Welcome to Stay in the Saddle Archives  

Home Page Articles:

6/23/2010
 

Welcome to the best true western riding resource on the web!  Our mission and our purpose is to help you – ride better, feel more comfortable and more confident, and have a better relationship with your horse.  It all starts with YOU, and we are here to help YOU!

We’re still awaiting the exciting changes on our site and working through the growth that we are experiencing.  Thank you for being patient!  This month’s article is of what’s been going on here at Stay in the Saddle and the little lessons along the way.

What We Can Learn from Each Other

This year began with some pretty cold weather here in Oklahoma, but my die-hard riding students continued to ride thanks to the comfort of our indoor arena.  We started our spring clinic schedule with a Horse Owner Clinic, then progressed to the beginning riding clinics, and then onto cattle including our NM clinics.  We also hosted a Cub Scout graduation program where they played games and rode horses.  And I have to say:  I am so proud of the students, the clinic participants, and the boy scouts for their hard work and desire to learn.

First, let me tell you about Little K.  She began riding lessons in March of 2009.  She was a quick-study and picked up everything I taught in a very short time.  She was on her way, and she really like to go fast. . .  Well, jump ahead to August of 2009:  she was at a playday on her grandmother’s horse and while the horse was being a bit obstinant, she persevered.  The horse then, upon getting irritated by being made to do something, bolted to the gate at top speed and Little K forgot her interest in going fast. . . and was thrown over the gate as the horse jammed to a stop.  This began the long road back to building back everything she had learned and regaining that lost confidence.

After getting her cast off her arm (yep, she broke it), we spent the fall and winter doing lots of slow work and lots of bareback riding.  Because of fear, she had developed a tendency to lean forward whenever she got uncomfortable or scared.  With that forward position, you can never truly balance. . . So, we worked and worked and worked.  There were tears.  There were times she didn’t want to go on.  There were times that her parents surely wondered if I’d ever get her back to where she had been.  Lots of patience and encouragement on my part, because I do not believe in bullying or belittling, and a lot of trust on Little K’s part, because she had to – we got it done.  In fact, now she is going faster, doing more, and has more real confidence than she ever had before.

Going through something scary and surviving should make us more knowledgeable.  With that knowledge and the USE of that knowledge, we should improve.  We cannot let the little things beat us.  Perseverence is the name of the game.  And Little K’s got it!

Next, there is Miss J.  She first came to Stay in the Saddle early this spring to get her confidence back.  She was very careful not to divulge too much information about her past riding, but from what I gather – she was a high level dressage/jumper/etc. that had a very bad accident.  She had broke her T12 vertebrae (didn’t tell me how long ago) and would now experience panic attacks while riding since recovering. . .  She didn’t want me to know too much (or expect too much of her) and just wanted me to teach her what I knew. . .  She had a gorgeous little Paso Fino whom she loved, but would be fearful to even walk on him some days.  Her fear was debilitating.  But her love of horses and riding pushed her to keep on. 

We worked for a few lessons on my horse, Prince.  Her seat was good and you could tell that she was certainly not new to horses.  I convinced her to drop her stirrups a notch or two.  We talked about the feel of the horse, following its spine back at a walk and trot.  Just putting a new perspective in her mind helped her to feel comfortable.  In the third lesson, we worked up to loping.  She seemed very tentative, but willing.  Again, it was all about reminding her of the motion of the horse and that we should follow the “down and under” motion, and not pitch forward in an up and over mortion.  She did wonderfully.  She informed me that day that she had not loped in 15 years due to that accident.

Well, since this monumental lesson, she has rode her own horse for lessons, participated in a beginning cattle clinic on her horse, and enjoyed riding on her own at home.  Another case of perseverance.

I have one student that started riding last November for the first time, and it was to be able to ride with a new friend of hers.  Cat is a very fit and athletic woman and took to riding very easily.  She realized that horses were something she enjoyed despite of her friend, and that she wanted to ride no matter what.  This spring, she has participated in all of our cattle clinics, she accompanied us out to New Mexico and got to ride out in the desert, and now goes with her friend whenever he goes to ride.

Cat has had a very good experience in riding and hasn’t had to deal with any major setbacks, but because of the solid foundation that she is building - should she have an unfortunate situation – she’ll be able to deal with it, learn from it, and continue on in her riding.  Currently, she is progressing in her assertiveness as a horseman and choosing to begin observing Dale in his colt-starting endeavors.  The sky is the limit!

