Interviews
Charlotte Dennis
Charlotte has been instrumental to putting Natural Horsemanship & Equine Ethology firmly on the map in the UK and in 2003 this drive led Charlotte, as part of a team, to be invited by H.M. The Queen to give a demonstration at Buckingham Palace.
Charlotte has presented at many venues around the UK (Burghley Horse Trails, HOYS, Equus, Beaufort Polo Club, BHS Instructor conventions etc.), and indeed worldwide USA, Australia, NZ and Dubai. This pro-active role has seen the evolution of Natural Horsemanship into a main stream discipline in the UK.
Thanks to Charlotte for answering these questions by email, I hope I can add more information about her as and when we meet face-to-face.
1. What makes Equine Ethology/Natural Horsemanship different from what many consider ‘normal’ horse training?
>> Natural horsemanship focuses more on understanding horse behaviour aspects of equitation.
2. What sort of horses are suitable, or can these methods be used on any horses – and why?
>>Any horses are suitable as we are working with the individual behaviour characteristics, appreciating or modifying their learned behaviours and keeping their spirit.
3. Can you really teach an old horse new tricks?
>> Of course, just because they are old doesn’t mean that they don’t still have an active mind and heart and desire.
4. If someone is new to Natural Horsemanship, what are the main things they should consider when looking for an instructor or training method?
>> Word of mouth is a great way of getting personal recommendations.
5. What’s the funniest experience you’ve had when training students/horses?
>> I was teaching a really nice lady who was riding in a western saddle, she went to dismount and somehow got her bra hooked over the saddle horn! Luckily the horse was very quiet and saw the funny side, stood like a rock until the lady’s husband who was watching can out and unhooked her!
6. How did it feel to do a demonstration for the Queen and what did you do?
>> It was a great honour and very nerve wracking for me! I tried to just show what a strong bond and partnership I had with my horse Jack.
7. What’s the most touching moment you’ve had on your journey so far?
>> I am lucky enough that I have had many;students are so appreciative and kind. If I had to pick one it would have to be one that was very personal to me and connected to the previous question. My horse Jack and I were waiting for the Queen to arrive at the Royal Mews for our demonstration and I was pretty nervous. I had a quiet moment with Jack and he was behaving just as he does at home. He gave me so much confidence and I really trusted him. The demonstration was definitely one of the highlights of my life so far and to be enabled to do it to the best of my ability was just a testament to such a special horse.
8. How does Natural Horsemanship/Equine Ethology fit in with the BHS?
>> I think they fit perfectly. The majority of people involved in horses, particularly in a professional capacity, really strive to do the best they can for their horses, so any additional information or understanding is always welcomed. When Dave Stuart and I did the Instructor workshop for the BHS last year everyone was very open minded and interested.
9. How many horses do you have at home and can you briefly describe them?
>> I have four horses at home now; two who are eventing and two who are used for demonstrations. All are different and great fun. They are a mixture of breeding from full thoroughbred to conemarra cross.
10. How do you manage to juggle family life, a thriving business, clinic and shows, your own horses and day-to-day activities?
>> I seem to fit it all in! Although it is a little hectic at times.
11. If someone were to make a film about you, obviously you would want to play yourself – but if you had to choose a well-known actress to play your role, who would it be and why?
>> Nicole Kidman. She is successful, smart, beautiful and a wonderful actress across wide ranging roles. Not sure if she has ever ridden a horse before!
12. It’s fantastic news that a UK Parelli centre is opening in Warwick soon – will you be involved?
>> Not directly involved but I would be happy to help in any way I can.
13. What’s your opinion about horses being barefoot?
>> Every case is different; do whatever is the most appropriate for an individual horse.
14. I’ve seen a lot of treeless and western saddles being used at clinics – do you use them?
>> I have used them and have found them useful. At the moment I ride in a Cliff Lynch western saddle and a Balance English saddle made by Frank Baines.
15. Do you manage to take holidays and if so, where do you like to go and what do you like to do?
>> I haven’t really had many holidays over the last few years, but I did go skiing for a week a couple of years ago. Never having skied before, it was quite the learning curve! It’s something I really want to do more of so hopefully next season I will be risking life and limb!
