Autumn 2009 Newsletter

 (Click on framed photos below to see them at full size)

Playing around with manoeuvring Apollo’s feet one at a time and manoeuvring his shoulders and hind quarters individually.

I’ve had a great summer and thought I would share with you some of the things that I’ve been up to. In July I held a demonstration afternoon, which involved working with my own horse Apollo. The afternoon involved looking at some ways to help a horse overcome worries and how I aim to create qualities such as clarity and softness in my work with horses.

  Demonstration with Apollo in July .

Throughout the summer I’ve been giving free demonstration evenings, which have involved 2 free 45 minute horsemanship lessons. These evenings were for private yards and riding clubs, to give people a taste of the way that I work and to see how I approach helping each horse and rider specifically. I’ve really enjoyed meeting new horses and people and varying my approach to work with different situations at each event.

I currently have two more demonstrations booked in for this Autumn. One is to raise money for Bicton College at £2 per entry fee. The event will be held at Bicton indoor arena on the 1st October (this Thursday) at 6pm. Please call Jemma on 01395 562 400 for more details. The other Demonstration is FREE! This will be from 3pm -5pm on Saturday 17th October at Foxworthy, Ivybridge for Foxworthy Riding Club. Non members are also welcome. Please call Debbie on 07866 466 396 for more details.

Barney, Emma’s horse, is currently in for training with me at Higher Langdon Barn on Dartmoor. Barney is a 3 year old TB X WB who is spending a month with me to be backed before being turned away for the winter. Emma plans to event Barney. With his athletic physique and sharp, willing mind he’ll definitely give Emma his best. I’ve included a few photos of how Barney is getting along after 3 weeks with me.

Helping Barney to let go and feel better about having a hand, rope or anything touching his feet.

  Preparing Barney for carrying a rider.

This is Barney’s first ever ride. I’m directing Apollo’s turns and speed which is a good opportunity to give myself and Barney a small job, which helps us relax and have a purpose to our ride.

I am currently arranging an afternoon demonstration for a weekend in mid to late November. In the first half of the Demonstration I will be riding Apollo, which will include bareback and brideless work. After a cup of tea and snacks provided, I will work with a youngster to show how I approach starting to build a foundation for the horse and rider's future together. To those of you on my newsletter list, I will email the confirmed date and details in the next week or so.

I’ve been busy out and about on a daily basis visiting yards to work with adults and children with their own horses and ponies. Do contact me if you’d like to know more about having an individual hour lesson at your yard. Also feel free to contact me at any time if you wish to discuss ideas and different ways to approach a specific situation with your horse.

Best wishes and I look forward to meeting you and your horse one day.

Anna.