2006 US tour highlights
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Not everything
runs smoothly – but it's great to have good company. Our Rochester
host in a moment she'd rather forget!
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But you've got
to admit the scenery in upstate New York is fabulous.
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This Appaloosa,
the first in the New York barn to experience Carlos' philosophy,
had never met anyone quite like him before! But that didn't stop
him from doing what Carlos asked.
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He soon learned
that rushing out of the arena was a thing of the past – much
better to stand and take in that gorgeous scenery.
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At the first
evening clinic, the emphasis was on groundwork. It seems to be a
universal challenge for horse lovers the world over, regardless
of their level of experience.
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This Tennessee
Walking Horse was back to basics with head lowering.
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Shortly followed
by his owner getting the hang of it...
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...along with
the others in the group.
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Working with feet is another issue for many people and their horses...
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Working with plastic on the ground translated into riding with plastic
under saddle.
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Under saddle
work also included a focus on sitting properly to interfere as little
as possible with the horse's movement, as well as achieving the
most stable position.
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Who says you
can't achieve collection on a halter? No one told this pair!
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Carlos had to leave the group with a taste of what they, too, can
achieve with their horses.
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One of the three
clinic groups held in Rochester at the end of a VERY full day.
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In between the
Rochester clinics, Carlos found time to work with a six-month old
colt who had been traumatised by veterinary handling and could no
longer be handled or haltered.
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At the same barn,
a six-month-old filly had also developed serious issues with having
her feet handled.
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Again, Carlos
was able to restore the filly's confidence in herself – and
in humans. The owner was also able to handle both the colt and the
filly as Carlos showed her. All within the space of just an hour.
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Word just seems
to get around. Carlos draws a group wherever he goes.
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After a ridiculously
early departure from New York, and a delay in Chicago, Carlos had
just one more horse to work with – an 18-year-old Missouri
Fox Trotter just purchased for a young rider. This horse had no
idea of ground manners (eating grass was far more important!).
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But that's now
changing, much to the joy of the young owner who continues to put
Carlos' philosophy into practice (and was very proud to be already
riding in a halter). Who says you can't teach an old horse new things?
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All
this in just 13 days!
It wouldn't have been possible without those people who did so much
to help make Carlos' first trip to the US such a success. From those
who provided the venues; those who helped to organize the clinics
and workshops' those who helped with transportation, logistics,
media coverage and photos; to those participated in the clinics
and have continued to work towards developing an extraordinary relationship
with their horses, based on what they learned from Carlos.
Thank you all for making this first trip special. We look forward
to seeing you in 2007!
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