With the persistent practice of the Parelli Program, an uncontrollable urge grows inside you. An urge of passion and love, a fire that cannot be extinguished.
Let me explain further... ;-)
It is NOT the physical passion, love and fire that humans so well express... but I believe it may be just as exciting and rewarding or even more so.
This urge, is the need to improve ones-self. For the sake of ones-self, and the sake of the humans and horses surrounding yourself. When you begin to dip your toes into this program, it grows... starts externally, but like a cold chill, makes its way internally. That's when it starts! You realize that you, really don't know that much... contrary to your prior belief.
Are you familiar with this saying... "You don't know how much you don't know, until you know it?" Well, the more I know, the more I find I don't know, the more I do want to know. And I KNOW I will never know it all, and it will take more than a life-time to know it all... I don't think I'll have more than a life-time to learn all I want, but I'll sure darn try my hardest.
In effort to know everything... ;-) , I am attending Parelli University in the fall of 2010 and Winter of 2011. In preparation of my quest to know everything, I am reading a long list of books that Pat Parelli has recommended himself. Now, I do honestly truly love books, but I will not read it if it does not catch my fancy. Thank goodness, Mr. Parelli, has an eccentric yet marvelous taste when it comes to educating one's self via paper and ink. I have thoroughly enjoyed diving into these books, and soaking up all the information served on my plate. The feeling of knowing you are doing everything you can to better yourself, and therefore bettering other horses and humans, is very fulfilling. (Let alone helpful!)
I would like to share with you a couple of tid-bits, in effort to inspire you to take the challenging yet rewarding path of "Never Ending Self-Improvement". A book that I personally, and believe Pat would also HIGHLY recommend himself, is "Natural Horse.Man.Ship" by... Pat Parelli (of course!) This book blasts of Pat Parelli's own personality and his own beautiful thought patterns, his way of thinking will throw you off track at first if you do not know him. But through this unique way of putting things into perspective, he has changed the world. My friend and fellow Parelli student, picked up this book for the first time and randomly explained, "This man is crazy! If I knew nothing of him, I would deem him nuts!" Yes, he does have wonderful ways of explaining such a simple task, and can colorfully inject the importance of his point in a way that you will hardly ever find hard to forget.
This book contains so much information on the common sense and simplicity of the horse. He explains the complex, and molds it into something simple. Is this journey simple? By all means NO! Understanding the tasks, the concepts, then doing the tasks and applying the concept is what we are all striving to do, year after year. Yet he lays them out, simply. As simple as night and day, black and white. Do it, or don't do it. Apply, or do not apply. Strive for excellence, or do not.
Here are some of his simply complex teaching points, on the subject of "Natural Horse.Man.Ship". I encourage you to do more than just scan these few points, but to look at the true meanings and natural application of this knowledge. By knowing this, what can you achieve? I will add a couple of comments on the tid-bit in parenthesis.
The Dynamics of Horse Movement
The Walk
Beats: 4
Weight Distribution: 60% forequarters, 40% hindquarters
MPH: around 2 to 4
Foot Fall Pattern: left hind, left front, right hind, right front
The book gives this information for all gaits, including the back-up. Just to help you get adventurous in your thought pattern, I will ask you this... How, by knowing this, would help YOU improve as a horseman? How by knowing this, could YOU help your horse? Think about the problems you may be having in riding, or even on your ground work? At more than just a walk, what if you know these facts at the other gaits? Like the canter? Ponder a bit for me, I came up with quite a bit!
8 Principles of Natural Horsemanship
1.______________________________
2.______________________________
3.______________________________
4. Horses and Humans (each) have 4 responsibilities... (do you know what the responsibilities are, are YOU upholding your responsibilities, so your horse can uphold his?)
5.______________________________
6.______________________________
7. Horses teach Riders, and Riders teach Horses
8.______________________________
7 Keys to Success... I know you want to succeed. To you know the keys to success?
10 Qualities of a Horseman
(Did you know that there are 3 and 1/2 for the horse? And that you are responsible for supplying that 1/2?)
