Vicki,
I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed this last workshop on Sept 10th. I felt more relaxed and Teddy felt relaxed too. I had a bad day Wed and it showed in my riding. I understand what you are always saying to us about “Riding in the moment”. To be aware of what you do that can cause your horse to be uncomfortable and to also (tell on you) as you say. I know you learn everytime you are with your horse no matter what you are doing with him. Thank you for your patience.
Vicki, I love your new blog and the new stories you are putting on. I also read the article you wrote on “Reins”. boy I am so bad about the reins. I know what I am doing wrong but it is the unknown fear I create that makes me unsure of myself which I know causes uneasiness in my horse. He can not tell what I want from him. I need to be more aware of what I am feeling and how I react for my horse. I want to make our ride and relationship better. Thank you so much for your patience and your help teaching me the right way to communicate.
Hey Deb: I am so glad that you enjoyed the workshop and found it educational for you and Jax! I think that is great about taking Jax to the retirement home. I know it means a great deal for the elderly to be around animals of any kind. I think it is wonderful that you take the time to do so!!! You won’t be missing out this Sat. as far as another workshop…my next one is not schedule until July 9th. I believe I have 4 riders signed up already so if you are interested please let me know. If you want a little one on one help….I can do that too….just let me know. I enjoyed getting to know you and Jax and Debbie and Oreo at the workshop! I hope you are practicing on what you learned…it does all pay off and the work gets easier for you when Jax learns what he needs to do.
Really enjoyed the workshop on Saturday. It was fun and productive and tiring, and I never even mounted my horse!
I think Jax and I might need some one on one however.
I want to do it again soon. Can’t make it this Saturday though as Jax and I are going to a retirement home to prance around for the elderly. You ‘d be surprised how much the old folks enjoy getting to see and pet a horse again.
Enjoyed meeting you and the rest of the girls too!
Hey Vicki, Regarding “Horses and Anxiety…,” you described the situation with Bubba and me perfectly. I am glad you were there to help the both of us. It was a lesson I definitely needed some clarity on.
Thanks!!!
Hi Vicki,
I have enjoyed the two workshops Teddy and I have been in. I told Shelly I was changing my name and have Teddy look like some other horse so you would not know who I am. That way when you fuss at Robin she will not be there. (ha ha) just kidding. I need you to keep me on track and to pay attention. Thank you for your patience and help. I do want to sign up for the workshop on Feb 5th.
What you did with Shanti this morning was amazing! I won’t soon forget what I witnessed as you took my horse from out of control to calm and willing in 15 or 20 minutes.
Thank you, Sally, for having so much confidence in me. I don’t know who learned more…me or the students! I am still amazed how much I keep learning on a daily basis. Thank you for all of your help…I couldn’t have done it without you. I am looking forward to the future classes.
I would like for everyone who participated in the Workshops, and those of you who are thinking about doing so in the spring, to know just how much I enjoyed these last eight Saturday mornings. It was fun to share with others what I have known all along, that Vicki is a very special and talented horsewoman. She has worked long and hard to keep improving her skills with horses, and I for one, think she has done a superb job. She will be the first to tell you, that there is still a lot to learn, but knowing her determination, I feel sure that she will absorb every speck of knowledge there is to know about the horse, and then happily pass it on to those of you who have the yearning to be a better horseperson. Believe me, you will enjoy journey.
Robin: I am glad that you have enjoyed the classes in building confidence. I am, also, looking forward to the next classes in the spring. It is great to have goals like the ones you have mentioned. All of us can use a little help every now and then and I am glad that you have found my advice and classes to be helpful! You are on your way to achieving your goals…keep up the good work! Vicki
Vicki,
I have enjoyed your workshop and look forward to the next series of workshops. I feel like I am slowly gaining confidence again since my accident. My goal now is to be able to take Teddy out of the indoor arena this spring and go on the trails on Sally’s place.
It was hard for me to get back up on a horse and I still have some fears everytime I past the side doors, but I am getting stronger each time and I am enjoying my rides now.
