Velvet – Level 2 clinic with Jennifer Vaught

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The day was sunny and bright. It was warmer outside in the sun than in the indoor arena, so we were outside all day long. But it was cold in the morning, so we started out in the heated lounge. We had a knot tying class...we learned 4 knots. We got our circulation started with balancing games. Jenny had purchased a round board with a bump in the middle. The object is to stand on it without the edges of the board touching the floor. Then we had to stand…

Velvet at Equitana -Velvet the Slow -Herd Breaker II

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The 2nd Savvy Demonstration was held in Freedom Hall. That's the ultimate facility. It was full to watch the much talked about Parelli demonstrations!This is the facility where the evening performance, the Mane Event, is held. You can be in the arena and look up at the seats that go to the sky. The instructors came and wowed the crowd with the things that they can do with their horses. People were abuzz about this one and that one. Velvet seemed to be much more relaxed on this day. She…

All Fox Trotter Natural Horsemanship Clinic

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Those participating in the clinic were as follows: Heidi Pollen, Ava, Mo; Pat Anderson, Estacada, Or; Judy Casper, Cabool, Mo; Kathy Doman, Rogersville, Mo; Liz and Joe James, Greenfield, In; Jennifer West; Diane and Dallas Hudson, Ava, Mo; Ken Kemp, Alta Vista, Ks; Ann Kolaz, Springfield, Il; Anita Rolfe, Mansfield, Mo; Carole Sharp, Taylor, Mo; Sue Steggal, Ava, Mo; Sandy Streweski, Billings, Mo; Karen Thompson, Galena, Mo. Some of the auditors were Marshall and Lee Yates, George Caspar, Elmer and Suzanne Scott, Mona Dollarhide and members of her family, Jo Hubner, Elaine Graham, Ava, Mo; Pete Rolfe, Mansfield, Mo; Cathy & Bill Lansdown, Ava, Mo; and Kim Stewart, Galena, Mo.

Velvet – You Can’t Scream Outloud

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Lately, I've been feeling really confident, riding Velvet.  During the last two group lessons, I did not touch the reins.  I steered her with my body and legs.  I also carry two carrot sticks.  These are 3' long extensions of my arms.  They are fiberglass and lightweight.  If Velvet doesn't pay attention to my eyes, belly button, legs, then the carrot sticks are used.  Carrot stick comes to the right side of the head means turn right and vice versa with left.  Crossed carrot sticks in front of the horses…

Velvet Does Dressage!

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Only at the Natural Gait, a horse person's paradise, where a staunch Western rider and Missouri Fox Trotter (for goodness sake) come to embrace the mystical world of Dressage!  The words, "natural methods" in the description of a dressage clinic given by internationally regarded dressage instructor, judge and Olympic level performance competitor, Ellie Stine-Masek, made Velvet and I feel that we might be able to fit into this ancient training system originated when men made war using horses.   Here's how Velvet and her rider’s weekend went:  We found ourself…

One Minute from trailride to Underwater

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Back in the early years of Velvet and I is the memory of the back property trail ride.  Oh my goodness My new best friend, Lanie, brought her horse, Sparkles, and her husband, Tim, over to the house. Husbands went to the shop. Horsewomen got on their horses. We were exploring my 20 acres of forest, creek, glen and glade and then we explored the neighbors acres.   Oh what a marvelous time were Lanie and I having on our horses, Sparkles and Velvet. We came upon Big Creek running thru north/south thru the property. …