I hope I've given you enough to get the cogs in your head churning. The moment I opened his book, mine were operating in over-drive... I do believe they still are! If you would like to see a list of a handful of the books that Pat Parelli recommends, please email me at mariahhelms@hotmail.com. If you have any comments, leave one here or I would gladly love to strike up conversation with you at the given email address.
That's all for now, I'm off to read... just a little more!
Mariah Helms
Monday, July 5, 2010
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
The only consistant factor in life, is change...
Hello Friends!
Yes, thank goodness... Mariah FINALLY updated her blog! Most people would see the title and start to feel some negative vibes, but the vibes are quite the opposite of negative. Go ahead and strap yourselves down to your office chair, come take a little adventure with me.
Where to begin! Let's start with April, on Easter Sunday. Ryan Rose, Parelli Protege, and 3 star Instructor, gave us a visit from Florida. He spent half of the day with Sundance and I, preparing for our fast track and externship late 2010 and early 2011 (more surprises on that to come!). I had a blast, learning more, especially from someone I had already had time to spend with, it was much more relaxing! We went through three savvies, Online, Liberty, and Freestyle. Sundance and I were taught how to do the regular tasks, at Level 4 quality. Level 4 is Level 1 with excellence, all tasks at longer distances with a phase 1. Pat Parelli is looking for students that don't just do all the tricks, but do the SIMPLE THINGS WITH EXCELLENCE. My goal, until November, is to do all tasks with excellence. Whether it is studying at home, cleaning the barn, or riding bareback and bridle-less, it needs to be simply excellent.
Speaking of Ryan Rose, (besides his simple excellence as a Parelli Professional!), I would like to point out the fact that he is an introvert. I would also like to point out that naturally, I am an introvert. Who? Mariah? NO! I know, if you met me, there would be absolutely no guessing that, everyone thinks that I am an extrovert when they first meet me. But those that truly know me OR have seen me in an uncomfortable situation, know that I really am introverted. Becoming an extrovert, has become a learned behaviour. In order to be successful with people, I have had to learn to become extroverted, and I think I take on the roll well UNTIL, I meet another introvert! If I have a room that mostly consists of extroverts, I can feed off of their energy. If I have a room of introverts, I have no energy to feed from. If I am in a new situation, e.g. doing a simulation with someone important like Pat or Linda Parelli and the mastery students, or meeting new introverted people, I become a right brained introvert, VERY tense!!! As for my point, when I spent that time alone with Ryan, I found myself much more quiet than usual. If I have ever met you, or spent time with you, and you are an introvert (Bethanie Lewis!), it is not because I do not like you. It is because; I am imitating your energy, which is my natural energy! I find it so interesting how my energy and personality changes in different situations and people, and has given me a whole new outlook to how my horses change in their own ways in their own different situations. NOW you know a little more about who Mariah is! :-)
As between Easter Sunday and last Sunday, I do believe most of my time was spent finishing up high school, teaching, farriering, studying and playing with the ponies. There is not much to say for the ponies, they are all beautiful inside and out. Our little Aamira is growing up! She is stunningly beautiful, and her eternally flowing extroverted energy ever inspires me. She is a blast to play with, and has the personality that has the makings of a super horse. We are playing in Level 3, starting long line driving and doing more and more liberty. We have a little pony saddle and pad; she will carry it around with no problems. I do believe she is desensitized to every object possible, besides a space ship, and has put every object possibly known to man in her mouth. I am very much excited about her future, and enjoying her as much as possible while she is young, I know that time will fly very fast. Sundance is a booger, such a sweetheart. I don't know what I have done to deserve such an angel in disguise; he is such a gentleman and definitely a partner of my heart. We of course have our difficult days, but his heart is so deeply genuine, there is no frustration or anger, because we know both of us are trying just as hard as the other. He constantly proves to me that WE are excellent, but MARIAH has a lot to learn. I do believe Sundance is another Magic, Casper or Remmer, they are such exceptionally complex creations that you have to continually believe and prove to them that you are worthy to be a partner to something so magnificent. He truly is a gift, and I plan to earn more of him, as long as he lives.
