|
Sweden to Rome
Flying from the land of the midnight sun of snowy, northern Sweden presented quite a change in climate as we arrived to the sunny, mid-70's temperatures of Italy. We began the Italian portion of our clinic tour with a three-day, Six Keys to Harmony clinic near Rome for 17 participating riders. The clinic was sponsored by ENGEA, a large, national agency which coordinates a variety of equestrian activities along with offering training courses for the licensing of horseback trekking guides and riding instructors. We are so honored that ENGEA has chosen to adopt and utilize the Dabney Gentle Horsemanship training program as the recognized method of handling, training and riding horses for all ENGEA instructors.
 
 
|
|
Tuscany Our second Dabney Gentle Horsemanship clinic of the Spring 2011 Italian Tour was also an ENGEA sponsored three-day event presenting a Six Keys to Harmony clinic in beautiful, northern Italy near Tuscany. Most of the participants in this clinic were licensed trekking guides and riding instructors, so with their higher level of experience and accomplishment we were able to make excellent progress and include a portion of more advanced riding skills in our clinic.
|
 Six Figure Champion While in northern Italy Ed had the opportunity to do private training for a renowned show jumping trainer. Ed was asked to work with a "six figure" champion jumping horse that had become aggressive and difficult to handle, along with refusing to load in the trailer. 
After working with the horse for a couple of hours, teaching and applying The Six Keys to Harmony along with Respectful Catching and Leading Methods, the horse became docile, polite and respectful. "I felt he was really looking for some understanding and compassionate leadership." The horse found peace in the good leadership which results from the practice of the Six Keys to Harmony. At the end of Ed's training session Ed was able to ride him in a relaxed way and the barn employees were able to handle him with no trouble and send him onto the trailer easily. |
Carbiniari,
Mounted Police of Rome
Traveling back to Rome, Ed conducted a one- day Problem Solving and Leadership Clinic for the highly esteemed Carbiniari, the Mounted Police of Rome. The Carbiniari have a long
and illustrious history as a former military cavalry regiment. They continue to carry on their time-honored tradition of outstanding mounted service now as Rome's Mounted Police. The regiment's 130 horses, mostly Lipizzans, are housed in a beautiful facility which features several arenas, a full-time veterinary clinic, farrier, cafeteria, barracks, offices and classrooms. Along with full-time patrol duties the regiment also trains almost daily. Ed was privileged to meet the overall Commander of all Italy's Carbiniari forces along with the Commander of the Mounted Regiment.
 | |
"It was truly an honor for me to work with the fine officers of the Carbiniari. I look forward to working with them again on a future visit to Rome."
|
 
|
|
Sicily
We departed Rome, traveling by the overnight train to Sicily, where we met with Renato Vitale.
Renato is a Champion Reining Horse Trainer who is interested in developing more gentle methods of training reining horses. "I enjoyed the day of sharing information, riding Renato's fine reining horses and presenting a demonstration of the Six Keys to Harmony." |
|
Arione Guest Ranch
Our last weekend in Europe was spent at the beautiful Arione Guest Ranch in a breath-taking area of Sicily, conducting a Six Keys to Harmony clinic. The ranch is in a pristine location in the mountains overlooking the Mediterranean coast. The wide, spectacular view of mountains and the sea are particularly magnificent at sunset. The weather for the outdoor clinic was a perfect sunny, 70 degrees with a gentle breeze. Our accommodations at Arione Guest Ranch were quite comfortable with a warm, genuine sense of welcome. Arione is the type of place that you visit and don't ever want to leave! The warmth of the people and the culture becomes part of your soul, you will feel a true sense of belonging! Dining presented an incredible fare of expertly prepared local, organic meats along with fresh fruits and vegetables from nearby farms.
Our deepest appreciation to Arione owner and hosts Salvatore Baggesi, Paolo Cricchio, and Vincenzo Baggesi for their friendship and excellent care and service so graciously provided during our stay.
Many thanks to our good friend, Deenie McKeever, for her enthusiasm, support and assistance at the Arione clinic. I am also very grateful to my friend and partner Franco Barbagallo for arranging the many details of all our Italian clinics and for his willingness and dedication to translation, throughout all the clinics. I am always so thankful for the opportunity to have my daughter, Elizabeth, traveling with me and appreciate all the valuable, training assistance she was able to offer to the participants of the clinics.
|