Thank you so much for your belief in me and your determination to make me try. You are a great instruction and friend.
Bob: Thank you so much for your comment…you almost made me cry! That is not a bad thing either. I am so proud of you and Shanti…you both have come a long way…you just needed help in understanding your horse better from her perspective. Your knowledge has grown which enables you to have better conversations with Shanti. I agree on your comment about Susan. I will do everything with the knowledge that I have to help Susan become the horsewoman she dreams of becoming. I believe we are on the right path for both of them. I am grateful that our paths have crossed as well. You, Susan, Tula and Shanti have taught me a great deal…I thank all of you!!!! Whenever any of us can become better human beings…it is a wonderful accomplishment!
1) With your guidance I have learned that being gentle first and confident second are two of the most valuable qualities a man can practice. (I always had the confidence thing down pat; the gentleness thing was pretty much an unknown concept to me.) You have told me just about every time we’ve been together: “Horse cannot lie.” And as we know from the time we spend with them a horse can kill us in an instant; the choice is theirs, not ours, and we exist with them because our horses choose to put up with our mistakes and our misguided intentions.
2) I am a better husband, father, son and person because I better understand how important gentleness is to all God’s creation.
3) Since we have “awakened” Tula, I believe we must grow Susan’s self confidence so that she can become the horse woman she dreams of being.
Hey Robin: I am thrilled that you are learning a lot in the “Building Confidence” classes. The Nov. 6 class is full but since you have attended a few of the other classes…I will put your name on the list for Nov. 6 and I will put your name down for the last class (of this year) on Nov. 13. There has been a great turn out for these classes so I plan on doing the classes, again, in early spring…thanks!
Just wanted to make sure I get on the list for the last workshop. I want to be there and if possible this Sat. You look full though. Let me know.
I am learning a lot.
Hey Susan: I am glad that you and Bob see the changes in either of your horses. The changes are real. The challenges do become fewer…just make sure you are there when they do. That is the key…if you are always there whenever they do challenge you…that is when the challenges become fewer.
Hey Vicki, I think Bob finally realizes he must respond appropriately to EVERY challenge to his leadership that Shanti presents to him from the moment he begins to interact with her.
When he is fully focused on her behavior on the ground and in the saddle she is noticeably calmer and more willing to follow his requests. I keep telling him it will get easier the more consistent he is with her. But, wow, it really is interesting to watch Shanti give up her need to control/challenge when Bob truly takes on the role of herd leader. Lots of work to do still, but the results are well worth it.
Hey Susan…I am so thrilled to hear your news about your latest trail rides. I just have one question…what do you think clicked with Bob at our last lesson?
Hey Vicki, Oh the joy of a uneventful, relaxing trail ride on a beautiful fall day. Tula and Shanti have been positively delightful the last two days that Bob and I have ridden them through our property. “Something” clicked with Bob during his lesson with you on Thursday and Shanti his horse is definitely responding in the most positive way imaginable. Knock on wood, but I truly think all of our hard work retraining these horses is beginning to pay off. We’ll never be able to thank you enough for your knowledge, concern, expertise, etc.
Sweeeet! Oh and, let’s keep working at it!!!
Susan: No one should ever think trail and/or pleasure riding is any less important of a discipline than showing your horse in competition. I have always told people that I would want my trail riding horse to be just as attentive and/or responsive to my cues as I would in a show pen. I believe a lot of people don’t look at it quite the same way. I believe you and your horse should be together no matter where you ride!
Hi Vicki, In the future, if anyone asks me what kind of “riding” I do I will never again say
“Oh, we’re just pleasure/trail riders.” Without fail, every time Bob and I take our horses out for a trail ride it is an adventure and a learning experience. I am continually amazed at the exquisite sensitivity and intelligence of these animals. Yes, amazing feats of their athleticism, versatility, training, smarts and beauty etc. are showcased in an arena, but take them outdoors (into the real world) and OMG, be ready to truly experience why theses animals have continued to exist for millions of years. They need our knowledge/experience more than ever to help them as they teeter between their comfort/unsure/life-threatening zones. Tula and Shanti say “thanks” to you for helping those humans on their backs understand them better.
