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MONDAY, AUGUST 31, 2009

Riding With A Legend

Amazing: that is the best word I can think of to describe the experience of riding with Jack Brainard at a clinic in the Rockies last week. The eighty-eight-year-old master horseman was inspirational on so many levels. Every person left feeling a sense of accomplishment and at least a little awe; every horse went away improved in mind and body.

“I know what your horse needs,” he told us on the first day. And he proved it to us (not that we doubted him!). Jack talked a lot about repetition and what he does with his youngsters. “I’ll do this twenty times,” he told us as he demonstrated turns on the backhand.

By the end of our first day, I had already had several breakthroughs, and my horse, Zephyr, was also clearly happier with the changes in my riding and with the repetition and consistency.

With Jack’s concept of “liberty on parole,” we learned that having fixed hands gives our horses a frame within to work and search for the release. For me, this concept was definitely a “Eureka!” moment. When I used to ask my horses to come into the bridle, I would reward them when they gave to my feel by releasing it. This created horses that nod – give to the bridle, release and head up; repeat. With “liberty on parole,” the horses create their own release by giving to the feel; if they put their heads up, they create tension in the reins.

It seems like common sense – but clearly common sense isn’t so common!

The other concept that changed my world was about knowing where your horse’s feet are at all times. “The secret to great horsemanship,” Jack said, “is showing the horse how and when and where to place his feet.” Many of the great horsemen – perhaps all – talk about this concept; that if you can cause horses’ feet to move however you want them to, you can get the horses to do anything. Getting in time with their feet to ask them for maneuvers makes it easier for horses to perform those maneuvers. Although we practiced a lot at the clinic, like everything worthwhile, it will take some dedication and time to become unconsciously competent at this – but I’m determined!

My experience with Jack in the Rockies truly was amazing. I can only hope that, when I am his age, I am as positive, passionate and considerate of people and horses as this incredible horseman.

POSTED BY CELENA AT 9:08 PM      2 COMMENTS     POST A COMMENT
CATEGORIES: JACK BRAINARD, LIBERTY ON PAROLE

TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2009

Learning About Natural Horsemanship

A lot of us natural horsepeople, we are just obsessed with finding out more. So we turn to clinics, lessons, books and DVDs, and some of us even haul out the old VCR and play some NH videos. There are so many incredible ways to learn out there – so many knowledgeable people who have so much to share.

Personally, I love Dr. Robert M. Miller’s books (check out his website). He is so insightful – well-spoken, with interesting ideas and a obvious love of horses. His writing leaves me feeling so inspired, ready to play with my horses in a whole new way. I’m part-way through his newest book, Natural Horsemanship Explained, but, being the mother of a one-year-old and running a business, reading is a luxury that I seldom have these days. Someone really needs to start making audio books for those of us who aren’t able to sit down too often except en route to the feed mill or tack store!

This week, I have the honor of participating in a clinic with legendary horseman, Jack Brainard. Reading and watching DVDs is great, but working hands-on with the masters is invaluable. I am so excited about meeting this amazing horseman and about the numerous epiphanies that he will no doubt provoke. The only problem – after a summer that has been heavy in office work (business set-up, you know the drill!) and much lighter in riding, my body is terrified of the four consecutive full days of riding!

What is your favorite way to learn about NH? Who do you find especially helpful?

POSTED BY CELENA AT 10:16 AM      0 COMMENTS     POST A COMMENT
CATEGORIES: DR. ROBERT M. MILLER, JACK BRAINARD, NATURAL HORSEMANSHIP PROFESSIONALS, NH BOOKS, NH CLINICS