Speaking of life... it reminds me of time, and how fast it goes by. Breeze turned 28 in April. Sundance turned 10 years old on Memorial Day. Bebe turned 7 years old on June 3. When Bebe turns another year older, I tear up, because of the remembrance of his entrance to our property at a tender 2 and 1/2 years of age. Bittersweet, because I am reminded that none of us are immortal, but that I have raised a horse of phenomenal manners, personality, capability and beauty. I am very proud of the creature Bebe has become, he is another partner that I am truly blessed to work with every day.
On a less equestrian note, I graduated from high school last Saturday afternoon. We held the ceremony at my home, 80 people attended and supported me in this next large step in life... now my life truly starts. It turned out fabulously, as all the people that are dear to my heart came and celebrated with me. I ended up presenting a speech to all of them, totally unrehearsed, successfully. I planned it that way, because I know I will be doing the same types of speeches, unrehearsed, in front of hundreds of horsemen, and to be very truthful... I loved it! I really enjoy speaking in front of people, and can't wait to have another opportunity to do so.
So now, I have graduated from high school! What is next? You already know! Parelli University. I am taking this summer to play with horses, teach, farrier and study books, books, BOOKS! From the list that Pat Parelli has recommended for his mastery students.
Here is a list that I have already read...
Natural Horsemanship - Pat Parelli
Frogs into Princes - Neuro Linguistic Programming - Richard Bandler and John Grinder
The Inner Game of Tennis - W. Timothy Gallway
Horse Gaits, Balance and Movement - Susan E. Harris
PROCESSING - Grooming to Win - Susan E. Harris
Raise Your Hand if you Love Horses - Pat Parelli
True Unity - Tom Dorrance
PROCESSING - The Revolution in Horsemanship - Robert Miller, Rick Lamb, Hugh Downs
Natural Horsemanship: Explained - Robert Miller
Understanding the Ancient Secrets of the Horses Mind - Robert Miller
(There are many more, but I am at the beach now, and don't have my library at home to go through!) If anyone has any more books that they would find helpful for me to know, please email me your recommendations to mariahhelms@hotmail.com.
I am trying my best to learn as much as I can before I make my way to Parelli University this November. Yes! Only four months to go. I will be attending Fast Track #4, with Sundance, which will last until November 26, 2010. Sundance and I will mosey our way back home to catch our breath, and celebrate my 19th birthday on December 15, 2010. Then we will celebrate Christmas and New Years, with family. Our plan is to start our externship together on January 15, 2011, and stay the full 3 months, working our hindquarters off. My goal, Lord willing, is to leave with honors, as a two star Parelli Professional. I hope I can work hard enough to be able to earn that title, and I plan to do what it takes, even if I almost lose my sanity in the process. Just kidding, I've already lost it, but who said sanity was any fun anyways? ;-) For more information on the Parelli Professionals Program, please visit http://www.parellinaturalhorsetraining.com/, About Parelli, click on Instructors.
I apologize for the lack of photographs in this post, as I am logged on to a foreign computer at the beach! But you should find a photograph of mine in the August Savvy Times as students of the program and I discuss the topic of sharing Parelli, confidently and correctly, to people of unnatural horsemanship backgrounds. Be looking for it soon! I am sure it will be of great help to all of you that are just as passionate about the program as I am.
Thank you all for listening to my gab, I hope it all made sense and maybe even inspired you! If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please do not hesitate to email me at mariahhelms@hotmail.com.
Cheers! XOXO
Mariah Helms
Yes, thank goodness... Mariah FINALLY updated her blog! Most people would see the title and start to feel some negative vibes, but the vibes are quite the opposite of negative. Go ahead and strap yourselves down to your office chair, come take a little adventure with me.
Where to begin! Let's start with April, on Easter Sunday. Ryan Rose, Parelli Protege, and 3 star Instructor, gave us a visit from Florida. He spent half of the day with Sundance and I, preparing for our fast track and externship late 2010 and early 2011 (more surprises on that to come!). I had a blast, learning more, especially from someone I had already had time to spend with, it was much more relaxing! We went through three savvies, Online, Liberty, and Freestyle. Sundance and I were taught how to do the regular tasks, at Level 4 quality. Level 4 is Level 1 with excellence, all tasks at longer distances with a phase 1. Pat Parelli is looking for students that don't just do all the tricks, but do the SIMPLE THINGS WITH EXCELLENCE. My goal, until November, is to do all tasks with excellence. Whether it is studying at home, cleaning the barn, or riding bareback and bridle-less, it needs to be simply excellent.
