If you ever wondered if you should go.

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Several of you may already know the story of Steven and Gunner.

I have been studying the method for almost 10 years now. I am a pure junkie and stickler when it comes to horse training and riding. I broke a horse for my son and his family going on 5 years now. Her name is Barbie. lol She is a wonderful mare and truly broke in the true sense. He has been riding her for the last 5 years or so. I use to pull my hair out watching him ride her and watching her chump him. But she has remained a very respectful horse and has never nor do I think ever wants any trouble or hurt anyone. But he just never has gotten her full potential and gets frustrated with her. This is were His knowledge ended and Frustration began.

Go forward, a couple of years and I got Barbie’s half brother. He jumped on the idea to steal him from me. My actually personnel horse is another one of the siblings. I was slow on getting him started. I guess because I knew that why brother and be in a hurry when the rider doesn’t really get it. But he bribed me with stall mats for the barn and hot water. So on his last deployment mid August to mid October I was determined to get that colt broke.

I had 60 days. So after starting the groundwork within this first week, I realized that his horse was deaf. Oh great now what to do. Well since I didn’t know, I thought, what would CA do. My answer was nothing just keep going forward. Which I did. I spent the next 40 days everyday working on ground work with this colt. Some good days , but more bad than good. Getting two eyes was the hardest, having no cluck and missing the second step. He became very reactive and sensitive while going though this process. Than on about day 25 or so his light bulb came on. If I just keep my eyes on her, my butt doesn’t sting. After that leaps and bounds were being made.

But now I only had about 2 weeks before Steven was coming home. I really wanted those stall mats and hot water. So now its time to ride. I got a neighbor to be my helper. So the riding portion got started. It was a slow process. Now remember I have no Cluck. But going slowy the confidence of the colt was amazing. I know with all my heart it was because of the 40 days of groundwork or so.

Next the email came out that there were opening for a clinic. It was going to be a week after Steven got home from his deployment. So the decision was made to send him and gunner to the clinic. I knew that he didn’t have enough rides on him and steven was a complete novice to the method it would be risky. But I figured even if he just got the groundwork out of it , it would be worth it.

So the class was amazing. Clinton had everyone up on there horses the first day after lunch. My heart was pounding soooo bad. Told Steven just give it a try, but that actually we are there with his training exactly now, its time for cruising. This isn’t anything that we wouldn’t be doing at home. Sorry your and Gunners first time will be with 25 other horses in front of a couple hundred people. Those two made so much progress in the 3 days. The kept up with the class and didn’t have any major hiccups. They didn’t get stuck until yeilding hindquarters under saddle the afternoon of the last day. He just walked him in small circles. The students knew where he was and didn’t push him or the horse at that point. The colt wasn’t ready for that.

So we returned home on that Sunday. Now this is were his story now really begins. Sending those two to the clinic was the BEST thing I have ever done. We have been home now for about 3 weeks. He has ridden that colt or worked with him every single day. Both have the confidence to figure things out, they have there pocket books. Work on something new everyday. He now has finished all the fundys. Really with great progress. Steven now has the horse bug. he truly loves that colt. He has even tried to hire me to ride his colt when he goes back on deployment. lol He has decided that we all need a new arena. That’s breaking my heart. . His two children have now been out with him in the barn almost everyday. One is loving doing the groundwork, the other 5 year old has taken the old pony out of retirement. The bond they are making over the horses is priceless.

Having the dvd’s and the desire to work you horse is awesome. But if you ever have a chance or have someone that needs a boost. Send them to a clinic. Or have a clinic in your area. I know I have been to several , but I thought it was just me horse crazy woman that craves to learn all I can. Its not true. This has turned out to be the best thing for Steven and his kids. It has empowered him to finish his colt. Its turned out to be the best stress release to go out to the barn, knowing what he needs to do and the knowledge to get it done. No more frustration when things aren’t working the way he thinks it should. Now he just grabs the pocket book goes back to the dvd’s and can figure it out.

Now, it pays off for me. I took Gunners other sister 2 year old and decided that its her turn to get started. It was soooooo cool, I get her out and started the method. Here came Steven, Hey mom, want me to give it a try. Oh heck yeah. So now for the last couple of nights he has been working my horse and his. Steven will be home for another 3 weeks before leaving again for 2 months. Really waiting to see how far he can get with her before he leaves.

So if you are ever in doubt , you really should try and get to a clinic. It so helps understanding the method. Its so more worth the time and money that is spent to do it. Its life changing with horses. It makes everything you do with your horse more fun and safer. Having a lot more good days than bad makes it all worth it. If you can’t get to Texas have a professional come to your area. Split the cost. I promise it will make all the difference.

Sorry for the long post. This has just been the best experience for me and my son. I just had to share it. If you have kids or a spouse thats just not quite getting it, get to a clinic. To have the bond and same knowledge has put a end to the debates and wondering what to do. Its so cool to be on the same page and reaching for the same goals. I have had some of the best time with my son and grandkids in the last 3 weeks than I have had in the last 3 years. Its so nice that everyone wants to get out to the barn and see what we can do today. Horses and the method is such a great blessing.

Getting ready for his first cruise.

Sharon McLeod
Ennis, Texas