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GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE!
Purchase by clicking on PayPal link below.
Make a horse lovers dreams come true!
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Sherry is a member of
*NE Horse Council
*USEF (US Equestrian
Federation)
*EAGALA (Equine Assisted
Growth & Learning Assoc.
*Parelli Savvy Club
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"Sandhills Horse Sense"
is devoted to promoting
relationships and
choices that lead to
a positive future.
Sherry is now an
EAGALA Certified
Horse Professional
working in conjunction
with Melissa Dearmont &
Mid-West Country Clinic
L.E.A.D.
"Leadership through
Equine Assited
Development"
will help you with
building relationships,
problem solving,
attitudes & behaviors,
conflict & stress,
responsibilities,
positive choices,
and much more.
Individual sessions by appointment!
Classes & Retreats adapted to families or groups are
also offered .
Call 1-866-757-3853
1-402-684-2908
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MINI CLINIC with FREE TRAIL RIDE
available at Sherry's House starting again this spring on 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month.
Also upon special request any open weekend or day Sherry is home.
Tenative Dates:
March 26; April 9&23; May 7&21; June 18; July 2&30; August 27; Sept. 10&24; Oct. 8&22; Nov. 5&19;
Make plans to ride in the sandhills this year
Individual instruction in the morning then a Free Trail Ride in the afternoon (Very easy trails)
Only accepting 4-6 riders. It only takes two to make a day of it, so Call a friend now and join in the FUN!
Call Sherry at 308-730-2150 for more details.
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Sherry & Cisco
Having a great time!
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Dear Horse lovers,
When constructing a pyramid one must start with a strong foundation and build up from there. Pat Parelli says there is only one job where you can start from the top and that is post hole digging. As I have been helping people with their horse over the past few years the biggest mistake I see people doing is they try to start a skill with their horse at the top instead of building step by step with tiers of progression. When certain steps or tiers are skipped and the foundation is not solid then whatever skill one is trying to perform will be difficult if not impossible to accomplish.
A horse's physical development, his mental understanding of what is being asked of him and the ease with which he relates to a human is desirable no matter what riding style or discipline one chooses to participate in. The best way to achieve this goal is to use a program built like a pyramid. Each tier of the pyramid represent a progression of "training" in phases. Each tier (or phase) contains a concept or actions which represents a desired outcome for that phase which will help build the next phase. The importance of establishing a foundation before moving to the next level of complexity must not be overlooked.
Here is a Pyramid of Training by Terry Church which I very much agree with and try to follow in my own horsemanship journey as well as how I teach students.
The boldface word is the desired outcome.
The italicized words describes the prerequisite to achieveing the outcome.
The bold italicized words speak to the general purpose and intent of the phase.
The (Words in parenthesis) suggest a mindset or sense that the person will develop and use as the backbone of their work in order to maintain rapport with their horse along the way.
At the top of the pyramids is
Elevation
Weightlessness
(Ease)
Collection
Freedom within close parameters
(Harmony)
Sustained consistency of response
Straightness, Lateral/Longitudinal alignment, Lateral/Longitudinal balance
Development of carrying power
(Perseverance)
Acclimation to narrower parameters within
which the horse will be asked to work
Malleable contact + Impulsion = Throughness,
Lightness, Engagement, Self-carriage
Development of pushing power
(Transparency)
Rhythmic Impulsion; Forward movement in relaxation
Softeness/Suppleness gained by yielding to the hand,
rein contact, rider wieght, seat & legs, maintaining forward motivation; Stretching, looseness, freedome from tension
Developing riding skills and feel
(Humility)
Familiarization/Exposure to man-made & natural worlds; Tacking & Backing
Relaxation exercises: Yielding the horse to pressure
Developing ground handling skills and feel
(Creative thinking)
Approach/Observation: learning from the horse. Understanding horse psychology
Respect/Release + Response =Cultivating Patience, Communication, Rapport, Trust
Introducting ground handling and riding skills
(Willingness to learn)
I am sharing this pyramid plan by Terry Church with all of you because I see it as a means to acheiving our dreams if we will follow a program such as this. This is not a definite "how to" on horse training, but it is a guide or an outline meant to encourage discussion and thought about what we do and why we do it. Every plan is a work in progress, just as I continue to be.
Please join us in our yahoo chat group to discuss this pyramid and other training ideas. I will discuss this topic in more depth in subsequent newsletters. This in just an introduction to the concept of tier or phase training. The next time we will discuss the bottom tier articulating the importance of laying a good foundation for our work and continuing partnership with our horses.