Speaking of Ryan Rose, (besides his simple excellence as a Parelli Professional!), I would like to point out the fact that he is an introvert. I would also like to point out that naturally, I am an introvert. Who? Mariah? NO! I know, if you met me, there would be absolutely no guessing that, everyone thinks that I am an extrovert when they first meet me. But those that truly know me OR have seen me in an uncomfortable situation, know that I really am introverted. Becoming an extrovert, has become a learned behaviour. In order to be successful with people, I have had to learn to become extroverted, and I think I take on the roll well UNTIL, I meet another introvert! If I have a room that mostly consists of extroverts, I can feed off of their energy. If I have a room of introverts, I have no energy to feed from. If I am in a new situation, e.g. doing a simulation with someone important like Pat or Linda Parelli and the mastery students, or meeting new introverted people, I become a right brained introvert, VERY tense!!! As for my point, when I spent that time alone with Ryan, I found myself much more quiet than usual. If I have ever met you, or spent time with you, and you are an introvert (Bethanie Lewis!), it is not because I do not like you. It is because; I am imitating your energy, which is my natural energy! I find it so interesting how my energy and personality changes in different situations and people, and has given me a whole new outlook to how my horses change in their own ways in their own different situations. NOW you know a little more about who Mariah is! :-)
As between Easter Sunday and last Sunday, I do believe most of my time was spent finishing up high school, teaching, farriering, studying and playing with the ponies. There is not much to say for the ponies, they are all beautiful inside and out. Our little Aamira is growing up! She is stunningly beautiful, and her eternally flowing extroverted energy ever inspires me. She is a blast to play with, and has the personality that has the makings of a super horse. We are playing in Level 3, starting long line driving and doing more and more liberty. We have a little pony saddle and pad; she will carry it around with no problems. I do believe she is desensitized to every object possible, besides a space ship, and has put every object possibly known to man in her mouth. I am very much excited about her future, and enjoying her as much as possible while she is young, I know that time will fly very fast. Sundance is a booger, such a sweetheart. I don't know what I have done to deserve such an angel in disguise; he is such a gentleman and definitely a partner of my heart. We of course have our difficult days, but his heart is so deeply genuine, there is no frustration or anger, because we know both of us are trying just as hard as the other. He constantly proves to me that WE are excellent, but MARIAH has a lot to learn. I do believe Sundance is another Magic, Casper or Remmer, they are such exceptionally complex creations that you have to continually believe and prove to them that you are worthy to be a partner to something so magnificent. He truly is a gift, and I plan to earn more of him, as long as he lives.
Speaking of life... it reminds me of time, and how fast it goes by. Breeze turned 28 in April. Sundance turned 10 years old on Memorial Day. Bebe turned 7 years old on June 3. When Bebe turns another year older, I tear up, because of the remembrance of his entrance to our property at a tender 2 and 1/2 years of age. Bittersweet, because I am reminded that none of us are immortal, but that I have raised a horse of phenomenal manners, personality, capability and beauty. I am very proud of the creature Bebe has become, he is another partner that I am truly blessed to work with every day.
On a less equestrian note, I graduated from high school last Saturday afternoon. We held the ceremony at my home, 80 people attended and supported me in this next large step in life... now my life truly starts. It turned out fabulously, as all the people that are dear to my heart came and celebrated with me. I ended up presenting a speech to all of them, totally unrehearsed, successfully. I planned it that way, because I know I will be doing the same types of speeches, unrehearsed, in front of hundreds of horsemen, and to be very truthful... I loved it! I really enjoy speaking in front of people, and can't wait to have another opportunity to do so.
So now, I have graduated from high school! What is next? You already know! Parelli University. I am taking this summer to play with horses, teach, farrier and study books, books, BOOKS! From the list that Pat Parelli has recommended for his mastery students.
Here is a list that I have already read...
