Packing Clinic in April - Spokane

Yes, I know, this event is a ways away both in time and travel distance. However, I thought it sounded fun and thought I'd post for all of you that have an interest in packing but might not have had the opportunity to learn much about it.

For those of you that may have missed it in the Trailhead News, Inland Empire Chapter will be holding a hands on Packing Clinic the 25th of April here in Spokane. This is a hands on clinic, not a demo, so you will need to bring gloves, lunch and a good attitude. The clinic will be held in an indoor arena, it may be cold but the rain should not bother us.

Subjects to be covered will be proper saddle fitting (pack and riding) mantying, basket hitch, california box hitch, top packing, boxes, horse containment and equine first aid plus much more. For those of you just starting or may have an
interest this is a good starting point.

We are also tentatively scheduling an overnight pack trip in Riverside state park in June for those that attend the packing clinic. Here is how that will work, you arrive at the trail head around 8 am, load your horses and go for a one to two hour ride in a loop and arrive back at the trail head, where you will camp. Around noon other who wish to trailhead camp will arrive and will hold a camping with horses
clinic. The packers may not go to their trucks except for hay and can only use equipment they have on their horses, they may share and borrow from each other, but should we have an emergency we are right down town Spokane. There will be outriders and experienced people riding with you to assist you and then assist you it setting up camp once you get back to the trail head. Everyone attending must agree to stay overnight. No coming for just the day.

Anyone interested may email me or call me at 509-283-4250.

Don Dyer
IEBCH

A little bit of this ... a little bit of that

I'm a big fan of "horse multi-tasking". What I mean is that I want my horse to be well-rounded and able to handle any number of different sports and activities. This is primarily because that's how I am and I want a horsey-partner that can adapt to my changing mood.

We're all blessed to be living in a very active horse community where horse multi-tasking is a very real possibility.

We have beautiful trails that we can use year round, cow events at many different venues, drill teams, gaming, barrel racing, jumping, dressage ... well, you name it and it's probably happening somewhere in our county.

Along these lines though, I recently started sorting at the Silver Buckle on Thursday nights. It's a great environment to get your horse used to cows (beginners are welcome). It's a laid back atmosphere where horse and rider have plenty of opportunities to learn and play.

If you aren't sure of the rules, just ask! The group is great and willing to answer any questions you might have.

The activities start promptly at 7:00 pm so arrive around 6:30 pm to pay ($20 for 4 goes) and get settled in. If you don't have a partner, don't worry. There are lots of people that come each week that need partners so they'll be glad to find someone for you to ride with.

Just make sure you give Bryan (he's the gate guy) your name so that you're on the ride list. Or, like I found out my first night, you might be standing around on deck for an awfully long time!

In my opinion, sorting is a great way to get your horse in shape while keeping their mind occupied and alert. I don't know about you, but I'm gearing up for a great summer and that means I need to start getting my horse out now so that we're ready for warmer weather!

Anyway, I'll be there this week and hope to see some new faces!

Mustang Motiviation

I don't know how many of you had a chance to watch the Mustang Makeover at the Horse Expo last weekend, but let me tell you, it was inspiring!

I was lucky enough to watch on Saturday and was blown away by some of the horses and trainers. After 90 days, most of the horses could switch leads, had beautiful collection, could work cows, and one even laid down on command.

Hmmm .... I should be ashamed! Granted I'm not a trainer, but my goodness, I've had my horses for 5+ years and we're lucky to just now be working on leads and lead changes!

I find it motivating that these trainers were able to take wild horses and turn them into amazing mounts in such a short period of time.

Surely that means I should be able to get my already gentled (sometimes) horse to do some of the same things. Or, at the very least, to switch leads when asked!

Most of the trainers were from right here in the Northwest and the horses all came from BLM land in Oregon. At the end of the event, all the horses were sold and went to approved, loving homes.

I was humbled, inspired, and motivated watching this event. If you get a chance to watch an event like this in the future, I would highly recommend it.

Perhaps, as it did with me, it will inspire you to get down to the barn to work with your horse!

Canby Tack Sale

Let me start by saying that I actually don't want to write this post.

I know that's selfish, but quite honestly, there are some amazing deals at the Canby tack sale and if I let the CCH community know about them too, then there will be fewer deals for me to snatch up!

But, I realize that's not fair and thus am sharing this information so that we all can benefit from some great deals and great fun this weekend!


The Canby Tack Sale is at the Clackamas County Fairgrounds (694 NE 4th Ave, Canby, OR 97013 map it) and starts at 8:00 am.

You will find new and used tack, clothing, boots, decor, horse trailers, accessories, and more. You name it, it's probably there somewhere.

And, a super cool feature, is a Tack Taxi Service offered by Divine Equine 4H. They will store your items in the taxi stand, bag, tag, and (when you're done shopping) they will deliver all your items to your car for you. All of this for only $2.00.

This is truly one event not to miss! Although ... if you can't make it, you can't make it and that just leaves more awesome deals for the rest of us.


