Spring 2010 Newsletter
Hello Everyone, This spring Apollo and I have been enjoying Dartmoor. Riding on the moor is a great opportunity to see how much our horses are with us mentally and how much understanding they have of being ready and responsive when we ask. For the month of February I was in Texas and Arizona, learning from Joe Wolter and Harry Whitney. At the end of this Newsletter I’ve written about some of my experiences with these remarkable Horseman. On my return from America, Heather’s horse Percy came in for training with me on Dartmoor. Some of you may remember Percy from the November 09 Clinic. I’m pleased to say that after two weeks Heather was freely trotting and cantering around the facilities with Percy but sadly he became lame and is now currently awaiting an operation for the treatment of Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) in his stifle.
(Click on photos to see them full size)
Percy and myself lining up to go through the round pen gate.
Now that Summer is here Apollo is back on the pay role helping me under saddle with horses that come in for training. He also does a great job out in the field, quietly putting the youngsters in line, giving them confidence in their new surroundings on arrival.
Young Aspi is carefully feeling his way forward here on his first day with me at Higher Langdon Barn.
FOR SALE
I’ve been working for Terri helping her two year old ‘Alfie’ become confident about having his feet trimmed and preparing him to load into a trailer. Terri bred Alfie with the intension of selling him when he reached this age. He’s Arab x Welsh Section D, currently standing at 14.1hh and looks to make at least 15hh. Alfie moves beautifully and is a fantastic bright minded, un-spoiled horse. Please email or call me if any of you are interested in him.
Alfie in March 2010
EVENTS
2 Day Clinic
Fri 6th - Sat 7th August 2010
9-5pm
Ash Tree Farm
Ash
Dartmouth
TQ6 0LR
£45 Riders £20 Spectators (including lunch)
I plan to take Apollo to this event so that I can work with him to demonstrate ideas throughout the two days. We are limiting the rider spaces to only 5, so that there is time for a full hour of tuition for each rider and some group time for the five riders at the end of each day. In each hour of one to one tuition I plan to work on areas which the rider feels that they or their horse would like help with.
Jenny has a lovely arena and stables, plus she cooks a great lunch! We can also use the fields for riding in and I’ll have my microphone on so that everyone can hear at all times.
Please contact me as soon as possible to book your place as a rider or lunch as a Spectator. There are currently only two rider places left.
AMERICA - FEBUARY 2010
I began my trip in Texas at Joe Wolter’s Ranch. I spent the first week shadowing Joe from 8am through to 8pm, closely watching him start youngsters and riding with him. Joe has endless energy and such enthusiasm for his work, which gives a great amount of direction to the horses that he works with. Also whenever things didn’t go to plan I’d hear Joe laugh and then he’d just smile and calmly carry on. His patient, relaxed attitude and observant mind seemed to give his horses a safe place to be, where they weren’t made to feel criticized, only encouraged.
Joe Wolter teaching and encouraging his students
Telephone +44(0)77431 60149 © Anna Bonnage 2009 annabonnage@mac.com
