from:Cathy T .
subject: a prospective rider has two horses at two different levels - which horse should she bring to the clinic?
Hi Keith:
I'd like your opinion on whether my horse is ready for your clinic. He's a 4 year old Arab gelding that I purchased in April that I haven't done too much with him other than ground work on yielding and flexion. (Easier to get on my pushbutton horse to go for a quick ride when I get home after work)
Anyway: When I purchased him he had 2 months training and could walk trot and canter and was out on the trail with other horses a bit, but still very green. Sensitive to girthing, being touched around his ears and oh did I mention he bucked me off when I asked him to trot when I was trying him out. Purchased him because of the potential I see in him for long distance riding-my background.
When he came to me I couldn't go near him when he was eating his grain in his stall. Ears back, teeth and would kick to side with hind leg, which apparently he didn't display this behaviour previously. Have overcome those obtacles now.
So, we have been doing groundwork but I have only been on him a couple of times, he's tense and did buck once so I've a long ways to go.
I noticed that we should walk, trot and canter [to ride in one of the clinics] and we're definitely not there. He did do that at the trainers but he seemed to have had a relapse in all areas when he came to me. His very personable, quick to respond to commands and sensitive. I don't think it'll take much to get us on our way but I'm not sure if we're at the level your clinic requires.
Let me know what you think or if you need further info. Many thanks,
Cathy T - - -
from: Keith Hosman
Hi, Cathy - thanks for writing - you have several options, all "guaranteed or your money back."
First, I am very often asked by folks who own two horses, "which horse should I bring - the green one who could use the training - or the broke one who won't cause issues?" The answer I always give is the "more broke" horse because our clinics are about teaching people - not horse. That's simply because we offer two days where you can learn exercises, go home and perfect them (once you know the techniques). If, as you say, the horse is "reverting" once you took control - then of course it's you that needs the training. (And it's not practical to bring a horse up to the standards of the Vienna School in two days, of course. Yes, quite often folks have a different goal which is to have us get on and "fix" issues. But a better program for you right now is to concentrate on learning the exercises.) So, you might bring the more broke horse and then as a sort of bonus, observe for free our mini clinic for green/bratty horses. You can go home and put everything into practice in due time.
Or, you can bring your "new to you" Arab and we can make a judgement call in the beginning hours of Day 1. If you or the horse is not ready, we won't charge you a dime for the riding clinic (the $350 price tag). If that becomes the case, then I would strongly advise that you then participate in the green horse clinic that evening. The cost for that mini clinic is $99. Please bear in mind that there is absolutely no riding in the mini clinic. Also remember that neither Patrick nor myself is a bronc rider - we won't ride the horse is you won't. (That advise, and it is good advice, comes straight from John Lyons himself.) If you do bring in the horse (but choose not to ride) there would probably be a charge for the stall or a day fee from the facility owner - you'd have to contact them to find out for sure.
It would probably help you a great deal to read what folks have written about us - quite often they were in the same shoes and do mention similar situations in their notes. You can find them on our "Our Reviews" page.
As they say, you've got nothing to lose and everything to gain - so come on out! Some of our clinics do sell out, particularly those in Florida - so if you want to guarantee your spot, the best, fastest way to do it is to put your deposit down online right now. (Go to our Where & When page, find the clinic, click through to the appropriate facts page, scroll to the bottom and click on the appropriate PayPal link.) If the clinic you’re interested in isn’t listed yet, just send me an email and I’ll/we’ll work it out.
Keith
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