Happy Trails,
Sherry Jarvis
"Horsemen share knowledge. Showmen hide it in a corner and go home." -- AQHA Judge Dale Livingston
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Because I know the importance of furthering ones education as a horsewoman I am going to attend several clinics this year to continue the development of my own savvy. The better I get and the more I know the more people I will be able to teach, inspire and encourage and thus the more horses' lives I will touch.
Here are the clinics that Sherry will be attending?
AAHS Riding Instructor Certification
May 13-17 at Carol Joy Holling Camp, Ashland, NE
AAHS is the American Association of Horsemanship Safety. They conduct group and individual safety certification clinics for riding instructors, camp personnel and others interested in horsemanship safety. The clinics are 40 hours long and usually taught over a four-day or five-day period. They are taught by a AAHS Clinician from a standardized curriculum. Emphasis is upon legal liabilities, horsemanship skills, safety and emergency procedures, and assuring safety of riders quickly by teaching a balanced seat to beginners through use of the Secure Seat(sm) method.
I feel that by attending this clinic and getting certification my credentials will be even more credible, plus it will be an asset towards liability issues.
Advancing Horsemanship Clinic - Richard Winters
June 10-11 Grass Creek, WY
(Keith is going with me we'll be leaving on the 9th and not returning until the 12th)
This advancing clinic will revolve around the body control and maneuvers necessary for upper levels of performance. Through Richard's "4 Part Harmony" exercises, you will establish communication and suppleness of your horses head and neck, shoulders, rib cage and hind quarters. You'll gain greater understanding of stops, spins, lead changes, collection and refinement. This clinic will prepare you to perform at a higher level, regardless of your particular riding discipline.
I've known Richard Winters for over 25 years. He represents the principles of natural horsemanship for both the horse and the human as well as anyone I know.
—Pat Parelli, Founder of Natural Horse*man*ship
I chose this clinic for three reasons, it is an advancing clinic, he is highly recommended by Pat Parelli, and Keith and I are excited to take a vacation together back to WY near where we used to live and do a clinic at the same time.
Richard competed last year at Paso Robles CA in the arena along side Craig Cameron and Ken McNabb who dazzled the audience with an "Extreme Equine Experience." Each contestant drew for their own 3 year old un-started colt. They then introduced; ground work, saddling, riding, trotting, and loping to their colts. This contest culminated with negotiating an obstacle course during the end of the second day's 90 minute session.
It was a close contest and each contestant did an outstanding job, using his own tried and true techniques. When the dust setteled and the scores were tabulated, the five judge panel voted Richard Winters the 2007 Champion!
Sept. 20-21 I am going to the PNH tour stop in Kansas City
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If you are interested in a camp or clinic this summer, please check the schedule of events on the website often as the dates are flexible.
Once I have people signed up then the date is set.
May 2-5
Women's Confident Leadership Camp at Calamus Outfitters, Burwell, NE
May 7
Private lesson with Mini Clinic at Sherry's near Burwell, NE
May 10-12th BKT at Lincoln, NE
Sat. May 10th
10:00-12:00 Lorree Private lesson
1:00-3:00 Bev Private Lesson
3:00-6:00 Mini clinic for students who have been to a clinic before.
Only taking 4 or 5 people.
6:00-8:00 Open for private lesson
Sun. May 11th
9:00-4:00 Clinic for people fairly new to Natural Horsemanship.
5:00-7:00 Open for Private lesson
Mon. May 12th
10:00-12:00 Open for private lesson
1:00-3:00 Open for private lesson
3:00-5:00 Open for private lesson
6:00-8:00 Open for private lesson
If I don't get any lessons I'll work on my book.
May 13-17th Ashland
Horsemanship Safety Clinic for Instructors
Furthering my own education so I can be better for all of you.
Sat. May 17th
Evening Lessons at Hetra Barn in Valley
Sun. May 18th
9:00-12:00 Michelle Private lesson at View Point Farms
1:00-3:30 Melody Private lesson at Valley
4:00-6:00 Lessons with Perez in Gretna
7:00-9:00 Shelley private lesson at Valley
Mon. May 19th
I am teaching a Worshop for Wranglers at Lutheran Camp in Ashland
May 21st
Mini Clinic with Free trail ride at my place near Burwell, NE
May 24-25
Bareback Riding & Liberty Clinic, Palmyra, NE
May 26 and 28th
Mini Clinic with Free trail ride at my place near Burwell, NE
May 30-June 3 FULL
Cowboy/Cowgirl Horsemanship and Cattle Drive Camp
at Calamus OUtfitters, Burwell, NE
Some of our Camps are already full for this summer so be sure to sign up now so you don't miss an opportunity to have a life changing experience with your horse.
