New Horse Continued

I went to see and ride one more horse today. He is a nice 16.1h, thoroughbred cross gelding, 15 years old. He is mostly white, kind of flea bitten grey. He has been a lesson horse. Has taught beginners, has taken more advanced riders to shows over 2' fences. He can even do lead changes. It has really been a tough choice, but I did choose him today. Since he knows the lesson routine, I thought he'd be the best suited. He will actually be working much less living here with us, he'll feel like he's getting somewhat of a vacation.

Here's a picture of Handsome (Cool Hwip) the horse:

The rider in the picture is the young lady who has been riding and showing him. He has lived in TN and in MD, and gone to shows in both states. They've earned champion and reserved champion several times. He definitely knows his way around a ring filled with jumps!

I plan on picking him up tomorrow.

So, come on ladies! Let's get you riding!



Loretta

the natural horseman
clear communication/visible results

New Horse Continued

I went to see and ride one more horse today. He is a nice 16.1h, thoroughbred cross gelding, 15 years old. He is mostly white, kind of flea bitten grey. He has been a lesson horse. Has taught beginners, has taken more advanced riders to shows over 2' fences. He can even do lead changes. It has really been a tough choice, but I did choose him today. Since he knows the lesson routine, I thought he'd be the best suited. He will actually be working much less living here with us, he'll feel like he's getting somewhat of a vacation.

Here's a picture of Handsome (Cool Hwip) the horse:

The rider in the picture is the young lady who has been riding and showing him. He has lived in TN and in MD, and gone to shows in both states. They've earned champion and reserved champion several times. He definitely knows his way around a ring filled with jumps!

I plan on picking him up tomorrow.

So, come on ladies! Let's get you riding!



Loretta

the natural horseman
clear communication/visible results

New Horse

In an effort to provide all of my current and future students the best all around horsemanship experience, I have decided to add a medium sized horse to my herd.

The decision is not yet final. The buying process is just that, a process. There are many factors to consider. The hardest being that the horse is not meant to be a riding horse for me, but a teacher for my students. I also require that he/she be fun for a more advanced, experienced rider.

Stay tuned to find out which one I choose!

Zoey
Flower Power
Gemstone
or
Selena





Loretta

the natural horseman
clear communication/visible results

New Horse

In an effort to provide all of my current and future students the best all around horsemanship experience, I have decided to add a medium sized horse to my herd.

The decision is not yet final. The buying process is just that, a process. There are many factors to consider. The hardest being that the horse is not meant to be a riding horse for me, but a teacher for my students. I also require that he/she be fun for a more advanced, experienced rider.

Stay tuned to find out which one I choose!

Zoey
Flower Power
Gemstone
or
Selena





Loretta

the natural horseman
clear communication/visible results

Why I do this part II

I have a new student who came out for her second lesson last week. Her mom rode as a youngster & through part of her teen years, until a bad fall kept her away. Apparently the quiet horse spooked and off she went, breaking both of her seat bones. She never got back on.

She lived around horses and always admired & appreciated their beauty.

Thirty four years have passed since her devastating fall.

After her daughter's lesson was finished the other night, we were talking. I asked her to just sit on Piero. She DID. I was thrilled beyond belief. She stated that she felt very comfortable and safe with me and with Piero. She'd only been with us twice, so that meant a lot to me. But the fact that she got ON him. I was beside myself with joy.

I then asked her if she'd like me to lead her around for a moment. "Yes, I would love that." She said to me. So I led her around the paddock for a time or two. Her smile went on forever. I nearly cried. It was truly a very special moment. I could feel Piero's walk change: as we were going she was remembering how to ride and was actively using her legs.

When she got off we embraced and were thrilled to have shared that very special moment. And guess what? She thinks lessons may be her next step. She is a very brave soul to accomplish that after all these years She put everything on the line with a complete stranger. (Well, almost.) I believe she tapped into her intuition and just knew she'd be safe. We'll be talking about how to use intuition while riding and around horses more next month.

For now, I am so proud of B! And thank you for allowing me the honor of being the one who helped you.

Loretta

the natural horseman
clear communication/visible results

Why I do this part II

I have a new student who came out for her second lesson last week. Her mom rode as a youngster & through part of her teen years, until a bad fall kept her away. Apparently the quiet horse spooked and off she went, breaking both of her seat bones. She never got back on.

