Contact me to book a workshop or host Amy in or outside of the Edmonton areaClick Here to view the Clinic, Workshop and Event calendar or click on the titles below to find the information in the newsletter
Hello Riders,
Here's the latest news:
What do I mean by TRM?
Tension Reduces Movement of the body or the brain and sometimes BOTH at the same time!
If your horse doesn't move off your leg and you apply more pressure, your horse will become more tense and push against you with their body or with their mind in the form of resistance. I now teach students how to get more responses with less tension and some of the secrets are in Linda's foundation area of her program.
Here's the latest news:
What do I mean by TRM?
Tension Reduces Movement of the body or the brain and sometimes BOTH at the same time!
If your horse doesn't move off your leg and you apply more pressure, your horse will become more tense and push against you with their body or with their mind in the form of resistance. I now teach students how to get more responses with less tension and some of the secrets are in Linda's foundation area of her program.
- Connection
- Relaxation
- Then, Response
Connect to your horse, be in the moment and be present when you are creating the ride of your dreams. Feel through your hands and develop harmony in your movements together. Learn to become more interesting than whatever else is on his mind. Turn tension into relaxation and fear into curiosity and confidence with:
- Retreat and Re-approach
- Relax, Re-set and Re-try
- Create bends for relaxation without make or force
- Connect your energy to your horse's energy in a way that is beneficial to you both
- Don't put the pattern or your goals in front of what the horse needs in the moment
Success depends on your ability to get connection and relaxation before you ask for a response. Paying attention to this as your foundation for all movements avoids many behavioral issues and creates a horse that moves well because he can move his body and his mind in the way where your idea, is his idea. Remember that perfection is a trap! Notice how the movement or response is on your first try, aim for relaxation and be pleased when the movement is better than when you started.
Create, Don't make!
A new Clinic has been added, August 28-29 Mission Ridge Stables near St. Albert, L1-2 Introduction and Advancing Horsemanship Communication, Confidence and Integral Riding. More information is lower in this newsletter
4 spots are available in the Auditions Clinic at Donna's near Jarvie, September 11-12; even if you are not interested in putting together an audition, you can advance your horsemanship and relationship by learning and practicing the skills. More information is lower in this newsletter
Photos of successful students and horses at the:
Create, Don't make!
A new Clinic has been added, August 28-29 Mission Ridge Stables near St. Albert, L1-2 Introduction and Advancing Horsemanship Communication, Confidence and Integral Riding. More information is lower in this newsletter
4 spots are available in the Auditions Clinic at Donna's near Jarvie, September 11-12; even if you are not interested in putting together an audition, you can advance your horsemanship and relationship by learning and practicing the skills. More information is lower in this newsletter
Photos of successful students and horses at the:
- July Overcoming Obstacles Clinic; Click Here
Because of the heat, the August long weekend NHRA ride was switched to the shaded Drayton Valley Riverside Trails; a great place for your horse to get good at bridges. Click Here for more photos. Grizzly Bear Coulee ride is possibly rescheduled to September Long Weekend, contact me if you want to join.
Cowboy Town NHRA event is August 21-22, please make sure you email me if you plan to join the fun.
I am still available to help with your Parelli Audition. I will video, coach, edit and send you a YouTube link, the cost is $100 per Savvy. Step #1, go to YouTube and search for Parelli Auditions that have passed for inspiration.
I will do virtual lessons with anyone who wants to send me a video, Cost is $25 for the first 10 minutes and $2 per minute after that. I will review your video and send back my thoughts to help you with any of your horsemanship struggles.
Group lessons at Sartison's have started up for some Tuesday evenings 6:00 - 8:00 pm
I am teaching small group workshops on Tuesdays at Sartison's, contact me if you are interested in hauling in as there is a limit on the number of trailers, auditing is free and there might be horses to borrow if you can't trailer. I can also travel to your barn if it is permitted, mileage may apply.
Click Here to see my calendar for Weekday 2-hour Workshops at Sartison’s Acres or contact me to arrange a private lesson.
You can add my google calendar to your own by clicking on the 3 lines in the top left corner of your own google calendar and typing in my email in the "add a calendar" section. This works better on a computer than on a phone or tablet.
Cowboy Town NHRA event is August 21-22, please make sure you email me if you plan to join the fun.I am still available to help with your Parelli Audition. I will video, coach, edit and send you a YouTube link, the cost is $100 per Savvy. Step #1, go to YouTube and search for Parelli Auditions that have passed for inspiration.
