Becky's First Ct Workshop

[Heather]

And for those who were there yesterday and saw Fanta's Spanish walk, I said he does Spanish trot better on the outdoor school for some reason- see what I mean? :lol:  

[Becky holden]

Thank you all for your kind comments and a special "thank you" Heather!! Being here at Eastleigh is a chance of a life time. To think 4 years ago i almost gave up on horses. I honestly cant put into words what being here means to me, i feel i'm on an ever lasting holiday!!
I'm really pleased that everyone enjoyed the workshop and thank you all for leaving me with bags of confidence for my next one, I knew i would be ok once i'd begun but was still really nervous to begin with.

Can't wait for the next one now,  :P

Becky  

[Heather]

Hi All,

Well working with Becky was something I had planned for a long time, but the time and circumstances were never right for either of us, until earlier this year when it all seemed to fall into place.

Becky and I think 100% alike in our approach to training, which makes it fun and rewarding for both of us. I hope that now, with my  a hefty shove from me, :lol:  her skills will get the recognition they deserve!!


Heather

[mrsmurchin]

I'd just like to reiterate everything everyone else has said, and THANK YOU!  I had such a fantastic 3 days, it really was worth the 6 hour drive there and back!

After I got back, I haven't been feeling too well (got a cold - sniff!), so haven't really felt like riding (although I'm desperate to show off my new found skills!), so, after an inspiring day on Saturday, I thought I'd try clicker with Genie again after not doing it for nearly 12 months.  I took her into the outdoor school and she soon clicked on (no pun intended!) to what we were doing.  In fact, as soon as she saw the bum bag and target, she knew!  Only managed about 5/10 mins as I didn't want to do too much first session and I didn't have any 'special' treats to reinforce really good behaviour, although carrots are enough for her.  I soon had her following the target around (a toy sheep tied to a whip), even getting her to trot on command.  She still hasn't cottoned on to the fact that she can stop once she has been clicked, she is so desperate to please.

When we got back into the stable, her attitude was totally different.  Normally when I've been away a few days, she tends to sulk a little bit, like I'd left her forever, then makes me feel guilty!  However, I can't quite explain it properly, but she was so intune with me it felt quite strange.  She was more attentive, really relaxed and I got the feeling she was actually enjoying having me around (it's been a little bit strained recently due to personal problems).  I don't doubt that the clicker helped and I shall certainly be doing more over the coming weeks, hopefully intergrating it with ridden work (now that I can feel my confidence returning - big thanks go to Kim, Naomi, Gill and especially Heather on the equisim course for that!).

So if any of you can get on one of Becky's clicker days, GO! You won't regret it, you'll learn loads and certainly see just how soft and expressive horses can be when they are allowed to make choices and get rewarded for it at the same time.  It was totally inspiring to see the relationships people can have with these special empathic creatures, it has certainly given me something to aim for.

Elaine.

[shoveltrash]

wow - it sounds fantastic.

you know, there's going to come a time when i'm SO jealous that i can't take participating in a UK forum anymore......... :(
 
list of things i can't have (in the States):
Heather's course
Heather's saddle
and now...
the CT Workshop

bah humbug!
T.