16. What are your plans for the future?
>> To help people have a fulfilling, safe and happy relationship with their horses whatever their dreams and goal may be.To continue to develop my horsemanship to the best of my ability, to compete in eventing and dressage to the best of my ability.
If you have a specific issue or would like lessons or courses call Charlotte on 07952 702347 or email: info@charlottedennis.com
Her web site is www.charlottedennis.com
Author: Kay Irvine
Monty Roberts - ‘The Man Who Listens To Horses’
Sept 27 2007. ‘Monty Rides Again’ Tour, Arena UK, Grantham, Lincolnshire.
On the second date of his 2007 UK Tour ‘Monty Rides Again’, I had the privilege of interviewing the famous western horseman, Monty Roberts.
As my friend Sharon and I travelled to Arena UK in Grantham, Lincolnshire, we wondered what he would be like. Would he be as humble and genuine as he appears on TV documentaries? Would he give us his time, or would he be too busy preparing for his demo? What could we ask him that wasn’t already well documented?
We duly arrived and walked in through the entrance – Monty and his UK associate Kelly Marks were running through some last minute arrangements in the main arena. As soon as one of his team told him had arrived, Monty came over and said hello and asked if we wouldn’t mind chatting to him while he made a salad. Sharon and I looked at each other slightly bemused and shrugged – sure.
Monty then darted off to speak to a couple of his team and then came back, beckoning us to follow him to the Intelligent Horsemanship trailer. As we stepped inside, I couldn’t help laughing to myself – how surreal the whole situation was becoming.
We had a hilarious few minutes fumbling around in the dark, searching for the lights and then sat down in the kitchen area of the trailer. Monty was indeed a lovely man - just as generous and friendly as he appears on TV. As he busied himself making a large tuna salad in a square plastic tub, I nudged Sharon to switch on the video recorder and we got down to the interview.
I asked Monty how the tour was going so far. He replied that the first demo at Robaston a couple of nights previously went incredibly well and he and Kelly had received a warm reception from the audience. Tonight was the second demo and there were 11 more dates and venues to go.
At 72, Monty’s passion for what he does obviously keeps him healthy and energetic enough to perform such a demanding schedule. The cloth-capped horse whisperer had his back to me, deftly chopping lettuce. I tried to concentrate, wondering if a video of the back of Monty’s head would be useable.
Having seen Monty on Horse & Country TV, I enquired about the likelihood of more programmes. His reaction was surprising. He told us that many horse related channels in the USA are going under because they have lost their focus of providing high quality horse education programmes.
Kelly Marks came into the trailer. She and Monty bantered a little and the pairs’ fondness and respect was evident. She exited as loudly as she’d arrived. Monty said he hoped that Horse & Country TV would be different and that he hopes to film more documentaries for them and be a part of the station’s future.
Monty splashed some dressing into the salad in the large plastic tub. He sat down on the bench next to us and I asked him how preparations were going for tonight’s demo. In between mouthfuls, he told us that a posse had to be sent out to get the ‘trailer loading’ horse into a trailer to get it here for tonight’s demo – the irony was somewhat lost as he continued to explain how the poor Lucitano mare had been so roughly handled by a Natural Horsemanship Trainer that she had deep indentations in her nose.
I had recently had to move my mare to a new yard and spent 45 minutes trying to load her – so I took the opportunity to ask how to avoid a horse turning sideways when backing it up from the ramp. Monty looked me squarely in the eye and said, “did you use a Dually Halter?”
“No,” I replied. “ I used a string hackamore that another trainer recommends, but was trying your method that I saw Kelly doing on TV.” Monty looked at me, took another mouthful of salad, shrugged and looked away. “I can’t answer your question, if you weren’t using my equipment.”
I paused, slightly taken aback. “Oh, so it’s pretty important to use your halter when using your techniques then?” I felt slightly stupid asking this, but my mind had gone blank.
“Of course,” Monty replied and carried on eating. I asked him to explain more about the Dually Halter and help me understand why it worked so well.
Monty carefully explained that the halter shrinks as the horse resists, then loosens when the horse co-operates. That way, the horse quickly learns to do what you are asking – without you having to resort to force. And, it would keep the horse’s body straight. I decided to buy one and give it a go.