I will do virtual lessons with anyone who wants to send me a video, Cost is $25 for the first 10 minutes and $2 per minute after that. I will review your video and send back my thoughts to help you with any of your horsemanship struggles.
Group lessons at Sartison's have started up for some Tuesday evenings 6:00 - 8:00 pm
I am teaching small group workshops on Tuesdays at Sartison's, contact me if you are interested in hauling in as there is a limit on the number of trailers, auditing is free and there might be horses to borrow if you can't trailer. I can also travel to your barn if it is permitted, mileage may apply.
Click Here to see my calendar for Weekday 2-hour Workshops at Sartison’s Acres or contact me to arrange a private lesson.
You can add my google calendar to your own by clicking on the 3 lines in the top left corner of your own google calendar and typing in my email in the "add a calendar" section. This works better on a computer than on a phone or tablet.
News from Linda
What is Connection and do you have it?
When you have a mental connection with your horse, you are attuned to your horse’s feelings, responses and reactions. You know ‘who’ your horse is as an individual. You understand how best to approach and develop him, and you care about his confidence and quality of experience in your interactions. In return, your horse feels your connection and is interested, calmed, and inspired by it.
Watch Linda, Click Here, as she explains how she put her new program together. This is the heart of the program, pinpointing the key elements to put in place from core behaviors, quality, and performance.
At its core, Linda's ten-module program gives you the keys for developing a happy horse and happy relationship starting with these three essential cornerstones: Connection, Relaxation, and Responsiveness.
It’s time to talk horse at a whole new level.
If you are a member of HHHL, Click Here to read an article about how to challenge your horse and teach him to be confident with puddles.
Make sure if you are signed up or checking out the HHHL site that you click on the 3 lines in the corner on your phone or the left-hand menu on your computer and navigate to the Courses and Topics. that is where the learning part of the site is.
Click Here to sign up for a free 2-week trial
Keep up to date with Linda on her HHHL Facebook page, Click Here
Linda's Happy Horse, Happy Life is specifically for horse lovers, lots of learning from Linda on horsemanship, horse development, mind, body, spirit and health. Pegasus Personal Growth courses are also included for $19.95 USD a month
Click Here for an interview with Linda about the program
The Parelli Savvy Club remains a great resource for learning. Use Don Halladay's referral number and Click Here to join for $20 USD a month or shop Parelli for equipment with Don's link Click Here
What is Connection and do you have it?
When you have a mental connection with your horse, you are attuned to your horse’s feelings, responses and reactions. You know ‘who’ your horse is as an individual. You understand how best to approach and develop him, and you care about his confidence and quality of experience in your interactions. In return, your horse feels your connection and is interested, calmed, and inspired by it.
Watch Linda, Click Here, as she explains how she put her new program together. This is the heart of the program, pinpointing the key elements to put in place from core behaviors, quality, and performance.
At its core, Linda's ten-module program gives you the keys for developing a happy horse and happy relationship starting with these three essential cornerstones: Connection, Relaxation, and Responsiveness.
It’s time to talk horse at a whole new level.
If you are a member of HHHL, Click Here to read an article about how to challenge your horse and teach him to be confident with puddles.
Make sure if you are signed up or checking out the HHHL site that you click on the 3 lines in the corner on your phone or the left-hand menu on your computer and navigate to the Courses and Topics. that is where the learning part of the site is.
Click Here to sign up for a free 2-week trialKeep up to date with Linda on her HHHL Facebook page, Click Here
Linda's Happy Horse, Happy Life is specifically for horse lovers, lots of learning from Linda on horsemanship, horse development, mind, body, spirit and health. Pegasus Personal Growth courses are also included for $19.95 USD a month
Click Here for an interview with Linda about the program
The Parelli Savvy Club remains a great resource for learning. Use Don Halladay's referral number and Click Here to join for $20 USD a month or shop Parelli for equipment with Don's link Click Here
Sugary Bits
I love camping with my horses where I can see them. Natalia calls this setup, "Horse TV".
It was great to interact with Sugar and Tyson while resting from the ride.
At the Overcoming Obstacles Clinic in July, Sugar had the day off on Saturday. She enjoyed herself for most of the day but in the afternoon she was bored and grass-eating wasn't as interesting as what the rest of us were doing. She came and stood in front of me and Tyson to let me know she was ready to do something fun!
Hey!! I want to do something!!
I love camping with my horses where I can see them. Natalia calls this setup, "Horse TV".
