On the way there you get to think about the things you would like to learn and go over in your
head what you want it to feel like in your hands and body when your horse is working as your
partner. When you are there you are so glad you drove that distance, as it is really well worth
the effort to be at such a fabulous facility and with such a great instructor. Then you drive
home and on the way home you are thinking about what you have learnt and what your plan is
going to be when you get home.
I got home feeling very relaxed, tired yes, but it was such a great trip I am more than ready to
drive that seven hours back to attend the Cutting Camp with Richard Webb and Owen Gwinn
in October. I hope to see you there!
Please see page 8 for some photos that I took while at the camp ☺
Grab a drink, sit down, and enjoy this month’s newsletter.
[email protected]
Last Months
Competition Winner isNiki van Buuren
Congratulations! You have
won a Natural Equipment 22ft
Line valued at $80.00
Read the Winning Entry on
Page 3
As we had so many great
entries, we decided to reward
some more prizes. So all entries that are published in this
months newsletter will also
receive a ‘Free’ Think Like A
Pony Book, vauled at $30
Congratulations to all!
Volume 1, Issue 4
Page 2
Before we get into it I just wanted to say a big…
Thank You!
While I was preparing our most recent newsletter to send out this month it dawned on me that it’s been a while since I really
said ‘thank you’ for being with us. It’s your support that has enabled us to grow the way we have and it’s all thanks to you!
I’ve recently embarked on an Online Wealth Coaching Program with Lynn Pearce which is just fantastic because for many people the subject of ‘money’ and ‘finances’ makes them want to hide in a hole, but Lynn has developed a way to make her teaching easy and fun to understand and implement.
So in speaking with her team I’ve been able to organise a FREE E-program for you to receive called “The 7 Essential Keys
to Wealth – ignore these and you’ll always struggle financially”. I have chosen this gift because, firstly I wanted to say thank
you, and also because, being into horses myself, I know how expensive they can be!
Lynn’s program will guide you through the 7 steps you need to take to begin creating more income and financial stability for
yourself… which ultimately means… MORE HORSE TIME! Something I’m sure all of us would love, I know I would!
To receive your FREE Gift from me all you need to do is go to www.onlinewealthcoach.com.au and on the side bar there is a
field to enter your name and email address, simply fill that out and you will receive your “7 Essential Keys” course via email.
Thank you again for supporting Natural Equipment, we value you as a client and look forward to having a lasting relationship
with you.
Enjoy your Gift!
Kind Regards,
Lee Woodland
Natural Equipment
P.S You can get your FREE Thank You Gift at www.onlinewealthcoach.com.au enjoy!
Natural Horsemanship Clinic
In Murchison
with JAYNE GLENN
www.wranglerjayne.com
Email- [email protected]
Discover how Natural Horsemanship would work for you!….
Have a FUN, SAFER & MORE ENJOYABLE RELATIONSHIP WITH HORSES
DATES: Saturday 14th October
LOCATION: Murchison…venue to be decided.
9.00 am registration …. 9.30 am Start - Finish 4.30pm
Organisor : Leonie Quick - ph 0438 262509 / 58262358 [email protected]
Volume 1, Issue 4
Page 3
The most memorable day with my horse
By Niki van Buuren
I am bouncing off the walls tonight. No, I didn’t drink too much coffee again. I didn’t even eat a candy bar with enough sugar
to make an entire room of 8 year olds hyperactive.
I’m happy because my little mare actually greeted me happily when I went to visit her this afternoon.
I can hear a plethora of people out in cyberspace wondering what all the fuss is about- horses greet their humans all the time,
right? Right. Of course they do. Kahlua is different though.
The poor little thing hasn’t had much reason to greet humans happily in her life.
Earlier this year a friend of mine started taking me out to visit and play with her horses. I had met them before, a couple of years
previously, all very friendly, well handled animals that seemed to really enjoy human company.
She had another horse though, who was quite a bit different. The
little ASH mare had had a sad history of abuse with a previous
owner and several years later was still having issues dealing with
people. My friend had been trying to re-home her for a while but
so far the right person had not come along. She asked me if I was
interested in doing some work with the little girl as she herself did
not have the time. Given the mare’s past I was a little sceptical
that I would have the confidence and, well, savvy to handle such a
horse.
I had not really handled a horse to much extent since I lost my
ASH gelding in the 2003 bushfires. I nearly lost my own life trying to save him and for the past 3 and a bit years I have been
horseless while I struggled to get my own life back on track, riding
once a week at Pegasus RDA and instructing at my local pony
Club to get my horsey fix. Possibly not what I really wanted, but
better than nothing I guess.
I still am not sure what prompted me to accept the offer. Maybe it was morbid curiosity. Maybe it was the lure of a challenge, a
chance to prove the naysayers wrong. I dunno, and in the end it doesn’t matter. The little mare took to me straight away.
I have been confidently working with Kahlua since March, and in mid July I bought her, much to my friend’s delight- finally the
right person had stumbled in, a little hesitantly and aware that she had a LOT to learn and re-learn.
As to what has been the most memorable day with my
new equine partner, well I don’t think I can pinpoint one.
I could be the day I first met her and discovered a horse
with a huge heart and a beautiful temperament. Possibly
the day she allowed me to put a halter on, or the day she
allowed me to walk up to her in the paddock. Might
even be the day I first scrambled onto her back, or had
my first lesson with an NH instructor. Every time I see
my little girl I come away with a grin on my face and
another happy memory. I’d like to think one day she
will overcome her scepticism and do the same.
Today was another step, I think.
~Niki van Buuren and Kahlua
Oxley, ACT
Congratulations Niki on winning
last months competition!
We are sure with such a great attitude you and
Kahlua are going to have lots of more memorable
days together.
Volume 1, Issue 4
Page 4
WANTED:
QH type for lady rider wanting to regain confidence.
Prefer gelding 15.2hh aged around 8-12 years. Must be
very quiet and reliable. Main activities will be trail/
pleasure riding, horsemanship games and lots of attention! An excellent, long term natural home is assured,
south coast NSW.
Please phone 02 44486226 or
email [email protected].
For Sale
Wintec Western Saddle , wide gullet, good condition,
suit QH or any heavier breed. $700 ono
Kent 18 inch Dressage Saddle as new, too wide for my
TB, also suit wide barrel horse $ 300 ono
Phone Fran 02 49886031
Email- [email protected]
OLLIE - AUST STOCK HORSE - FOR SALE
Ollie is a Registered Aust. Stock Horse. Rising 6yr, 16hhs, well bred for most performance disciplines. Has won at shows and
events. Trained in both dressage, jumping and camp drafting, has had 8 weeks training in cutting, trained and handled with NH.
He has a very solid training foundation to go into most disciplines. Ollie has a confident, laid back easy going attitude with very
good looks and a big presences about him. With this confidants comes a good play drive. For people interested in either Cutting
or Camp Drafting he has a natural instinct to work cattle or other horses.
Ollie is very safe to be a round with no negative behaviour and easy to do anything with.
Ollie has an unflappable nature! Which makes him a joy to travel the trail on, along busy hwys, across deep creeks, down steep
descents and through thick bush or just to lope in the wide open spaces. Ollie is an all round very sound & versatile horse that
has had a broad range of training in his 6 yrs.
I have been asked to sell Ollie, on behalf of a client, who has no time to either ride Ollie or to sell him on, being in a full time
work. $5,000
For more information on this wonderful horse, please give me a call or email.
Kind Regards
Camilla Davidson
Natural Horsemanship
02 48461002
0429 461 002
[email protected]
The most memorable day with my Horse by Christina Beresford
It's hard to pick the most memorable day with Monty, as we have lots of fun together. I've had Monty and
Anglo-Arabian type gelding for 2 years now.
We are about to get assessed for level 1 and are having fun playing with level 2 tasks. When I rescued him
the previous owners couldn't even catch him, so I got him for a song.
One day will forever stay in my memory though. I just went in the paddock to see the horses. We got 6
horses. I sat down in the grass and it wasn't long before Monty came over to say hello. He nuzzled me for a
while, then just stood there over me like a mare would do with her foal. No eating grass and when the other
horses walked away into the next paddock I thought he'd surely go with them. He looked over at them disappearing, took a few steps, then he changed his mind and came back to me. He stood over me again for
quite a while.
It mightn't seem like a big event, but to me that moment was magic. I felt honoured and happy beyond
words, that he chose me over his paddock mates.
I'll keep working on myself and maybe one day we can have a magic moment like that again.
Volume 1, Issue 4
Page 5
Your Horses Star t & then the continua tion–
an impor tant time by Chip Johnson KIWI SAVVY
Horses are started under saddle or broken in daily and not all of them have issues or problems, but some do. Not all
of them have a harmonious relationship with their human partner, but some do. And for some even after they have
been started the ongoing relationship is not always ideal, but some are.
