WendyM
Intermediate Poster
I'm a police dog..honest
Posts: 187
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Post by WendyM on Dec 26, 2007 21:42:47 GMT 1
I attended part of a five day course as a spectator, and the psychology course, before doing the five day foundation as a participant the following year. Prior to this I had been involved with dog psychology and training, and found it immensley frustrating that I couldnt get out of a horse what I could get out of a dog. I wanted desperately to understand my new horse's behaviour issues and knew in my heart that what I'd done in the past with others wasnt working with her. I didnt have the confidence or knowledge to challenge others opinions about her behaviour. Kelly's courses changed all that. I marvelled at this wonderful new tool - equine language - and Kelly's style of delivery is 'spot on' : 'to the point', often humourous, patient and most of all empowering. When you feel stupid 'cos you've 'messed up', you realise that your fellow students and tutor are there to support you, (and in fact you learn more by 'messing up' anyway). Like another 'poster' on here said, I was given a missing key that I had been searching for, and the excitement of using that key doesnt diminish. Oh, and on a personal level - Kelly's testimonial of a book called 'Feel The Fear and Do It Anyway' has a lot to answer for, with regard to positive changes in my life!
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Post by jakedog on Jan 6, 2008 22:05:14 GMT 1
Kelly, I just want to take this chance to thank you for such an informative weekend. I am sitting at home after just attending the Horse Psychology Weekend. I feel "full of information". You are a truly inspiring teacher. I also want to say that I have returned determined NOT to be affected by others generalisations and "labels" of horses in relation to their behaviours. Thank you Jan
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Post by LisaM on Jan 6, 2008 22:32:34 GMT 1
Echo Jan ref the very informative course Good for you Jan not being affected by others - trust yourself x I too had a wicked weekend! Shame about blimmin' work tomorrow less than 11 hours time and I'll be there - dreaming of latent learning, multiple whorls and power walking! lol
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Post by sophiews on Jan 7, 2008 9:39:24 GMT 1
Lisa I did think of you this morning having to be at work at 8! At least you'll have loads of things to think about so it should go quickly..! I echo Jan too, Kelly you are great and so inspirational x
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potto
Grand Prix Poster
Advanced Poster
I have a large spotty and the privilage once of the most beautiful big Ass!
Posts: 1,384
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Post by potto on Jan 8, 2008 0:07:41 GMT 1
I've been desperate to get to contribute on this thread for ages having been a helper but not a student.. Was i disappointed? ......Ermmmm NOOOOOO. A student of Kellys for the first time on the Psychology Course this weekend and what a treat.
The enthusiasm and energy that goes into the course and the skill of keeping all of our interest when delivering such a huge amount of information in a jam packed 2day session is tremendous.
It is brilliant to meet people with so much in common 'Horses' being the obvious place to start, but then finding other people with desires to improve their own horsemanship. The atmosphere was friendly and welcoming (and the helpers were great too at making you feel at ease!) and Kelly spoilt everybody with millions of chocolate biscuits yummmmmmmmmmmm.
A real highlight for me was the introduction of 'Veronica' and the research project element to Intelligent horsemanship. I am really proud to be a part of an organisation that is proactive and forward thinking in its non violent approach to horse welfare and management of horses. If i am able to do some valid research to support this aim. I would be thrilled!! (Finding a project to do might be a little more tricky... and subjects but vexciting.)
The feel good factor and enthusiasm i came away with after doing the course is still here but i admit to feeling tired as my brain is still pondering all the information!!
To Conclude.... brilliant information, brilliantly delivered, great people, good refreshments, great course. Highly recommended if you don't know much,want to know more.... Or if you think you know it all!
Thankyou Kelly, I don't know how you do it on your schedule but you always seem to be able to deliver 100%
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Post by jacquieb on Jan 18, 2008 15:39:45 GMT 1
Hello. I went on the Horse Psychology course a couple of weeks ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. I just wanted to let you know that already it has helped one horse to avoid the twitch! I lost my horse due to a leg break not long ago but I have been going to the yard as they are kindly letting me use a horse there. However, they were wanting to clip him and he is a 5 year old ex/failed racehorse - quite cheeky and pushy at times. He is lovely and I have been doing a lot of groundwork with him to build up a relationship. The yard manager said they had shown him the clippers a while ago and I could see they had clipped just a line under his neck. Apparently he was "very cross" about it, but as it transpires they used a twitch on him so I am not surprised. On Tuesday when I went in I came armed with some small human clippers determined to 'desensitise' him. (I thought that if they used the twitch not only would it be a horrible experience for him but he may never want to be clipped again.) To cut a long story short, by lunch time I had got him used to the big horse clippers so much so, that I had given him a bib/trace clip and he was as good as gold. I was so proud of him!! It was my first attempt at clipping too! Thanks Kelly and the other students. Jacquie
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Post by Kathy N on Jan 21, 2008 22:15:19 GMT 1
Hi. I've done all the stage one courses and enjoyed them all more than I can say. I've learned so much and since doing the foundation course in Sept 06 I can talk to people and now even make friends. It hasn't been so much about horses for me, I've always been afraid of people. Last night I returned home again from Hartsop. It has been a very big weekend for me. My husband, daughter and dog have all always come and camped with me before. This time I had to do it all on my own. I've travelled across the country before and took a horse with me on my own having to find my own way, but I was single then. Now I have the responsiblity of a 2 1/2yr old daughter and wonderful hubby who I cried on leaving. This has been one of the best weekends of my life. Does that nervous anticipation of first drivng in ever leave? We had a wonderful group of girls and lots of hands on experience of untouched horses. I can't thank Ian, John and Rosie enough. And all the IH team. And anyone who attends any course. Can't wait to book another course, I don't ever want to leave, but this time being on my own I was very tempted to stay, I thought they might need a dually to remove me from the premises! Thank you isn't enough. Kathy x
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potto
Grand Prix Poster
Advanced Poster
I have a large spotty and the privilage once of the most beautiful big Ass!