Natural Horsemanship - Pat Parelli
Frogs into Princes - Neuro Linguistic Programming - Richard Bandler and John Grinder
The Inner Game of Tennis - W. Timothy Gallway
Horse Gaits, Balance and Movement - Susan E. Harris
PROCESSING - Grooming to Win - Susan E. Harris
Raise Your Hand if you Love Horses - Pat Parelli
True Unity - Tom Dorrance
PROCESSING - The Revolution in Horsemanship - Robert Miller, Rick Lamb, Hugh Downs
Natural Horsemanship: Explained - Robert Miller
Understanding the Ancient Secrets of the Horses Mind - Robert Miller
(There are many more, but I am at the beach now, and don't have my library at home to go through!) If anyone has any more books that they would find helpful for me to know, please email me your recommendations to mariahhelms@hotmail.com.
I am trying my best to learn as much as I can before I make my way to Parelli University this November. Yes! Only four months to go. I will be attending Fast Track #4, with Sundance, which will last until November 26, 2010. Sundance and I will mosey our way back home to catch our breath, and celebrate my 19th birthday on December 15, 2010. Then we will celebrate Christmas and New Years, with family. Our plan is to start our externship together on January 15, 2011, and stay the full 3 months, working our hindquarters off. My goal, Lord willing, is to leave with honors, as a two star Parelli Professional. I hope I can work hard enough to be able to earn that title, and I plan to do what it takes, even if I almost lose my sanity in the process. Just kidding, I've already lost it, but who said sanity was any fun anyways? ;-) For more information on the Parelli Professionals Program, please visit http://www.parellinaturalhorsetraining.com/, About Parelli, click on Instructors.
I apologize for the lack of photographs in this post, as I am logged on to a foreign computer at the beach! But you should find a photograph of mine in the August Savvy Times as students of the program and I discuss the topic of sharing Parelli, confidently and correctly, to people of unnatural horsemanship backgrounds. Be looking for it soon! I am sure it will be of great help to all of you that are just as passionate about the program as I am.
Thank you all for listening to my gab, I hope it all made sense and maybe even inspired you! If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please do not hesitate to email me at mariahhelms@hotmail.com.
Cheers! XOXO
Mariah Helms
Monday, March 22, 2010
Current Schedule and March Parelli Play Day
Hello Friends!
We just finished up a two-day playday here at Patch of Heaven Stables, the exciting new format gives people more of a chance to get here and learn! We had a wonderful group both days. On Saturday, we had a group come that I had already been acquainted with, I had done a performance with on of the ladies that came. I helped a couple of the students with problems they had in their journey. It's amazing what little changes, can make such a HUGE difference! On Sunday, we had a group from the Lake Norman area come, this was the first time I had met them. They were such a friendly group! A couple of them had just been introduced to the program, so I talked with them, and later on did a demonstration of the 7 Games and how they carry on into advanced maneuvers and eventually performance. I plan on hosting a 2-day play day every month, until I leave for Florida in November, email me if you'd like to join us. Enjoy the pictures!
SUNDAY
Christian and Reina...
SATURDAY
Fabio waiting like a good boy...
Christian and Reina, cutting Sundance...
Fun with our new playground...
Little Aamira, waiting patiently...
Bethany and Bebe...
Mariah and Starsky...
Mariah & Starsky, Liz and Eli, Nathalie, Heidi, Lisa and Duck...
Beth and Bebe...
Liz and Eli...
Laura and Ace
We just finished up a two-day playday here at Patch of Heaven Stables, the exciting new format gives people more of a chance to get here and learn! We had a wonderful group both days. On Saturday, we had a group come that I had already been acquainted with, I had done a performance with on of the ladies that came. I helped a couple of the students with problems they had in their journey. It's amazing what little changes, can make such a HUGE difference! On Sunday, we had a group from the Lake Norman area come, this was the first time I had met them. They were such a friendly group! A couple of them had just been introduced to the program, so I talked with them, and later on did a demonstration of the 7 Games and how they carry on into advanced maneuvers and eventually performance. I plan on hosting a 2-day play day every month, until I leave for Florida in November, email me if you'd like to join us. Enjoy the pictures!
