National Equine Expo – Bendigo
November 29, 2009
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For those who were new to how Carlos works, it was important to show how he develops such a strong foundation with the horses. Sai, on only his second ‘sleep over’ away from home, soon settled down to focus on the job.
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Sai’s job included showing how, with that strong foundation of trust and understanding, even in the unfamiliar and highly charged environment of the expo arena, he could remain focused and calm despite the roar of the chainsaw (no chain, of course!). He didn’t jump, but the crowd did! |
The stock whip, cap guns, plastic and cantering with a flag drew remarks among the crowd like ‘I wish my horse could do that’…
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…but it was cantering with an erratic barrel, though, that drew another round of appreciative applause. Definitely something the crowd had not seen before in such a training demonstration. |
Carlos and Sai topped it off with a explanation and demonstration of single rein and bridleless riding, giving the crowd a taste of how a good foundation on a young horse, built with understanding and trust, can be shared and enjoyed. |
There was no shortage of questions from the crowd on either day, with people eager to understand more about how they might be able to develop a similar relationship with their own horse. |
At a book signing located at the Huntly Social Riding Club (bitless branch – the first bitless riding club in Australia) table, there was also a long queue of those with questions who decided take advantage of the show special to buy Carlos’ book or DVD (or both!) to learn more – and not to miss the chance to have him autograph a special copy.
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One young fan, pictured above, was so moved by what she saw that she drew a picture of Carlos and Sai and gave it to him on the day. It now hangs in Carlos’ shed and holds a special place among the many photos on the wall. Unfortunately, she didn’t leave us her address so that we can send her a Whispering Acres cap!
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Expos aren’t only about demonstrations, they’re about supporting other organizations doing fantastic work on behalf of horses. Triple R Equine Welfare (TREW) is one such organization, a not-for-profit association dedicated to the rehabilitation and re-homing of horses. If you want to know more, you can go to www.triplerequinewelfare.org.au.
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And, as you might expect, people weren’t the only ones to stop and want to have a chat with Carlos!
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Congratulations to the organisers of this, the first National Equine Expo in Bendigo (the next is planned for 2011) and, in particular, Melita Vengust (coordinator with the Bendigo Agricultural Show Society), Carol Heuchan (event compere) and the other presenters who came to share their expertise. Thanks, too, to Kim Barnes, Patsy Sealy, and Marty Schiel (for helping with the logistics) and especially to all those who attended and, hopefully, were able to take away something to help them with their own horse. Most of all, a big hand goes to Sai who, having done a fantastic job, is back to chilling out with his paddock partner.
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Click here to see the brochure |
