Groundwork...why it's important

You know, years ago, when I first started out  with horses, I heard "Do your groundwork!"

 from lots of experienced folks.

 For a while I didn't know what that

 meant.  Even worse, I didn't understand  the implications of its importance.

 I was impatient and wanted to do

 everything I could as fast I as I could.

 Thus, I saw groundwork as nice to do but  took too much time compared to what I wanted  to ge done.

 I couldn't have been more wrong.

 In reality, groundwork is great

 because it builds your confidence AND the  confidence of the horse as well.  It's a great  way to build a bond between you and horse...

 not to mention trust, respect, and understanding.

 What many people don't know is that

 from the ground is a great place to watch your  horse learn and think.  You can watch his  feet and see the mechanics of his his thinking,  his response and how he moves his body to your  handling and commands.

from Charlie Hicks @

http://www.horsetrainingresources.com

Loretta
 the natural horseman
 clear communication/visible results

March 10, 2012 Hunter Show

We are so excited to be taking such great students to the Frying Pan Show on March 10, 2012.


We'll be there with Confetti and Piero and some great up and coming short stirrup, pre short and lead line riders.  Even have a gal doing the VHSA pony hunter  class for juniors.


Liz and I just wanted to take a moment and thank everyone for their kind words of late.  We are fortunate and blessed to have an amazing team of students, ponies, friends and parents in our corner.












Loretta
 the natural horseman
 clear communication/visible results

Show Team Newsletter

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20/20 Horsemanship Show Team News  Feb. 2012 Dear Loretta, Happy New Year!  Since you are receiving this email you either attended the December show with us, are planning on attending the March show, or have expressed an interest in the Show Team. Please read thoroughly as there is a lot of important information regarding requirements and dates, etc... Showing is fun and is a great learning experience, combined with hard work-which makes it all worth it! Sincerely, Loretta Arey 20/20 Horsemanship   Upcoming Show Dates  Sat., March 10, 2012 Hunter Show @ Frying Pan Sun., March 11, 2012 Jumper show @ Frying Pan Sat., April 14, 2012 Hunter Show @Frying Pan Sun., May 20, 2012 Hunter Show @ Turner Farm in Great Falls What Parents Need to Know How to be a great horse show parent Ensure that your student has all of her clothes ready and out the night before. Practice the braids so you do not get frustrated with them on show day. Your child will need:  A Show Coat, A dress/show shirt, TAN breeches with KNEE patches, if 12 or under she will need garters, BROWN boots, two braids going down the back of the head tied with our ribbons.  If over 13 she will need TALL black field boots and a hair net. All riders need black gloves, a black belt and a velvet helmet or helmet cover. Find a place to sit on the bleachers, get a coffee and relax. If you have never done this before you may have a lot of questions on show day.  PLEASE remember them, write them down if you like, but wait until AFTER the show to ask them.  Liz and I are are extremely busy with the kids and ponies on the show day.  We want you to be informed, but we can only think about so many things at once.  We want our students to have our focus and attention. Your child's classes are finished quickly  Yes, there is a lot of prep work that goes into a 10 minute round!  That's just the way horse shows are. I will PRE register you.  One show day you must: Go to office and give them your student's name.  Sign the entry blank and pay the fee for her classes.  If she does not already have a number you will be given one for her.  Bring it to her and help her tie it on.   Encourage your student and let her know how proud you are of her even if she does not win any ribbon. These shows are VERY competitive.

Loretta
 the natural horseman
 clear communication/visible results

The Importance of Backing (on the ground)

One of the first skills I learned when studying natural horsemanship was how to back up the horse-away from me on the ground.  When I need to correct a horse for rude or bad behavior I get him to back up.  To teach a horse to stand still at a mounting block, I get him to back up when or if, he moves away.  It will even work to teach a horse not to be mouthy with their tack on a fence.  (Tansey, watch out!)




From Clinton Anderson:


Backing up is very unnatural for a horse to do. Think about the number of times you’ve seen a horse backing up across the pasture. It’s rare, isn’t it? Other than taking a few steps backwards to warn the horses next to him to get out of his space, most horses don’t practice backing up on their own. They’re addicted to forward movement. That’s why teaching them to back up on the ground and under saddle is one of the best things you can do. Teaching a horse to back away from you on the ground reinforces to him that he needs to stay out of your personal hula hoop space and respect you. Backing from under saddle teaches the horse not to run through your hands and respect your cues while laying a foundation for more advanced maneuvers. To put it plain and simple, a good backup is the foundation for everything you do with your horse - stopping, collection and being able to rate the horse’s speed, to name just a few.







Loretta
 the natural horseman
 clear communication/visible results

Gus and Liz bareback

Loretta

the natural horseman

clear communication/visible results