Some of the things that affect the quality of the start, whether it is by yourself on your own horse, or by a professional (or not) are as follows:
Horse and human personalities; the horse human combination can be a great match or a mis-match. That can be a
hard pill to swallow when Flossy your first home bred foal grows up to be a 16hh fire breathing monster! Sometimes
it’s not necessarily human induced, it’s just the way it is.
Also, people underestimate the time invested in starting a horse and continuing that relationship. It should be a process that is taken at the horses pace not the human’s. It doesn’t necessarily matter how much time the young horse has
had invested in it prior to being started, as long as those interactions have been positive. However, after the start,
when they have been exposed to a consistent process this really needs to be continued. At least for the first little
while when they go home. This is such an important relationship building time and shouldn’t be underestimated.
For people that have recently started horses, or those that have been ‘off’ for the winter, Kiwi Savvy is offering a
three day course to get yourselves back on track for the summer months. See the website or contact us for further details.
Enjoy the young horses you are lucky enough to encounter.
www.kiwisavvy.co.nz
Upcoming courses with Chip Johnson:
October 3,4,5 Kids camp at Matakana Country Park
October 7
Float loading – 1 day and get it sorted
October 8
One day intro to horsemanship
October 13
Evening demonstration at Wintec, Hamilton
October 14,15 Two day horsemanship course, Hamilton
October 21,22,23
Three days getting your young horse going
October 27,28,29
Waikato A&P show demo and stand
Chip will be in the States for most of November, if anyone would like to book courses with him on his return please
let us know asap. There will be a reduced number of teaching weekends available as we are concentrating on starting
and foundation training for horses.
Volume 1, Issue 4
Page 7
NATURAL HORSEMANSHIP GROUPS & CLUBS…
Central Coast Natural Horsemanship Group Our group meets monthly at Warnervale NSW with a NH instructor.
Please contact Karen on 02 4362 3859 for further details.
Upper Murray Horseman's Association meets on the 1st Saturday of each month for Natural Horsemanship clinics at the Albury Wodonga Equestrian Centre at Thurgoona NSW.
Bookings essential. Ph Coral on 0260712855 or email: [email protected]
NH Play Days held at Lobethal Polocrosse grounds, Kuitpo forest or Tilling Hill in the Adelaide Hills, SA
Contact Michelle on 08 8339 2759 or [email protected] to be added to the mail out list.
Nambucca Natural Horsemanship Club–
Contact Secretary Cheryl Hasson– Ph 02 6569 3244 or Email [email protected]
Central West Natural Horsemanship Group Inc. Our Group meets at the Geurie Racecourse at Geurie, NSW.
Contact Trish via email– [email protected]
Southern Tablelands & ACT Natural Horsemanship Fun & Support Days Run By Camilla davidson @ Bungendore show grounds, August 12th, September 9th, October 14th
All welcome, come along and join in with us in having Fun with our horses and friends whilst learning & being inspired by each
other. Contact Camilla [email protected]
Natural Horsemanship Fun & Support Day News: SOUTH COAST
For the South Coast students, be looking out for the Milton and Cobargo N. H Fun & Support days to be held soon. We ran the
first fun/support day at Milton in late June @ Tracey Wakefords place with 8 students attending, we all had a great day and looking fwd to more with new students attending, if you are interested make contact with Camilla at [email protected]
South Coast Cobargo NH Fun & Support day is on Saturday the 18th November followed by a NH riding dynamics workshop
on the Sunday the 19th Nov. contact Camilla for more information and to book in, e-mail: [email protected]
SOUTH COAST N.H FUN & SUPPORT DAY
The last NH Fun & Support day held down the south coast @ Cobargo on
the 26th August, where another enthusiastic group of NH students spent a
beautiful day together playing with their horses under the watchful eye of
NH Instructor & trainer Camilla Davidson.
The next NH Fun & Support day is booked for Saturday the 18th
November, all welcome.
Followed on Sunday the 19th Nov by a NH Riding dynamics workshop (a
study into balanced, fluid riding).
Book in with Camilla jembaicum@aapt,net.au
ARTICLE BY STEPHANIE BURNS
Move Closer Stay Longer–
Don’t let fear, keep you from getting what you want. Part 3
We have a great article from Stephanie Burns, up on our website, just go to www.naturalequipment.com.au
or go to http://www.naturalequipment.com.au/newsletters.shtml
Volume 1, Issue 4
Page 8
Memorable Day by Belinda Whitehall
My story is probably more memorable and sad for me then to others reading this…
I have 5 horses on my property 2 in particular are the best of friends, Frankie (8yr Stallion) and Sammy (11 yr
mare) who are inseparable.
One Saturday morning I was going out for my morning ride with Sammy through my property out to the National
Park with Frankie following and prancing around the paddock wanting to follow Sammy and I.
While riding through the paddock - getting Sammy's mind on the game, Sammy tripped on a wombats hole and
broke her leg, being at least 10 mins walk/jog from the house and wasn't sure whether to leave Sammy (Sammy
was so quiet and so was Frankie knowing that his mate was hurt)...... just to bring you up to speed Frankie has
had work on the ground however never had a rider on his back........
I knew I needed to get home and call a vet and the only way I could get the vet out ASAP was the attempt to ride
Frankie bareback, but with Sammy on the ground in pain I had no other chose but to at least give it ago.
I called Frankie over to the fence and got on (I WAS ACTUALLY ON), both Frankie and I both were amazed, I held
onto his mane and taped him slightly and we moved away from the fence into the open. Frankie moved from the
steady walk straight into a canter and headed for home, the feeling of riding a horse who has never been ridden
and with no bridle was unbelievable, he knew where to go and headed straight for the main gate heading to the
house, I called the vet and he came out and assessed Sammy...... unfortunately Sammy's leg was never going to
mend and she was later put down.......(she is waiting in horseman's heaven, until Frankie and I get there)!!!
I have never been able to ride Frankie again and have tried many times without success, I have decided to leave
him be with the other horses to be a stud. Frankie and one of my other horses Timor foaled a beautiful filly which
we named Sammy!
This was both a memorable day and sad day, I'll never forget the feeling of riding Frankie for the first time and I
will never forget owning such a beautiful girl called Sammy!!!!!!!
I miss you Sammy!!
Spring 2006 Courses
At Exeter Farm, Braidwood
26 – 29 Oct. Cutting/Stockmanship with Richard Webb (Cutting Horse Trainer) & Owen Gwinn
26 - 27 Nov. Smooth Moves with Sue Elsbury and Kate Gwinn
For further explanation, information and bookings contact:
Kate and Owen Gwinn [email protected] au ; 48461169
Photo’s taken from the Cow Camp with Owen Gwinn Sept 2006
Volume 1, Issue 4
Page 9
THE YOUNG HORSE / FOUNDATION COURSE @
EXETER FARM BRAIDWOOD
DOWN IN THE SOUTHERN TABLELANDS OF N.S.W by Camilla Davidson
We have just completed a fantastic three day YHF course at Exeter Farm Braidwood, that many of
you would know as Kate and Owen Gwinn's most beautiful Cattle property, and it was looking
particularly beautiful after the rain and being spring, as some of the photos show. I, Camilla
Davidson, ran this course, running it again concurrently with Owen Gwinn's Cattle Camp.
We have run these two courses together a number of times now with great success. My students
get to watch at chosen times some of what Owen's group are doing, and so get a deeper understanding of how the principles of a strong foundation, through building trust and communication
with confidence, can lead to the practical side of horsemanship, working cows from horse-back.
The seven very enthusiastic students learnt about building their horses’ confidence through the 7
Games, and fun yet purposeful exercises, to supple the horses’ minds, which leads to suppling the
horses frame, which creates agility.
Saddle fit discussion
Camilla & Rob with Beau
The students discovered and experienced how this builds their horses’ confidence, which builds
their own confidence, which leads to both horse and human being safe, and how the basic skills
and yields of the NH program develop into higher level education of whichever discipline is chosen. From dressage, or jumping, to cutting cattle, or the good all round trail horse.
The students followed sequential steps to build the horses’ confidence in them and their surroundings, both from the ground and ridden, and had a program to take home with them to continue on,
with confidence. They also got to spend time learning and understanding the important study of
saddle fit and fitting saddles, a talk on bits, fitting them and when to use them.
The focus for the three days was all about the Very Big Responsibility we have to our horses and
the importance of being not just a good honest leaders, but the best honest leader for our horses, if
we are to expect them to follow us and interact with us on a mutual level. Not to forget the great
benefit of students hanging out together with their horses for three uninterrupted days. With the
two groups combined of 25 students, there was much laughter and fun had by all. Not to mention
the fun while learning that the cow camp group had.
In ending this story I would like to mention and give a very big thanks to both Kate and Owen
Gwinn. They never cease to support and help so many NH students, offering their beautiful property, fantastic facilities and their wealth of knowledge and experience, to all that have the heart
and desire. This includes me in so many many ways.