The media tend to portray Monty as the man who uses the round pen, but I wanted to know more about Monty’s approach out of the round pen. This seemed a sensitive issue. He and Kelly are working very hard to change this view and broaden the message of how much work goes on out of the pen.
Monty’s Shy Boy story is a perfect example of what he can do without a round pen – the wild Mustang had hundreds of miles between him and the nearest fence yet still accepted his first saddle and rider from Monty, building an incredible bond that endures today.
Separation Anxiety – now this is something I am really experiencing at the moment, as my mare is in with a possessive gelding and a tiny Shetland, whom they both think is their baby. “There’s a whole chapter on that in my new book, ‘From My Hands To Yours’,” came the reply.
I recalled seeing a documentary about Monty and his wife Pat fostering troubled youngsters and using similar techniques that he uses with the horses. Monty explained that though the procedures are different, but the principles are the same. He has a contract with both horses and children, but it is easier to have a contract with the children, because they can write it and sign it.
Both are based on experiencing the consequences of negative actions. In the event of some so-called ‘unacceptable’ behaviour, there would be privileges taken away or extra duties given rather than the use of punishment or force. The choice is theirs – every time.
“Tonight,” Monty teased, “you will see a green western horse that has a new contract and, in comparison, you will see a world class horse that has already had the contracts done with him when he was young.” Blimey – sounded a bit like the army to me, but it obviously works.
Monty finished his salad, put his tub down and had a glint in his eye. “Have you heard of PICNIC?” Was this a trick question, I wondered. “Er, only the sit in a park version,” I replied, suspecting a deeper meaning was coming my way.
“Positive Instant Consequences and…”Monty paused expectantly, inviting me to finish the acronym.
“Negative Instant Consequences!” I offered. Monty nodded. Hurrah – I’d got it right.
“The key word,” Monty elaborated, “is INSTANT. No maybes, the horse or child has to experience the consequences instantly in order to learn.”
Kelly came in again and sat down next to Monty to eat her small, pre-packed salad. Drat, the video recorder had run out of memory, just when Monty had finished eating and we could have had both he and Kelly sat together on film - drat and double drat!
Despite my technical inadequacies, it was time for a bit of joint reminiscing. They met by chance in a French petrol station in 1993. Monty described himself as Kelly might see him, “my word is my bond. I have very little elastic in my make-up. Everything is absolute and I live by the rules I make.”
“Yeah, but you’ve mellowed over the years,” prompted Kelly. Monty agreed, “I have an open mind, but I have my own way and until I’m convinced something is an improvement, I stay on course and don’t vary it.”
“Mind you,” he smiled, “my way is the only way for me today, but show me another way and that will be my way tomorrow. I am open-minded enough to let my students get better than me. I don’t want to make everyone into little robots that just march to one tune.”
Kelly jumped in. “We’ve been listening to the ‘Genius’ tapes on the way here and that talks about having a Mastermind Group. It’s great to explore different ideas with Monty and my students and discuss things that might help us improve what we’re doing. Our recommended associates are also a vital part of our Mastermind Group – giving us their experiences and helping us reach people in areas that we can’t get to.”
I offered my personal view that Monty showed a genuine vulnerability and emotional connection that some other trainers seem to lack. Assuming a direct comparison with a particular close friend and fellow Natural Horseman, Monty seemed to bristle a little. “You can’t make comparisons, everyone is different. I am not-for-profit, did you know that?” I didn’t.
“When other horsemen become part of a big marketing machine, they have people telling them what to do and how to be. I’m much happier doing it the way I’m doing it and people tell me I am missing opportunities to make money by giving things away like free DVDs with the Dually Halter, but I don’t care.” That was Monty’s last word on the subject – he’s certainly a man who stands by his principles.
Monty happily signed a couple of books for us, then stood up and invited us to talk more after the demo. After a very generous 40 minutes interview, it was time for him to get ready to show his Lincolnshire audience the amazing things he, and they, can do with horses.
A friendly, direct and honest man, Monty certainly has a unique and amazing connection with horses and it was an honour to interview him – I urge you to go and see him in action if you get the chance.