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Question:
I got a question asked last night and gave my best advise. I was wondering what you would do. There's a guy that bought a little mare for his son to ride. She is about 16 and really thin, he got her from the local horse trader. He was happy as can be at first they said she really rides nice. But last night he stopped me and said now as he's saddling her she leans back then throws her self to the ground. She has her tongue out like she's dead. He's not a horseman at all so he has jumped on her head and got out the cattle prod. "Poor Thing".
I haven't seen it happen so not sure exactly what she does. I told him that sounds like someone has cinched her up to tight to fast. So if I was doing it I would start out slow, untied and just put the saddle on for a week. She how that goes than just bring the cinch up and hold it. When she's still let it down, then slowly over time start to cinch her. He says she will lung some after she's up then fall down. Haven't seen one that bad personally.But after all of that is done she rides great.So was wondering if you had any ideas. Thought I might go over a few times this week and see if I can work with her. I sure don't want him jumping on her head and using the cattle prod on her anymore.
Sure would like to hear what you think,
Answer:
I feel sooooo sorry for this horse because he has used a cattle prod on her. He has made the problem a million times worse. Now it will be even more difficult to fix the problem and will take much much much longer. In fact I wouldn't blame the horse if she never got over it.
Just think if someone put a cattle prod on you when you were putting on your pants in the morning. Then next morning you wouldn't want to put your pants on. This is reaction will be even greater for horses because they learn by association. This horse has learned by association that something bad will happen to her upon cinching. Before the cattle prod incident it could have been something different from the previous owners. It may have been something even as simple as an ill fitting saddle which caused pain.
It is going to take a lot of time and patience to undo this problem. I mean a lot!!!Maybe including months of not riding, if that is what it takes to gain her trust. Unfortunately most people are not willing to take the time it takesto regain the trust this horse needs.
Here is a quote from Linda Parelli on a similar issue. It was in one of their weekly newsletters.
"There are three things that might be going on here... dominance, fear or baggage... or a combination thereof! I think you nailed it when confessing that you have not made a program of it. This is where the solution often lies because in order to change an old habit for a new one, it takes about 21 days or 21 sessions in a row. That kind of consistency is what horsemen have, and every single day is all about preparation for the next. I said something similar on our tour stop in Harrisburg... you're not riding for today, you are riding for tomorrow. That way you'll stop expecting perfection from your horse and yourself!
So, if it is dominance you should play with your horse first until she is more calm and submissive and accepting, and then saddle her. If she is introverted, take the longest time and do surprising things like put the pad on her head, on her rump... and wait until she licks her lips and relaxes her defensiveness / annoyance. Treats work great if she is a LB Introvert because it makes it difficult for her to hate you... Love me, love my toys is what you want to achieve. If you are willing to take a lot of time she'll actually respect you for that.
If it is fear then you will need to play on the ground with the saddle... send her to it, allow her to sniff it, paw it, etc. I know, expensive saddles are not good for this, but maybe you can use a sacrificial saddle so she knows she is more important than your tack! Use a lot of approach and retreat and be straight forward yet considerate. She needs to feel your confidence and leadership.
If it is old baggage... the first and second might apply. Try to determine if it is fear or dominance. When it's fearful the horse shies away, is very tense. If it is dominance, the horse is likely to cow kick or bite at you, put her ears back and toss her head. And then of course, take your time and don't judge her for it... feel for her. When you think about some of the equipment and techniques horses have had to bear it is incredible they even allow us near them!"
Even though I have not seen the horse described above in the cattle prod incident, I believe that it is not a dominance issue, but a fear and baggage issue. It is going to take a lot of relationship building to solve this problem. It will mean developing a whole program with the horse where a partnership is nutured. The problem will NOT be solved quickly because of the age of the horse and the severity of the problem, which was certainly caused by humans without much savvy.
Some other things you can do are:
1. Use the 22-foot rope around her barrel and just walked or stopped, tightening and releasing.
2. Be creative try all types of Friendly Games around her girth using different objects. Also things not tightened around the girth, like sack out with pad etc.
3. Always tightened girth in 3 stages.
4. Play games with the saddle on, sometimes mounting, sometimes not, making it not be about the girth, but about the relationship, etc.
The most important thing is develop a program to fix this program stick to it for a very very long time focusing on the relationship first. There are no quick fixes!!!!!
Happy Trails,
Sherry Jarvis
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Coming Soon!
Video Evaluations and
Sherry's Book "Win Your Horse's Heart"
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VIDEO EVALUATIONS:
I have been supporting my students through many avenues to ensure their continued success as savvy horseman. I care about your progress so I have worked hard at remaining very accessible to those who desire to become excellent in a natural way with their horses.
One of the ways I have done this is through phone calls and videos. I have had some students who call me on a regular basis and also send videos from time to time for me to evaluate.
After the Expo I am going to offer this as a service for those dedicated students who can't always make it to my regular lessons at various locations.