Cathy & Bubby
Karen & Shadow
There are lots more exciting camps coming up at Exeter Farm so keep reading Neva Say Neva.
Ideal horses, are the devil’s play ground
Kind Regards
Camilla Davidson
Natural Horsemanship
Kristy & Larry
Marilyn & Ben
The YHF Group
Chris & Feather
Lizzie/Rosie & Heifers
Volume 1, Issue 4
Page 10
Natural News From Tasmania – September 2006 by Cynthia Cooper
Wrangler Jayne Clinic – having fun with refining:
Jayne Glenn’s first clinic in Tasmania was an advancing and refining level 1 course over 2 days which was attended by seven riders and several observers.
It was great to experience Jayne’s understanding, sensitivity and patience towards horses, showing us that true leaders are all those things
and more. All the horses and riders made real progress with their yields and by the end of the clinic were doing some lovely liberty moves,
many for the first time.
Ben & Amy with Charlie & Benjio at their first clinic.
Jayne helps Pauline and Skye
Belinda & Kerry with Angel & Sidney
Whole Horse Workshop:
Cynthia Cooper’s second Whole Horse Workshop for this year will be held over two days at her Golden Valley property on November the 4th
and 5th.
Topics to be covered will include Natural horse care and health, feeding, natural therapies, barefoot hoof care, saddle/ tack fit and natural
horsemanship on the ground and in the saddle.
Participants will be able to see Cynthia’s version of Jaime Jackson’s ‘Paddock paradise’ where the horses live on a track around the property
perimeter. This encourages much more movement and enables grass intake to be restricted for part or all of the day depending on the time of
year and the horse’s needs.
It also ensures the horses cross various types of terrain (water, gravel, bush tracks) and are fed hay around the track 24 hours a day to keep
them moving in order to help with hoof and body conditioning.
The horsemanship section will feature some foal handling as well as riding from basics to practical levels for fun and recreation.
For just $75 for the 2 days it’s a weekend worth booking in for – Ph. Cynthia on 63 695177 or email her at [email protected].
Pony Pals For Kids and Adults too:
This keen group of kids and their parents get together on the third Sunday of each month and aims to help parents and children develop a safe
and happy relationship with their ponies, while enjoying the company of like-minded people.
Adult riders are also encouraged to take part, as some of the parents do, and the afternoons are free for them to play with and enjoy their
horses too in a relaxed and helpful atmosphere. To find out more please call Steph. on 03 63624474 or email her your contact details to get
the regular news – [email protected].
The next play day is on Sunday the 15th of October at ‘Harveydale’, Birralee Rd, Westbury.
Group Lessons at Lilydale:
Cynthia will be instructing two groups at Lilydale on Sunday the 8th of October. The beginners group will feature ‘Getting back in the saddle’
and the advanced group will focus on ‘Finding a purpose to suit your horse’.
Bookings should be made with Liz on 63 951590 so be quick as there is a limit of six in each group.
Are You Interested in Fun Focus Days?
Cynthia is going to hold some Fun Focus Days on topics such as Jumping Naturally, Natural Cow Play and Natural Challenge Courses. She
would like to know the number of people interested, to schedule two Focus Days for October and November this year. Possible dates are Oct.
21st or 29th and Nov. 18th or 26th. If you are interested please let Cynthia know which dates and topics would suit you the best.
Natural Horse World Newsletter
The next newsletter update will be published in the first week of October and will feature a new article by Dr. Robert Cook about Bitless Bridles.
There will be photos of new babies (horse and human) and more classified adds so if you have any contributions, please email them to Cynthia at [email protected] before the 29th of September.
You can view or subscribe to the latest newsletter by going to www.naturalhorseworld.com
Volume 1, Issue 4
Page 11
Trailer Talk by Andrew Williams (Distinction Horse floats)
This month– Towing!
Welcome to this month’s trailer talk. In this issue we are going to have a look at towing – and if you read last month’s issue then
your trailer is all checked out, well maintained and ready to go! So lets go….
Hitching up – this is an operation best performed by the driver, so that going down the road they aren’t sitting there thinking –
“Did I put the chains on? S**T! I forgot to check the coupling!” If you’re coupling the trailer for some one else, get them to
check over everything for their own piece of mind. A few simple things you can do:
• When reversing up to the trailer, watch your mirrors. If there is the same amount of trailer visible past the side of the
vehicle in each mirror then you must be in line. A simple thing you can do is set up your trailer, hitched up in a straight
line, and look at what you can see in your mirrors, e.g. I can see both mudguards evenly in the side mirrors, and the
front window of the trailer is level with the tailgate of the towing vehicle. Remember this and hitching up will be less
of a hit and miss!
• Check that the coupling is secure and the latch that holds the hand down is locked in. If you wind up your jockey wheel,
the tow vehicle should lift, without separating the coupling.
• Check Chains are connected to the tow vehicle.
• Check that the electrical connector is connected and secured. Most trailer sockets have a locking flap that secures the
trailer plug. A quick hint on where to put the cable so that it doesn’t drag on the ground – I put the cable through the
handle on the hitch.
• Check that the breakaway cable (if fitted) is attached to the towing vehicle, and that the breakaway unit is functioning.
The units that we use have a test button, which you press and get a pass / fail indication.
• Check your lights.
Moving Off – so you’re hitched up, loaded up, tailgate is latched (is it?) and you’re ready to go. Check that your brakes are
working and the electric control unit is adjusted properly. By using the manual switch or slide on the brake unit you should be
able to feel the trailer “dragging” on the tow vehicle, without locking the wheels on the trailer. If you can’t, the brake controller
output needs to be adjusted. Due to the range of units available, you will need to refer to the owner’s manual for the unit installed
in your vehicle.
If you’re reading
this and haven’t
got a clue what I
am talking about,
or haven’t got a
brake controller,
and your float has
got electric
brakes, then you
need to have a
brake controller
fitted to your vehicle. Sorry if this
sounds a bit obvious, but we come
across this all the
time!
After a couple of
minute’ driving, I
find it is worthwhile to pull over
and check things
over again, check
the horses, and
have a walk around the trailer. Do this at the end of the driveway, or end of the road, where ever there is a safe spot to pull over.
Do this every time you take your horse out, so it becomes a habit. If you have been stressing out, horse wouldn’t load, running
late, whatever, still do it! Even if everything is OK, it gives you a chance to calm down, and be confident that everything is OK.
Next issue we will have a look at getting out on the road.
Volume 1, Issue 4
Page 12
My most memorable day with my horse by Deanne McCrea
The story of my most memorable day starts with meeting my horse for the first time.
I had always been horse crazy as a girl and was fortunate enough to have some riding lessons and even attend a
residential riding camp as a teenager but alas due to living in the suburbs the pleasure of having an equine friend of
my very own was only a dream. Every chance I got to ride was snapped up. We even jumped a fence and attempted
to ride horse bareback and bridleless whist our fathers were racing their go karts at Grenfell one time. (I still to this
day don't know who owned the horse but being kids we didn't care. It had four legs, a mane and a tail and was standing their almost begging us for company).
Adulthood came and I moved out of the city to a more country lifestyle and along with it came an assorted collection
of animal friends like goats, geese, ducks, alpaca etc but alas still No Horses. Along came marriage and settling
down and a lovely baby daughter who seemed to share my love of horses. When she was about 4 she started nagging me about getting a horse so I took her to a riding centre and asked them to put her on the biggest horse they
could find, hoping to scare her off as my husband was determined in the stand No Horses. Unfortunately the horse
was the quietest one they had and she was hooked.
As the number of school friends with horsey tendencies grew so did her desire of horse ownership but unfortunately
we still couldn't swing dad around so still No Horses. The poor kid just kept longing and playing with the horses next
door until one day the phone rang and my neighbour said come over here but don't tell your husband. When we got
there he proudly presented us with a 10 month old colt. We told hubby that we were just agisting him but he worked it
out pretty soon that he wasn't going away.
As everyone will know owning a breaking a youngster can and often does lead to tears and we certainly had our
share of those with him. To try and encourage my daughter to ride him, a couple of months ago my neighbour started
to loan me a horse on Sundays and take us out on trail rides in the surrounding bushlands. This was always an adventure as my daughter's pony was still green and I hadn't ridden for nearly 30 years and seemed to get stuck with
pogo stick renta nags. Somehow a grown woman on an 11h Shetland just doesn't fit but I felt secure in the fact, that
being able to nearly touch the ground with my feet I could bail at any time without risk of injury.
Well back to my memorable day, It was a lovely sunny July day and not too cold. It was also my birthday. I was 46
that day. We tacked up the young one and walked next door to join the ride. Expecting the usual "renta nag" I was
absolutely floored to be offered a 15.2h bay gelding to ride. After the little ones he looked like a huge scary monster.
Tentatively I was helped on (well pushed actually) and I sat there totally frozen. How was I going to ride this big thing.
