Why We Love Our Horses

 

Let Us Count the Ways...

 

by Jasmine Minbashian, Associate Director

 

1. They’re emotionally intelligent

Being prey animals, horses are fine-tuned to our emotions and body language. They are incredibly perceptive and sensitive creatures. They can tell if we are stressed and agitated (a hungry lion looking for our next meal) or happy and relaxed (a resting lion getting up for a stretch).

 

They give us feedback appropriate for those emotions, like holding up a mirror to our soul. Sometimes they know how we're feeling before we're even aware ourselves. This is what makes them the perfect teachers for us imperfect humans.

2. They get us outside

The daily requirements of caring for a horse forces us to get exercise every day and keeps us on a

healthy routine: waking up early, mucking manure, lifting hay bales, carrying saddles, and exercising our horse. All this work keeps us healthy both physically and mentally. When we spend time outside with horses we are truly in touch with all the best Mother Nature has to offer!

 

3. They are generous

 

Time and again we have witnessed one of our lesson horses act as a complete saint for one of our young beginner riders, but on that very same day, challenge a more experienced, older rider.

 

Horses are intelligent animals (see reason #1). They know when its time to be gentle and when its time to push back. When treated fairly and kindly, horses can grow to be incredible partners with us humans, accomplishing incredible feats in the world of horse sports.

 

Their incredible power reminds us to be humble. Just this morning, I watched our most gentle lesson horse, Ginger, sprint at a full gallop to come get her hay. It gave me a not so subtle reminder that despite her bunny rabbit demeanor, she is after all filled with incredible horse power. I stood their in awe marveling at her sheer strength and beauty.  And because of their power, I have come to learn that horses will NOT do anything they absolutely do NOT want to do. So when they go trotting off in their second or even third beginner lesson of the day - it is because they are generous and kind and willing. At MVRU, we are very lucky to have a string of very generous and kind lesson horses for whom we are extremely grateful.

 

So do yourself a favor and go out and love a horse! If you don't have one to love, we have plenty to choose from at MVRU. If you are lucky to love one already, then make an extra commitment to provide the best care for your friend this coming year. Your horse - and your body and mind - will thank you!

Learning to lead a younger generation

By Kierra Reichert,
MVRU junior team member and volunteer

Kierra assisting a young rider at Little Star Horse Camp

This spring and summer, in addition to riding, I have also been helping with younger kids’ lessons.  I started working in these lessons about two years ago. It’s been a great learning experience and a way to look at my growth as a horse person and part of the ranch. When I was first starting lessons at the ranch, I was always looking up to and following the older girls. They helped me groom the horse, they led me in the lessons, they offered bits of advice and help all the time. Growing up to be one of those girls is a really special experience. I still look up to and follow the older girls who are my role models; but also being able to teach, help, and lead a younger generation in their own love of horses is in itself a learning curve and step up in horsemanship.

Through working with younger ‘horsey’ kids, it has been interesting to see each kid’s interaction with the horses. Some are bolder, and have either been around horses before or are more confident in new situations. Some are much more timid, and don’t gain their confidence until they have spent a significant amount of time around the horses. Sometimes a kid will pick out one horse that they will grow with and build their confidence around, while others like to experience many different horses, learning as they go with each new horse. It is also interesting to see how sometimes, a kid will suddenly decide they prefer a different horse after just seeing it. For instance, when I was helping with the Little Star Camp earlier in the season, I was working with a very timid, quiet little girl, who wasn’t very comfortable around horses yet. She had just come from a lesson on Ginger, who is extremely well behaved and loves little kids, and was now scheduled to ride Little Black. She brought her grooming bucket out to him, and I introduced her.  As soon as she had tentatively patted his shoulder and Annie came by and said “and look- he’s just your size!”, there was a change.  She looked at him, nodded and began grooming him quite enthusiastically. Just because Little Black was about one hand shorter than Ginger, she felt more comfortable. Each day of camp after that, she asked to see Little Black. 

Good friends: Kierra and Little Black

  This demonstrates in many lights how horses will play a big role in the development of people of all ages. Being around horses empowers and builds the confidence of people, while still posing a challenge and also awareness for another animal.  Just like the little girl, sometimes it takes time and just the right words or moments to make a change; or with others, it may happen even more gradually, just through spending time with these exquisite animals. 

