Gaited Horse & Clicker Clinic
12 & 13 March 2008
Yvonne & I ran our first mini clinic here at Narrawin. We had five participants who came to learn about clicker training and general horsemanship. This was a clinic where participants didn't bing their horses. We used several of our own horses for demonstrations and hands on work.
A small thank you to our patient clinic horses:
- Narrawin's First Lady
- Caliente NS
- MGR La Tigre (Imp.USA)
- Narrawin's Walking on Air
- Don Carlos NS
Most of our students didn't hesitate to avail themselves of the opportunity to try out a gaited horse or two during the two day clinic. We incorporated some riding in the clinic as well as in hand work, 'dry' exercises and theory sessions. Lots of lighthearted fun was had and everybody enjoyed themselves, the instructors included! But best of all, from an instructor's point of view, was the dedication and attention to details shown by all our students. The opportunity to pass on knowledge to an intelligent and receptive group is appreciated. We aimed at teaching useful horse skills during the two days. Furthermore, I hope that we succeeded in not only raising the level of expectation of our students, but that we gave them the ability to observe, evaluate, question and try to improve themselves.
I have some clinic photos which I will publish in a gallery shortly.
In the meantime, some can be found here:
http://www.lemis.com/yvonne/photos/Photos.php?size=tiny&dirdate=20080313
http://www.lemis.com/yvonne/photos/Photos.php?size=tiny&dirdate=20080315
Clinic Report
(written by Yvonne Lehey - to come)
Comments from Participants:
Hi Yvonne
Alex and I would like to thank yourself and Chris for the wonderful clinic. We had a great time. Not only did we learn new techniques, but the whole experience was very enjoyable. Being exposed to new ideas is exciting in itself, but it is always so much better when the teachers are enthusiastic about their work as you two are. We took home some really practical and useful ideas.
Also, your patience with us was much appreciated. Not once did we feel as though we were being pushed or HAD to do something. You are both very good teachers, as well as great fun to be around.
AND, your wonderful horses!!! What a fabulous advertisement they are for you both. So calm, gentle and accommodating, even though the weather was so hot and they had to put up with us inept students. Alex and I agree that if ever we needed to have a horse educated you and Chris would be the ones we would want to do the job.
Thank you so much for your guidance and hospitality - also the photos. We enjoyed your company as much as the lessons and hope to catch up down the track.
Regards.
Coral & Alex
Hi Yvonne
I look forward to catching up with you in the near future & wanted to thank both you & Chris for a wonderful experience!
Debbie
Hi Yvonne,
Thank you again for WONDERFUL 2 days. I must apologise for not getting back to you before this but I have been flat out.
We all had a wonderful time, it was particularly good for Debbie who has had a bad year (for various reasons) and it bucked her up enormously and for Helen as she needed help so badly. As you might be aware Helen took reams of notes and pictures. We had a good drive home everyone talking happily about our clinic experiences and how we could repeat the clinic soon - so the time went very quickly. We all felt sorry for you and Chris as working in the heat all day must have been very hard. I have heard briefly from Helen and Debbie who both arrived home safely. I have no doubt we will hear more from the others soon.
I loved your "Oz Clinic Report" post and see that Judy put it on the Icehorse list as well as the Clickryder list. I have already sent it out to all the others and am sure we will hear from them soon.
I would like to organise another clinic over this way before the end of the year (perhaps Spring - winter here would not be good). I believe I can get enough people my only problem will be a venue. We will be bringing Nattaffari over to be broken in soon so will talk more about it then
Lots of hugs
Jenny
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