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- Spring Has Sprung! -
"When I count my blessings I count horses twice.
I have had so many that have found their way into my life
and because of them, I have also found all of you!"
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I sincerely hope your year is off to a great start and that you are feeling as excited as I am for the riding season to be here! My horses and I have enjoyed as mild a winter as I can remember and subsequently have had to miss very few days of riding due to weather here in Nebraska. Yeehaw! Even so, we can't help but feel extra perky with the splendid sights and sounds of spring in the air!
Life continues to treat us very well in our new home and we are thoroughly enjoying the mellow midwest life! I have had to put some of my own personal horsemanship goals aside the past few years due to the demands of operating and managing a full-time boarding and training facility. Since closing my operation in Colorado and relocating to Nebraska, I have been able to again create the time and space to invest in my own personal horses and on-going horsemanship development. I am delighting in the subsequent fruit of having focused time with my horses as well as regular instruction with a dressage trainer.
Amisdt our feeling settled in the midwest, I do still call to mind my dear horse friends and community in Colorado. It was a real treat for me to visit with some of you on my trip back in February. My sincere thanks to Autumn of Edens Aspens for opening up her new ranch to me.
The horse highlight of my week there was an outrageous winter wonderland trail ride (watch the video). One could do far worse than frolicking with fine horses amidst the fabulous Colorado mountains! It was such a treat to visit with you and a real joy for me to see so many of you flying with your own wings and finding such success in your journey with horses. Kudos to you! -- And as always, I feel so grateful that you have allowed me to share in a part of that journey! In appreciation, I have scheduled a private 3 day clinic in May just for you, my long-term Colorado community, that I very much hope you will consider attending (see below for details).
I was treated yet again in March by a wonderful 4-day horsemanship intensive with a couple of my oh-so valued Colorado community members here in Nebraska. These gals really "snugged up their chaps" for a few days of intensive riding and learning. We had such a fun time and their improvements over our days together were impressive! Again, please do consider joining me here in Nebraska for a horsemanship intensive at the lovely Log Barn Stables.
Wishing you all a very happy and horse-filled spring!
New 2012 Horsemanship Study Opportunities
The 2012 Calendar is now available on the website and includes:
3 - Day Clinics
This multi-day format will really enable you and your horse to make and experience some positive changes in your partnership. See calendar for specific dates and clinic offerings.
Semi-Private Lessons
There are many benefits to learning alongside other students for horses and humans alike.
Private or Group Intensives
Wanting to really take your horsemanship to the next level? Ride, study and experience horses all day long with Emily. Contact Emily to schedule your 1, 2, or 3 day intensive.
Create Your Own
Don't see what you are looking for in your area? Contact Emily at emily@mountainrosehorsemanship.com to schedule or request a specific clinic in your region.
Horsemanship 101 Series —
Saturdays 12 - 1:30 pm. Begins Saturday, April 7th (Log Barn Stables - Plattsmouth, NE)
Building a relationship with your horse from the ground up will enhance your partnership all around. This multi-week series will provide the foundation from which to enjoy a harmonious and long-lasting partnership with your horse that is based on confidence and respect. Participants will learn the groundwork and leadership skills necessary to establish a relationship of mutual respect and trust. You will learn how to be a clear and trustworthy leader for your horse while deepening your self-awareness as you prepare to take these skills into the saddle. As the weeks progress we will transfer the groundwork skills to enjoying communication, safety and partnership around obstacles, in the saddle and ultimately out on the trail! Cost: $55 per week.
* Skills are cumulative and progressive so regular attendance is recommended. Due to the progressive nature of this course participants must begin the series in April in order to continue through the latter months of the series.
** Completion of this course is required before further advancement in the MRH program.
Horsemanship 201 Series —
Saturdays 2 - 3:30 pm. Begins Saturday, April 7th (Log Barn Stables - Plattsmouth, NE)
This multi-week series will take your relationship with your horse to the next level and solidify a respectful, willing, and connected partnership. You will learn how to use your knowledge of the equine language to increase your horse's confidence and curiosity, empowering them to tackle increased challenges and obstacles. Suppleness, straightness, balance and increased refinement will be covered, as will the development of a balanced and independent seat, allowing you to ride with consideration for your equine partner. Cost: $55 per week.