In a recent clinic we did for the Turquoise Trail Wranglers 4-H Club in Santa Fe, I got to work with a young lady who was new to riding and doing really pretty well.  We worked a lot on posture and sitting up tall with heels below knees.  In a previous clinic she rode someone else’s horse and didn’t have much fun at all, but now she had her own horse.  He was a sweet older buckskin and they were just learning each other.  He was older and (in my opinion) didn’t want to work to hard, so as we were working on loping he gave a couple good crow-hops.  She stayed with him, and even giggled a bit.  As the day progressed, we went on to doing obstacle work.  She and her horse did really well through the course, but periodically he would really try her.  By the end of the day, he had tried her at least 5 or 6 times with anything from crow-hopping to bolting.  She never came off of the horse.  Of course her confidence was taking a beating, but she persevered.  I got to work with her again in a private lesson the next day. . . And while she’ll have to work hard to overcome the slight fear that her horse has set in, her perseverance (and love of her horse) will get her through.

I could continue on and on with stories of my students, some with extreme stories and others that are probably more common.  One thing is certain, we can learn from all good horsemen and women – that a person must demonstrate perseverance through whatever the situation.  Safety is always a priority and you should be aware to eliminate unnecessary risks, but beyond that – it is really up to you and your commitment to riding and horsemanship.

We can help with this!  If you have questions, or need an opinion, email us.  If you feel like you could really use a brush up on basic skills, or want to improve your riding style – the BASIC WESTERN Horsemanship and Riding Lessons instructional materials (on the Store Page) can help you spring into that confident and skillful rider that you always wanted to be.  We are here for YOU!

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Upcoming Events:

June 25:  Kids Night - 6-8 p.m. (weather permitting outdoors, or indoor arena)

Games, relays, and maybe some cattle. . .  Youth (ages 15 and below) are encouraged to bring their own horses to play and have fun with other kids a horseback.  We will plan to use the outdoor arena, but if need be will be indoors.  I only have a very limited number of horses to be used for these events, so if you do not have a horse - you need to reserve one and possibly share with another student on the Kids Night.  Only current Stay in the Saddle students will be allowed to use and ride Stay in the Saddle horses.  WE PLAN TO DO "KIDS NIGHTS" ONCE PER MONTH.  $15/child

July 9:  Arena Night - 6-9 p.m.  (weather permitting outdoors)

Bring your own horse, ride, get help riding, play on cattle, whatever makes you safe and your horse happy (or vice versa).  We will be in the outdoor arena weather permitting, having cattle on one end of the arena, and an open area to ride and work in the other end.  Dale and Janel will be available to help you with your riding or your horse as well as coordinate teams and games if that is what the group decides to do.  All horses must have negative coggins to participate.  No dogs.  No studs.  No bad language.  :)  WE WILL BE PLANNING MORE NIGHTS AS WEATHER AND TIME PERMIT, SO WATCH FOR ADDED "ARENA NIGHTS" ANNOUNCEMENTS.  $10/ride  $20/ride with cattle

July 16-18:  Camp and Ride @ Blue Creek on Oolagah (weather permitting, and trails not too muddy)

In our effort to get out and ride more, we're planning a weekend to camp out at Blue Creek on Oolagah (horse campgrounds on the east side of Oolagah Lake).  There is some flat trail riding, and if the trails are cleared and not too muddy, we can ride over to Kite Hill for some hill riding (some steep).  Dale may cook a cowboy meal or two, but more details on that to come.  :)  We plan to arrive and set up Friday evening, ride Saturday and Sunday mornings, and leave Sunday afternoon.  We will NOT be reserving the campgrounds so each party will have to reserve and pay for their own spot (I'll get details and costs later).  There will be an RSVP for meals that Dale cooks - and a charge for those meals to help defray costs. . .  But the eatin' will be GOOD!  Horses should be shod for the hill riding as it can be rocky, but the flat riding is fine for unshod horses.

July 23:  Kids Night - 6-8 p.m. (weather permitting outdoors, or indoor arena)

August 6:  Arena Night - 6-9 p.m.  (weather permitting outdoors)

August 27:  Kids Night - 6-8 p.m. (weather permitting outdoors, or indoor arena)

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Have a safe and COOL summer!  Lots of cool, fresh water – for both your horse and you!

Welcome to the best true western riding resource on the web! 

If you are looking for more comfort on your horse, more connection with your horse, and more confidence in your life - you have found us!  Stay in the Saddle offers a different method of western riding instruction - which you will find furthers your riding like none other.  We offer riding lessons, BASIC WESTERN Horsemanship and Riding Lessons DVD and Manual instructional materials (click on Store Page), and an opportunity to post questions or email Janel Brookshire directly.  Stay in the Saddle is here to help YOU, so let us know how we can make your riding experience more enjoyable and more functional!