She lived around horses and always admired & appreciated their beauty.

Thirty four years have passed since her devastating fall.

After her daughter's lesson was finished the other night, we were talking. I asked her to just sit on Piero. She DID. I was thrilled beyond belief. She stated that she felt very comfortable and safe with me and with Piero. She'd only been with us twice, so that meant a lot to me. But the fact that she got ON him. I was beside myself with joy.

I then asked her if she'd like me to lead her around for a moment. "Yes, I would love that." She said to me. So I led her around the paddock for a time or two. Her smile went on forever. I nearly cried. It was truly a very special moment. I could feel Piero's walk change: as we were going she was remembering how to ride and was actively using her legs.

When she got off we embraced and were thrilled to have shared that very special moment. And guess what? She thinks lessons may be her next step. She is a very brave soul to accomplish that after all these years She put everything on the line with a complete stranger. (Well, almost.) I believe she tapped into her intuition and just knew she'd be safe. We'll be talking about how to use intuition while riding and around horses more next month.

For now, I am so proud of B! And thank you for allowing me the honor of being the one who helped you.

Loretta

the natural horseman
clear communication/visible results

Why I do this

When I started teaching horsemanship, I mainly taught horses and their owners. I love doing that, it is my passion. What I didn't realize was that as I started to teach children, especially beginners, how much I would love that too. There are so many wonderful reasons I am teaching and so many ways in which I am blessed. I hope this list makes you smile on this rainy day.

• The eager look in a child's eyes.
• The BIG smile on their face
• Watching a child feel a sense of pride and accomplishment.
• Helping the student work through something that had been tough for them. When THEY feel the satisfaction, so do I.
• Knowing that the horsemanship skills they are learning today will help them on their journey tomorrow. Not just with the horses.
• The kids learn : patience, kindness, to be gentle, to ask softly or quietly and add (pressure) as needed, leadership, positive thinking, & the power of visualizing.

I know there is much more, but these items come to mind right away. What do you notice about them? They are all qualities we want our children to grow up having, whether or not horses are in their lives.

Make it a great day,

Loretta

Why I do this

When I started teaching horsemanship, I mainly taught horses and their owners. I love doing that, it is my passion. What I didn't realize was that as I started to teach children, especially beginners, how much I would love that too. There are so many wonderful reasons I am teaching and so many ways in which I am blessed. I hope this list makes you smile on this rainy day.

• The eager look in a child's eyes.
• The BIG smile on their face
• Watching a child feel a sense of pride and accomplishment.
• Helping the student work through something that had been tough for them. When THEY feel the satisfaction, so do I.
• Knowing that the horsemanship skills they are learning today will help them on their journey tomorrow. Not just with the horses.
• The kids learn : patience, kindness, to be gentle, to ask softly or quietly and add (pressure) as needed, leadership, positive thinking, & the power of visualizing.

I know there is much more, but these items come to mind right away. What do you notice about them? They are all qualities we want our children to grow up having, whether or not horses are in their lives.

Make it a great day,

Loretta

Charitable Organizations

Every month I donate 10% of my earnings to charity, usually an animal related charitable organization.


Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation

This past July we lost our beloved ex race horse, Tango. You may read about it here. He touched our hearts in so many ways and we miss him deeply. My daughter Lauren and I thought it would be a nice idea to give to a thoroughbred retirement facility. Sadly there are many thoroughbreds that get tossed aside when they can no longer race, for whatever reason. We are eternally grateful to Tango's past owners....the ones who bought him at a stakes race and decided to sell him. How he ended up here we'll never know, but at least he lived a good life. If you would like to contribute, you may do so directly on their site at:


Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation




Loretta

the natural horseman
clear communication/visible results

Charitable Organizations

Every month I donate 10% of my earnings to charity, usually an animal related charitable organization.


Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation

This past July we lost our beloved ex race horse, Tango. You may read about it here. He touched our hearts in so many ways and we miss him deeply. My daughter Lauren and I thought it would be a nice idea to give to a thoroughbred retirement facility. Sadly there are many thoroughbreds that get tossed aside when they can no longer race, for whatever reason. We are eternally grateful to Tango's past owners....the ones who bought him at a stakes race and decided to sell him. How he ended up here we'll never know, but at least he lived a good life. If you would like to contribute, you may do so directly on their site at:


Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation




Loretta

the natural horseman
clear communication/visible results

Grooming Tips

Grooming Tips for natural horsemen (& women):



It’s a good idea to groom your horse daily for several reasons, including the prevention of possible problems by spotting minor scratches, rashes, cuts or swelling before they become serious.

