11/21/11-  Holy Cow what have I been up to!? I for sure have not been doing a good job of regular updates!  Well I made it down to FL and got my truck and got to see the FL Ranch one last time before it may be sold.  I spent a lot of time on that ranch and it holds a special place in my heart.  It was wonderful to see my friends on the ranch and I am happy and excited to be on the field but I do miss all the great people on campus.

I recently finished up some training with a few horses.  A young filly named Holly came and got to go through a lot of firsts.  First rides under saddle, first trail rides, first time being ridden by her owner and more firsts were all a part of her month long Colt Start Package.  I also had the privilege of spending two months with my veterinarians horse named Chickadee or “Chick”.  Chick came for a restart after having a rough go with another trainer.  It was an interesting process teaching this amazingly bred cow-horse, who is a very sweet little mare, to trust again.  By the end of two months she got to where she was doing some really nice stuff.  Including taking her owner for a ride! After Chick’s owner was told she would never be able to ride her own horse it was a big success.  My vet, “Doc Sue,” got to learn about this “Parelli bunk,” as she used to put it.  It was a process of learning about the Seven Games, how to appropriately apply pressure and how to fulfill her responsibilities as the leader. Chick went through the process of strengthening her foundation and starting to learn some fundamentals of performance.  I am excited about this horse’s potential now that she is back on track and has the start she needs to be successful in humans-ville.  And my vet has even taken to telling people her horse is with a Parelli Trainer!!

The last bit of big news is that I have found a place to rent and live at that has a barn with stalls, pastures, paddocks and an outdoor arena.  My horses can be there and it is exciting to be able to ride at home.  I have lots of ideas about being able to host workshops and clinics there and the owner is a new Parelli convert.  Pear Tree Ranch is on its way to have a physical address so stay tuned for our first event on site.  Have a great Thanksgiving!! I am so thankful for all my family and friends, two and four-legged, and all the wonderful things in my life.