Thank You Sherry for giving such an awesome clinic. As you know, I just like to ride, and don't enjoy the ground work as much, but you really tied it together, and showed us how the ground work helps our riding. You made me want to get lots better at doing the games!

It was really awesome to get my mare to do flying lead changes. That is something I thought we could do, but just wasn't doing the right things. After you instructed me, it was like Cody just knew what to do. It was an awesome feeling!

Anyone who has not gone to one of Sherry's clincs, I highly recommend going! You will learn so much. She is really a wonderful instructor, and even in the 2 days you will see changes with your riding and your horse.

Thanks Again Sherry!

Lynetta

Dolly as a three year old, traveling nicely forward.

Here is a question I received from a gal from MI.

I recently purchased an 8yr old "Morgan gelding" that I was told was an experienced trail horse, no vices, etc. The seller only had a very cluttered pasture area so we rode him there among the other horses they had and he seemed to go fine. While loading him after purchase, my friend with me, later mentioned that the owners daughter told her they had only had him for 2months, after getting him from an auction. Anyway, I have found out from a friend who is an experienced rider, that he is rideable and plow reins, but very green. AS in started under saddle! He is very sweet and willing to please, stands well for grooming and mounting etc. One of the problems so far I have never come across is, if he does not want to go where I want him to go (under saddle) he walks backwards. He does this quickly and is very persistent. I have been making him circle, then I make him stand still, and then ask him again. I do not let him get his way on this, but he is stubborn! Any suggestions? Mona

The answer to 99% of all horse problems is to train the horse to go forward willingly, in a manner that is relaxed and under control. Some horses rear, buck, kick, shy, stand still when they are not willing to go forward. Your horse has chosen to back when he doesn't want to go forward. So the cure for all of the above problems starts with teaching the horse to go forward willingly, both mentally and physically.

First you have to get his attention, and I wouldn't recommend using force, fear or intimidation tactics or you may end up hurt. Second, ask yourself am I giving my horse mixed signals? Do I say go with my legs but whoa with my hands? Are you rewarding his forward motion with a loose rein or blocking it? The biggest discouragement of forward motion usually comes from a stiff rider with hands that constantly jerk the horse's mouth because they haven't developed an independent seat yet.

A rider who has an independent seat moves along with the motion of the horse's back , they don't need reins for balance, they don't grip with their legs, their feet just rest on the stirrups and their head is up looking where they are going, not at the horse's ears. When a rider has an unyielding seat, it assaults the horse's back and makes him reluctant to move forward willingly.

I like your idea of circles instead of straight lines. But I'm confused about why you would make him stand still, when you want forward motion. When you tell a horse to go forward, it is essential that you do not immediately tell him to slow down. I would ride a circle then turn it into a straight line for 20 feet, and then another circle followed by a 30 foot straight line. Gradually keep increasing the distance until he says, "Hey, we're going somewhere, me too!"

Another thing that I would do is focus on the hindquarters not the forehand or head. If you can loosen up the hindquarters, it is like revving up an engine. Move the hindquarters from side to side using an indirect rein and then turn it into a direct rein with a squeeze of your legs. Give a smooch and then spank your own chest as a warning that you are going to spank the horse. Start with a gentle spank, keep a steady rhythm until the horse takes any step forward. Immediately release your legs and the spank, then ride your horse like you are going somewhere.

Remember you are retraining your horse and this is always more work once a bad habit has been formed. You will need to go back to the foundation to fix this problem. I would recommend working the horse from the ground first to establish a good forward movement by tapping behind the drive line with a training stick (not a stingy whip) or the popper on the end of a lead. Most people underestimate the power of training your horse on the ground first. But I guarantee the responsiveness or lack thereof will transfer from the ground to the saddle.

Happy Trails,

sherry

"The trail is the thing, not the end of the trail. Travel too fast and you miss all you are traveling for." Louis L"mour

Caroline (6 years old) taking her first horse riding lesson

• How do we measure success?
  
• Success is giving a 6 year old adopted girl from south China a riding lesson on Breezy!
  
• Success is seeing Ann get back on her horse PJ at the Women's Confident Leadership Calamus Camp this summer, after several months of not riding.
  