More info: www.montyroberts.com / www.intelligenthorsemanship.co.uk
Author: Kay Irvine
Linda Parelli
Parelli is a massive brand now and helping thousands of people worldwide to communicate more effectively - and safely - with their horses. I would like to offer my congratulations to Linda and Pat for pioneering the ‘Natural Horsemanship movement’ and being such inspiring role models to horse lovers in the UK and overseas. Here’s my recent interview with Linda…
How do you both manage to juggle family life, a thriving business, clinic and shows, your own horses and day-to-day activities, like cooking and cleaning?
We just do it. And we have a super team behind us. I think if I’d stopped and thought about how life would be once we got this big I would never have known how to do it!
The combination of English horsewoman and American Cowboy is almost like the plot of a romantic novel – if someone were to make a film about you, obviously you would want to play yourselves – but if you had to choose well-known actors to play your roles, who would they be and why?
Hmmm. That’s a good one! Tom Selleck would make a good Pat Parelli… and I can’t think of who would play me.
When you are putting together the monthly Savvy Club mailing – how do you decide what it’s going to contain?
Our team gears it primarily to the requests and feedback from our Savvy Club members, plus whatever is new that we’ve been working on..
If someone is new to Natural Horsemanship, what are the main things they should consider when looking for an instructor or training method?
I think many people make the mistake of going to lots of different instructors. For someone new this can be very confusing. We advise people to research well and then choose one person or program you want to follow and then do only that until they have mastered the basics. After that they can look into some different things and at least have the savvy to know if it’s good for them and the horse, or not. It’s so easy just to believe everything you’re told when you are new to horses.
If someone is working through a Parelli Home Study Programme, would you encourage them to also have lessons from a Parelli Professional or can they achieve each level on their own?
The fastest way to learn is to immerse yourself with the master. Second faster is to learn from students of the master. Third is through home study. The worst is through trial and error with no guidance, or worse still, bad guidance! We developed our Home Study Programs so people could use all the learning methods available to them. Many people cannot access our instructors on a regular basis, some not at all. The Home Study materials are so valuable for people to access every day or as often as they want or need to. It also keeps them on track with a sequential learning program.
What’s the funniest experience you’ve had when training students/horses?
Gosh, to single one thing out is really hard. We are always laughing and having fun and horses are always doing cute things. I do however think about a time that Pat had to fill in for me because I was delayed getting back into the country. The subject was on English riding and the students told me that he even wore jodhpurs. I asked him what jods he wore and he said they were mine but I couldn’t believe it… until they showed me a photo and there was Pat with my jods pinned to the front of his Wranglers!
What’s the most touching moment you’ve had on your journey so far?
I have them almost every week so it’s hard to think of just one. Every single time a student thanks us for changing their life, saving their horse, it’s a golden moment. And every time I watch our students play with their horses with confidence and exuberance I tear up. And then I have so many of those moments myself with my own horses, almost every day!
How many horses do you have at home and who helps you look after them?
I have three horses and Pat has about 25. We have a super team who helps take care of them both at home and on the road.
It’s fantastic news that your UK centre is opening in Warwick soon – what’s it going to offer Parelli students over here and how can we get involved?
Our Center is based at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire and we will offer workshops and courses for students with and without horses throughout 2008,
details will be released on www.parelli.com later this year.
I hear Pat will be coming over to run clinics – how do we get on the mailing list?
Our Courses are usually taught by members of our Parelli Faculty, but who knows what we will do in the future, we are always innovating and sharing new thoughts and ideas with fellow horselovers. The best way to stay up to date and ensure you hear about events at Stoneleigh Park is subscribe to our FREE weekly Newsletter called ENews, call our UK Team on 0800 023 4813 so they can help you.
What’s your opinion about horses being ‘barefoot’?
Some horses can manage very well when barefoot, others cannot. Rather than make a rule about every horse having to be shod or to go barefoot, we try to analyze what is best for each horse given all the factors… genetics, healthy, environment, changes, athletic demands, etc.
Do you manage to take holidays and if so, where do you like to go and what do you like to do?