It was great to interact with Sugar and Tyson while resting from the ride.At the Overcoming Obstacles Clinic in July, Sugar had the day off on Saturday. She enjoyed herself for most of the day but in the afternoon she was bored and grass-eating wasn't as interesting as what the rest of us were doing. She came and stood in front of me and Tyson to let me know she was ready to do something fun!
Hey!! I want to do something!!Tyson's Tales
The mountain trip has provided Tyson with some muscles that have helped us to create some nice walk/canter transitions.
Donna's arena inspires Tyson!
Click Here for a video of Tyson working on his confidence on a bridge crossing. Sugar is walking in front of Tyson ridden by Vicki
The mountain trip has provided Tyson with some muscles that have helped us to create some nice walk/canter transitions.
Donna's arena inspires Tyson!Click Here for a video of Tyson working on his confidence on a bridge crossing. Sugar is walking in front of Tyson ridden by Vicki
Amy Dorland Clinics
I am taking bookings for Fall 2021
Available for booking 2 or 4 days
Hosts can earn their clinic spot and get private lessons, contact Amy for more information. 4 student minimum in the Edmonton area and 6 student minimum needed if I would be traveling over 1.5 hours in Alberta (mileage may apply). Workshops outside of Alberta can book for 3 or more days, instead of paying travel costs. (minimum 6 students per day)
Progress your learning over 2 or 3 days, advance your confidence and Savvy faster and have more fun with your horse!!
Get out of your comfort zone and expand your savvy in new locations.
Click Here for the Calendar
August 12-16, 2021
Thunder Bay Clinic and Workshops
Levels 1-4
Location: Grace Equestrian Centre in Thunder Bay, Ontario
4 days of advancing Horsemanship with Group Workshops and Private lessons
Click Here for Photos from 2019
Contact Joyce to register or more information: Click Here
**New Clinic**
August 28-29, 2021
Mission Ridge Clinic
Levels 1-2
Location: Mission Ridge Stables near St. Albert, Alberta
Introduction and Advancing Horsemanship Communication, Confidence and Integral Riding
Contact Rhonda to register or more information: Click Here
September 11-12
Audition Preparation Workshop at Donna's
All Levels
We will prepare the skills needed for Parelli Program Auditions Levels 1 - 4 and you will go home with a plan or possibly a video to submit.
Online, Liberty, Freestyle. You don't have to prepare an audition to participate, learning the skills will advance your horsemanship and partnership.
Location: Donna and Aram's Natural Playground, Near Jarvie, AB Click Here for a map
Click Here for Photos from 2020
4 student spots are available
Clinic Cost: $200 for 12 hours of instruction
Camping and Facility: $15 per night includes pen, $10 more for power payable to Donna
Pen: $10 per night or day payable to Donna
Auditing: $20 per day
Register with Amy: amy.dorland@gmail.com
September 25-27
Women's Weekend, Horse, Health and Happiness Clinic
Levels 2 - 4
At this Clinic we will study the use of energy, connection and communication with our horse on the ground and in the saddle. We will also explore ideas that will ensure we stay healthy and happy so we can ride for many more years. 12 hours of Natural Horsemanship Instruction over 3 days, (4 hours per day); plus breakout sessions on Integral Movement, Reiki and Inspiration that will happen in the afternoon and evening. This retreat will give you a deeper understanding of energy, body language, attitude, communication and perspective. You will return to your life rejuvenated with a new sense of empowerment, gratitude and moments of joyful connection, allowing you to have the sustainable impact on your life that you desire.
Saturday and Sunday Vegan group dinners are included in the price.
We may also participate in a Mead tasting and tour at the nearby Fallen Timber Meadery cost is $15 per person. Click Here for more information
Massages will be available from the on-site therapist for an additional cost.
We might also have a fun art experience $10 plus the cost of supplies (more info in the next newsletter)
3 student spots are available
Location: Dragonfly Ranch Water Valley, Alberta
Click Here for photos from 2019
Clinic Cost: $300
Camping, Pen: $30 per day or night. Power may be available $10 per night payable to Sonja
Pen only: $20 per day or night
Rooms: $50 per night, book with Sonja lsscribner@gmail.com, Click Here for photos of rooms
Register with Amy: amy.dorland@gmail.com
October (Exact Date TBA)
Vancouver Island Weekend Workshop
Location: Tiger Lily Farm, Errington B.C., Click Here for a map
Levels 2 - 4
Click Here for photos from September 2020
8 student spots available
Clinic Cost: $275 for 12 hours of instruction (includes facility)
Pen: $15 per night or day payable to Tiger Lily
Auditing: $20 per day
Register with Amy: amy.dorland@gmail.com
Weekday 2-hour Workshops and Lessons
Check my calendar, Click Here
Contact me if you would like to host a mid-week 2-hour Workshop in the Edmonton area. Mileage may apply
1-hour lesson can be booked if it follows or precedes another workshop at the same location.