After a bit of encouragement and several panic attacks we were off, up the road and onto the trail. One of the kids
started to trot and my mount decided he wanted to join. Being scared I had a bit of a hissy fit and everyone slowed
back to a walk again. Phew I was back in my comfort zone!!. Along the trail we encountered some very large puddles
and my guy just took them in his stride walking through as if to say, "what puddle?"
We got to our destination and had a lunch break and then back on the trail to head home. Around the first corner and
some clouds built up so one of the girls stopped to get a jacket that was tied onto the back of her saddle. For some
reason the horse spooked and pulled the reins out of her hands and took off. Naturally, horses being horses, our little
herd took off in chase, including my mount. Here I was not having done much but a slow trot in 30 years, cantering
up a tar road and not knowing if the brakes worked.
After getting everything back under control we walked quietly until reaching an uphill dirt section of fire trail. It was at
this point that my neighbour encouraged me to have another go at cantering. This time with instructions on how to
control the horse. Wow, what a liberating feeling. Cantering along a beautiful bush track on a beautiful smooth horse.
He has such a lovely even canter and it felt like driving a Mercedes Benz.
We came home, I groomed him, rugged him and went home to get ready to go out for dinner. At the restaurant all I
did was talk about him and my day. That night I was tired and sore but dropped into bed and slept like I never had in
my life.
The next weekend my neighbour told me that he had actually brought him home with the intention of me owning him
and as my daughter had seemed to have lost interest in the young one we did a swap and now I am the owner of the
most beautiful, gentle 9yo gelding in the world.
Volume 1, Issue 4
Page 13
GETTING STARTED ON YOUR HORSEMANSHIP JOURNEY
by Cynthia Cooper
So, you’ve made the decision to look into this ‘natural horsemanship’ way of training horses… but where do you start?
There is a huge amount of information available in this age and accessing it via the internet is so easy.
Do a search on Natural Horsemanship and you will find over a million pages and references to a vast array of information and
horsemen, all offering similar types of methods based on horse psychology.
While there is a new awareness that to get along better with horses we must know how they think, about their social structure in
nature and what language they use, there are still many different and varying ways to ‘communicate’ with horses.
The common theme is that you need to become the ‘leader’ or ‘alpha’ herd member, or as some put it, be the boss to develop the
control needed in the relationship.
Some horsemen (that includes women too) put more emphasis on control and domination than on forming a partnership so the
style of learning you will be attracted to will depend on your attitude to the horse.
Do you see your horse as a willing partner, taking into account his/her moods and emotions, or do you see your horse as recreation for you, or even as a means to obtaining status by winning competitions?
Whatever is most important to you will influence the method of learning/teaching you will be attracted to along with the way
information is available and presented.
Whoever you choose as a mentor and/or instructor, will most likely have some sort of system to follow now that we have multiple ways of absorbing information so readily available.
We all learn a little from either reading, seeing, hearing or participating in learning activities, but each individual will take in
more information from one or two of those sources. If you know how you learn best then spend more time studying that way.
For example some people learn a lot from reading so… read lots of books, articles and as much information you can get your
hands on.
Others may learn more from watching, so videos, DVD’s and observing clinics are a good choice, and then there are those who
learn best by doing – getting hands on help, so participating in clinics and lesson are ideal for them.
When you’ve identified your preferred learning source, do some research to find out where you can access the information you
want. The internet is an obvious starting place so search for clinicians/instructors in your area, home study programs, support
groups (including discussion groups) videos & DVD’s or books written on natural horsemanship.
Then immerse yourself in learning by buying those books, ordering a DVD set or that home study program and better still, attending a clinic. Doing all three is better still as even if you do learn best by participating, you will still need some reference material to fall back on when you’re at home, alone with your horse again.
Try to get involved wherever you can to soak in ‘savvy’ as Parelli says. If there’s a local study group then join and go to as many
events as possible. Buy or borrow as many DVD’s as you can lay your hands on, subscribe to newsletters and find clinic organizers who can help you get into a starting out clinic. Even if there’s not one being held at a suitable level for you right away, attend
higher level clinics to get an idea of where you are aiming.
If the clinician or instructor has a home study program or DVD’s then get those so you can continue to learn after they have
gone. Find out if there is a local instructor who follows their methods so you can get help if needed.
By being involved in a program that has achievement levels, you can be motivated to stay on track and keep moving towards the
goals you set.
If there is no achievement program or you don’t want to participate in that, then write a list of all the things you’d like to improve with your horse and yourself, and find out what you need to do.
It helps to have friends or family who are supportive so share your dreams and find someone to join you on the journey. Even if
it’s just a discussion group member who shares your passion, having someone to talk things over with and share the highs and
lows of your journey will be essential.
Stick to sharing your journey only with those who support you and are positive about what you are trying to learn. If you fall into
the trap of defending yourself or trying to justify what you are doing to non-believers, the negative energy will drag you down.
Some people will feel threatened by your new skills or interest in something different and will try to undermine your beliefs so
spend more time with positive people and just be polite without trying to push your new found skills or information onto them.
Continued on page 11
Volume 1, Issue 4
Page 14
GETTING STARTED ON YOUR HORSEMANSHIP JOURNEY by Cynthia Cooper
Continued from previous page
Often our enthusiasm for wanting to ‘show others a better way’ is not understood.
Rather than trying to tell people what you think is best, just become a great example and they will see, then ask when they get
curious. As a result they may be more open minded about what you tell them, and could actually become interested too.
Choose the partner (horse) you wish to share your learning journey with carefully. Many people look for better ways to train
their horse because they have problems that either they have caused or that the horse came with.
If those issues or problems are too dangerous for someone of your skill level to solve, then enlist help to determine if your horse
should spend time with someone more experienced first. Or, find out from a reputable instructor, what small steps you could do
to work through the issues safely. You may need to take more time and also learn some more skills with another easier horse,
before you are ready to tackle a true ‘problem horse’.
In fact, if you can learn some skills with a horse who has been naturally educated, your progress will accelerate by many times.
Then you will be more prepared to work with a horse that knows nothing at all or has issues.
Try not to put yourself into a situation where it’s ‘the blind leading the blind’ or ‘green horse – green rider’.
One of my favorite Parelli-isms is ‘(Experienced) Riders teach horses and (Experienced) Horses teach riders’.
Above all, enjoy the journey and be prepared to ‘take the time it takes’.
FOR SALE:
Thermaflex English Airpad & 1/4" Shims
Purchased new in Jan 06 and still in very good condition.
Price $350 including postage.
Please Phone Karen (Bus) 02 8254 3229 (H) 02 4362 3859.
Volume 1, Issue 4
Page 15
Would you like a horse that is Honest, Educated, Trustworthy?
Dave Stuart will show you how an understanding of horse behaviour can solve most
problems people face with their horse.
David will be in the Orara Valley area in February 23rd 24th & 25th
This wonderful retreat will be a great setting for the summer course; we will start early, be able to rest and
swim in the middle of the day & with day light saving hours be continuing later in the afternoons
Within the 3 day advanced course, I would hope that we would be able to cover
the establishment of ridden patterns that would help to improve the riding of
straight lines and circles. I would also like to touch on the beginnings of understanding and improvement of engagement within the horse. From the ground I
would like to try and help people get a better handle on the use of longer lines
on the ground and an understanding of liberty. To help in the establishment of
purity of gait and to help with those horses that may still have impulsion issues.
To do the above in a way that would help with improving those horses that are bored or loosing their expressions and also through the use of a horses natural instinct.
Please Phone Deb Collins on 02 66528798 or email on [email protected]
Course Fee Is $495 + Camping & Yard fees extra
(Luxury accommodation available at a separate cost depending on course numbers)
Course with Jayne Glenn
Just a reminder about the Natural Horsemanship clinic with Jayne Glenn
www.wranglerjayne.com
here at Waterfall Creek www.waterfallcreek.com.au in Tallangatta Valley.
Dates are Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th of October.
Start time on Saturday is 9.00am.
And finish both days when everyone has had enough (about 4.30 to
5.00pm).
For those attending with their horses, (8 places only) there are plenty of paddocks near the venue with shade, grass and water.
And bring a rope halter that fits the horse plus a 12' lead rope. You can buy these in anyhorse shop or from www.
naturalequipment.com.au Plus a 'communication' stick (carrot stick if you have one or Jayne sometimes brings a couple of
spares). For those observing, please bring a chair, hat and cameras. Plus a note padwould be handy as well. It's amazing how
much is covered in a two day clinic.
Several of you have already confirmed with a deposit. The other places will be filled on a first in - best dressed basis. i.e. Confirm your attendance with a deposit please ASAP. Clinic cost for two days is $250. Fencesitters $50 per day. Meals and accommodation (Saturday lunch, dinner, bed, breakfast and lunch on Sunday) is $100.
I am really looking forward to having Jayne Glenn do her 'stuff' in ourpatch. Tell your friends about this clinic and look forward
to seeing you here on the 28th and 29th.