Looking back on my progress, reflected in various ways in each of these young riders, it is really interesting to see how their original attitudes affect their first experience, then change, or sometimes build, through more of their time with horses. Working in the younger kids’ lessons has helped me truly understand how to work with the horse, while balancing that with the needs and ability of the rider; important skills that have helped me in my lessons.

Stepping up: Kierra Reichert takes it to the next level

Team member and MVRU volunteer, Kierra Reichert attended her very first horse show earlier this month as a competitor and more recently joined the team on an outing to Spokane Sporthorse Farm to test her skills on their magnificent cross country course. She took the time to write about her experience as an up and coming rider. We are impressed with her focus and growth in the last few months! A huge thank you to the individuals who have helped sponsor her participation on the team.

On the 15th-17th of June, I was privileged with the amazing opportunity of coming along on the team’s cross-country schooling trip to Spokane Sport Horse Farm. I got to take an extraordinary, well trained and super fun pony named Finesse, who I have been quarter leasing for a while. I learned so much during the trip to Spokane, and feel that it marks an overall step up in my riding and knowledge of horse showing.

While at Spokane, I had complete responsibility of Finesse, which was a huge leap in my usual tasks of horse keeping while at an event. While at the Farm, I had three lessons, not including the much needed bandaging lesson on the first day there. In my Stadium lesson, I (mostly) memorized a full sized course of about eleven to twelve jumps for the first time, while jumping at a height that I felt was very appropriate to my level. The constant changing of directions in Stadium really gave me a feel for the first time of what canter lead I should be on, and how it matters to having a successful jump, as well as what it feels like to be on the wrong lead and be able to control that factor. Canter leads were something I had always taken for granted, mainly because Finesse is so good about them and it was never really a problem for us.

In my two cross-country lessons I learned that I had to focus more on balancing and slowing down

Kierra riding her first ditch. Finesse says, "I got this!"

my usually lazy mare. Throughout the lessons we had trouble with coming at jumps like a ‘motorcycle’! I had to work a lot harder with my half-halts and lines than I usually do because of the habit we had made of careening around turns and just barely making it over the corner of most jumps. I am very happy with my cross-country lessons because I got to try three new elements that appear often on cross-country courses: the ditch, a corner, and the down bank. I am so happy to have such a pro pony to ride! I was slightly nervous about the down bank, but soon learned that if ridden correctly, it was no big deal! Finesse was also a huge help especially on the new elements- she taught me to ride them while still making sure that they were jumped successfully every time!

Finesse is an older mare, and since the only time I have ridden her off of the Ranch was at a small dressage show, I still had (and have) a lot to learn about taking care of her when we are doing more strenuous work than dressage. The bandaging lesson proved useful that very first evening when Fin’s fetlocks began to show the swelling that was expected of her after a long, hard day’s work. In taking care of Finesse I learned to adequately cold-hose and wrap her legs in standing bandages, as well as becoming more aware of how much swelling her legs would usually hold after that amount of work.

Kierra practices bandaging Fin

I learned a lot during the Spokane ‘outing’, and am looking forward to spending more time and growing as a rider and person with Finesse. I am looking forward to grooming and learning at more shows and clinics this year, and hopefully competing again before the season is over. I’m so happy that I could come along to Spokane, and think that it really shed light on all that is possible to achieve through time and commitment.

Thank you: Annie, for coaching me, Tulie, for being an amazing example of excellent riding, Bob, for helping me with my dinner expenses, and most of all Finesse, for always trying so hard with everything I ask of her, and teaching me new things along the way.

MVRU Riders earn top spots at Appleatchee

Twelve riders and eight horses representing Methow Valley Riding Unlimited’s equestrian team traveled to Wenatchee last weekend to compete in the Appleatchee Riders Dressage Show. The show has been an annual tradition for the team since 2001, offering an opportunity for young and new riders to experience their first show.

“It was a tremendous learning experience. We had riders ranging in age from 4 to 68," said head coach Annie Budiselich. "Four of those riders were doing their first dressage show. It was hard work in the intense heat but it built camaraderie.”