* Skills are cumulative and progressive so regular attendance is recommended. Due to the progressive nature of the course participants must begin the series in April in order to continue through the latter months of the series.
** Prerequisite: Horsemanship 101
Private Clinic for Colorado Clientele —
Friday, May 11th - Sunday, May 13th (Log Barn Stables - Plattsmouth, NE)
Come and enjoy a fun and inspirational few days with Emily furthering and refining your horsemanship. Course material and topics will be personalized to your specific goals and ambitions. Spaces are limited. Cost: $330 with your horse; $400 with a MRH lesson horse.
Long Distance Coaching —
In appreciation and with respect of your fervor and devotion for horsemanship learning, Emily will be providing the opportunity for long distance coaching and training by means of telephone and video assessment. Please see the following options below:
I. Phone Coaching: Emily will assist you in coaching by means of phone conversation and email coorespondences. $25/hour
II. Video Assessment: Send a video of you and your horse for Emily to review and address your questions. Video may be either sent via YouTube or on a DVD by mail. $50 per 15 min of video. Includes 2 email responses or one 1/2 hour phone consultation.
Reserve your spot for all courses, clinics and events
online at the MRH Calendar.
- Recommended Horsemanship Resources for 2012 -
I have been touched by the continued interest and inquiries I receive from the Colorado horse community and I wish I could continue to serve your horsemanship needs on a more regular basis. I do return to Colorado throughout the year and invite you to join me in Nebraska for a multi-day horsemanship intensive any time!
With the arrival of spring, I want to be sure you have found a good fit to continue your regular horsemanship study. Since MRH's relocation to Nebraska, Autumn Haney has started her new business, out of the old MRH ranch and is available for horse boarding, training and instruction. Please visit Edens Aspens Horsemanship for more information and to contact her.
In addition, the following instructors and their programs come with a high recommendation from me in your on-going study of horsemanship. I have have the privilege of riding and studying with each of these horsemen and women and have been gifted with invaluable inspriation and learning through my time with each of them. I will be forever grateful for their willingness to guide and mentor me in my own journey of horsemanship and I invite you to experience and glean from their exceptional knowledge and talent as well.
Recommended Horsemanship Instructors and Programs
Marty Marten and Jody Marken - Two Spruce Farm (Berthoud, CO)
Marty and Jody are a terrific wealth of horsemanship skill and knowledge. Marty is a fine western horseman and clinician ans has also authored two Western Horseman books: Problem Solving I and II. Jody is an accomplished hunter/jumper rider, instructor and judge whose insights can further any horse or rider pair. They are avaible for Trail Obstacle, Cow Working, and Fear Management Clinics. Visit their website for specific dates and offerings.
Rich Scott - Vision of Unity Horsemanship (Byers, CO)
Rich is an excepional horseman who has a wonderful way with horses. His knowledge and skill are an undeniable asset to any horse and human alike. He is available for horsemanship clinics and instruction throughout the front range. Visit his website for specific dates and offerings.
Jeff and Gerrie Barnes - Barnes Ranch (Larkspur, CO)
Barnes Ranch has added a Western Dressage Program to it educational lineup for 2012 on top of their already terrific Versatility Ranch and Performance Horse programs. Visit their website for specific dates and offerings.
Eitan Beth-Halachmy - Cowboy Dressage (Grass Valley, CA)
Eitan's ability to develop lightness and carriage in his horses is unmatched. Eitan is the creator and inspriation behind the new Western Dressage Association of America. He and his wife, Deb are now offering the unique opportinity to ride and study at their delightful ranch in their Cowboy Dressage School of Horsemanship. Visit their website for specific dates and offerings.