When you love what you do, you’re always on vacation. We get bored with time off, but we like to sleep in now and then just for some rest! Every now and then we get to ski a little bit, I love cooking, Pat’s taken up golf, but most of all we want to be with our horses.
Thanks so much for your time Linda.
Author: Kay Irvine
Wrangler Jayne
‘Horsemanship With Heart’
Visit www.wranglerjayne.com to find out more about the fantastic work she’s doing with horses in Australia
What makes Natural Horsemanship different from what many consider ‘normal’ horse training?
With NHMS the focus is on Thinking Like a Horse first - before thinking like a human. It’s all about looking at life from your horse’s point of view, and making choices and decisions that relate to your horses’ needs, not just to the human’s needs. Of course this requires that the human be educated about horse psychology and behaviour so that they are able to know what the horse’s point of view is, and what his or her needs are, aside from the obvious physical ones that relate to survival. So natural horsemanship differs from ‘normal’ in that there is a huge emphasis on a horse’s psychology before anything else, Plus - and this is something often overlooked in ‘normal’ - on the human’s personal development. Work on yourself, play with your horse!
How did you get into Natural Horsemanship?
Serendipity! I was a city girl who had lived in cities around the world and on coming back to Australia, moved to the country. As destiny would have it, on the property next door were two horses, and I was offered the ‘use’ of them to ride. Being completely green, and knowing nothing about horses at all, I felt that I first had to make friends with these horses, so developed my own method of approach and retreat as I slowly developed their trust and confidence in me, enough that they would approach me, and allow me to touch them! Once I got the friendly part going, I decided to visit the local tack store to see what information was available, found Pat Parelli’s book on Natural Horsemanship, and my life was changed forever! For over a decade now, I’ve made the study and application of natural horsemanship my life’s mission - and am dedicated to sharing my knowledge and experience with others to help them discover how they can achieve fantastic results with their horse.
What sort of horses are suitable, or can these methods be used on any horses – and why?
All horses are suitable, all ages, all breeds, all colors, all sizes! The only thing I have discovered is that every horse is different! They are all horses, with different ‘horsenalities’ and abilities, just like people. And I tell students, ‘When YOU get better at this, your horse will too!’ - so let’s rephrase that question to ask, what sort of humans are suitable, and can this approach work for any human?
Can you really communicate with miniature horses and donkeys the same way as horses?
I alter my approach to fit the animal I am communicating with. Donkeys and minis are a delight, and respond very well to natural communication methods. In general, I find that the people who keep miniatures and donkeys have a slightly different approach to those animals. Firstly, they are often not ridden, which changes a lot of the way donkeys and minis are kept and treated. Secondly, they tend to be over-indulged because they are so cute, and by this I mean that they are not communicated with in a gentle yet firm way that makes them a pleasure to be around! This is particularly true for miniature horses and ponies. Thirdly - donkeys do not have the flight response that horses have. Slightly different psychology, and worthwhile remembering that they are not horses!
Plus, when educating the little ones, it must be remembered that they are facing your kneecaps! And with donkeys particularly, their intelligence can be misconstrued as stubbornness. Donkeys are extraordinary creatures and I have a great love and respect for them.
If someone is new to Natural Horsemanship, what are the main things they should consider when looking for an instructor or training method?
Learn what you can about that person. Do you like their philosophy? Do they seem to ‘walk their talk’? To me, their attitude - the way they think, their overall demeanour is more important than any fantastic tricks they can do. Watch them with a horse if you can. Do they seem to genuinely love horses, and do they have that mix of gentleness and firmness that elicits trust, confidence and respect from the horse? Beware of people whose approach differs between their ground play and their riding. Natural ends for some people when it comes time to ride. When I hear people say that they are ‘a little bit natural’ , I think of that as being ‘a little bit pregnant’! You either are, or you aren’t.
What’s the funniest experience you’ve had when training students/horses?