Glenn Wilson
Natural Hoof Care Specialist
149 Waterfall Creek Rd
Tallangatta Valley VIC 3701
ph 02 6071 0210
Volume 1, Issue 4
Page 16
Brumby’s, Barry & Orara by Deb Collins NNHC
How good is it!!
Sitting in the sun on a winter August morning, the ambiance of the Bush’s Retreat, rolling green hills, sounds of the herd,
friends, laughter & the opportunity to watch Barry talking
horse with a young Brumby. Mr
Ed taking it in his stride, encouraging in his calmness “ It’s
OK little filly, come play with
us”
The first day could not have
been better excepting, that it
Mr Ed, ridden by Barry &
Above: Orara Valley House
was followed by the second
Indigo
day!
Rachael & her family invited us to relax, eat well & soak in the experience of the Orara Valley House.
Speaking of good feels & retreating, Barry Christopherson shared with us his knowledge and humility
both with horses & humans. Making a connection with Jess’s filly “Indigo”. Being the more placid of
the two horses Barry was handling over the weekend, he established how quickly the trust could be
built & was able to progress to where Indigo would accept blanket, saddle & rider.
Barry on the Saturday
The youth in our group, clowning around, Jess poking fun with Barry, Charlie hanging from the bow
morning finishing with the
of the overlooking tree & Ed teasing about jumping on the new Brumby for a ride!
saddled buckskin.
Christina gave us an excellent display of laying her horse down, to the Wow of onlookers a 2nd time as
well.
Time for lunch, taking shoes off at the door, a warm feel through your feet, especially taking a wander up the long corridor filled
with exotic art & sculptures, the main area sat about 28 of us for flavorsome & tantalizing meals. Kylie prepared & Lauren
waited on us, Thank you it was all yum!
In the afternoons it was down the hill to the playground, plenty of fun on the river flats, honeycomb, see saw great training facilities. Barry imparted some great information both collectively & individually, helping with valuable practicing tools to go home
with.
The end of the day wound down with a few drinks, another great meal, a lot of laughs and video of the mornings session.
Up early to feed the horses and a little play before breakfast. Sticky black rice was the talk of table, along with beautiful fresh
fruit & home made muesli.
Sunday morning Barry worked without trusty Mr. Ed and showed us some roping techniques, The Buckskin from the first day
showing ‘Paris’ Lauren’s brumby how it’s done. Since arriving at Orara, from Guy Fawkes the brumbys had minimal handling,
brought in with the main herd for the occasional feed.
The two brumbies having rather different personalities which made for a diverse demonstration. Barry explained different uses
of confidence building and retreat, resulting in an optimum finishing point when the filly would just stand and be petted.
A very special thanks to Barry for all his time over the weekend, and to Rachel for welcoming
us all into her glorious home and grounds and along with her helpers supplying us with such
memorable meals. To Vicky & Howie, your efforts are appreciated by us all, to all who put
this wonderful weekend together, THANKYOU.
Barry with the buckskin &
chestnut fillies.
Volume 1, Issue 4
Page 17
What does natural horsemanship have to do with dressage ?
By Fran Griffen EFA NCAS coach, NOAS dressage judge & NH instructor
In my capacity as an EFA coach and EFA dressage judge I attended the FEI regional dressage forum in October
2005. This forum was a meeting of the top trainers, coaches, riders and veterinarians in the dressage world. The
theme of the forum was to encourage the development of “the happy athlete”, the athlete being the horse. The welfare of the horse was also high on the priority list and to my delight that meant emotionally as well as physically.
Every speaker had eluded to the fact that we need to come back to classical principles of lightness, softness, and
grace. The judges talked about harmony, the vets talked about suppleness, and the trainers talked about working
with the horse’s natural movement and understanding their mind.
The last speaker was Jean Bemlemans, the coach of the Spanish Olympic dressage
team. Jean is himself a German who has gained the highest level as an instructor in
the German system. I nearly fell off the chair when Jean said “Has anyone heard of
natural horsemanship?” He went on to explain the benefits of understanding horses
mentally and emotionally as well as physically. He told the group that he used natural
horsemanship techniques with all his horses from novice to grand prix.
Leanne Akers & Talon
Here are a few more quotes from prominent dressage riders and trainers.
“After 30 years of professional experiences as a rider and trainer, and having achieved the preparation of 10
European Junior and Young riders Championships as a trainer and two Olympics, Atlanta and Sydney, as a rider,
I have realised that in the training and developing the different skills of our dressage horses and riders , we need
seriously to improve in mental and emotional knowledge of the horse.
To discover the mental and emotional control of our horses and improve our leadership using the right language
coming from the natural behaviour of the horses are the keys of this extraordinary method that Linda and Pat offered me.
From here I invite to all riders and horse lovers in what ever discipline they are in, specially those from the Dressage world that I know deeper, to know and practice Parelli natural horsemanship to achieve a new level of relationship with the horses, never imagined before.”
Luis Lucio member of the Spanish dressage team
“Natural horsemanship teaches people first about the horse, about how the horse thinks and why he acts the way
he does. This really should be for all of us, no matter what discipline we participate in. One should play with their
horse.”
Walter Zettl german dressage master
So what has natural horsemanship got to do with dressage ? Everything
Natural Horsemanship teaches people to understand horses from the inside out. It develops the qualities of rhythm,
suppleness, relaxation, confidence, impulsion. Online techniques help to build the horse emotionally and physically,
and riding “naturally” develops independent seat and light aids.
Natural horsemanship is the base for all types of competitive riding, but it is more than that. When the base is
strong your natural horsemanship techniques will also become the backbone of your riding, as you and your horse
develop.
Many of my students now combine their natural horsemanship training with classical dressage training. The interesting thing is that they are not separate identities. Both methods fit hand in glove to produce “ a happy athlete”.
Fran is happy to talk to you about using your natural horsemanship skills to develop your horse for
dressage competitions.
Fran offers group and private lessons at Glen Oak NSW or gather your own group together for a clinic
anywhere in Australia. PHONE FRAN : 02 49886031
Volume 1, Issue 4
Page 18
PARELLI THERAFLEX PAD WITH SHIMS,
WINTEC WIDE ALL PURPOSE SADDLE
hardly used and in perfect condition (includes instructions
for use).
The new price for these items would be over $700.
My price - $400.
Contact Rosemary Hams on 02 6767 0284 or
email: [email protected].
with CAIR panels, 46cm (18"), black.
Hardly used and in immaculate condition.
Still under warranty. Includes 5 different sized gullets
& Wintec saddle cover.
More photos available. $780.00.
Phone Rosemary Hams on 02 6767 0284 or
email: [email protected]
My memorable day with my horse– by Linsey Cleary
The most memorable day IN A GOOD WAY!!! Was just recently.
We have only had our boy for 9 months we rescued him from a guy who thought tying his front leg up so he could
get on him otherwise he got bucked off & who thought gelding him by hands with no anaesthetic was the done thing
plus who used to catch him by getting 6 of his friends to chase him into a corner. Needless to say we took him on as
a RIGHT BRAIN white eyed sceptical horse.
We have spent up to 3 hours on one occasion getting him to catch us, we have had him try to kick & bite in the general grooming procedure & the thought of grooming him under his belly let alone clean his sheath…….well teeth
bared comes to mine!.
So this Monday started out with my husband going into catch him only to find him lying down in the paddock
(normally he would stand up straight away with us entering the paddock) he stayed lying down while my husband sat
beside him then he (my husband) slowly moved closer so he was sitting & leaning on him!!! What a way to start the
visit. It just got better from there we are working on our level 2 PNH at the moment we decided to try getting him to
put his foot on something not only did he get it the first time when I asked for the right foot I got it & when I asked for
the left I got that too all the while he had both eyes & ears on me asking is this what you want it melted my heart!!.
After having an awesome session it was time for the friendly game with the sheath !!! Not only did I get close I had
my hand halfway inside his pouch with a handful of Vaseline!!! With only 1 x swish of the tail & no teeth bared!.
It’s been 9 months of hard work & some days of frustration but this day made it all worth it.
NATURAL HORSEMANSHIP ROCKS!!
Rosemary & Andrew Mackay
Gundaroo Horse Park
Ballalaba's American Saddlebred Horses
The Elms
190 Wurungul Lane
Gundaroo NSW 2620
Australia
Tel. No. +61 2 62368498 (h)
+61 2 62368497 (fax h)
+61 2 62137447 (w)
0407662386 (m)
[email protected]
[email protected]
www.gundaroohorsepark.com.au
A constant build-up of tension in the muscles from
regular activity may lead to stresses on joints, ligaments,
and tendons, as well as sore, tired and torn muscles.
This can restrict movement, reduce performance and have
a negative impact on temperament.
Massage, is the most effective therapy for releasing
muscle tension, restoring balance to the musculo-skeletal
system. Received regularly it can even prevent injuries,
future muscle strains, tears and any resulting lameness.