(photo courtesy of Circle JR Western Supply and is from the sale last year)

Halloween Open Show - This coming weekend

Just got this today regarding the Halloween Open Show this weekend. It sounds like a really great place to be especially since the proceeds will benefit the local horse community.

Come out the the SWAA Hallowwen Horse Show this weekend at the Clark County Fairgrounds! All proceeds from this show go to help abused and neglected horses in Clark County!

There will be a tack sale and a 4-H silent auction as well. This fun Open Horse Show includes a costume contest and a HAUNTED TRAIL (In-Hand) Class. Lots of walk/trot for the novice, or to get you horse back into condition.

Help save Clark County horses and have fun too!

Tack Sale - Oct. 4 - Woodland

Hey, Just got this on email and thought I'd pass it along. Looks like there will be some great stuff at the sale! Check out the website below for pics and more information.

Lewis River Stables will be hosting a tack/garage sale, Saturday, October 4 from 9-3.
Space is available if you would like to sell anything. Please contact me by phone (360-225-3656) to reserve a spot.

Thank you, Brandi
Lewis River Stables
418 NW Hayes RD Woodland, WA

www.lewisriverstables.org

Rock Creek and a Trail Course

I've had a great "horse" weekend and thought I'd share just a few pictures with everyone.

Saturday and friend and I wandered out to Rock Creek and took the Tarbell Trail up into the hills ... literally up into the hills! Most of the 7 miles we rode were uphill. The horses were so tired! But it was an amazing day to be out and about.


The picture below is from the top of the trail looking down the path we'd just come from. The light was great and made everything look so peaceful!


Half way through the ride, we ran into someone's tree fort. I couldn't resist shooting a pic. It reminded me of something I would have done as a kid.

Today I headed up to Winlock to participate in a trail training course. The two arenas at Good Life Stables were set up with various "scary" obstacles such as bubble machines, noodles on posts that horses had to walk through, bridges, hula hoops, water, horns, umbrellas and more.

Participants were able to work through the course at their own pace which meant that everyone had an opportunity to work through any issues that came up. I spent the majority of time at the Winnie the Pooh bubble machine. :)

And finally, here's my horse, Sunny, thankful to have made it through the scary day and even more thankful that dinner was waiting at the trailer!

Poker Ride Just Added

Hey, everyone. I just added a Poker Ride to the calendar and I definitely think it's might be worth checking out this weekend.

For those of you that haven't been to a poker ride before, basically it's a trail ride with prizes! There are "stop points" marked along the trial where you will be given a poker card. At the end of the trail ride, the best hands win awesome prizes.

Poker rides are a great way to get out and support the community (in this case the Columbia county 4H Leaders Committee) and have a great time with your horse. The prizes don't hurt much either!

Anyway, here are the details. Hope to see you there!

What:
Poker Ride - Fundraiser for the Columbia County 4-H Horse Leaders Committee.

When:
Saturday, Aug., 23rd. 9:00 am - First rider out11:30 am - Last rider out

Details:
$5 a hand or 5 hands for $20.
Prizes at 3:00 pm. Lots of great prizes! Saddles, horse items, gift certificates, and more! Concession stand with hot dogs and more. Breakfast - biscuits & gravy.

Where:
From HWY 30 take Sykes Road to the "Y" (approximately 3 miles from Hwy 30).
Go right at the "Y" (Brooks/Dowd Road).
Travel 2.5 miles on Dowd Rd.
Watch for signs along the route which will be posted from Hwy 30.
For more information call Kate Olson (503-397-1217) or Sheryl Savage (503-366-1166).

Event Review - Steve Rother Clinic

This weekend Leeann will be hosting a clinic with Steve Rother in Washougal. I asked that she write up a quick article on the event to share with you.

As a side note, I've been to a couple of Steve's clinics and have found them invaluable. He's a great teacher and I've learned so much about each of my horses because of these clinics.

If you participate in the clinic with your horse, you can expect 1:1 teaching from Steve. He will cover ground work techniques that build trust and respect between horse and rider so that the issues under saddle will be easier to combat. In addition, you'll learn tips/techniques to really communicate and build a partnership with your horse. After the ground working portion of the clinic, you can mount up and put some of those techniques into practice under saddle.

Event Details
Friday Aug. 1st
7:00 pm - Demo
Saturday Aug. 2nd
9:00 am - 12:00pm Foundation I
1:00pm - 5:00pm Horsemanship I
Sunday Aug. 3rd
9:00am-12:00am Foundation II
1:00pm-5:00pm Horsemanship II
Monday Aug. 4th
9:00 am - 12:00pm Foundation I cont'd
1:00pm - 5:00pm Horsemanship I cont'd
Tuesday Aug. 5th
9:00am-12:00am Foundation II cont'd
1:00pm-5:00pm Horsemanship II cont'd

Website: http://www.eastwindwalkers.com/steverotherclinic2008.html

Spectators are welcome and participants (horses/riders) are still being accepted.

Questions? Leeann - 360-619-2181

Here are Leeann's comments.

Have you ever been inspired by a video or a story and wished that you could do that with your horse?

