Dream Come True

[Turbo]

While it has taken several days to come down from the natural high that was created by What BarryMelinda said as the Opportunity of a Lifetime, I have finally found the time to put an update on the Fundamentals Private Lesson I had at the ranch. Like Melinda, I went to the Ranch for 3 days of private lessons. OMG! Let me just say, going to the tours, seeing as many of the videos as possible, knowing the fundamentals and being in clinics still does not stack up to having lessons at the ranch!

In the beginning….my best friend and her daughter (who have ridden all their lives but not using the method, my neighbor who used to be a member (and her daughter who took awesome pictures), and two wonderful new friends in Kerry and Amber rounded out the 6 people for the private lessons.

So we started from the beginning. I brought my mom’s 3 year old mare and the trip started with a 2 hour, 15 minute unexpected trailer loading issue. So yes, we were late getting started on the 12 hour drive. I have to say, Jeff was on the ball as he came back out to the ranch to meet us when we arrived at about 9:30. He got us settled in and the dream started to come into focus.

The next morning had a start time of 9am to give everyone a few hours sleep as Amber (and her hubby) came in about 2 am. I was up bright and early as I stayed in the trailer there at the ranch. I as able to walk around and meet people and watch Luke and Jeff work their horses.

The intermediate lessons with Shayna began and I will say, everything wonderful they say about her is true.

Since Shayna as in the large round outdoor arena, and Clinton was in the indoor arena, we went down to Clinton’s personal arena for our lessons. Jeff took the time to help all of us get ready and the lessons began. I will say, Secret was a challenge. As Jeff said, she one of those rare horses that is a combination of fearful and “SNARLEY” which soon became her name. Nope, no precious here. I think he thought I was over dramatizing her faults as she as good for the first little bit….then came backing. I had nicknamed her Crackhead, but SNARLEY was much better!

I will say, Jeff earned every bit of praise we can send his way. Each of us had our issues, from Roo laying down on you when riding, Elvis not bending (he’s 16 and not so flexible), Scout aka Donkey, need I say more, then Sassy who really did well once you woke her up, to Dink who used us as bumpercars!

Each day was amazing. Seeing the ranch and meeting everyone in person cannot really be described. Each day I was able to watch our fearless leader on his horses, he made sure I was doing ok and that Jeff was taking care of us. I didn’t want to bother him too much as I know he has a CRAZY schedule but the introduction and invitation to watch him work meant a lot.

Planning a return visit. Would love to do intermediate lessons! The amazing progression you get by three short days with a clinician is more than I probably could do in 6 months! Jeff felt with a week of steady work, all of us would be able to begin the intermediate lessons. So let the fun begin!

Tammy

Horse Therapy is the best!