Other Resources
Colorado Horse Rescue (Longmont, CO)
Colorado Horse Rescue has been providing emergency relief, shelter, care, rehabilitation, and adoption services for abused, neglected, abandoned and unwanted horses since 1986. CHR provides community resources through equine education, counseling, information and referral services. Contact them for resource and referral information or to discuss finding your next perfect partner!
- Other Upcoming Events -
Saturday, April 7th from 10 am - 2 pm at Colorado Horse Rescue (Longmont, CO)
Bring the whole family and meet all the special horses at CHR. Come take a tour of the CHR facility and find out more about sponsoring a horse, volunteering and adopting. There will be riding and groundwork demonstrations by the CHR trainers. The gift shop and equine thrift shop will also be open.
Trail Obstacle Clinics with Marty Marten and Jody Marken —
Introduction to Western Dressage —
The event will be described along with its rules, terminology, basic skill sets and other information. You'll have the opportunity to ride the first level WD test and get a feel for this event. Contact Barnes Ranch to register.
Buster McLaury Colt Starting and Horsemanship Clinic —
Friday, May 25th - Sunday, May 28th at Christensen Field (Fremont, NE)
Hosted by Scott Wehrmann of Double Diamond Ranch. Contact Double Diamond Ranch to register.
Sarah Martin Symposium —
Saturday, May 5th - Sunday, May 6th at Pleasant View Farms (Malcolm, NE)
Sponsored by the Nebraska Dressage Association and osted by Gordon and Joni Alwardt of Pleasant View Farms. For more information see the attached flyer or contact Karen Stricklett at 402-493-8686 ext. 213 or kstricklett@stricklett.com
Light Hands Horsemanship Clinic —
Thursday, May 31st - Sunday, June 3rd at Intrepid Farms (Santa Ynez, CA)
Vision: To be the leading advocate, worldwide, of lightness in the handling and riding of horses.
Mission: To provide horse owners and riders with the education, motivation, and techniques to implement lightness of mind and body in their interaction with their horses.
Values: Listen before speaking. Observe before acting. Empathize before judging. Lead by example. Look inward for answers. Commit to lifelong learning and self-improvement.
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"Light Hands' represents the highest achievement between horse and rider. There are no short cuts on the road to its success. It is a pure partnership built on trust and reward. Light hands are accomplished when full use of the riders correct aids have maintained the horse in balance, cadence and carriage. When a horse is taught to “balance himself” and not rely on the riders hands to hold him in frame, “lightness” occurs.
For me, Light hands represents my own journey in horsemanship. It is what I wish to accomplish with each horse I train. For me, the principles of dressage are the foundation to 'Light Hands Horsemanship'. This is true for every breed and every discipline. I am a western horseman by trade but my 'light hands' were built from the school of dressage.
Light hands begin with the lead rope. From there to the advanced horse, it is a long, exciting and rewarding journey. The feel of “lightness” is like no other. It, in itself is the reward."
- Light Hands Horsemanship Defined by Eitan Beth-Halachmy
(Click to view video)
Ensure your place at the 2012 Light Hands Horsemanship Clinic by reserving your spot now.
Will You Be My Human?
Photo by Josh Polson
Miss Cheyenne is as lovely a mare on the inside as she is on the outside! Cheyenne has been the predominant lesson horse in the MRH horsemanship program for the past two years. Due to some restructuring in the MRH horsemanship program Cheyenne is being retired as a lesson horse and is now looking for a human of her very own. She is a gentle, gracious and reliable mare whom has served both willingly and faithfully in her role as an equine instructor. One of our most versatile horses, she has been trusted to both take care of new riders as well as challenge the more advanced students. She is polite and respectful on the ground and boasts an array of groundwork skills. She is equally trustworthy and dependable under saddle and is also a terrific, quiet and reliable trail horse. This dear mare has such love, patience and kindness to give and would so enjoy having a human to call her own who can shower her in the attention and affection she deserves! See her website listing for further details and additional photos. Cheyenne is available for sale or lease. Contact Emily at emily@mountainrosehorsemanship.com or 720-204-8727 to speak further about becoming Cheyenne's next human partner!
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