MICHELLE WEIN
Phone; 0401 447 329 Email;
Volume 1, Issue 4
Page 19
Horse Colour by Glenn Wilson
I once met a horse owner who had her horse dream fulfilled. A palomino. Cute as a button this horse was and she (the horse)
knew it. Well, that was according to her owner. That this horse had very little respect for her human was a moot point. Not only
did she show bad table manners when it came to dinner, she was also reluctant to stand still when having her feet picked out (pity
the hoof trimmer), wouldn’t stay still while tied up and/or being saddled (great use for baling twine) and generally became a less
than ideal riding horse. But she had nice colour – on the outside. It’s funny how some humans prefer a ‘good looking’ horse to
one that is well behaved and respectful. It’s also funny how the human who chooses a horse for its colour and looks, often has a
history of owning quite a few horses. The others just didn’t work out, you see.
If the truth were known (my truth), I’m a bay man. Probably because my first real horse is a bay. Gosh she’s gorgeous! Well I
think so. Although some say her ears are rather large and she does have a roman nose; but these (n someone else’s mind) imperfections are more than offset by her demeanour, her soundness, her willingness, and the ease with which she learns new
things. I could add her patience, her trustiness, her stamina, her great feet, her lack of problems both physically and mentally,
and the fact that she just produced a perfect foal. Oh and she’s a powerhouse in harness and a delight to ride too. Sounds like I
am bragging here. Maybe I am. But then the other horses that live here are all, by and large, great in most of the ‘important’ aspects.
It wasn’t always like that though. Most horses that came to live here in the herd had problems. Plus I had to learn about horses
and still am learning (the more you know, the more you don’t know). In the wider world, many horses are bought and sold because they have problems. Those willing and capable of ‘fixing’ the problems snap up a lot who are sold with problems. (Some
horses are even sold with the ‘problem’ not even rating a mention: Caveat emptor!) Once fixed, most of these horses are then
sold on to other humans, some of whom resurrect the said ‘problem’ or manage to create new ones. And so the horse-trading
goes on.
Does horse colour have anything to do with ‘horse problems’? Not on the outside but the emotional (inside) colour may have.
Light temperature is the true colour of natural sunlight as it is filtered by the atmosphere, or in the case of artificial light the source
and makeup of the light. Also, colour film usually captures the colour temperature of light better than our own minds because our
brains actually fool us into ‘colour correcting’ when the light seems weird. However, at late sunset or early sunrise, the warmth of
the colour temperature is too strong for our brains to compensate or correct. And did you know that the light from a normal fluorescent tube is bluey green? But our brains can correct this too and make the colours under such light seem normal. Well, sort
of normal.
Light temperature is universally measured in degrees Kelvin (Kº). This probably came about because of a horse named Kelvin
who clearly displayed the full spectrum of colour in his moods and emotions.
To have the worldwide scientific explanation of the colour temperature of light named after Kelvin made his owner very proud.
Although, it has been suggested that Kelvin’s horse person was partly responsible for Kelvin’s amazing range of moods and emotions. Kelvin’s horse person vehemently denies this assertion and blames all of Kelvin’s wild and wacky behaviour on the way he
was handled by humans in his life before they teamed up. It’s not about the human! Or have I got that wrong here?
So what is emotional colour and what is the range of colours available in the horse emotional spectrum? I would suggest that just
(Continued on page 20)
Volume 1, Issue 4
Page 20
(Continued from page 19)
about every colour, hue, and intensity could be attached to horses’ moods and emotions.
Try this: If moods and emotions are represented by colours, what colour would your horse be when he is grazing in a paddock?
Maybe green, blue, mauve, purple, even sky blue. Nice and calm and at peace. Similarly, what colour would he be when he refuses to do something? Before answering that, we must first determine why he has given a refusal. Could be he is scared, lazy,
unmotivated, in pain, hungry, full, or any number of other reasons. So his emotional colour depends on his state of mind and
what is making him act/react the way he is.
A horse can have an emotional attack or mood expressed with tense muscles and, often, a BIG snort! His emotional colour?
Red, bright orange, bright yellow? Alert/Danger/Oh Shit! If you are on his back, how are you going to react when he has this kind
of reaction? Tense your muscles and take a big breath? What colour is your mood or emotion if that happens to you?
One aspect of horse ownership that really fascinates me is ‘colour coordination’. My riding pal has made a point of collecting and
applying to her horse a brown halter, brown lead rope/reins, brown treeless saddle and she made herself a pair of nifty leggings
(brown of course), which all looks pretty smart. (I really don’t think she is serious about the ‘outside colour’ thing, but then you
never know.) Though, her pet hate is matching rug/neck rug combos in padded synthetic. Colour coordinated and as uncomfortable as hell for the horse. But the horse ‘looks good’ to its owner. My concession to rugging is that the rug has to be dirty,
patched, breatheable and only used when absolutely needed. About three days a year at most! My choice, after consulting with
the horse, of course.
The most spectacular colour clashes though are those between rider and horse, and the colour being emotional colour - the one
on the inside, not the outside. Oh boy, when this happens, does the brown stuff hit the fast spinning blades of the fan, big time.
And the combinations are endless in number and effect. The horse gets scared - the rider gets scared. The horse gets scared the owner gets angry. The owner gets frustrated – the horse panics. The human gets angry and the horse wants to run away.
The horse is relaxed and the owner wants to win. The horse is sore and the rider is inconsiderate or unaware. The horse is unfit
and the rider is too lazy (or more unfit than the horse) to get off and walk. The horse doesn’t want to load up into the float
(because of the rough trip to the event) so all the predators gather around and try to scare/push/force it back into the float. And
you could probably add many more such emotional colour clashes between human and horse.
The outcome of a lot of these ‘clashes’ are problem horses, or horses with problems. It could be argued that in a lot of cases the
horse’s problem was in fact the human, though very few humans with horse problems can see this. And don’t tell them either.
Stick around and acquire some very nice (cheap) horses, take them home, treat them with kindness, firmness, fairness, understanding, and respect for being a horse, ask for their forgiveness for the way they were treated by the other human and more often than not you have a friend for life. If you decide to part company, just be selective though, to whom you sell the horse, if that
is his/her destiny.
To overcome most of these ‘colour clashes’ the human can do plenty. Like a great artist you can develop feel, sensitivity, appreciation, technique, and creativity for good colour e-motion (energy in motion) in both you and your horse. Learn what needs to be
done and what needs to be changed in both yourself and your horse to achieve positive change and emotional colour harmony.
And do it! It’ll make a rainbow look pale!
© Glenn Wilson Sept 2006
Volume 1, Issue 4
Page 21
My Most Memorable Day by Maria Beresford
The most memorable day with my horse was the day that I was doing passenger lesson.
I was doing passenger lesson with the Parelli bareback pad, just before I rode I had done some squeeze
game over some barrels that were approx. 60cm high and I left them lying down not expecting him to do
anything with the barrels when I rode.
Just when I did ride he trotted along straight towards the barrels, I thought that he would just turn or stop
just in time but he jumped, I had never jumped before, it was my first jump and in the bareback pad too.
I was so surprised I nearly fell over his shoulder when he got on the other side, then he though he could
scare me by trotting up to the barrels, a couple of times he did that and stopped right in front of the
barrel and I made him go back to a trot so he had to jump again.
After that day he never tried it again, he thought it was too much work for him, and he blamed himself for
doing it too.
FOR SALEParelli Theraflex Pad with shims English style as new ( instructions for use included ).
To buy new it would cost over $700 with shims, bargain at $400.
No longer needed horse sold.
Contact Laura on 02 67821772 or
e-mail [email protected]
Volume 1, Issue 4
Page 22
Savvy kids - Savvy Ponies at Brumbies Run by Michelle Carter
I'd like to tell everyone about our savvy kids, who right from the start are learning natural
techniques, an assertive attitude, and to enjoy the time they spend with the horses. We teach
kids from the age of four years old and it’s amazing to watch them progress so quickly because they are learning from savvy ponies. Within only a few sessions new kids are able to
play all of the games and basically understand how horses think, feel, and interact.
A lot of the children at Brumbies Run don't have their own horse, and live in the suburbs;
many have non-horsey families. They love to come out into the country and play with, then
ride our ponies. The ponies are all very good at the seven games but won't play unless you
have the right attitude, feel, and timing. Pretty soon the kids learn the feel and timing they
need to use to get the results that are enjoyable. Balance of course is something that comes
with time and especially in the saddle we take things very slowly, with passenger games at the
walk, stay by the rail, and playing on line.
Our most advanced students have been coming to Brumbies Run for several years and are
learning to jump with confidence, to ride with a soft feel, to play some gymkhana games with a
natural lean and competing in small hack and jumping shows. This year my daughter Jessie
(13yo) and son Jackson (8yo) have joined Pony Club and it’s fun to watch them apply their
savvy in such an environment.
