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Rain Rain Stay
Away!
I bet I'm not the only one ready for Spring
riding weather! As the sun finally peeks through the clouds
for a few days, I think everyone is getting antsy for Spring to
arrive. While we are real lucky to have a nice covered arena
here, let's face it, nothing beats working a horse with the sun on
your back and blue skies all above. Bring it on!
Despite all the rain storms, we've been working
in full gear. Usually this is a kind of a quiet season for us
but not this year. I'm starting discussions with a publisher
on my first book, which I've been working on for about eighteen
months. With luck that will be available later this year or
early 2005, so more on that later. And we are also just
getting ready to start production of my fourth video. I know,
I know... "finally, Charles!" Don't think I haven't heard many
of you ask me, "so when are you going to do another video?"
This one will be focused on solving pull-back problems. I have
to tell you, I'm real excited about this one too. Why? Because it
is such a common problem, can really become dangerous for the horse
and handler.... and yet it's a fairly straight forward process to
fix the problem. How common it really is became very clear
when we posted on the Bay Area Equestrian Network Internet chat
board seeking volunteer horses with pull-back problems. Well
within about 24 hours we had a couple of dozen e-mails from people
with horses that have varying degrees of a pull-back problem.
It's one of those things that people just kind of learn to live
with. It does not seem as problematic as bucking, rearing,
bolting, etc. But the truth is - it can be just as dangerous.
Anyway, we will be filming the video in late March and since they
are related topics, we will also be including overcoming headshyness,
cinchiness and handling legs and feet. The filming will incorporate some
de-spooking tactics as I review how to teach horses to tie safely
even when their emotional level is very high. I think we
should have enough volunteer horses to get it done real well.
In terms of expos and shows, in January Anne and I were at Equine Affair in
Pomona, and in a couple of weeks we head for the CA-AM Expo in
Toronto, followed by Paso Robles Expo in April and then last but not
least for shows in the next couple of months.... June of course
brings the
Western States HorsExpo. I am
a featured clinician this year and I hope to see a lot of you in
Sacramento.
Our clinics at the ranch seem to be filling
quickly this year, so you may want to check out the event calendar
now to see if there is anything you want to reserve a space for.
While we generally do not exceed the auditor slots, there are
definitely limited openings for horses and riders.
Also note, the format of the
colt-starting
clinic I am doing at the ranch has changed a bit.
We are now doing it as a full six day event and
limiting it to five horses and owners. I want to ensure
everyone gets plenty of attention and focus. If you know
someone who wants to be involved in starting their own horse and
getting the first rides going this summer, this is truly going to be
a phenomenal week. I think between all the topics we will be
covering, this will be as close to anything I've ever done in going
through my entire Ultimate Foundation Training program in one
concentrated, intense workshop. We have also decided for that
same reason, this event will be open only to a limited number
auditors by advance reservation. If someone want to learn hot
to start a horse under saddle.... this will be the place to do it.
And if you know someone who wants to watch the sessions, they should
contact us soon also.
Otherwise check out the list of upcoming clinics
below to see if there are any you may want to attend. Just a
reminder too that I will conduct private clinics on any topic at
your facility also. Just give ranch manager Karen Werth a call at
510-886-9000, she can review topics and our standard fee schedule.
Last but not least.... if you have a horse that I
helped you train (either at the ranch or by attending a clinic or
expo), please consider sending us a current photograph of you and
your horse, with a short blurb (your name, horse's name and a short
paragraph) about how you two are doing now. We'd like to add a
new section to the website with some real-life stories. Please
e-mail those to my website administrator at
mybandwidth@yahoo.com.
Wish you the very best Spring season. Enjoy
yourself!
Charles Wilhelm
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