The greater danger for most
of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short, but in
setting our aim too low and reaching our mark.
~Michelangelo
News & Updates
NEWS UPDATE # 1:
We've just recently launched our new website! PKHorsemanship.com and PKColtStarting.com will both take you to our new web-home. Check it out for great updates to our 2010 Schedule of events and information on the upcoming Mastering Communication Conference!
NEWS UPDATE # 2:
We still have a few dates left open for scheduling clinics, on-location training, or workshops in YOUR area. Now is the time to contact Patrick to book those last few dates.
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Stay Connected...
PKHorsemanship
Ride in a clinic or course
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Give us a call 724-859-8558
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Greetings!
Well, we've finally had a break in the snow and cold that we've been dealing with here in Pennsylvania for so long. Let me tell you - we had gone so long without seeing the sun that many of us didn't know what that yellow ball in the sky was when it finally peeked through the clouds!
Now we are lucky enough to deal with the mud and rain... but soon the grass will be green and the flowers will be in bloom, so we can't really complain. Pennsylvania's seasons are a lot dealing with a tough horse - You work real hard to get through those tough and tricky spots, and it makes those nice and smooth times all the more satisfying... or maybe I'm just making things up trying to be positive about dealing with the mud. Regardless...
We had our first clinic of the year this past weekend at Double M Stable and Arena in Acme, PA. We had a great group of folks sign on and come out for our Warm-Up Horsemanship Class. We all had a great time improving our horsemanship and setting some great goals for 2010. It was great to see some new faces on their horses, and it's always great to ride with returning friends. We're looking forward to a year full of new friendships and great horsemanship.
Our Mastering Communication Conference is coming up quickly. We have posted a tentative topic schedule on our webpage, and the tickets have made it back from the printer. If you are wanting to purchase your tickets, now is a great time. Ticket prices and more info are below, along with a link to a video preview. We hope to see you at the conference!
Welcome to the March enewsletter...
Read on, and enjoy the journey!
~ Patrick
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Horsemanship Tip for March
 | Photo by Nicole King
5 Simple Tips for Developing a Velcro Seat
Just a few tips and things to try to develop your seat and becoming a better rider, for your horse's sake...
* As you ride along, intentionally drop your reins on your horse's neck and try to pick them up without looking for them. This will help you develop better senses and keep your seat lower in the saddle.
* Drop your stirrups for a few strides and then pick them up without looking. Try this at a walk before you progress to a trot or canter. This will help you learn to sit deeper and maintain better balance.
* Focus on riding your horse with a long rein to let him stretch and relax. His change in frame will give you a different experience as a rider, and will give you more opportunities to improve your balance.
* Turn loos of the reins and be a Wandering Generality. Let your horse go wherever he chooses, and just go with him. Don't dictate direction, just ride. This might be tougher than it sounds. If you need to, you can keep your horse at a slow gait to start with, but eventually you'll be able to ride him as fast or slow as he wants to go, wherever he wants to go. Just go along for the ride. This will really improve your balance and your 'following seat.'
* Try doing all of these exercises bareback. Riding your horse bareback is not only a way to improve your riding, but it's also a way to prove your riding. It's a truth test... are you relying on your stirrups for balance? Are you bracing in your legs or on your reins? Riding bareback 30 minutes or longer each week is the fastest way to develop yourself into a better rider over the course of time.
Just remember to always use caution and keep safety in the forefront of your mind. A riding helmet is always a good idea when trying something new. Stay safe, and keep improving your horsemanship.
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Upcoming Events
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
~ the next 3 months' events...
April 24-25 - Mastering Communication ConferenceCONFERENCE TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE!
Admission at the gate: $25/weekend BUY TICKETS NOW: $20/weekend!4-H Members half price!Kids 10 & under are FREEApril 27-May 1 - Horsemanship 1 CourseMay 26-30 - Horsemanship FundamentalsJune 5-6 - Beginner Cow Working ClinicJune 9-13 - Horsemanship 1 CourseJune 18-20 - Buckaroo Camp (Patrick King & Bob Sagely) DATES STILL OPEN FOR SCHEDULING IN YOUR AREA:
August 8
August 14-15
November 6-7
November 13-14
* If you are interested in setting up a clinic or workshop with Patrick 'in your neck of the woods' contact us right away to get the date set aside. Dates listed are approximate, and days can typically be added to either side of those weekends to make a longer course or clinic, or even to allow private training time. |
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Real People, Real Horses, Real Solutions
 | I am recently divorced and on my own after 39 years of being with my
husband. Even though he didn't do much with me, if I did need or want
to go any distance with my horse, he did drive me to my destination.
But he was never an encourager. If I ran into an problem in my
riding/training he would just tell me I didn't know how to ride and I
should even think that I could train anything. Well, even
though I knew that was not true, somehow I came to believe it and lost a
lot of confidence in my abilities to ride and train and was fearful to
try a lot of things. The cow clinic Bunny and I attended have
done so much for us. I discovered that I am a better rider and trainer
than I let myself believe, but not where I want to be yet. I
also discovered that I have done a very good job on Bunny, but have so
much more to teach her. And WANT to teach her. You have
inspired me so much with your encouragement and teaching, that I
actually borrowed money to have an arena area put in at my new home, 80'
x 100'. I am so excited to start teaching Bunny new things and work on
the Spice pony I purchased for the grandchildren and myself. I cannot
wait to start teaching my grandchildren myself and not have to send them for
lessons elsewhere. And, I am not an agressive driver. I do
not like to drive in the dark and avoid it if at all possible. I
usually do not go alone with my horse trailer for a distance of more
than a 40 minute drive. I found the courage to travel 2-1/2 hours to
your clinic several days, by myself in the rain and the dark and was
encouraged that I found the strength to drive it and enjoyed doing it.
So thank you so very much. You have helped a woman discover that
she can do wonderful things on her own and have given me much
confidence to pursue things in my heart.
~Linda S., Punxsutawney, PA
If Patrick has helped you and/or your horse overcome an obstacle or realize a dream, please email us for information on how you and your horse can be featured in an upcoming issue of our e-newsletter. |
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Thank you, , for taking the time to read this this newsletter. We hope that you enjoyed your reading, and that you are able to take some insight and inspiration to the barn with you. Keep in touch, and feel free to contact us with any questions or requests you might have.
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Enjoy the Journey,
Patrick King Horsemanship
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