We also sell kids’ ponies and horses that have had a good natural grounding, have jumped,
trail ridden through water and rough country, and been to shows and club days for a rounded education. If anyone
wants to look, we have a website at http://www.brumbiesrun.com that has lots of pictures and information about
what we do.
Here's to savvy ponies!!
Regards,
Michelle Carter
Email– [email protected]
The Revolution in Horsemanship and what it means to mankind
Robert M. Miller, DVM and Rick Lamb
BOOK REVIEW BY TRISH MADDEN
This book is simply awesome in helping put a context into the development of Natural Horsemanship. It provides an historical
overview so you can see how the natural horsemanship movement has developed. It discusses the various leaders in the current
natural movement and why we, as students, have embraced this concept far more today than previously in history.
Dr Miller has been a long time supporter of natural horsemanship and the quest to develop relationships with horses (and mules)
that are natural and based on trust and understanding rather than intimidation or mechanical means. This book has clearly developed from his life time study and observation of horsemanship and goes further. Although having an American focus this book
brings so much to recent developments in horsemanship and adds significantly to the dialogue of what is natural horsemanship
and why its practice has the ability to polarise discussion so very much.
The book is not a ‘how to’ book but instead allows the reader to develop an understanding of the various clinicians who currently teach the natural way, previous practitioners and then some discussion on other ‘natural’ type topics such as nutrition and
hoof care.
I think the best thing I got out of this book is an understanding of what each practitioner has brought to the advancement of natural horsemanship. Dr Miller and Rick Lamb don’t advocate one over any other but what they clearly state is that each teacher
has something to bring and that rivalry is a disservice to the horse industry. I think reading this book will allow me to be a better student as I can clearly see what each teacher brings to the table and the debt I owe them all through their dedication and
willingness to share their knowledge and experience.
BOOK AVAILABLE THROUGH NATURAL EQUIPMENT
Volume 1, Issue 4
Page 23
What is Equine Touch?
Equine Touch is a non-diagnostic, noninvasive, energy and connective soft tissue discipline which works at a complete holistic
level; that is, it addresses the equine as a whole without paying any particular attention to any named problem as such. On a
practical level it consists of a series of gentle moves performed over specific points in predetermined patterns which are interspersed with waiting periods to allow the equine to recognizes and process the effects of these subtle procedures.
These procedures when performed with Accuracy, Integrity and Intent (A.I.I.) have the effect of inducing deep relaxation,
releasing hypertonic and traumatized muscles, encouraging muscle tone recovery from injury and atrophy, reducing the pain
spiral, and assisting in detoxification and lymphatic drainage. The horse through these series of gentle moves is trained to rebalance not only physically but emotionally, energy blocks are released, unwanted structures appear to dissolve, and the flow of Ki
is stimulated through the meridians, allowing the equine to attain and maintain the ideal state of homeostasis in which its own
innate healing power is able to work to its maximum potential.
The Equine Touch is not designed or intended in any way in whole or in part to be a substitute for orthodox allopathic veterinary
practice. It is not a therapy as such but a holistic gift to the equine which is as complementary to allopathic address as it is to chiropractic, homeopathy and herbal medicine as well as the horses own healing system.
The Equine Touch has been described by leading equine vets as the 'ultimate hands on therapy for horses'.
It is important to repeat that First and foremost the Equine Touch is not a 'therapy' under the definition by law which sates that
'Therapy' is defined as being the treatment to heal a specific medical problem by means other than surgical intervention. Similarly a 'therapist' is a person who tries to fix a specific problem usually under the direction or control of a licensed medical practitioner. The Equine Touch is quite simply a discipline, a set of pre ordained procedures that the student or practitioner applies to
the horse no matter what problem the equine presents at the time. The fact that the equine is able to deal with long standing
problems after a session of ET and that there is undeniably a remedial and therapeutic effect, wherein the horse is, as a result of
its own innate healing system, freely able to process and ultimately dissolve unwanted structures while in the balanced state of
homeostasis.
Is Equine Touch Compatible with recognized therapies?
While having the unique ability to stand on its own as a positive corrective system at all levels, one of the most valuable assets
of the Equine Touch is its total compatibility to work in a complementary and harmonious synergy with many recognized
equine healing modalities including alopathic, acupuncture, homeopathy, herbs, Bach flower remedies and chiropractic. The
Equine Touch is not only compatible with equine therapies but with all types of equine address such as trimming, shoeing, saddle fitting and correction, balanced riding, training, rehabilitation and nutrition, all essential elements in creating and maintaining stability and health in any horse.
Equine Touch was developed in 1997 by Europe's leading Bowen consultant and pioneer of the Vibromuscular Harmonization
Technique (VHT), Jock Ruddock. Jock originally addressed the equine's body by transposing his VHT soft tissue moves from
the human to the horse using his own unique aikido based muscular vibration move. Later however, after he was joined by his
veterinary surgeon wife Ivana, he studied and researched the mechanics of the animal as an individual species as well its associated energy patterns and the emotional armor. Subsequently he amended and evolved his approach to where the Equine Touch is
now recognized as a premier equine care discipline taught world wide from Norway to New Zealand.
Equine Touch Courses in Australia
With Jock & Ivana Ruddock www.theequinetouch.com
Level 1 course in TAS
24th,25th & 26th January 2007
Course being held at Browns Road, North Lilydale
Contact Mary Hitchcock
Ph 0428 627959
Email- [email protected]
or Liz Stanfield Ph 63951590
Level 1 course in NSW
16th, 17th &18th November 2006
Course being held at Glen William (near Dungog)
Contact Lee Woodland
Ph 02 4996 5500
Email– [email protected]
Level 1 course in WA
19th, 20th & 21st January
Course being held at Perth Hills, Darlington
Contact Linda Yoxall
Ph (08) 9299-6021
or 0407 090 166,
Email: [email protected]
Level 3 course in NSW
16th, 17th,18th &19th November 2006
Course being held at Glen William (near Dungog)
Contact Lee Woodland
Ph 02 4996 5500
Email– [email protected]
Volume 1, Issue 4
Page 24
2 Beautiful Horses “FREE” to
a Loving Home
My two are both currently agisted in Eumundi, QLD. I moved to WA about a year ago to be closer to my family and
since then have not been able to bring them across.
“Tango” is a 7yrold, 15.3H, proud, and very good -looking quarter horse gelding. Liver chestnut, very affectionate
and easy to train. He is still extremely green, only been ridden 10 times- at a walk and a little trot with a rope halter
and Cherokee bit in his mouth. Needs more handling and has huge potential. Great stops, but also very forward
going.
“Soul” is a beautiful 15yrold, 14.3H bay Anglo gelding. Has done Parelli 1 and a little level 2. Very responsive
(almost phase 0!), athletic, friendly and has spirit. My heart breaks to have to let him go, as he has been my teacher,
friend and companion for 6yrs. He can only be ridden in a Cherokee bridle (rope bit) and neck reins.
I am holding my breath in positive anticipation for someone who is interested.
Please contact me (Tanja) on: 0423 276 971
email: [email protected]
During the period of Oct 17th til Nov 20th, I will only be contactable via email or mobile text message.
Above– Photo of Soul
Above—Photo of Soul & Tango
The Australian Savvy Forum
The Australian Savvy forum is a great place to discuss Natural Horsemanship
and gain advice and support or just have a good ole chin wag and keep up your
motivation.
We mainly have PNH students posting on here, however, we welcome all NH
students to the discussion boards.
We also have a classifieds section for anything you have to buy or sell (but not commercial - business advertising).
We accept no responsibility should someone get hurt as a result of following suggestions put forward on this forum. You ride and participate at your own risk!
Please note, this website is not sponsered/authorised by Parelli Natural Horse.Man.Ship TM nor are
we affiliated with the Parelli Natural Horse.Man.Ship TM organisation. We are simply keen students.
We invite you to join us for a chat!
http://z13.invisionfree.com/Australian_Savvy/index.php?act=idx
The Accidental Horse
I’m a bit of an addict when it comes to
rural TV and radio and on a recent report
some weeks ago there was a statistic of
on-farm accidents; tractors, ATVs and
the like. But what was really interesting,
was that of the 11% of these injuries
caused by horses, 44% of those happened
to adolescent girls.
to which the owner responded with an
unconfident attempt. However, the horse
did quieten somewhat. “She’s not
listening to you, look where her ears are”,
I said, “try some driving game, get her to
disengage her hindquarters”. The owner’s
phases were less than convincing and the
horse didn’t understand.
This made me think; if it can happen to
girls who presumably have grown up
with the animal, what of those who buy
or are given a horse without that
experience?
I should have stopped there. Though it
was easy to read the horse, it was the
owner I’d misjudged. I’m reminded of a
line in the movie Horse Whisperer where
Robert Redford says, “I help horses with
people problems” but this owner wasn’t
ready to be helped and certainly wasn’t
ready for a horse like this, yet in my haste
to assist I’d failed to recognise one of the
fundamentals of horse handling. That is,
that there are two quite different animals
involved. I didn’t asked the question,
could you show me what you’re trying to
achieve? Then perhaps I’d have had a
better insight into how to help.