• Success is watching the transformation of Sunshine from a scared aggressive horse into a willing trusting partner over the past 5 years.
  
• Success is going with Cindy on her first trail ride after her accident at the Women's Confident Leadership Calamus Camp last Oct.
  
• Success is being there the first time Melody asked John to canter while riding, after 3 years of preparation in order to ensure confidence in a successful ride.
  
• Success is being a part of Michelle's journey from crying in her trailer at her first clinic to seeing her be able to load schizo horses in the trailer for strangers, and sooooo much more.
  
• Success is keeping my cool when I get frustrated with no shows, cancellations, yes I'm coming no I'm not, patterns from people and feeling blessed beyond words anyway.
  
• Success is hearing about Sheila doing trail challenges with Cooper calmly and confidently.
  
• Success is going to state 4-H show to see kids I have coached having fun and doing their best.
  
• Success is knowing that if I never make a lot of money or get a big name, success has already been acheived 100's of times through each individual that has given me the opportunity to influence them and their horses in some way.
  
  I had to write this today because the tiny 6 year old adopted chinese girl who I had the privilege of sharing my passion with, made me realize there is no greater success than what Breezy and I did with her today. Of course we didn't break a walk, but something very specail happened. I don't think I will ever be able to put it into words so that others may understand the power in this kind of definition of success unless they have experienced it themselves.
  
  I apologize if I didn't mention your name or your success in the above paragraphs. It isn't because I have forgotten you or thought any less of your success, it is just that I am hot and tired and am going to go take a nap in the air-conditioning before my next lesson at 3:00. Who is another new 13 years old student who doesn't have a horse yet
  either. I'm sure it will be another blessing and success.
  
  I want to thank each of you who have put your confidence in me to guide your horsemanship journey. Each of you have touched my life in many ways and added to my success. No it is OUR SUCCESS!
  
  Happy Trails,
  sherry
  
  "A great marriage is not when the 'perfect couple' comes together. It is when an imperfect couple learns to enjoy their differences." -- Dave Meurer

I don't have a picture of trailer loading, but here is Jan doing a good send with her horse Sully at last year's Oct. Women's Camp.

Over the past few months I have helped a lot of people who are having trouble loading their horses in the trailer. I think this could be a new full time career for me. So if you are having trouble loading your horse in the trailer, I'm sure that I can help, because I always succeed without a lot of dust or fighting. I spent one summer at a ranch haltering yearlings for the first time, teaching them to lead and get in a trailer. It was a great learning experience. But I think I've even learned more in the past few months from the not so green horses.

Patience, confidence, understanding, and time are the main ingredients a human needs to gain a horse's trust in order to load him in a trailer with willingness. Without trust you will have a fearful slave instead of a willing servant. The main thing the horse needs is respect to a forward cue and confidence. Without respect and confidence you will have nothing more than frustration which may lead to injuries for either the horse, the human, or both.

The first thing that must be established before you ever approach the trailer is a good forward cue, or I call it "the send". This is not about leading the horse, but asking the horse to move forward toward a designated place with intention and energy. Until the horse will walk beside you with energy, he will walk straight ahead, and stop straight when you stop you are not prepared to ask the horse to load into a trailer. The key to easy trailer loading is good respectful forward motion from the horse upon request.

Next load your horse into as many creative things you can think of which simulate the action of trailer loading. (Over a wooden bridge forward and backwards, jumping a log or barrel, put his feet up on a pedestal or tarp, cross water, go through a small gate or door, and between trees that are close together.) Use the forward cue or "send" which you will use at the trailer. The better your horse will do all of these things the more willing, confident, and respectful your horse will be when asked to load in the trailer. Make a game of it, and have some fun!

It is essential to have the proper attitude with plenty of time when loading the horse. If you become angry, frustrated, anxious or nervous the horse will catch your spirit reflecting your emotions in his own behavior. If you are in a big hurry the horse will become even more reluctant. Remember they hate to be rushed into anything. Be very matter-of-fact, as if you are going nowhere important. Load the horse as if nothing unusual is going on. Act like he has done it well a 1000 times before. Remember  to stand around and relax, because you can't rush a horse into a trailer, hoping he will be in before he knows what happened.

