Fancy is a Star Mishmash of Dave Ellis Clinic

HI’m starting to write notes of all the devious, tricky difficult evil maneuvers, plus horse history: Dave meeting Pat amazing story; difference between English and Western riding is war; difference between Texas cowboys and California cowboys; riding offense or defense sidepass or leg yield or turn the hindquarters; ride halfway across arena with feel, turn reins loose and canter the rest of the way; hindquarter turn, back up alternating steps; lead change exercise- California roll rein feel, one rein shorter, leg yield and canter; three strides to get canter, give up; change hands, leg yield the other direction and canter; Hindquarter turn on defense change to offense…can you feel the hind leg move, the direction the head is turned is which hind foot steps first and offensive move is more powerful; Walk or trot (and I mean trot) on rail with loose reins, slowly reach one hand down on rein, close fingers-one at a time until head flex and I can see the eye, anchor hand on thigh, and do a hindquarter to forequarter turn. ; anchor you hand on your thigh to make that rein short enough to see the eye, then we were to do an S turn


Fancy entertained the crowd. She was the only gaited horse so she traveled at least 3 times further than any other horse. Amazing story of new owner of Hidden Hollow. Riding Fancy with loose reins, one handed…trot for two days and how miserable sore I was with no pain pills in car. Eating Quick Trip and McDonalds food for four days. Dave playing Nathan’s guitar on Saturday night dinner and entertainment from Dave. change of direction-hindquarters walk around forequarters and feet never stop moving evil maneuver and my new Kids carrot stick is best thing since sliced bread.

Dave Ellis four day clinic October 2019 pushed many buttons, sort of like the game of “a thousand transitions”. Plus we did play the game of a thousand transitions, every day in some manner.

Interesting Facts:

What is the difference between English riding and Western riding? War. English riding is charge forth into battle, hands down… Charge of the Light Brigade… Canter Seat is controlled and seat goes from front to back. They aren’t concerned about cows changing direction. They go forward. Dressage was also invented as war moves. Dressage means advanced training.

Western riding is relaxed, going to mosey out and get the cows. The posture and hands are different for the two purposes. The Western lope or gallop is rode differently from an English canter. Cowboy slouch down in saddle and ride front to back with their seat. This will keep them in saddle better when the cow does the speedy turns.

We started out riding one hand with loose reins. This is my bewitching spot. My slow down is iffy at best with light contact and two hands. We rode around the arena at a trot and turned a large circle and then a small circle, small enough to get them to