(www.horsecouncil.org.au)
The report went on to say that one of the
reasons was risk-taking by this group in
competitions, and asking the horse to do
more than it’s capable of, and the lack of
emphasis placed on safety issues.
I’ve been to pony club days and other
competitions, and the upholding of safety
rules is paramount, so why are there so
many accidents and how is the novice
horse owner going to keep safe on an
animal that’s ridden only sometimes?
Not so long ago I was at a natural
horsemanship fun day where the
atmosphere is less structured, but safety
aspects are expected and in the main
adhered to, yet an incident occurred
where a green horse broke away and went
looking for its mate. The kafuffle caused
minor scattering of horses in the vicinity
but nothing unexpected by those used to
this happening.
The owner regained control of the lead
rope but was still finding difficulty
regaining the horse. I decided to offer
help with some advice, as the owner was
still in difficulty.
Now the advice I always give to myself is
observe first, and it was obvious that the
horse’s focus was anywhere but on its
handler; ears all over the place, snorting,
and general agitation. “More friendly
game”, was the phrase I uttered in an
effort to bring the adrenalin levels down,
SO WHY DO HORSES DO WHAT THEY
DO?
Horses are responsive animals, evolution
has designed them that way. There’s no
time for thought when you’re about to be
eaten. The gene pool ceased to exist for
those who stopped to think, and although
the animal has been domesticated for
some 4 to 5000 years and humans have
altered it physiologically, psychologically
it hasn’t changed much.
For the horse there are two fundamental
stimuli - fear and irritation. Fear evokes
the fight/flight response, irritation leads
to random responses in an effort to find
relief, and we use irritation in training.
Tom Roberts, a noted Australian Equine
educator in his book Horse Control, The
Young Horse asks, “Why do you jump
when you sit on a pin?” If your answer is
because it hurts, you’re wrong. He
maintains there’s relief when you get off.
SO WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES?
Human beings learn to behave in ways
decreed only in part by their biological
heritage and the immediate situation. We,
along with objective reaction to the
stimulus of irritation i.e. the pain of the
pin, verbalise the fact, thereby passing on
the experience and supporting the action.
In this way rapid transfer of human
knowledge occurs.
“Horses have to be taught to do
everything we want them to do”, Tom
Roberts goes on to say, “Just as a child is
handicapped if he misses a grade at
school, so too is the young horse”.
By simple observation, and without going
into masses of biological definitions, it
will be evident that the horse is primarily
a visual animal, communicating subtly
through posture and usually without
audible utterance.
Horses’ eyes are 5 X 6.5cm in size and
are amongst the largest of any living
mammal. This immediately suggests that
a horse relies heavily on sight.
(Mills & Nankervis, 2002)
Normally, the horse has monocular
vision. That is, it has the ability to see
separate things with each eye at the same
time. (Frazer, 1997)
As soon as differences are suggested
between horses and humans, the words
prey/predator spring to mind, but
consider the perception of humans to
those words creating subconscious fear
and affecting the way the two interact.
The horse is certainly a prey animal, but
words like aggressive, dominant, and so
on, affect human outlooks.
But if farm kids
their horses and
fundamentals, the
themselves in
familiarity.
are too familiar with
they’ve forgotten the
weekend riders place
danger by lacking
Does education help?
Last year I attended an OHS accreditation
course run by Racing NSW. There the
statement was, “It’s taken legislation to
require professional riders under OHS
law to wear personal protection
equipment” (PPE).
If the key is THINK SAFE then there
must be some basic commonsense rules
to guide all horse enthusiasts; habits to
adopt, like pilots use prior to take off
where they check the aircraft before
boarding. Horses are habitual, humans
can be the same. Make it a habit to do
nothing but observe the horses, and in my
case the human. We’re so obsessed with
time and achievements these days that we
forget our horse don’t wear wrist
watches.
Bill Raymond
Volume 1, Issue 4
Page 26
Cyteck Shoeing.
Hi Lee and Danny,
We recently at the NNHC had a cyteck shoeing school. As an advocate for the barefoot horse I was highly impressed
with this unique and ancient form of shoeing. Every one I know that has had them attached has noticed increased
comfort for the horse and better impulsion and lengthened strides. Horses want to move now and they move better.
I am sending you this info as I am sure there would be people down that way that would be just as impressed with it.
Paul Reeves is the guy that teaches it and he comes from Tamworth ( originally Britain.) His website is www.cyteck.
com.au
Everyone that was at the clinic had a great time and about 15 people got their horses shod and a few farriers actually
converted. Unbelievable.
I have never had much to approve of about shoeing but now with my horses new abilities I do.
Regards Tanya Atkins
Stallion—Romerito SO473
Pure Spanish Andalusian By Poderoso (Justiciero IV Imp/Corveta Imp) out of Romera (Encantador/Ordinara Imp).
Sire of multi national champion pure and part andalusians. Passing on his calm, intelligent gentle nature, straight
movement, trainibility and magnificent colour.
Service Fee $660.00inc
Chilled Semen available
More photos available on request
Viewing by appointment
Contact
Trish Buchan
0418 600 742
Dubbo NSW
[email protected]
My most memorable day with my horse. By Jodie Heald
I used to work for this trail riding place as a teenager, and instead of getting paid for the hours I worked, I was given this wonderful young anglo mare. I remember us being the best of mates, riding everywhere, dinking everyone everywhere, hooning
through the bush as I practiced my bush racing (discovering later that I wasn't allowed to compete in this,that and my mare
was too small for it). So yes, I did a wonderful job of revving up this little girl and turning her into a most extreme emotional little horse.
A few years later, I was told to reduce my number of horse (I had gradually built up to 5 horses on the family farm!). I had just
begun the sport of Cutting, so I was keeping my trained QH, my 30 yo (first horse), and another horse which I was given (never
to sell), needless to say, that my mare (Gypsy) was one that I sold.
A couple of years later, I met my husband to be, we purchased our own piece of land and I mourned about not having Gypsy. To
my surprise, for my birthday, my husband had managed to buy her back. He'd never seen her before, and neither of us realized
the bond that Gyp and I had until we went to pick her up.
Gyp was in a 200acre paddock with one other horse (I was told she was very hard to catch and separate from this horse), I also
warned Troy that she wasn't very good at floating and that we could be here for a while. Anyway, I could just see them at the far
end of the paddock, I was getting really excited, I called out as I climbed through the fence..the next thing, she
called out and came GALLOPING all the way up to me. I was stunned, she rammed her head into the halter, I walked her out of
the paddock, and as we approached the float, she nearly gave me rope burn as she barged onto it!
Troy drove and I cried the whole way home as I watched Gypsy through the back window - Troy couldn't understand how I'd
given up a horse who I had such a special bond with (sadly I never realized it until that day). Gyp will now stay with me till the
day she dies, we have so much fun together, although she now has arthritis and I have retired her from riding, she still gallops to
greet me when I call her, and canters & rears on the spot beside me (at liberty), I am so grateful to have my best friend back - I
will never forget the day we brought her home!
Volume 1, Issue 4
Page 27
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Register online now at www.onlinewealthcoach.com.au/index.asp
email Lynn at: [email protected]
*see www.onlinewealthcoach.com.au/index.asp for details
Special from Natural Equipment
for the month of October
FREE postage within Australia for the month of October
Natural Hackamores
Save $20.00
RRP $100.00
For the month of October $80.00 ea
Hackamores
available in all
colours and
sizes!
Natural Equipment
Lee and Danny Woodland
PO Box 43
Clarence Town, NSW, 2321
Phone (within Australia): 1800 081 541
Phone (international): +61 (0)2 4996 5500
Fax: +61(0)2 4996 5513
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.naturalequipment.com.au
Volume 1, Issue 4
Page 28
October Competition
Write about your favourite Natural Horsemanship DVD.
Let us know why you like it and what it is all about.
(doesn’t have to be one that we sell)
Winner receives a ‘ a free DVD!’
You can choose from any of the dvd’s on our website–
www.naturalequipment.com.au
(offer only includes single or double dvd’s, does not include sets)
Simply email Lee at [email protected]
Subject– October Competition
Winner announced in the October newsletter
Camilla
Davidson
Teacher of
Natural
Horsemanship
In the Southern Tablelands,
South Coast of NSW &
the ACT Area
Qualified N. H. instructor
Trained in the art of
Natural Horsemanship
Horse Starter and problem horses.
Book in now to accelerate your horsemanship
02 4846 1002 or 0429 461 002
[email protected]
Please call or e-mail your interest as the group in this area is growing strong &
would love to welcome new members into Natural Horsemanship. If you have any
question what so ever, please contact Camilla for more information on courses &
our Fun days