December 2011 Newsletter
Hi everyone,Firstly I would like to thank you for your continued support of my new venture. I now have a livery pony staying at my base called Alfie whose breed is Kaimanawa. Another landmark moment for me has been my first training livery who stayed for three weeks.
We are well into spring now with summer just around the corner and of course the 4 seasons in one day can be a common occurrence at this time of year - today it was overcast, raining and now the sun has come out!!! The longer lighter evenings are definitely a bonus for us that have horses to care for on top of jobs, family and other commitments.
The Court Road base is continuing to provide a good environment for both horse and rider to learn in. The round pen has been very useful for Ollie’s training where he can get used to the 7 games on the ground in a restricted space without a saddle or much on his back. He has gained confidence in lots of areas and is very respectful of a person’s space with only a light feel needed for me to be the leader and move his feet in the direction I want him to go. I have simulated a rider on his back by hanging chaff sacks filled with old duvets either side of the saddle which he has breezed through and last weekend sat on his back for the first time. I have also taken him to 2 In Hand horse shows and he has won ribbons including a first in many of the classes we have competed in.
Bash is still being a great ambassador for Natural Horsemanship generally and my business in particular. He continues to give people a wonderful experience of this style of being with horses. Those who have played with him have commented on how connected they feel as well as how little they need to do physically for him to respond to their ask. Thank you Bash for all you are doing.
The Open Day I held recently was a wonderful success. I am very grateful to those of you who supported my first marketing ‘event’ either by coming, helping with the various jobs to be done or your words of encouragement if you were unable to make it. A big thanks go to Blythe and Sally Carroll who ran the pony rides side of it for me with one of Blythe’s friends. Bash and Ollie were my 2 demonstration horses and coped very well with the extra people around, microphone attached to me, speakers, music, etc. I demonstrated the 7 ground games with Ollie using a rope halter and natural 12 foot lead rope then progressed to Bash who had nothing on except his saddle. With Bash I verified how you don’t need to be ‘attached’ to your horse physically but this can happen emotionally/mentally where they want to be with you out of their own free will both on the ground and in the saddle. My final ‘trick’ was to stand on Bash’s back !!! A video of these demonstrations will be on the website (www.abiricketts.com) and You Tube soon.
I have several ideas in the pipeline including fun rides for those wanting to ride with others exploring the local countryside as well as one or two day clinics and much more. Please contact me if you have any suggestions that you would like to see happen.
EVENTS
FUN RIDES OUT FOR THOSE WITH THEIR OWN HORSES.
The idea is to come along and explore the local countryside together with our 4 legged friends also to share in some food/drink at the beginning or end of the ride. My aim is to provide an opportunity for those with no one to ride with or horses that need some education while being in a group to meet and get to know each other. These will be guided rides with coaching available if requested but Abi’s Natural Horsemanship will take no responsibility for people, possessions or horses that take part in this event. If there is enough interest these will be run on a regular basis. Also if you would like to provide a venue for one or more of these rides please contact me and the rider fee will be waived.
| Venue: | Abi’s Natural Horsemanship base, Court Road (off Raineys Road) near Lincoln |
| Date: | Saturday 10th December 2011 |
| Time: | 12 midday for pot luck lunch then ride out at 1.30pm |
| Cost: | $15 per rider |
| What to bring: | Something for the pot luck lunch and all you/your horse requires for the ride out. |
| Extra information: | There is plenty of off road parking for vehicles/floats at my base and you can join in for as much or as little of the afternoon as you want to. |
CHRISTMAS/NEW YEAR SPECIAL DEAL
A great present for those who want to learn about horses the natural way and extend their knowledge about all things horsey. Purchase 4 lessons and get the first one free.
4 x 1 hour lessons at Court Road base - $135
4 x 1 hour lessons at your own paddock - $120 plus mileage for all 4 sessions
4 x 2 hour lessons at Court Road base - $225
4 x 2 hour lessons at your own paddock - $210 plus mileage for all 4 sessions
Please note: The lessons need to be pre-paid and all lessons in this deal expire on the 31st January.
I have included an article, which I have written, on “An Introduction To How Horses Think” for your information.
Items to include on the website (testimonials, pictures, etc) are always welcomed and will only be added with your permission. I would very much value your feedback on your experience of Abi's Natural Horsemanship, improvements that can be made and any other comments you may have to further grow and develop this Natural Horsemanship venture.
I look forward to staying in touch with you all,
Abi