New, Groomed and Improved Facility...
SUNDAY
7 Games Demonstration...
Christian and Reina...
SATURDAY
Fabio waiting like a good boy...
Christian and Reina, cutting Sundance...Fun with our new playground...
Little Aamira, waiting patiently...
Bethany and Bebe...
Mariah and Starsky...
Mariah & Starsky, Liz and Eli, Nathalie, Heidi, Lisa and Duck...
Beth and Bebe...
Liz and Eli...
Laura and Ace
A Casual Day on the Farm...
We've been having a blast around here! As for everyday life on the farm, Christian and I are playing with 6 horses a day.
Reina - Coming a long nicely! Christian is playing with her daily, and am preparing them for playing on the 45 foot line. Christian can now canter her on a loose rein in an open pasture, with no problems. Reina has come a long way, I am very proud to be Christians instructor and to see them progress every day.
Bebe - We recently put up a liberty corral, and Bebe has never played in one before. He is more towards the RBI side in the liberty corral, so I am working on his confidence in that area. His canter has become more smooth, we are playing with a million transitions and riding in many areas for his emotional and physical control, his mental and physical fitness.
Sundance - Fabio and I are having a blast! We are about ready to film our Level 4 Liberty, I am very happy and excited about our current progress. We are playing with a lot of Finesse, with our Cradle Bridle and Pat's B3 bit. Lots of forequarter and hindquarter yields, along with sideways etc. We are also doing bareback, bridless and carrotstick-less riding, nothing on him! It is coming along well also, very fun to do! Such a testimonial to how far we have come. I am so proud of him!
Aamira - The baby and I have been playing consistently for 2-3 weeks now, and I already have her doing a lot of Level 3 tasks. At the moment, we are preparing for Liberty, which is VERY exciting! This little girl has a very bright future, I am so blessed to be a part of this precious life.
Starsky - Now Mr. Starsky has come leaps and bounds! I have been working with him consistently for 2-3 weeks now. He no longer jerks, bolts, kicks, bucks or rears. He is playing with Level 3 online, preparing for Liberty and Level 3 Freestyle. I rode him this Saturday, at the play day bareback for the first time in an open field, he gave me no trouble. I was so very proud, almost to tears! I have had him for three years now, and he has just now gotten to the point where I can start doing this with him. His progress is mind blowing, it came at the perfect time. His hooves are getting back to normal, so is his spirit... that had been broken the previous 20 years of his life. I look forward to playing with him everyday, he will live the rest of his life here, as a casual riding horse and partner, at Patch of Heaven Stables.
Breeze - She is retired and a finished riding horse. We are just working on her confidence on the ground. Sideways was rusty too, so we are tuning that up. She is a work in progress, I look forward to seeing her confidence grow, she is such a star!
Monday, February 8, 2010
Hooves, Dressage and a New Life
Hello Friends,
I returned home from Pat's barn, Sunday night around 7:00 PM. But this time, a pony returned with us. Reina, the rescue horse we adopted at the Lakeland Parelli Celebration, is home and very well. Reina is a very smart horse, with a lot of try! She looses confidence easily, but once reassured she gets back on task and tries her heart out. She is settling well here in her new home! She looked like a very centered Right Brained Extrovert at the Parelli Center, but now at home... she is not as centered. It's a new environment, with new friends, and new fears... but she is slowly becoming more centered and getting used to our schedule here at a Patch of Heaven. She was quite the topic this morning, because it snowed a beautiful fluffy 6 inches here in North Carolina. Mind, that Reina is a native Floridian and always has been... this was her first snow! This poor baby had no idea what the cold fluffy wet white creatures were on her feet! Regardless of her circumstances, I believe she handled it well. She walked slow overconfident circles, just staring and nimbling around at the ground. Then little Aamira, her Extreme Left Brained Extrovert pasture mate, showed her how it was done... and resided the rest of the afternoon at peace in her winter wonderland.