With prior and proper preparation trailer loading doesn't have to be a traumatic or difficult experience for either the horse or the handler. Now that you have armed yourself with a good "forward cue", lots of practice through simulations games, and the proper attitude with plenty of time, you are on your way to successful trailer loading. The next training tip we will continue this discussion with loading procedures that work when applied with feel and timing.

Remember it's not about the trailer but about the relationship and good communication.

If you need lessons on loading your horse in the trialer, call me. I am the traveling trainer. I will train you right along with your horse.

Go to www.heartinyourhand.com for more information.

"Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not one bit simpler." -- Albert Einstein

Happy Trails,

sherry

PS: Come join us at a Women's Confident Leadership Camp and learn to have even more success and fun with your horse on a beautiful working cattle ranch in the sandhills of central Nebraska.

This is Sorry looking back at you on a trail ride at the Women's Confident Leadership Camp I hosted and instructed at the Calamus Outfitters Ranch near Burwell, NE in Oct. of 2006.

Unfortunately Sorry hasn't been ridden all winter. She is quite full of energy, but the good thing is, it is controllable. I like her spirit and fire. We started out the day doing ground games on a trail walk. At first she wanted to run and show off her athleticism. I allowed it for a little while as long as she wasn't putting tension on the lead rope. I was amazed at how fast she could run without putting any tension on the line.

After allowing her to let off steam, I began to approach my request in a way that communicated when and how much speed was acceptable. I did this by mixing things up with backing, side-pass, change of directing and transitions. Plus there was plenty of time for grazing and relaxing.

By the time I saddled her she was ready to be ridden, because we were making connections. After saddling, a few more games and pre-flight checks, I mounted and sat for quite some time petting her, bending the nose around, and disengaging the hindquarters. Then I asked her to move forward, so I could take a passenger lesson. I was riding her in an alleyway next to the corrals. The pasture gates are open where the green grass lives and she knows it because we have just played there for the last hour.

In a passenger lesson your job is to ride without directing the horse. Just relax going where ever the horse goes in rhythm and time with his movements. The only thing you can do is ask them to go and stop. Use a one rein stop if they go faster than you are comfortable with. (Most people should start in a confined area).

When I asked Sorry to go, she moved a very short distance and stopped. I said thanks very much, gave her a pet and then asked her to more forward again by using my go buttons. She went forward on phase one. I like that. We have to repeat this several times. Then she started to go in tiny circles to the right in front of the gate. She stopped every-time at the opening to the gate of her corral (which by the way is closed and her buddies are in there). I didn't get worried or frustrated. Everytime she needed to stop, I stopped riding in my body, followed by more petting and another request for forward motion. I was thinking, "Do you like circles? ME TO!"

Once in a while she trotted the circle but did the same pattern, over and over and over. I was saying to myself, "Isn't this a fun trail ride?" I told her, "You can take me for a ride anywhere you want to go, and I'll be happy to go with you. The gate is open to the pastures. You're free to roam any place you like." Did she? NO.

About 20 minutes later the circles started to get bigger and she doesn't stop at the gate any more. I say, "Yahoo, I can see the mountains coming now. We are about to go on an adventure. I can't wait to see where you are going to take me, Sorry. I bet the views there are fantastic. I'm getting tired of this view, but it has been a fun ride." I think to myself at least we are riding and moving safely, with harmony, and at a controlled speed with no brace or resistance.

Next she started going down the fence line a little ways. And she would stop for a short time by a post. Followed by a retreat to the same gait. Each time she went a little further away from the gait to the next post. Remember I am not encouraging her or directing her. I am letting her take me on a trail ride. It was fun to be in harmony with her ideas. I was thinking about the beautiful mountain views that Keith and I used to see on our trail rides in WY.

It wasn't long before she went out the gate into the pasture. She was on a mission to go for a walk somewhere, because it was her idea. I hadn't pushed her past her thresholds. She had to approach and retreat a lot more than most people would be able to stand without getting into direct line thinking mode. But I didn't mind how many times she had to approach and retreat or how much time it took. It was worth it because her confidence in herself and in me as the kind of leader who won't push her over cliffs was more important than how much time it took.

She was still only going so far out into the pasture before she felt the need to retreat. However I was very happy that she walked back to her comfort zone with great calm. She didn't feel the need to hurry. It was like she was checking in. Then she would turn around and go a little further out into the pasture each time.

