I am most excited about the progress of the participants in my first ever Confidence Intensive over 4 week-ends this summer. These gals have been a real inspiration to watch and work with.  Because each class consists of the same group each time, they built a heartwarming support group as well as making great strides in their confidence level and skill, both horse and rider.  Even the horses seemed supportive of each other, as was evidenced by the willingness of 5 or 6 horses out of 8, to lie down together over the lunch break.

 

 

 

 

The Trail Clinics have been a really BIG hit again this summer.  Horses that came in being frightened of water and objects behind their feet were walking through and playing in the water, as well as dragging PVC pipes, old blankets and feed sacks behind them.  They were even able to walk over pipes that were in movement being drug by other riders and horses.  What FUN! It really is thrilling for me to offer a safe environment where people can come and tackle issues big and small, and leave feeling successful with new tools in their tool box.   

 

 

 

 

   Just wanted to let you know that Audrey's pony was the best behaved little horse in the entire parade and I was thrilled to actually have a good time leading them - thank you for your help with him!
   Cheryl also rode in the parade and mentioned that she really enjoyed working with you - she said she really felt like she got her money's worth with the time she had with you and I thought I would pass that on to you!

 

   I think part of the perfection of the match between me and Jazz is, our ages. She is just 5 and is ripe to learn and to be with me, whoever I am. I am nearly 50 and finally ready and able to focus on this relationship with this horse at this time, without a lot of rot between my ears about all the things I should be doing (if I was born with a horse between my legs).
    So tonight I am watching Youtube videos of Stacey Westfall and her stallion, her riding bareback and bridleless, flawlessly. I see this and actually cry and think, this is what I want, this is where I want to go with Jazz, this and nothing less than this. 
    And then the critical part of my brain speaks up and reminds me that this young woman is fearless and talented and has many many hours to my few in the saddle. Or saddle-less, as it is, I guess.
    And the loving part of my mind says "it doesn't matter. I'm not looking to win any reining contests. I am looking for the relationship. The trust, the bond, the communication.
    I watch and I cannot see the cues she gives her stallion, except that I think when she strokes his mane back, it is his release.
    I watch and feel and think and feel about the feel because Bill Dorrance says that is all there is and I believe him.
    Tomorrow I will go to spend time with my Jazz and we will work on leading up and down that hill. You would never think that leading could be such a chore. I am more particular now than I was, about where she is, because I am learning that it matters more than I knew. I don't want her so far away or so close, or behind or in front. I want her just where it fits me, and we will work at this until it is just natural for both of us to walk that way together.
    I am glad now for that hill. I hated it at first because it adds a dimension of difficulty in this leading job, which is so much more of a job than one would ever think. I dreaded going down the hill with her and now I am glad of it because it makes us both think and look at one another and choose each step with regard to one another. We both look and think and this is important.
    Now she pays attention to my steps, each step. I slow down. I stop. I move forward and she pays attention. Last night she wanted so badly to stop at the base of the tree to graze just for a minute or two. I saw that she wanted it, but I also saw they had trimmed the grass there so it was not so long and that just a few yards further was some much nicer longer silkier grass. I thought I would take her down there for some mouthfuls, but the poor child became overwrought at not being allowed to stop at her tree (even though I have not made a practice of it for awhile now.) She had a little tantrum and so then I had to make her back up and be stern, and I put her up in her paddock without that treat after all. But I wasn't scared at her antics; I was only annoyed because I couldn't treat her with those lovely silky mouthfuls as I had planned to do.
    Jazz has learned to wait and ask me if she can graze, when I lead her. She doesn't just fetch grass on her own as she used to do.
    I walk my horse up and down this hill. My heart pounds usually when we get halfway down it, kind of close to that tree she likes so well. But it pounds less hard now than it did just two weeks ago so that is something.
    Last night when I went to take her out of her paddock, she ran right down the hill to me. I laughed and admired her wonderful loose running head-shaking walk. I want to be that loose too in my body, and I think this might be one of her gifts to me. It occurred to me only later that not long ago, her running right down to me would have frightened to me and I would have shooed her away or fled. Now I know she won't run over me and I am happy to see her be so happy to see me. She stopped just exactly the right distance and waited for me to close the gap.
    I wanted you to know that if I ever performed at some event, some trifling event, and dedicated it to anyone, I'd dedicate it to you because you are the very first horse trainer/mentor who quit telling me what to DO and instead told me to just BELIEVE -- in myself.

 

 

   Oh my Gosh, Isabella did wonders and the time spent working on our relationship was amazing, with huge growth each test - I love this sport!! Words cannot express what a wonder it is to be here with this horse - our relationship just keeps on growing - we really got more connected. Isabella scored a 65 something on Sunday - our comment from the judge was "nice pair" - little did the judge know that meant the world to me!!
   I am so excited I can not tell you - that we could accomplish so much is incredible.
Now I need to make Teacup, my soulmate, feel just as important!!
   Your work is inspiring me with confidence - I would love to tell you everything but know you get slammed with e-mails - just wait till you see us next time:-) again just thanks,

 

Hey Barb,
    It was a wonderful weekend. You have a great place there, and I was so pleased to get an opportunity to get to know you. The Cowgirl Spa Retreat was really fun. I'm hoping to plan something for next spring with you with more focus on riding and developing my relationship with Chena. I loved your way of teaching and the enormous amount of knowledge you have. All the gals were great, and Robin was an amazing cook and hostess. Jeff was incredible.

 

   Just wanted to send a quick note on how great Barb's clinic was:)  Barb really helped me to 'read' Min's ear pinning more accurately. Sometimes she does it out of insecurity, and some times with aggression. Min was so much more confident standing close to other horses after I could tell how she was feeling and react appropriately.
   I do have to say Min was a bit of a rock star on the ground work. I was very proud of her. The best part however was that she decided to bring out the fireworks and blow up over the speakers crackling. Barb gave me some great tools on what to do when Min has a horsey melt down. Our phase 4 had to get a lot bigger!
   I was so proud of Candace and her horse. They made SO much progress it was amazing! Candace definitely found her phase 4! Her mare was so much calmer and happier then I had ever seen her:)

So far this summer there have been lots of firsts at the Horse Play Ranch, lots of learning, and lots of fun! There are still spaces available in most clinics. Sign up with a friend and you each receive a complimentary Horse Play t-shirt or cap.

Details for all upcoming clinics, retreats, and Intensive Courses
are available online at BarbApple.com under Schedule.  

 NOTE** 2 FOR 1 CLINIC THIS WEEKEND (we have had an unusual number of last minute cancellations so we are going to offer the clinic at 2 for 1 - that is $200 per person for 12 clinic hours & no extra charges for staying at the guest house or boarding your horse - bring your own feed & shavings). 

 

              

Nicki Evans

 

Marney Valdez

 

Drea Bowen