Vicki, I just wanted to thank you for all that you have done for me after my injury. I do not know if I woud have gotten back up on a horse if it wasn’t for your urging me to just try. You have helped me start overcoming my fears about getting hurt again and to start enjoying the ride again. Today was a good day for my horse and I.
Thank you again for all your help and support and your belief in me.
Hey Shelly…glad you received your t-shirts but sad that Mark’s is too small. I just emailed Tracie to see if Paul would be interested in Mark’s (too small) t-shirt.
Hi Vicki,
Mark and I got our T-shirts today! They look great! One problem, Mark’s is to small. So if anyone would like an XL man’s, ride every step t-shirt, let me know. I’ll give you a great deal. I guess….. I will have to order Mark a XXL!
Vicki, the pictures from the workshop are awesome and truly show how much fun we were having. I loved the song you chose for the video —Riding is an amazing “party” and you are helping me to ride every step in a thoughtful, purposeful, and more confident manner. Thank you . I look forward to more “fun ” learning workshops and Summer will be happier too ! ( :
Michelle
I would like to share my journey of mistakes/successes of learning how to communicate with a horse from his perspective. It has not only benefited me professionally but I have found it very helpful in my personal life as well. My dad suffered a massive stroke in June of 2005. He lost his ability to communicate. I lost my younger brother, Kent Snyder, June 26th 2008. I have been shocked as to how beneficial my knowledge of the horse, has aided in my care taking for my dad and brother. This is what I would like to share with you in hopes to not only help your horse relationship but to show you how the same knowledge can benefit other areas of your life. Vicki
Vicki,
I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed this last workshop on Sept 10th. I felt more relaxed and Teddy felt relaxed too. I had a bad day Wed and it showed in my riding. I understand what you are always saying to us about “Riding in the moment”. To be aware of what you do that can cause your horse to be uncomfortable and to also (tell on you) as you say. I know you learn everytime you are with your horse no matter what you are doing with him. Thank you for your patience.
Hi Robin…I am very glad that you are enjoying my blog. I hope the information is being helpful to you and Teddy!!!
Vicki, I love your new blog and the new stories you are putting on. I also read the article you wrote on “Reins”. boy I am so bad about the reins. I know what I am doing wrong but it is the unknown fear I create that makes me unsure of myself which I know causes uneasiness in my horse. He can not tell what I want from him. I need to be more aware of what I am feeling and how I react for my horse. I want to make our ride and relationship better. Thank you so much for your patience and your help teaching me the right way to communicate.
Hey Deb: I am so glad that you enjoyed the workshop and found it educational for you and Jax! I think that is great about taking Jax to the retirement home. I know it means a great deal for the elderly to be around animals of any kind. I think it is wonderful that you take the time to do so!!! You won’t be missing out this Sat. as far as another workshop…my next one is not schedule until July 9th. I believe I have 4 riders signed up already so if you are interested please let me know. If you want a little one on one help….I can do that too….just let me know. I enjoyed getting to know you and Jax and Debbie and Oreo at the workshop! I hope you are practicing on what you learned…it does all pay off and the work gets easier for you when Jax learns what he needs to do.
Vicki,
Really enjoyed the workshop on Saturday. It was fun and productive and tiring, and I never even mounted my horse!
I think Jax and I might need some one on one however.
I want to do it again soon. Can’t make it this Saturday though as Jax and I are going to a retirement home to prance around for the elderly. You ‘d be surprised how much the old folks enjoy getting to see and pet a horse again.
Enjoyed meeting you and the rest of the girls too!
Hey Vicki, Regarding “Horses and Anxiety…,” you described the situation with Bubba and me perfectly. I am glad you were there to help the both of us. It was a lesson I definitely needed some clarity on.
Thanks!!!