Posts: 1,384
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Post by potto on Jan 25, 2008 21:55:46 GMT 1
Just an update..... following on from the courses.... My farrier asked today if the youngster, whom he had seen two times, the first for advice, the second to shoe and today for another set of front shoes..... Have you sedated him? His ever so calm and quiet? (He was quite a handful)
I had to laugh and and indignantly reply no i didn't! Before smugly saying I did even better than that!!!... I went on the Intelligent Horsmanship course... and decided to follow the Monty Roberts, and Kelly Marks approach......
Thankyou so much!!!
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jennj
Novice Poster
Posts: 23
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Post by jennj on Mar 30, 2008 11:41:07 GMT 1
I went on the foundation course at the start of march and it was even better than i expected i didnt want to leave. I learn't so much about horses and myself. It has made me change the way i handle the horses and the way i ride and my horse loves it and they are becoming better behaved. i cant wait to go back.
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Post by clydegal13 on May 25, 2008 0:27:57 GMT 1
Hello, Were to start.......... I remember being glued to the telly some years back watching this man doing what seemed like very little with a horse and in no time at all the horse was calm and allowing this man to put tack on - even a rider! Wow! At the time I wasn't able to investigate further and life carried on. Fast forward to early 2007 and because of my daughters persistent cries of 'we really want a pony - please' I decided that I wanted to check out 'natural horsemanship' as I wasn't that taken with how the girls where being taught at the local riding school and wanted to find a better way. One of the first sites I found was Monty Roberts - the same man I'd seen all these years ago! I got his books, then Kelly's too, and was hooked! Next was a demonstration (utterly fab) and that was it. The next logical step was to get enrolled on a course. I opted for the 5 day course held at Hartsop Farm. One of the best decisions I've ever made. What a week! I'm still processing all the info - the course ran from 12-16 May 2008. We were so well looked after and all the tutors were so inspiring and patient, so confidence giving and supportive. I learned so much, not just about horsemanship but about myself too. Part of the plan as it happens!! For me the best part was my 3rd join-up. I had several 'light bulb' moments during that particular time in the roundpen. It was amazing. ;D The worst part - when it was time to leave on the Friday. Sounds corny I know but so true. I know several of us felt the same. I should point out that it's a full-on week. Be prepared for verging on brain overload on a daily basis. However, a quick tea break (am & pm) plus a delicious lunch and you find that you're set up for the next learning curve. From practicing Join Up and leading (human to human) - great fun but it teaches you a lot too; to doing your first Join Up or long lining, it's just a wonderful experience. Kelly is an amazing tutor. She has the ability to make everything seem so straightforward, uncomplicated and fun! She is very hands on when she's there and nothing is ever a problem. Ian is also a fab tutor. Again, makes everything seem so easy to do and makes learning fun. (His wife Sandy is always around and she is a lovely person) Linda, like Kelly & Ian is a brilliant tutor. I had more lesson time with Linda than any of the others and she really knows how to tune in to each student individually. Awesome! Rosie, the youngest tutor and what a girl! Outstanding! Tremendous energy and a confidence inducing personality. Sandra, I didn't have as a tutor but from the way I could see her work with her students she is just as inspiring and encouraging as the others. Julia, she really knows her stuff when it comes to riding position and saddle fitting. She has the gift too of imparting her knowledge in such a way that is easy for everyone to understand. I learned a great deal from her lectures and demos. Gitte, she too was a super tutor. She has a quiet, gentle manner which somehow makes you focus even more and gets you aware of what you're doing (or not doing!!). There were a couple of guest speakers too. One was an Equine Podiatrist the other an Equine Touch practitioner. Both were excellent and again taught me a lot and got me thinking. Finally, not forgetting the helpers. For this particular week there was Jo, she was lovely - quietly got on with what needed to be done to keep everything ticking along; Charles, he was great - apart from when wielding the camcorder! Having said that, once you're in the roundpen you're oblivious to everything bar the horse and your tutor. Last but by no means least, Alex, a young lad on work experience. Started out being quiet and shy but by the Wednesday was the life and soul of the party - so to speak!! This course was thought provoking, inspiring, humbling, fun, informative & at times tearful - an all round huge learning curve. If you want to be challenged; inspired; be with people who, where horses are concerned, are on your wavelength; have fun learning & be given the confidence to work with your horse the way that feels right for you, then you just have to save up and get yourself to Hartsop Farm! I could go on and describe in detail all the lectures, demos, practical lessons etc, but you need to find that out for yourselves. I don't believe that any caring horse owner or rider would ever regret going. I imagine that many will instead want to learn more, perhaps going all the way and becoming a RA!! I know it's what I hope to do over the next couple of years - all going well. If you've thought about doing a course at all - quit thinking and just do it! You will not regret it. OK, I think I've said all I wanted to. Thanks a million Kelly & IH team. You rock! Catherine A relatively green but inspired & willing learner of IH methods