Highlights from the weekend included many first and second place ribbons, including three riders receiving high score awards:

·       Sydney Schuler, 13 of Winthrop riding Buttons, a Percheron  cross owned by Methow Valley Riding Unlimited;

·       Tulie Budiselich 20, of Twisp, riding Willy, a Haflinger owned by Cindy Mackie, and

·        Alexis Larson, 12, of Kirkland, riding Sparks Fly, a Welsh/Welsh Cob also owned by Methow Valley Riding Unlimited.

Hana and her proud mama Jasmine

Hana Werntz, age 4 of Twisp, competed in her first horse show, trotting with Sparks Fly to Katy Perry’s “Firework” while dressed in a blue tutu.

Three other team members also experienced their first dressage show: Kierra Reichert, 12, of Winthrop, Kristy Vieth, 14 of Twisp, and Pippa Smith, 9, of Riverside, WA, all earning ribbons for their performances at the introductory level. Reichert placed first in her equitation class on MV Finesse, a Morgan-quarter horse cross owned by Methow Valley Riding Unlimited.

Riders await results of equitation class.

Adult riders competing included Bob Levy, 63, of Winthrop on his Irish Sporthorse Paddy, Jasmine Minbashian, 45, of Twisp, riding thoroughbred Wyatt Russian owned by Annie Budiselich and Bob Levy, Cathy Upper, 63, of Winthrop, riding Forest, a thoroughbred owned by Tulie Budiselich, and Cindy Mackie, 68, of Winthrop riding her Haflinger, Willy. Team coaches Annie and Tulie Budiselich also competed at first and second levels respectively.

Mackie and Tulie Budiselich also rode a Western dressage test, which is similar to English dressage but the test is ridden in Western tack with a “soft feel.”

Tulie got high point doing western dressage on Willy

Dressage is a term that comes from the French word meaning "training" and its purpose is to develop the horse’s natural athletic ability and willingness to work, making him calm, supple and attentive to his rider. When the series of movements are performed well, there is an impression of the horse 'dancing' with their rider.

In dressage competitions, horse and rider perform a “test” comprised of a series of movements appropriate for their level of training while being scored by a judge.  Scores are given as a percentage and scores above 60% show proficiency at that level. 

MVRU wants to extend a HUGE thank you to the parents who helped make this trip possible. We couldn't do it without your support! A very special thanks to Deb Schuler and Nancy Juergens for being our most excellent camp hosts. And last but not least to Eli Smith for taking such great photos and sharing them with us.

 More of Eli's photos:
 

Jasmine and Wyatt Russian

Kierra and Finesse won their equitation class

Pippa on Sparks

Cathy and Forest rode a very relaxed test

Lexi showing off Sparks' free walk.

Spotlight: Allison Wolfe

by Annie B.

Allison Wolfe has been a steady presence at MVRU since I first met her over ten years ago. She came to us as a shy and quiet teenager, but she held a secret: what I would come to know and appreciate as her ‘determined way’. Her determination helped her pursue her desire to spend time with and around horses. She volunteered by care-taking horses, tack and equipment for a long time, observing, soaking it all up from the background, before I could convince her to actually have a lesson.

Alex Clayton, Allison, Kelly Schuh, Tulie Budiselich and Erin Schuh in 2009

To begin with, each and every lesson took lots of encouragement and she earned them through her volunteer time. Ever so slowly and gradually she became slightly more comfortable, less shy, and more accomplished at handling the horses, always preferring to have time alone with them to a lesson. As her skills and confidence built, she began to volunteer, ride more and quietly assist around the ranch in useful and knowledgeable ways.

Her confidence grew to the point that in the summer of 2007, she finally joined the staff. Her dedication to good horse care, attention to detail, and reliability make her invaluable as a horse care and stable manager. Over the years, she has become skilled at dressage, jumping, Natural Horsemanship, and working cattle, learning from a variety of sources: MVRU instructors, Jimmy Wofford and Buck Brannaman.

Allison honing her skills as an instructor

Even after graduating from high school and going off to college, she always came back to the ranch to be with her horses and people, in most cases working as much as possible. After college, Allison came back to work with us full-time and blossomed into a fantastic, thoughtful and skilled instructor not to mention honing her skills as one of the ranch's best cowhands. Today, she is continuing to challenge herself by pursuing her passion of becoming a Physical Therapist.

We recently had a chance to catch up with Allison and ask her about her experience at MVRU.