Please be patient as we are undergoing some very exciting changes on our website.  The Store Page still features our BASIC WESTERN Horsemanship and Riding Lessons DVD and Manual, not to mention some cool hoodies, caps and fleece vests.  If you want some good reading and good information, please visit our Home Page Archives (click the link at the bottom of the page).  And remember to check back often, as new information is updated and soon we will be offering video riding lessons online! 

For now, we have posted our Spring 2010 Clinic Schedule on this page.  And soon, we’ll be offering “Ride Nights” to use the arena and have Dale or Janel help you with your riding, or maybe get your horse on cattle if you’d like to try something new.  Also, due to our very successful youth clinics, we are planning to do some Fun Nights for the youth to meet other riders, play games, run relays and whatever else strikes our fancy.  Good fun and great horses and new friends!

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Spring 2010 Upcoming Events: 

Beginning Cattle Clinic – April 10, 2010  2-5 p.m.

By popular demand, this clinic will feature working with Janel Brookshire in developing an improved seat at the trot and lope in the first portion, and working with Dale Brookshire in the latter portion on working cattle a horseback.  A lot of fun and a lot of learning.  Weather permitting, this clinic will be outdoors to accommodate more riders. $75/participant 

Benefit Trail Ride for March of Dimes – April 17, 2010 (Stillwater, OK)

RIDING TO SAVE BABIES TRAIL RIDE
Tyler’s Tribute holds Sixth Annul Trail Ride to Save Babies:  On Saturday, April 17th, 2010, at Lake Carl Blackwell, horse lovers can enjoy a one-day outing, along with prizes and great food! All money is given to help the lifesaving programs of the March of Dimes. Individual prizes will be given for the adult and youth that raises the most money, along with all participants being registered for prize drawings. Riders will return for food, drinks and entertainment around 6 PM at the campgrounds.
The “Ride to Save Babies” is a fundraiser for the March of Dimes, an organization which helps to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature births, and infant mortality. You can help to save babies from these threats to their health just by saddling up and joining this benefit ride.
For more information, registration, or any questions, contact Mendi Cronister by email rockin_mr@hotmail.com  or call 580-370-8890 or 580-336-4945. Donations can be mailed directly to Mendi Cronister 26100 CR 60, Orlando, OK 73073

Intermediate Cattle Clinic – May 8, 2010   2-5 p.m.

If you thought the first Cattle Clinic was a blast, be prepared for more entertainment and more speed (if that’s your thing)!  Learn how to get more participation from your horse by asking more from him and allowing him to be the athlete that he is.  Not to mention, a beginning look into cutting, penning and roping as it relates to ranch work.  Hard work and fun, all rolled up into one!  Weather permitting, we will use the outdoor arena.   $75/participant

Spring Riding Tune-Up – May 15, 2010  (time TBA) – SANTA FE, NM

Hosted by the Crossed Arrows Ranch in beautiful Santa Fe, New Mexico, Janel Brookshire will work with riders in developing a true western seat and experience a whole new comfort and appreciation for western riding.  Topics to be covered:  Tack, safety, posture, walk, trot and lope.  Every person and every horse can benefit by this informative clinic.  A lot of fun and a lot of learning.  $60/participant

Beginning Cattle Clinic – May 22, 2010  (time TBA) – SANTA FE, NM

By popular demand, this clinic at the Crossed Arrows Ranch will feature working with Janel Brookshire in developing an improved seat at the trot and lope in the first portion, and working with Dale Brookshire in the latter portion on working cattle a horseback.  Great introduction to cattle for both horse and rider.  According to previous participants - a great experience and worth the time and price.  $60/participant

***All events are held at the Cactus Bars Ranch, in the Stay in the Saddle indoor arena, unless otherwise noted.  To reserve your spot, all clinic participants are required to commit a 50% deposit which can be mailed to Stay in the Saddle, 16553 E. 410 Rd., Claremore, OK  74017.

***Call 918-283-1225 with any questions or for more information. 

***Driving directions:  north on Hwy 66 from Claremore about 7.5 miles, turn east on E 410, indoor arena will be on the north side of road.

***And please watch for event updates as we plan to offer a lot more, including riding clinics near Santa Fe, NM, and in Florida, instructor training workshops, and benefit rides for Breast Cancer Awareness, Domestic Violence, and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  Not to mention website improvements including Lessons Online!

Previous   Next

 Copyright 2006 Stay In The Saddle. All rights reserved.