There are humorous moments at the ranch frequently, and I encourage my students to laugh often, and not take themselves so seriously! When the human lightens up, it is amazing how much more fun they have, and importantly, how much fun their horse has! It is always hilarious when we bring out Big Ball for the horses to play with (only if they are not afraid of the ball). Watching them push the ball around the arena and play soccer with each other is very funny, and has people in stitches! Another regular funny sight around the ranch is the sight of my arabian, Zorro, playing with his plastic garden rake. He runs with it, throws it in the air, kicks at it, rears up with it, and sends himself around in athletic circles, yielding his hindquarters with it! The rest of the herd will play tug with each other with bits of rubber, deflated horse balls and gumboots. Students who have not previously provided their horse with ‘toys’ are amazed and delighted to see their horse’s playful side. Gives them a whole new perspective on their horse’s emotional and mental needs.
Could you explain how you got involved with the RSPCA?
I went to a natural stockman’s clinic to watch alternative sheep herding techniques and the RSPCA’s Director of Education was there to observe. After we got chatting, he wanted to know more about me, and came to one of my clinics and viewed my dvds along with my other materials. Based on all this, I was invited to participate in the RSPCA’s horse education program, and my next presentation for that program is on August 26, 2007 in Melburne.
What’s the most touching moment you’ve had on your journey so far?
There have been so many of them!! My own personal moments with my own horses, and others - as well as the moments I’ve observed between my students and their horses. One particularly poignant memory is of a woman who had had her horse for several years, and had never had the courage to get on or ride. When she got on her mare bareback at a clinic, everyone was in tears as they watched this woman wrap her arms around her horse’s neck and sob with joy into her mane.
Another time for me personally was during an afternoon with Wally, a little scared horse who was terrified of humans, that I had to gentle enough so he could be paste-wormed - and how the little fellow bonded with me, not wanting to leave my side - and when I left him, he stood at the gate and watched me leave, ignoring his herd and running along the fence next to my car. It was a wonderful feeling, and I’ll always remember it.
I think that most of the touching moments I’ve had have been during that ‘breakthrough’ moment - when mutual trust, confidence and respect combine for an awesome feeling of togetherness.
How many horses do you have at home and can you briefly describe them?
My own herd is made up of 7 boys. My stallion, Jebel, runs with the 5 geldings and a miniature colt, Cisco. Jebel and 3 others are purebred arabians. Cisco is a registered miniature horse and his friend Poncho is a miniature horse/shetland cross. I also have a brumby, which is Australia’s ‘wild’ horse. Others belonging to students come and go, and at the moment the ranch is home to two beautiful grey andalusian geldings as well.
Could you give me an overview of your ‘Horsemanship With Heart’ programme and what it covers? (Is it available to people in the UK?)
Yes it is available to people around the world. Basically it’s the study of my DVDs and soon to be released Natural Horsemanship with Heart Levels Programme. It is designed to be used on a stand-alone basis or to complement and supplement other natural horsemanship education programs. What sets it apart from a lot of other programmes is the attention to detail - the explanations that accompany all the demonstrations, and the professional production, making it very easy to learn from.
How do you both manage to juggle family life, a thriving business, clinics, recording DVDs and writing training manuals, working with horses and general day-to-day activities?
With a great deal of humour! Plus energy, planning, patience and sometimes a nap!
‘Wrangler’ isn’t a word we are familiar with in the UK – what exactly does it mean?
A horse wrangler is a cowboy who takes care of the saddle horses - as defined in the dictionary! The name Wrangler Jayne came from a nickname someone gave me … and it stuck!
If someone were to make a film about you, obviously you would want to play yourself – but if you had to choose a well-known actor to play your role, who would it be and why?
A few actors come to mind but it’s a hard question to answer ! Being subjective and objective at the same time …
What’s your opinion about horses being barefoot?
I’m very pro-barefoot! Done with education and expertise. Respect that the hoof is a complex, living structure, not just a nail to give a manicure to! Before anyone trims, they need to know about hoof anatomy, as well as how the hoof relates to the inner organs of the horse. Education is the key to barefooting successfully. It seems to be a bit of a fad at the moment, so I caution horseowners to evaluate the work of their trimmer before having them work on their horse’s feet. Please, find out about your horse’s hooves and get a general working knowledge of his anatomy!
I see you offer a Network membership – could you explain a bit more about it and if it’s available to people in the UK?