Hey Robin: I reserved your spot for the Feb. 5th workshop. You could try disguising yourself and Teddy but I would find you…haha!
Hi Vicki,
I have enjoyed the two workshops Teddy and I have been in. I told Shelly I was changing my name and have Teddy look like some other horse so you would not know who I am. That way when you fuss at Robin she will not be there. (ha ha) just kidding. I need you to keep me on track and to pay attention. Thank you for your patience and help. I do want to sign up for the workshop on Feb 5th.
Hi Bob: You are welcome….I just hope this morning you could see how valuable teaching your horse groundwork exercises can be.
Vicki:
What you did with Shanti this morning was amazing! I won’t soon forget what I witnessed as you took my horse from out of control to calm and willing in 15 or 20 minutes.
I’ll re-think the whole ground-work thing.
Thank you,
Bob
Thank you, Sally, for having so much confidence in me. I don’t know who learned more…me or the students! I am still amazed how much I keep learning on a daily basis. Thank you for all of your help…I couldn’t have done it without you. I am looking forward to the future classes.
I would like for everyone who participated in the Workshops, and those of you who are thinking about doing so in the spring, to know just how much I enjoyed these last eight Saturday mornings. It was fun to share with others what I have known all along, that Vicki is a very special and talented horsewoman. She has worked long and hard to keep improving her skills with horses, and I for one, think she has done a superb job. She will be the first to tell you, that there is still a lot to learn, but knowing her determination, I feel sure that she will absorb every speck of knowledge there is to know about the horse, and then happily pass it on to those of you who have the yearning to be a better horseperson. Believe me, you will enjoy journey.
Robin: I am glad that you have enjoyed the classes in building confidence. I am, also, looking forward to the next classes in the spring. It is great to have goals like the ones you have mentioned. All of us can use a little help every now and then and I am glad that you have found my advice and classes to be helpful! You are on your way to achieving your goals…keep up the good work! Vicki
Vicki,
I have enjoyed your workshop and look forward to the next series of workshops. I feel like I am slowly gaining confidence again since my accident. My goal now is to be able to take Teddy out of the indoor arena this spring and go on the trails on Sally’s place.
It was hard for me to get back up on a horse and I still have some fears everytime I past the side doors, but I am getting stronger each time and I am enjoying my rides now.
Thank you so much for your belief in me and your determination to make me try. You are a great instruction and friend.
Bob: Thank you so much for your comment…you almost made me cry! That is not a bad thing either. I am so proud of you and Shanti…you both have come a long way…you just needed help in understanding your horse better from her perspective. Your knowledge has grown which enables you to have better conversations with Shanti. I agree on your comment about Susan. I will do everything with the knowledge that I have to help Susan become the horsewoman she dreams of becoming. I believe we are on the right path for both of them. I am grateful that our paths have crossed as well. You, Susan, Tula and Shanti have taught me a great deal…I thank all of you!!!! Whenever any of us can become better human beings…it is a wonderful accomplishment!
Vicki:
I want to share three thoughts with you tonight:
1) With your guidance I have learned that being gentle first and confident second are two of the most valuable qualities a man can practice. (I always had the confidence thing down pat; the gentleness thing was pretty much an unknown concept to me.) You have told me just about every time we’ve been together: “Horse cannot lie.” And as we know from the time we spend with them a horse can kill us in an instant; the choice is theirs, not ours, and we exist with them because our horses choose to put up with our mistakes and our misguided intentions.
2) I am a better husband, father, son and person because I better understand how important gentleness is to all God’s creation.
3) Since we have “awakened” Tula, I believe we must grow Susan’s self confidence so that she can become the horse woman she dreams of being.
I am grateful our paths have crossed.
Bob
Hey Robin: I am thrilled that you are learning a lot in the “Building Confidence” classes. The Nov. 6 class is full but since you have attended a few of the other classes…I will put your name on the list for Nov. 6 and I will put your name down for the last class (of this year) on Nov. 13. There has been a great turn out for these classes so I plan on doing the classes, again, in early spring…thanks!