MVRU: What is your earliest memory of your time at the ranch?

AW: I started at MVRU volunteering just to get some horsey time. I remember sitting in the breeze way cleaning tack watching Annie teaching a lesson and watching to see what I could learn. I was incredibly quiet and shy when I started at MVRU. I loved the opportunity to just watch and pick up all the little details but I still got pushed to keep progressing.

MVRU: What is the most important thing you have learned from your time spent at the ranch?

AW: The most important thing I learned is that it takes hard work, perseverance and consistency to make improvement in your skills, in horse training and teaching. Skills I learned at the ranch have aided me in all other aspects of my life: from school to relationships.

Whatnot and Allison on a recent visit to the ranch

MVRU: Who is your favorite horse and why?

AW: Of course Whatnot is my favorite horse. He and I have gone through a development process together. He is a quirky character and came with quite a bit of baggage. He needed someone who would get through that wall he had built up. He and I have been through some scary situations together and we trust each other completely. He has become such a bombproof guy and is willing to try anything I ask of him. He is so much fun for cattle work and he becomes so aggressive and just loves his job, plus he has saved my bacon several times in the chute! I have to add that my favorites horses to teach with are Ginger and Buttons, those mares and I really work together to teach and they give my riders the amount of challenge they need while keeping everyone safe.

MVRU: What advice would you give to others who are just starting on their path with horses?

AW: My advice to riders starting out is to take any opportunity that comes your way. Ride different horses. Try jumping, dressage, cattle work, driving, groom at a school, audit a clinic, etc. You never know what you are going to learn. And take the time to develop your own methods. Don’t just jump on someone else's bandwagon. Take what you like from people and let the other stuff go.

We dream about the day when she may come back to us again, possibly as MVRU’s first in-house PT! We are so proud of you Allison. Your determined way will carry you far in life, hopefully on horseback.

The Wonderful World of Horses

The Wonderful World of Horses is a hands on, classroom style learning adventure for anyone eager to learn more general and specific information about horses. This winter four hardy and enthusiastic young ladies 6-9 years old have been attending the class every Wednesday. They are learning about horse breeds, nutrition and feeding practices, and the rhythm and footfalls of all the gaits. They have enjoyed the opportunity to engage with our horses in a different way...from the ground, not up in the saddle! Most importantly, they are connecting the dots, learning things that will maximize the experience of riding lessons later in the spring.

2014 - The Chinese Year of the Horse

We are looking forward to a terrific year!

Even though the snow is here and the horses are playing and resting up, we are planning ahead for Spring Session.

Currently we are hosting a Horsemanship Class for 6-8 year olds, studying horse breeds & sports, nutrition, the rhythm and footfalls of horse gaits and other fascinating things. It is inspiring to see how engaged and clever these young horsewomen are and how quickly they connect the dots! Stay tuned because Registration Information for Spring Session will be posted March 1st!

Late Fall & Winter Classes!
Designed to complement our horsemanship classes by providing learning time related to healthy horse-keeping practices and related subjects, these classes are intended for a broad audience ranging from complete beginners to experienced horse owners, both children and adults. Read more...

Feel & Influence

A note about horse riding and feel from Dr. Glass, MD, who practices at Northwest Child Neurology in Bothell and Bainbridge island. Horseback riding today:
 "More modern, classical equitation refers to the essential roles of "feel" and "influence," and these two elements serve as foundation for riding today.
"Feel" is the ability to perceive-subconsciously and consciously-the sensory input from the back of a horse: movement, speed, symmetry, position, tension, and many other attributes. After having felt this input, a rider may then "influence" the horse, and the horse's response will be largely determined by the appropriateness and clarity of the individual aid, calmness of the rider, focus of attention, and, most importantly, the timing of communication or readiness of the horse.
Influence occurs by the feeling the right time and the right manner. Like a toddler developing greater autonomy, understanding, and intention, a horse cannot rightfully be forced "to do", but a rider can set the stage and cultivate best choices in such a manner as to positively influence the horse's desire to perform.

Hence, riding is not simply a process of backing a horse and moving along, but rather a complex process of integrating sensory input ( the feel), motor output (the influence), communication (largely nonverbal, between horse and rider), and finally, the spiritual element that is paramount but more difficult to measure.