$25 per Student 7 - 8 Students
$30 per Student 5 - 6 Students
$40 per Student 4 Students
$50 per Student 3 Students
$75 per Student 2 Students
$150 for 2-hour private - Dedicated students that book 3 or more Private Workshops will pay $120 per 2-hour workshop
Questions or get more details: Email Amy
NHRA Events
If you want to host an NHRA event Email Me
It doesn't matter if you study under another instructor or program, if you call yourself a Natural Rider, then please join us on our journey of knowledge and fun.
All Events will follow Covid-19 protocols as they are at the date of the event
Cowboy Town Fun Cowboy Challenge and Iron Horse Trail ride
August 21 - 22
A small group of NHRA riders checked this out as a location last summer and for 2021 this event will include a Fun Cowboy Challenge and ride on the Iron Horse Trail to the Beaver River Trestle Bridge. Trails are also located on the ranch for easy short rides.
Location: Near Bonnyville, Alberta
Cost: $20 per night for camping, $10 per night per horse, Cowboy Challenge $25 per ride to enter with cash prizes, $10 per horse for trailer ride back from trestle bridge on Sunday's Iron Horse trail ride.
Hotels are available in nearby Bonnyville if you don't have a camping setup.
Click Here for photos from 2020
Contact Amy to join: amy.dorland@gmail.com
**Rescheduled**
Grizzly Bear Coulee Ride and Fun Cowboy Challenge
September 4-6 Long Weekend
Location: North of Wainwright, Alberta Click Here for Google Map
Cost: TBA
This event is put on by the Alberta Donkey and Mule Club and our group has been invited to join.
Click Here for photos from 2020
Contact Russ to join: mules780@gmail.com
Mckendrick Ranch Fun Weekend
Date TBA
Location: Near Alix, Alberta
Cost: TBA
Wanda has invited our group to enjoy her place again. Facilities include a small indoor arena, a large outdoor arena, horse playground and trail riding on the property.
Click Here for pictures from 2008, the last time we had a Don Halladay Clinic there.
Contact Amy to join: amy.dorland@gmail.com
If you want to host an NHRA event Email Me
It doesn't matter if you study under another instructor or program, if you call yourself a Natural Rider, then please join us on our journey of knowledge and fun.
All Events will follow Covid-19 protocols as they are at the date of the event
Cowboy Town Fun Cowboy Challenge and Iron Horse Trail ride
August 21 - 22
A small group of NHRA riders checked this out as a location last summer and for 2021 this event will include a Fun Cowboy Challenge and ride on the Iron Horse Trail to the Beaver River Trestle Bridge. Trails are also located on the ranch for easy short rides.
Location: Near Bonnyville, Alberta
Cost: $20 per night for camping, $10 per night per horse, Cowboy Challenge $25 per ride to enter with cash prizes, $10 per horse for trailer ride back from trestle bridge on Sunday's Iron Horse trail ride.
Hotels are available in nearby Bonnyville if you don't have a camping setup.
Click Here for photos from 2020
Contact Amy to join: amy.dorland@gmail.com
**Rescheduled**
Grizzly Bear Coulee Ride and Fun Cowboy Challenge
September 4-6 Long Weekend
Location: North of Wainwright, Alberta Click Here for Google Map
Cost: TBA
This event is put on by the Alberta Donkey and Mule Club and our group has been invited to join.
Click Here for photos from 2020
Contact Russ to join: mules780@gmail.com
Mckendrick Ranch Fun Weekend
Date TBA
Location: Near Alix, Alberta
Cost: TBA
Wanda has invited our group to enjoy her place again. Facilities include a small indoor arena, a large outdoor arena, horse playground and trail riding on the property.
Click Here for pictures from 2008, the last time we had a Don Halladay Clinic there.
Contact Amy to join: amy.dorland@gmail.com
Student Notices
Email your submissions for the newsletter before the 15th of each month to Amy I love to hear your news and thoughts, pictures, what Parelli or Natural Horsemanship items you have for sale and Natural Horsemanship trained horses to sell.