Just wanted to make sure I get on the list for the last workshop. I want to be there and if possible this Sat. You look full though. Let me know.
I am learning a lot.
Hey Susan: I am glad that you and Bob see the changes in either of your horses. The changes are real. The challenges do become fewer…just make sure you are there when they do. That is the key…if you are always there whenever they do challenge you…that is when the challenges become fewer.
Hey Vicki, I think Bob finally realizes he must respond appropriately to EVERY challenge to his leadership that Shanti presents to him from the moment he begins to interact with her.
When he is fully focused on her behavior on the ground and in the saddle she is noticeably calmer and more willing to follow his requests. I keep telling him it will get easier the more consistent he is with her. But, wow, it really is interesting to watch Shanti give up her need to control/challenge when Bob truly takes on the role of herd leader. Lots of work to do still, but the results are well worth it.
Hey Susan…I am so thrilled to hear your news about your latest trail rides. I just have one question…what do you think clicked with Bob at our last lesson?
Hey Vicki, Oh the joy of a uneventful, relaxing trail ride on a beautiful fall day. Tula and Shanti have been positively delightful the last two days that Bob and I have ridden them through our property. “Something” clicked with Bob during his lesson with you on Thursday and Shanti his horse is definitely responding in the most positive way imaginable. Knock on wood, but I truly think all of our hard work retraining these horses is beginning to pay off. We’ll never be able to thank you enough for your knowledge, concern, expertise, etc.
Sweeeet! Oh and, let’s keep working at it!!!
Susan: No one should ever think trail and/or pleasure riding is any less important of a discipline than showing your horse in competition. I have always told people that I would want my trail riding horse to be just as attentive and/or responsive to my cues as I would in a show pen. I believe a lot of people don’t look at it quite the same way. I believe you and your horse should be together no matter where you ride!
Hi Vicki, In the future, if anyone asks me what kind of “riding” I do I will never again say
“Oh, we’re just pleasure/trail riders.” Without fail, every time Bob and I take our horses out for a trail ride it is an adventure and a learning experience. I am continually amazed at the exquisite sensitivity and intelligence of these animals. Yes, amazing feats of their athleticism, versatility, training, smarts and beauty etc. are showcased in an arena, but take them outdoors (into the real world) and OMG, be ready to truly experience why theses animals have continued to exist for millions of years. They need our knowledge/experience more than ever to help them as they teeter between their comfort/unsure/life-threatening zones. Tula and Shanti say “thanks” to you for helping those humans on their backs understand them better.
Robin: You are more than welcome! You are making a great comeback after your injury…it does take a little time, but you are improving nicely!
Vicki, I just wanted to thank you for all that you have done for me after my injury. I do not know if I woud have gotten back up on a horse if it wasn’t for your urging me to just try. You have helped me start overcoming my fears about getting hurt again and to start enjoying the ride again. Today was a good day for my horse and I.
Thank you again for all your help and support and your belief in me.
Hey Shelly…glad you received your t-shirts but sad that Mark’s is too small. I just emailed Tracie to see if Paul would be interested in Mark’s (too small) t-shirt.
Hi Vicki,
Mark and I got our T-shirts today! They look great! One problem, Mark’s is to small. So if anyone would like an XL man’s, ride every step t-shirt, let me know. I’ll give you a great deal. I guess….. I will have to order Mark a XXL!
Hey Michelle: Thank you and I am glad you enjoyed the workshop. It is fun to learn and have a party at the same time.
Vicki, the pictures from the workshop are awesome and truly show how much fun we were having. I loved the song you chose for the video —Riding is an amazing “party” and you are helping me to ride every step in a thoughtful, purposeful, and more confident manner. Thank you . I look forward to more “fun ” learning workshops and Summer will be happier too ! ( :
Michelle
Looks great…keep up the super work!! Love ya!
Vicki, your new logo looks great.
What a great Blog, I hope mine turns out as well.