I had a blast in Florida with Jim Crew, I do believe he knows more about the mechanics of a horse and the horse itself than he knows HIMSELF! This man is jam-packed with information about the biomechanics of a horse, I was blessed to get just a sprinkle of his knowledge this past week. I met my newest and sweetest friend, Dr. Karen, at this course... I was blessed to have met her and share the course with her. She herself had such a great thing to offer to the course, besides her sweet spirit and enthusiasm, she discreetly added knowledgeable points to the course along with Jim. I feel like my eyes have been uncovered, and I am seeing things that I have wanted to see for the longest time... I now can listen to the horses body speak to me, not just the horses mind and heart.
I was also greatly blessed to have come the same time Walter Zettl chose to spend time with the Parelli's, I spent my days beside the dressage arena and sitting with Mr. Zettl, watching the mastery student and the Parelli's take a lesson from the master. What a privilege! Mr. Zettl knows how to make any woman's' heart melt to the floor. He has the softest hands, voice and heart... the countless kisses I received on my hand will never be forgotten. This time I got to also know Heidi Zettl, his wife... and Eddo Hoekstra, a man that Walter calls, his "adopted son". Take a peek at his mission at http://www.hoekstradressage.com/. It was a marvelous experience to spend time and grow with such wonderful people!
As for personal progress here at home, I have a TON going on! I think this is the busiest season of my life, and the best. Now that we received some good pointers at the way Pat's barn is managed, things have changed here. We are doing a LOT of little changes around here, on how I manage the barn and the layout of the property. It has made things much simpler. I do have to say, that taking care of 9 horses... with all specific needs, is a challenge! A true challenge! I now know why a mother says her job never ends, it's a twenty four hour job... but I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. These horses are teaching me so much, and I know I am a better person for it.
I met Ryan Rose, a mastery student of Pat Parelli, and 3 star Parelli Professional, down at Pat's barn. I got talking to him, it was quite inspirational, he is around the same age as me and has and had the same similar goals as I have... and he is getting there, on step at a time through hard work and determination. We have coordinated a time for him to come here to Patch of Heaven to do a Level 2/3 Clinic and a day for private lessons, it is not official yet... but the potential is there, so we are very excited! MORE DETAILS TO COME.
As for my partners, we are having a blast! I have our days scheduled, with all the horses we have to play with and we are having the time of our lives. I am playing with Aamira, Bebe and Sundance daily, playing with all three of them really fires me up, I see progression in all of them and I see where they are heading... It is fabulous.
Sundance is quite the challenging horse, and always has been. Since we've graduated Level 3, it's been hard to progress as fast as I prefer. But I've stopped worrying about where I "should be" and on to where Sundance "is" at the moment, and where he needs ME to be. One of the hardest tasks for me to get him mentally engaged in is the figure eight... he knows how to do it, walk, trot, canter, forwards... even inside out and backwards! But he hates it, but I've somehow figured out how to get him engaged... and I am so happy! Today he really did a good job, and I promised him to never over do it ever again. Sundance and I really have a good thing going, wonderful, inspirational, but it has to be his idea first... that is the challenge, that is my puzzle to solve! Our long line driving has gotten much better since the last video, he really surprised me today! Cantering sideways from a walk, in both directions... just fabulous. Now we are finally to the point where we are playing with bareback, bridless and carrotstick-less riding! Nothing, nada, zero, zilch and what a feeling!
Little Aamira, I am convinced, is the smartest horse I have ever worked with. She gets things at the snap of a finger! She is charted as an extreme Left Brained Extrovert, she is an absolute blast! What a ball of fun.
Bebe is doing well too, we are playing with getting his confidence up at Liberty, and some bareback and bridless riding. Poor Bebe has the roughest canter I think I have ridden, but it is progressively getting better. He has really proven himself with the long line driving at all gaits, he is doing a fabulous job... all of them are!
Hope you have enjoyed my update, I apologise for them being so few and far between... but that is how life is rolling at the moment. I will try my best to update as needed. Shoot me an email if you want, with your thoughts on my current posts... previous posts, or any topic you'd like to discuss at mariahhelms@hotmail.com.
Naturally,
Mariah Helms
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Out the Door...
I am now leaving a snowy North Carolina, for a sunny Florida... soon to be at Pat's Barn! :)
XOXO
Mariah
XOXO
Mariah
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