Besides organizing many of our events which are scheduled right around the corner and teaching quite a bit, I'm making time to get back in the saddle so to speak. Morado and I have really been getting it together and it's sure opened up a lot of new thoughts on training at a higher level than just starting them out. I've spent the last number of years bringing along young and unhandled horses, horses that had not been undersaddle, and those with some "issues".

My recommittment to continue developing Morado has spiked my enthusiasm to study dressage from a different viewpoint now. He is far enough along in his training that we are able to get beyond the basic level and start to visit collection and lateral work more indepth, and correctly.

Because of the foundation of natural horsemanship that Morado has been exposed to since he was an unhandled three year old, he is a willing partner with a lot of "try" in him. He has taught me as much as I've taught him. I will continue to leave my own agenda at home and follow his lead on when he is ready to progress to the more demanding movements required for dressage. For now, our focus is on balance, connection, and building his strength. After having at least 18 months off of little to no riding, his topline needs building. My requests for working more off of his hindquarters has been answered by him with willingness. For that, I am thankful. My presentation of more difficult work must be alright then as he continues to have a good work ethic and is happy in his work. That will always be my goal and I will gauge my success on his attitude.

I've been very fortunate recently to have a mentor and friend who has been a classical dressage instructor for many years. Her deep understanding of equine anatomy and biomechanics, her intuitive strengths, and understanding and appreciation of the Colonial Spanish horses have made her an important part of my team. She lives and believes in the softer way, always keeping the horse first. She respects natural horsemanship in ground work and riding. A rare find for her level of expertise. I am grateful for her time and input. I finally feel that I have connected with the right person to bring Morado and I along.

With each ride I am reminded of why I work so hard for these unique horses. They have such heart and desire when interested in their training. It's up to me to not fail them by rushing them or lacking patience. That is something that natural horsemanship has taught me and how fortunate for the horses I was ready to learn that. I hope I can share that with others.

BUCK The Film

Tomorrow, July 22nd is the showing of BUCK to benefit the Center! I'm so excited!!! Oscar and Thunder will be arriving at the Essex Cinema around 5:00 to meet movie goers. It's been a great opportunity for us to promote the movie and The Center at the same time. Hope to see everyone there!

On another note...we are gearing up for the 2nd Equine, Arts & Eats Festival September 17 to be held at The Center. This benefit event features visual and performing arts, organic and local food vendors, and of course horse demonstrations and activities all day long.

We are offering vending space to artists, handcrafters, and those in the healing arts field. For more information go to our website www.centerforamericasfirsthorse.org and click Equine, Arts and Eats!

The biggest thrill/joy for me lately has been riding Morado again. After about 5 weeks of consistent time with him I have earned his trust to ride him confidently again. He is happy to work, and doesn't feel like he's really lost that much edge. I probably have though since it's been some time since I've schooled a horse that is as trained as he is. And he's not actually that highly schooled in the big picture, but has a very strong foundation. I am riding him in a bit again, although I do enjoy working on our bridless work.

Our Womens getaway weekend is coming up July 15-17. Should be a lot of fun. Trail riding, lessons, and I'm sure a lot of laughing and relaxing. Campfire at night too! I only have 6 horses that are available to use so if you are interested in coming and bonding with one of my horses, let me know sooner than later. Space for incoming horses is also limited to about 6-8. Camping space is not limited though. We have plenty of room for tents and parking.

Yard sale this weekend to benefit The Center. Thanks to Janis and Glenn for donating so much really nice stuff! Will be hauling more goods over so we should have a lot of treasures .

Entering the zone...

Appears that the summer lesson season has hit at The Center. I have 6 hours of lessons to teach today and it's heavy the rest of the week. Thank goodness Tori and Eliza are available to help, along with Brandon (intern) who takes up so much slack around the place.

We had a riding lawn mower generously donated by land neighbors, Suzanne and Noel Dodge. Brandon spent 6 hours on it the first day mowing in places that I really wasn't so sure it could handle. It's looking like a park, with all the flowers in bloom and the freshly mowed fields.

Our woman's Vermont getaway weekend is going to be great fun! A friend is coming from Maine with her two Spanish Mustangs along with other folks from the area and beyond. It'll feel like a mini vacation for me too!

As much as I'd like to continue writing a long post today, the horses are waiting for me so I best get going to start the day...!

Progress continues

It was nearly one month ago I posted about my lesson with David Lichman and Morado. Since then I've committed to working with Morado daily. What a difference it has made. It's been difficult to set aside an hour a day for him, but I know if I am to make any progress, then that is what I have to do. And I'm glad I have.

It's been rewarding to watch the changes that have come when he gets regular attention from me. No surprise there. I did ride him on Monday which is the first time in a year or more. We walked and trotted in the arena with a halter on. He was fine, I was relaxed. There was still something about him though that didn't feel right. I am now going to examine the fit of the saddle more closely and try another saddle on him. He felt sticky in his forward movement. Knowing from past experience that it's a precurser to a more athletic exhibition, I opted to just finish on a good, confident note for our first ride in a while! No pressure, no direct line thinking, no agenda.

If only other parts of my life could more regularly be like that one hour with Morado.

The learning never stops

I spent Wed. and Thurs. at a clinc with JoAnna Mendl Shaw and David Lichman. The two of them together with their combined knowledge of movement and horsemanship was impressive. I've been licking and chewing, as we say when the horses are thinking, the last few days on the information I got from the clinic. One significant thing that was confirmed for me was that technique and skill aren't as important and heart, energy and intuition. Technique and skill level can be taught and enhanced, but there are so many other components that the horse is aware of when we work with him.

On Friday I had a private lesson with David. I've struggled for a while now with some confidence issues with Morado. Both of our confidence! "When the student is ready, the teacher appears." It was just what I needed. My emotional attachment to Morado has somehow made it difficult for me to intuitively troubleshoot the challenges I've faced with him. In the meantime, I've been doubting myself when working with him, and my lack of confidence has worried him. Sort of a snowball effect.

David has put me back on track, offered follow up support and he validated my feelings about what's been going on with Morado. It's been as if a weight is lifted off my shoulders.

I've recommitted myself to Morado's development, which is committing to my own development. I am inspired and excited to track our progress starting yesterday. For the next 30 days, I will be blogging about Morado and I and getting it together again!

Back to the Blog

My apologies to my blog followers for being gone for a month. Just not enough time in the day to fit everything in. Without rehashing what the last month has been like, I'll just say that there have been a lot opportunities for personal development between our construction of the barn and other business items that needed our attention.

The good news is the grass is growing, all horses remain healthy and happy, and activities are picking up speed at The Center. Our newsletter reaches over 900 people, and we've had great response to the important work we are doing!

Some important dates this summer: Sept. 17 our big fundraising event: Equine, Arts& Eats Festival to be held at The Center. We are accepting art and food vendors now, and looking for sponsors from businesses and organizations, and individuals. We will have all of our information posted very soon.

Memorial Day weekend, keep your eyes open for the Stowe Guide magazine where you will read a feature article on the Center. It should be a wonderful way to spread the word of what we do.

And today...I have an hour long radio interview with Equess radio show, an internet radio show which features women in the horse industry. The show will be posted to the internet on Friday!

Well friends, that's all I have time for right now, but keep visiting the blog as I get back into the swing of things..

Sincerely,

Stephanie