A horse relies on his hair, skin secretions and a thin film of dust to protect against insect bites, scraping, chafing and chapping. The natural grime hosts friendly bacteria; however, regular grooming is still necessary to help ensure a healthy and happy horse. Even if you cannot groom your horse every day, make sure you at least curry and brush him to remove dead hair and dirt. Brushing also helps stimulate the natural oils in the coat that help make the coat shiny.

Quick Tips for Grooming and Washing:

• Do not let dirt build up on brushes during grooming. Knock off the coarse dirt and hairs after each session.
• I prefer to keep my horses ears, chin, muzzle & nose unclipped.
• A horse’s mane and tail are supposed to look natural even after they have been clipped.
• Go easy on the soap! Excess shampoo is difficult to rinse out, can leave skin itchy and strips away essential oils from your horse.
• Have different-size sponges handy: a large one for the body and a smaller one for the sheath, other delicate areas and for the face.
• Make sure to use a mild conditioner for the mane and tail after washing.
• Be sure to towel dry when you are completely done, and dry your horse’s heels to avoid cracking and drying.

Grooming Supplies:

• Curry comb
• Medium- and hard-bristle brush
• Mud brush
  
• Soft body brush
• Rub rag or grooming mitt
• Hoof pick
• Plastic comb or brush for mane and tail

Bathing Supplies:

• Rubber curry comb or mitt
• Adjustable-spray hose
• Bucket
• Shampoo formulated for horses
• Mane and tail conditioner
• Sponges
• Sweat scraper
• Towels

With all of this in hand you'll be well on your way to a happy, healthy & squeaky clean horse!

This article was adapted from an article by Tractor Supply.



Loretta

the natural horseman
clear communication/visible results

Grooming Tips

Grooming Tips for natural horsemen (& women):



It’s a good idea to groom your horse daily for several reasons, including the prevention of possible problems by spotting minor scratches, rashes, cuts or swelling before they become serious.

A horse relies on his hair, skin secretions and a thin film of dust to protect against insect bites, scraping, chafing and chapping. The natural grime hosts friendly bacteria; however, regular grooming is still necessary to help ensure a healthy and happy horse. Even if you cannot groom your horse every day, make sure you at least curry and brush him to remove dead hair and dirt. Brushing also helps stimulate the natural oils in the coat that help make the coat shiny.

Quick Tips for Grooming and Washing:

• Do not let dirt build up on brushes during grooming. Knock off the coarse dirt and hairs after each session.
• I prefer to keep my horses ears, chin, muzzle & nose unclipped.
• A horse’s mane and tail are supposed to look natural even after they have been clipped.
• Go easy on the soap! Excess shampoo is difficult to rinse out, can leave skin itchy and strips away essential oils from your horse.
• Have different-size sponges handy: a large one for the body and a smaller one for the sheath, other delicate areas and for the face.
• Make sure to use a mild conditioner for the mane and tail after washing.
• Be sure to towel dry when you are completely done, and dry your horse’s heels to avoid cracking and drying.

Grooming Supplies:

• Curry comb
• Medium- and hard-bristle brush
• Mud brush
  
• Soft body brush
• Rub rag or grooming mitt
• Hoof pick
• Plastic comb or brush for mane and tail

Bathing Supplies:

• Rubber curry comb or mitt
• Adjustable-spray hose
• Bucket
• Shampoo formulated for horses
• Mane and tail conditioner
• Sponges
• Sweat scraper
• Towels

With all of this in hand you'll be well on your way to a happy, healthy & squeaky clean horse!

This article was adapted from an article by Tractor Supply.



Loretta

the natural horseman
clear communication/visible results

The Natural Horseman New Students!

Welcome to our new students!

In the last 2 weeks:

Erica, Mary Glen, Ashley, Julia & Maggie


Loretta

the natural horseman
clear communication/visible results

The Natural Horseman New Students!

Welcome to our new students!

In the last 2 weeks:

Erica, Mary Glen, Ashley, Julia & Maggie


Loretta

the natural horseman
clear communication/visible results