From Tania: 12 yo 15:1 chestnut flaxen gelding with chrome, loves trail rides by himself, loads in seconds from outside the trailer, travels well alone. Liberty, sideways, facing or away or towards you across poles, circle canter when you do, barrel jump towards you, horse man’s dance, and more…Working equitation/show experience/confident with obstacles. Lots of clinics/obstacles/been in water up to his neck/bicycles/motorcycles/etc. Experienced with cattle, buffalo and mounted square dancing. Smooth gaits, no vices, laminitis, UTD on shots, teeth, trim. Ridden regularly by my trainer.
Reason for selling: I have purchased a taller horse for myself and cannot keep up with two horses as I am an older person.
Contact for more info and pictures: tlgtstudios@gmail.com or on FB messenger
Email your submissions for the newsletter before the 15th of each month to Amy I love to hear your news and thoughts, pictures, what Parelli or Natural Horsemanship items you have for sale and Natural Horsemanship trained horses to sell.
From Tania: 12 yo 15:1 chestnut flaxen gelding with chrome, loves trail rides by himself, loads in seconds from outside the trailer, travels well alone. Liberty, sideways, facing or away or towards you across poles, circle canter when you do, barrel jump towards you, horse man’s dance, and more…Working equitation/show experience/confident with obstacles. Lots of clinics/obstacles/been in water up to his neck/bicycles/motorcycles/etc. Experienced with cattle, buffalo and mounted square dancing. Smooth gaits, no vices, laminitis, UTD on shots, teeth, trim. Ridden regularly by my trainer.
Reason for selling: I have purchased a taller horse for myself and cannot keep up with two horses as I am an older person.
Contact for more info and pictures: tlgtstudios@gmail.com or on FB messenger
From Karen: 2012 Bison Trail Hand $28,000 OBO
3H 9' LQ 7'W 7'6" H 31'6'L GVWR 13952 lbs, rear tack, 12' electric awning, AC, electric jack, leather couch cooktop, fridge, microwave, shower, toilet, furnace, stereo, drop downs on head side, 3 vents, load lights, stud wall, escape and pass-through doors, 16 " tires (fair shape) with good spare, tows very well,
Located near Pincher Creek.
Contact Karen Sifton: karen.sifton@icloud.com or text (403) 540-9918
Education Things to think about....
Click Here...Managing grass for lower sugar content
Click Here...Rollkur (Hyperflexion) vs. Low Deep and Round (LDR): definitions, differences, and potential damage
Click Here...The Nose Knows: What Equine Nasal Discharge Tells Us
Click Here...Martin Black discusses good hands and feel
Click Here...Why Horses Kick
How Interesting Funny or thought-provoking....
Click Here...A couple walked their leashed African Watusi steer right through the doors of a Texas Petco to test if they really welcome "all leashed pets."
Click Here...Goat tying cuteness with a 4-year-old cowboy!!
Click Here...Funny horse compilation
Click Here...The pony VS the leaf
Click Here...The donkey and his new ball
Inspiration
Click Here...Tokyo 2020 Equestrian Streaming Schedule
Click Here...Amazing Gymnastics Performance From Texas Cowboy
Click Here...A teenage girl finds dying of starvation horse and walks with the horse 9 miles back home
Click Here...Former PP Humphrey Dirks playing with his horses
Click Here...Check out the two Donkeys pulling up the rear of this Jingle - so cute.
Click Here...Amazing Gymnastics Performance From Texas Cowboy
Click Here...A teenage girl finds dying of starvation horse and walks with the horse 9 miles back home
Click Here...Former PP Humphrey Dirks playing with his horses
Click Here...Check out the two Donkeys pulling up the rear of this Jingle - so cute.
Keep dreaming, stay busy, and be happy
Even wonderful things you haven't dreamed of will find you.
Nothing is worth your unhappiness; not because the awful and ugly don't happen, but because there's always more of the really good stuff.
Let every season run its course and every tide ebb and flow, but think not, that you have no choice of where your wandering mind can go…
Invariably, the 5 minutes of inspiration you need to totally rock the world and transform your life, will come at the end of hours, weeks, months, or even years' worth of floundering, frivolity, false starts, and seeming hopelessness.
Yet when the dream comes true and you glance over your shoulder, you'll see that those 5 minutes were made possible because of everything that led up to them and that you never needed to be so critical of yourself or the time it was taking.
Your Dreams are my Dreams!
Class 3 Senior Instructor/Mentor
Happy Horse, Happy Life
Click Here for NHRA Events and Clinics Calendar and available lesson dates with Amy