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Post by Jill H on Jun 10, 2008 9:50:06 GMT 1
The 5 day course- it was like coming home!!! All my disjointed life experiences came together to make the whole, surrounded by wonderful people and horses and cats and dog! And now I understand! (I've sat at this computer now for a while and tried to put into words my gratitude for all the knowledge, experience, hard work and sharing that happened over the 5 days - and all I can come up with is thank you - but know that it means much much more than the space it takes up on the page!) xx
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Post by naturalnagz on Jun 17, 2008 2:35:24 GMT 1
Yes Cath13 I was there helping your group! Didn't realize I was so quiet, guess I should of come out on more of your nights out like Alex did.......you might never have shut me up! I really enjoyed being a helper after doing the 5 day foundation course 8 years ago! I agree, everyone is made to feel really welcome even us helpers, would very much recomend it to anyone wanting to re-familiarise themselves with these methods.......really enjoyed my week too!
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Post by shammers on Jun 19, 2008 9:12:50 GMT 1
WOW is all I can say! I completed the 5 day foundation course last week. It was so much more than I expected, I had such a fantastic time. I have found my confidence improved more and more over the week. Usually by the end of a course relating to work (I work with computers) I am ready to go home and rest my brain. This time I had the most amazing emotional feelings come over me, of course I wanted to go home to see my lovely man and my horses but a such a big part of me wanted to stay there.
I am not very good at being away from home I get quite homesick, therefore I was quite apprehensive about staying away for a week but the time passed me by so quickly I was praying for more time. As soon as I arrived I was met with such friendly happy people all my worries just disappeared. My dream one day is to become an RA, I was recommend to my local RA Lynn Chapman 4.5 years ago after buying\rescueing a very tricky mare Shamrock. Lynn came along as I was just totally stuck and unsure how to communicate with this very nervous little horse who had no trust in any human. Lynn was just amazing, she started working with Sham and the results came instantly, I could see the relief in Shamrock's eyes that she had finally found someone who understood her. It brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it. Not only was Lynn fantastic with Sham but also with me. Helping to change my approach to carry on with training.
This has been the 1st time since then I was in a position to go on one of the courses. I would recommened the course to everyone, whether you own your own horse or just love to be around them.
I would like to say a hugh thank you to all the IH Team who helped make my week so special.
I have managed to book onto 2 more courses but have to wait till December :-( (1st time in a long time I am wishing the summer away)!!!
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Carole
Grand Prix Poster
Posts: 1,451
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Post by Carole on Jun 22, 2008 22:30:46 GMT 1
My course was the 5 day foundation from 3rd March 08.
Arrived in my lorry with my stallion and thought what have I done! I was the only one staying 'on-site', my stally had got huge amounts of hormones running rife and I well, I just wanted my mummy (I am 48!! and not overally close to my mother either).
But once the course started and was concentrating on all the information it was soon to become very enjoyable rather than scarey.
Learnt so much, silly things that we don't necc. think of at home without supervision (and I am an experienced horsey person), there is still so much knowledge to gain and the course was a real eye opener, regardless of the fact that I practice the methods as general rule of thumb, learning to be consistant with body language and not confuse the horse took so much concentration.
My boy didn't get used which I was sad about but then he had done join up qute a bit with old owner and almost has been over done, so it was best not to take that route. However the other neds I worked with were varying shapes and sizes but I felt the once that really got to me was the last horse I worked with that was my 'tricky' horse and whilst it did not got 100% according to plan boy did it make me think and more aware of the 'rules'.
With all that I learnt I came away feeling sad at leaving but determined to go back for more courses as money allows and go on to do my RA bit if I am good enough.
Would recommend it to anyone as you go usually knowing no-one and come away with many new friends.
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Post by jakedog on Jul 6, 2008 18:29:08 GMT 1
I volunteered myself as a helper on the June 5 Day Foundation Course at Hartsop Farm. What a great time I had along with my son, Jamie. We were made to feel welcome and valued by everyone on the course. When there was time, we were able to sit and watch the round pen exercises and listen to lectures. We came away with so much new information and inspiration. Once I got home I began to lead my horse the IH way. What a difference! I feel so much more confident on the ground with him especially as I need to spend much time walking him out in hand. A big thank you goes to the tutors; Kelly, Linda, Sandie, Rosie and of course to Katie, Liz and Ian and his family. If you want to see how the Foundation Course runs - especially if you are contemplating doing it, go as a helper! You won't regret it. Jan and Jamie
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