After a while I allowed her go out as far as she wanted in the pasture and when she tried to retreat I lifted the reins suggesting that we keep going straight and she said, "OK I can do that." And off we went through the second pasture gate without hesitation.

Now we were going on a trail ride together. I wasn't just riding her where she wanted to go and I wasn't taking her where she didn't want to go. We were going together.

I know some people say, I don't have time for all of that. I just want to go on a trail ride and NOW, DARN IT! My reply is, "You don't have to do all of this, but you may be sorry that you didn't."

These kinds of activities and communication of will cure your barn sour problems forever, because you gain your horses confidence and develop a connection of doing things together. If you don't do this, you will continue to have problems, because you horse doesn't trust you, and is not connected to listen to you when you need them to. The problem may go away sometimes, but it won't be permanently fixed, because there is a hole in the connection, or relationship.

"An unhurried sense of time is in itself a form of wealth." -- Bonnie Friedman

Happy Trails,

sherry Jarvis

www.heartinyourhand.com

This is a picture of Dolly as a three year old in a horsemanship class at a show in Lander Wy. We've come a long way since then. She is now 8 years old, no she will be nine this spring. How time flies!

Just wanted to share a quick story about riding Dolly yesterday.

We were cantering along a fence line, and on the other side of the fence is a tree line wind break. I was working on cantering with straightness doing point to points. She was doing great head low, nice cadence, relaxed, ears pointing straight forward. All of a sudden I realize that there is a branch lower than it was last summer and it is about to smack me in the face, at a canter. Knowing it was going to hurt, I ducked and shifted my weight. I didn't try to slow her up or turn her in anyway. The reins remained loose. With a fluidity I have never felt before with her, she did a perfect flying lead change. She never missed a beat and stayed in the same cadence, and emotional stability. It was so fabulous because it was so natural.

I only wish that I could reproduce it every time I ask for one. As I arrived at our point to rest, I sat there chewing on what just happened as I allowed her to graze.

The big AAHA is that the reason it was so good is because it was so natural. There was no force, no resistance, no pressure (mental, emotional, or physical). There was only pure harmony of movement between horse and rider. She felt my shift and did in her body exactly what my body did. It was joyous.

I know it was an accident but it doesn't take away from the feeling it gave me. It reminds me of what I have heard some great trainers say, "take what the horse offers you and mold it." Now if I can just figure out how to do this.

The other AAHA is that I know the reason I have trouble reproducing this on command is that I brace and get very demanding . As soon as I start thinking it she feels my body tense up and she thinks "oh no here it comes, she's going to slam me into it. "

I do get flying lead changes with her, but never with the ease and comfort that I just experienced. It was a real lesson on being natural and riding with fluidity and harmony instead of pressure.

If I can train my brain to think, move into the lightness instead of away from the pressure I believe I will begin to get better results. I also have to convince her that I will give her the confidence and feel she needs to do it without resistance.

Another AAHAA, happened when we were again, cantering for straightness going point to point. I like to stop in front of our big poop pile. Behind it is a fence and more trees. It was about our third time to stop in front of this pile. I was confident and relaxed because she has an awesome stop. Just as I asked her to put on the brakes a barn cat jumps out of the trees. Well, you can probably guess that it startled both of us. Dolly did the most beautiful canter sideways to the right, and I stayed right in the middle like we were doing a dressage pattern. It only lasted about 4 strides and then she stopped and relaxed.

I was so proud of her, because she faced the scary cat the whole time. She didn't bolt. She simply stayed in cadence while going to the right, and then she relaxed quickly. This was a perfect controlled catastrophe on her part, all I did was stay in the middle of the saddle and stay off her head. I was the balanced passenger and she took care of me.

The AAHAA is that I have been working on lateral trotting and starting to move into canter with her. But the canter wasn't going well. I now know how it should feel, because again we did it naturally. At least I know we can do it well. It will just be a matter of me being able to approach the request in such a way that she understands and doesn't feel the need to resist it. Right now, I know I am expecting too much too soon. If I will build the steps a little at a time I know we will have better success.

"I've spent most of my life riding horses; the rest I've just wasted." --unknown

Happy Trails,

sherry

www.heartinyourhand.com