The Network is being revamped at the moment ! Membership is available to people worldwide and currently includes product discounts, special online training newsletters, bonus and free motivational CDs as well as discounts on clinics. Members can also get personal online consultation with me as part of their membership.
Do you manage to take holidays and if so, where do you like to go and what do you like to do?
The ideal holiday for me is to spend the whole time hanging out with my horses and close friends, being outdoors - lots of groundplay, doing stimulating, new things together and riding in the forest or along the beach. And leaving all the daily chores to someone else for a while!
Some NH practitioners favour the use of a round pen – others don’t. Could you explain the benefits?
I do favor an enclosed area of some sort - for benefit of both human and horse. Doesn’t have to be round - in fact I like the square (called a Picadero) with rounded corners as well as the traditional ’roundpen’. I like to call it a playpen - and it has enormous benefits if used with moderation. Because I don’t advocate a whole lot of circle exercises, whether done on the ground or ridden (a little is okay) - I use the playpen primarily as a safe enclosed area and do a lot of confidence and trust building there, before moving onto bigger spaces. Of course it’s fantastic for beginning liberty and starting horses!
What are your plans for the future?
To keep horsing around, teaching, making movies, giving speeches and helping as many horses and their humans as I can! I have plans to publish several books (including a children’s series), create more DVDs, have my own radio programme and a regular slot on network television, maybe even my own show! And meeting you in the UK!
Author: Kay Irvine
Mickey Gavin
Mickey Gavin runs www.truehorsemanship.com and is based near Southwell Racecourse, Mansfield, North England.
He specialises in starting and retraining horses and offers a Foundation 1, 2 & 3 leading onto an Equitation in Purpose & Teaching.
He has been working with horses all his life and was classically trained by an instructor from the Spanish School of Riding. 12 years ago, Mickey discovered Natural Horsemanship - however, he prefers to use the phrase ‘True Horsemanship’. This is because he believes that there are two ways of dealing with horses - passive or active - and he makes the observation that many of the methods used by people in the NH world are not ‘natural’ to the horse at all.
“People,” Mickey explained to me, “blame the horse and I spent many years thinking that horses needed to be forced or fixed. But, once I discovered there was another way, the horse fixed me! Once people are mentally and emotionally ready to change, the horse will change too and if you have his mind, his feet will follow.”
Author: Kay Irvine
David Stuart at his Cow Working Clinic, Leicestershire in June 07
David Stuart has over 20 years experience of starting young horses, working with horses with behavioural problems and teaching people. He is one of the most respected and renowned of today’s horsemen in the world.
With his natural, quiet, patient persona, he has an instinctive gift and flair around horses. He considers what is important to the horse and what will work for the horse through understanding horse psychology and seeing things from the horse’s perspective.
David grew up on his family’s cattle property “Oxford Downs” in Central Queensland, Australia in an environment where horses and cattle were very much a part of every day life. Often long days were spent in the saddle mustering and gathering cattle on large acreages.
It was while at the Emerald Rural Training College in Central Queensland and spending most of his spare time down at the horse yards that Dave really started to take an active interest in horses. On completion of the 2 year course he attained a college scholarship to study advanced horsemanship and attend a Ray Hunt course in 1986. In addition to a rural training certificate, Dave also holds a diploma with the Australian Academy of Equitation.
Attending Ray’s course at the college was an evolvement from the traditional approach of breaking in horses. It was enlightening as to what could be attained through a better understanding and communication with horses. Before going to the United States on an Agricultural Exchange Programme in 1989 to ride cutting horses, Dave got to spend a short time with Australian Stock Horse Breeder and horseman Theo Hill. Theo was also an advocate of Rays approach to horses.
Riding cutting horses and the starting of all the young horses was one of the best ways to gain a lot of experience in a short period of time. Whilst on this exchange programme, Dave met Pat Parelli and spent time with him on his ranch in California. Pat has played an enormous role in the development of Dave’s horsemanship expertise, and also his teaching and presentation abilities.
Through an involvement with the Parelli organisation, over a time frame of 15 years, extensive training was given in the areas of horsemanship, horse training and the teaching of people and David has become one of the most respected Natural Horsemanship Trainers in the world.
Author: Kay Irvine