There will be a charge for this service and a one year committment will be required. More details will follow after the Expo.
"WIN YOUR HORSE'S HEART"
Sherry's book will be out sometime this year. There are only two kinds of people, those who love horses and those who don't. This book is definitely for those who do love horses, whether you own one or not. Sherry's passion and love for horses has driven her to write a book which presents a way of being with horses which will enable us to win any horse's heart. When a horse gives us his whole heart he will jump higher, run faster, stop quicker, slide further, spin better, and be safer. Dreams are sure to come true to those who follow the common sense principles presented in this book with real life stories to support the practices.
Call for more information: (308-730 2150)
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In addition to the many camps, clinics and lessons we continue to offer, we have formed some study groups for those interested in getting together to support, inspire, and encourage one another on their horsemanship journey.
There are several women in the Omaha, Lincoln, Broken Bow and Grand Island areas who have already started meeting on a regular basis in order to advance even quicker and stay motivated toward excellence with horses.
We would like to see other groups popping up in other areas. If you are interested in starting or joining a study group call Sherry 308-730-2150.
For now the locations change because sometimes we meet at a person's house to watch DVDs,and other times we will meet at an arena to ride.The study groups are free unless there is an arena charge.
So Please call before coming!
The next one is a DVD watching March 15 at Shelley Troys house near Valley, NE at 7:00; Call 402-359-5844
More dates are availabe in 2008 go to the schedule page.
STUDY GROUP GUIDELINES
These study groups are not exclusive, meaning we want to encourage people to come who may not be familiar with "natural horsemanship". We don't want this to be a club where only the "chosen few enlightened ones" can join, however we also don't want this to turn into a place where people bring problem horses expecting free lessons and a quick fix. If you have a problem horse please seek the support of a professional trainer like Sherry.
These groups are meant for students to express and show what they have learned with each other. It is a day of sharing creative ideas and free expression.
In order to encourage people who have never taken a lesson from Sherry to attend we respectfully ask that the first time you attend you do so as an observer only. This way you will have a more objective view of what it is all about by not having to attend to a horse. You will get a better sense of the expression and techniques of natural horsemanship.
Of course if the study group is watching DVDs that day instead of playing with their horses, then anyone is encouraged to attend whether they have taken a lesson from Sherry or not. It doesn't even matter whether you have a horse yet, maybe you are just thinking about getting one, then by all means come and learn.
Please always call before coming 308-730-2150
We now have over 70 members on our Heart in Your Hand Yahoo Chat Group.
This group is dedicated to natural horsemanship students lead by Sherry & Keith Jarvis whose aim is to help both the horse and rider to become even more successful by presenting a balanced foundation from which you can build a confident, trusting, respectful relationship,without sacrificing the spirit of either the horse or the human. This is a place to share natural horsemanship philosophies and how horses change our lives including those little victories/defeats that don’t mean anything to the "normal" crowd, to have a place to celebrate/vent leadership issues, blinding flashes of the obvious, or brainstorm creative ideas! We will be able to organize natural play days, tournaments, and post information and announcements of natural horsemanship happenings.
This group is by invitation only. You are officially invited by receiving this newsletter. If you would like to join Heart in Your Hand Horsemanship's Yahoo group please e-mail Leigh the moderator at freeman@diodecom.net
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Physcial Health
Skin Care, Diet and Exercise
Sherry has been told over and over that she looks and acts much younger than she is. Those who have taken lessons with her have experienced her energy and passion.
Her secrets are eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, don't drink or smoke, use sunscreen, wear a hat and take really good care of your skin with a dermatology tested and proven skin care system.
If you would like to find out more about the special skin care and dietary aide products that Sherry uses to stay looking young and full of energy call her at 308-730-2150 or 308-346-5663.
Sherry knows that a good horsemanship program will affect every area of your life. Staying in shape is part of it. Call Sherry to visit more about how she stays in shape for her horses. Or maybe, how her horses keep her in shape.
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Mental and Emotional Health
Sherry has been through some stressful and challenging times in her life like the rest of you.
She has bounced back through many life changes by keeping a positive outlook on life even though depression tried to take over at times. It seemed that her horses always kept her on track and so it was only natural that she wanted to share their healing powers with others.
Check out
"Sandhills Horse Sense" a program devoted to promoting relationships and
choices that lead to a positive future.
Sherry is now an EAGALA Certified Horse Professional working in conjunction
with Melissa Dearmont & Mid-West Country Clinic.
L.E.A.D. "Leadership through Equine Assited Development" will help you with building relationships, problem solving, attitudes & behaviors, conflict & stress, responsibilities, positive choices, and much more.
Right now sessions are by appointment!
Classes & Retreats are offered upon request!
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Click to join heartinyourhand