Have you ever been so moved that you say to yourself…I'm going to get out there tomorrow and start working with your horse and that tomorrow never comes?

Or when you do finally make the commitment and you start working with your horse, within an hour you are frustrated and calling your horse bad names and you find yourself wondering why you even own a horse as your gelding or mare
is running away from you and you have just spent 45 minutes trying to catch him
or her only to have them side swipe you , run you over, knock you down or throw
a cow kick at you as they lounge around you in mindless circles?
At that point are you walking in the house looking up the number to your local auction house?

Have you ever been so mad at your horse that you actually smack him and swear he's the stupidest creature on earth because he just can't figure out what you are asking of them? Have you ever caught yourself saying" "He's never done that before" " He's never bucked before" " I don't know what got into him/her"
Then you find yourself reaching into your bag of excuses and start justifying your horse's bad behavior to save face.Does your horse paw in the trailer?

Does he dig big holes when tied?

Does he cause wrecks when he's tied because he pulls back?

Has he ever refused to load in a trailer?

Does he balk at water puddles, water crossings?

Does your horse send well under saddle?

Has he ever turned his butts towards you when you are approaching?

Does your horse run from you when he sees a halter and lead rope in your hand?

Does he get in your space? Is he pushy?

Are you a notorious treat feeder?

Do you think the horse should learn how to relate to us on our terms instead of us learning to speak their language?

Be honest when you are reading these questions as you silently answer them to your selves in the privacy of your own home where no one else can hear your answers.

And if you are finding it hard to be honest, that's okay because I've heard that Verizon now has cell service even in DENIAL!!!!!

Horses are not human and never will be human. They think differently than us and process information differently than us. They are prey animals and are hard
wired to fight or flight. This is how they have survived for thousands of years. Horses do not have the ability to reason as humans do. Horses do not have the ability to understand English.

Sit down in front of channel 409 and listen to the Spanish speaking channel for a few minutes. That's what we sound like to our horses. They don't understand words. They understand tones and more importantly, they understand body language. Horses live in a silent world. They have approximately 5 or six different sounds they make. Other than that, they speak to each other with physical body language. They have a different interpretation for every physical move we make than what we would expect. They view the world from the eyes of a prey animal where everything that moves is a threat until shown otherwise.

This is the very essence of Natural Horsemanship. This is the reason why we as humans if we want to give the gift of love to our horses, we will put aside our egos, we will put away our anger and will be humble enough to learn the art and the language of the equine. Then and only then can you start to work with the horse in a way that he/she understands. It is amazing how fast horses can learn. I want my horses to learn because they want to not because they fear. I want my horse to be a willing partner, not one forced by tie downs, harsh bits, and whatever
other crazy devices we as humans feel are acceptable to subject to a horse.

Make the right thing easy, make the wrong thing difficult.

Horses just want to get along. That's their nature and a horse will always choose the easier way to get along every time. Use as much as necessary and as little as possible to achieve the goal you are after. Working with a horse is all about FEEL. It's timing of knowing when to ask and when to give. Horses do not learn by pressure but rather by the removal of pressure. They learn by repetition. Erase and ReRecord. Give the horse a better option than the one he's been using.

There is nothing magical about Natural Horsemanship and anyone who wants to can learn it. It's all about timing and all about the feel. Know when to give and when to release. The definition of Insanity is" Doing the same thing over expecting different results. A horse will continue to do the same behavior until he is shown a
better way. All the antics and bad behaviors that horses on occasion will display are all linked to holes in their training and those are all linked backed to the basics of training…THE GROUND WORK. LET ME REPEAT THAT…All behavioral issues can be resolved by going back to the basics of Ground work with Intent.

If you get the opportunity to be a part of a Natural Horsemanship clinic do it. It will be the best gift you will ever give your horse.

Some useful links:

Leeann's website to sign up for the clinic.

Some photos of the 2007 clinic.

Steve Rother's website.

Schooling Horse Show - Winlock

With gas prices sky-rocketing, I know many of you might not be too interested in travelling a great distance to attend a horse show. Believe me, I feel your pain.

However, there is one show that (if you can muster up the gazillion dollars for gas) would be worth your time to check out.

The Good Life Stables Schooling Show in Winlock, WA is a low-key way for new riders and horses to get used to the show ring and have a great time doing it!

The shows generally bring 25 - 30 riders so the classes aren't hugely overwhelming to newbies (like me) and yet they are approved by APHA - PAC so advanced/intermediate riders can get paint points.

They offer a full class schedule (halter, showmanship, english, and trail) in all ranges (beginner horse, beginner rider, 17 & under, 18 & over, etc.).

The cost is very reasonable at $50 for the entire day or $8 per class. There are stalls available for an additional $10 and the snack bar is open serving breakfast and lunch items (you've got to try the baked potato and nachos!) during the show.

Parking is also very convenient with a pull-through parking arrangement for trucks/trailers.

Here are further directions and a map.

All in all, it's a great event for anyone and everyone! And who knows, maybe I'll see you there.