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January 2015
Exceptional Horsemanship Newsletter

 

Oh you, let's get this new year off to the best start yet! 

My two segments are tightly tied together in this issue. I hope you will pop over to my website where I've painted - yes, painted in watercolor - four worksheets to help you figure out how to get where you want to go with your horse and horsemanship. NOW. I'm the first to admit that when I'm reading a book and it leaves lines for me to fill in so I can be most productive, I flip right past with a snarky curl to my lips and mutter under my breath, "I'm reading right now. Not stopping to fill out your stupid worksheet." Here's the thing: Turns out that's one of the best ways to get clear on what you want and to figure out HOW to get there.  

I always think I'm thinking the answers--but I'm wrong. And I find out just how wrong I am as soon as I try to write them. So, yep, that's why I painted these fun worksheets--so we ALL would feel like filling them in. And of course, they're FREE! I will probably even design and paint some more as I'm finding them either in need of a tweak here and there or I have a better idea for more.

You will have to pop in your email so you can download the pdf's as I haven't figured out a better way, but when you do, you only have to click on one and you will not only get ALL four watercolor pdf sheets, but 5 horsemanship articles I've written, too. 

I'm working on a video to help you with the "ACTIONABLES" segment as that's a spot where folks get into trouble because--you can't solve a problem with the same brain that created it. So, either think differently or contact me to help. There's an option on my STUFF page that says: "What do I do when my horse _____?" And you can use that for just plain old: "What do I do?" 

 

Catch up on all the training ideas you've missed on the blog.
 
So... Are You Horseman Material????

"If you only care enough for a result, you will almost certainly attain it."       William James, psychologist

  Ahhhh... just came upon this quote and if you've read any of my stuff you know I'm a huge quote fiend. Yep, you will get a result. But if you're not thinking or being careless - as in caring less than you should if you want a CERTAIN result - are you going to be satisfied with that result? And if it isn't just what you wanted, are you going to go on about other things AS IF it was what you wanted? Then, surely it was either what the horse wanted or you're telling your horse that it's what you want or what you'll settle for.
There will always be 'things' getting in the way of our dreams. That's why we have to find ways to MAKE them come true.
Precision!!! If
Curbside Service Cover you need some help understanding the difference between 4 inches here and 4 inches there, grab a copy of my book for only eleven bucks and change and see why it makes SUCH a difference! In the arena 4 inches doesn't make much difference to folks and it's ignored constantly. But, if you're on the edge of a cliff, it makes a damn big difference. And if you haven't practiced changing those hooves to move only those inches, we'll be in a helicopter hunting for your broken body at the bottom of the ravine. 
 
I've got a link to a story that was in the Times on some thought processes of horsemanship and growing up and realizing things aren't necessarily what you thought they were. It's called "Two Horses, One Language" and is a good read.
 
Please forward this newsletter to your friends and tell them to sign up for their own. Click the purple 
"Gimme" button on the website.
 
There's a difference between techniques and technique.
For exceptional results, think "how and how can I".
Upcoming stuff:
Accuracy - what does the movement look like? ex:  on the galloping bridge. Drift. Would you know what side of the balance beam you'll fall off?
A horse invading your space as opposed to being in the same space.
Dressage Mastery
Riding into your 90's.
Asking your horse to do something way above his level and way above yours! 
 "awareness" - the need for calm.  maintain boundaries in order to create focus, both in yourself and your horse.  ladder jumping - the art of waiting   timing/feel   come
Managing space around other horses
THINK!
Let's Get Going! Let's Get knowledge, Let's get committed to going for better, Let's get headed for Exceptional, Let's get confidence,  Let's get refinement, Let's get skills and garner a ton of fun. Call or email me to schedule a lesson, training session, phone or email lesson/consultation today.
Don't forget to check the blog for more training and put in your questions and comments!

Sincerely,
ME

Lauren Woodard
ExceptionalHorsemanship.com
Lauren Woodard
Scottsdale, Arizona 85254