Beyond the Waterhole Rituals Clinic – Mustang Memories
Dec 14th, 2012 by Carolyn Resnick
“In all domestic horses there is a wild horse spirit.
In all wild horses there is a domestic horse spirit.”
~C.Resnick
This is the message that I bring to the equestrian world … to help us understand, connect and train the true nature of horses.
Marchador, our ambassador to the language of horses.
The beautiful Mangalarga Marchador.
The weather this year for the Beyond the Waterhole Rituals clinic was beautiful, warm, and sunny for the first week, however for the last day we had a down pour. The class is now over and I want to share some highlights from our experiences. The class of 13 was amazing and life time friendships formed. At the half way point we went to Kedra Holderman’s ranch, my current working student, where we worked with her amazing herd of five mustangs ranging in age from one to five. Because the five horses live together in harmony the class was able to work with them together as a herd.
When we arrived I thought that we would be able to share territory with them safely for an hour. We could not do this because the herd was way to forward and a bit aggressive, so I had to come up with another plan. I went it alone. My first objective became keeping the horses away from me and it was a big task to accomplish but quickly I made my point clear with Kedra’s rooster apron she had fashioned just for that occasion. The herd was not at all intimidated by a whip or reed but with the apron they would move quickly away which became my safety. Little by little I got the respect I needed by shooing them with the apron. I worked between shooing them away and then making it up to them by giving treats. Then I focused on giving treats to the horses that would stay way to create a safe space to share with them. I then chose to invite a student in with me and work with each person until I got the whole class in the arena. Then we worked on moving the herd around with all of us in the arena; working together as a team. We all had fun including the horses! It was neat to see that a group gives an individual the ability to choose when they wanted to take an active roll. We were able to send the horses at a run and bring them to a halt easily from the carrots the horses were all looking to receive.
Order in the Herd!
Introducing the class to the herd one by one – before the dance.
The Mustang Dance.
Safety Lesson
It is important that when entering an area to work with horses you make sure that no horses are close to you. Getting in with a horse that is close to you at a fence makes it hard to shooo the horse away. A horse may take offense from you trying to shoo them away, and may try to kick “you” away instead. The way to enter an arena with a group of horses is to send the horse away so you are safe to enter or find a spot were you can enter that there are no horses in the immediate area. This way you have enough distance between you and the horses to keep your safe. Also you will have plenty of room to make a big statement with your body language that would keep the horses respectful of your personal space. Once a horse is close up to you it is harder to drive them way.
Elodie Juggles: Send away the bay and keep the palomino in place with body language, intent and the rooster apron. “It’s all about intent and feel”
Honey, my new teaching horse, was such a star and a good teacher because of his many ways of responding to the method. Every one got a chance to work with him when he was soft and willing to when he was resistant. Understanding this resistance is important when learning my method so you know what to do when you get home to your own horses. A student needs to experience a horse when he is responding perfectly as well as to experience what to do with a horse when they do not. Honey enjoyed the clinic. He got out alot of Nos and Yeses in with an abundance of treats.
Karen & Honey working out the details.
Christin & Honey Sharing Territory in the softer moments.
Linda always knew where to be in the center of the wheel to influence the performance of her horse.
Diane and her boots dancing with Honey.
Diane Companion Walking
Diane with Honey pausing in collection, which we call “pretty”.
Marchador started the beginning of the clinic Sharing Territory and doing what he likes doing best, he finished with the carrot game and go trot and come up. Maestro got to be in the clinic too! He taught the class how to move a horse around in rhythm with ease. The class also learnt the nuances of how advanced the gas pedal can be through working with Maestro.
Maestro, a Fire Spirit melting hearts. The misunderstood fire energy now understood.
I must add that Lad also made an appearance stealing the show. All of the horses made an appearance and played a part as a teaching aid but Honey did most of the work and got a song written about him! Marja and Jannie got together on the last night and surprised me with a song about Honey to the tune of “Money” by Abba. I told Honey about it and he was very pleased.
I also want to share with you a couple of responses to the written questions I asked my students during the morning meditations that were very moving to me… When asked “What is the purpose of Liberty Training horses?” … Christin answered: “Training horses at Liberty allows the horse to retain his autonomy, his wild and free heart and honors his place as teacher as he reflects all the ways we are, as we show him all the ways he is.” Kamille wrote “It allows for the willingness and the seeking and the relationship to blossom into the beauty that the two souls ultimately are searching for.”
There was many new horse and human sightings in the clinic and I am sure more to come when everyone returns home. I want to thank everyone in the class and my volunteers for supporting me in my work and wanting my program to grow while helping me move my teachings forward. Without all of your help it would not be possible for me to bring the next chapter in how to connect with horses as friends and companions and learning a new approach to Dressage without bits.
Training in the Round Pen – 3 speeds walk/trot/canter
Misty Morning Meditations with Marchador
Nia Groove Dance Class with Sharolyn
Double Lining: Starting a horse on a circle through relaxation
Lessons at the Hillside Arena with Carolyn
First I want to thank Sharolyn Wandzura, Teddie Ziegler, Kedra Holderman & her mother & their herd of 5 mustangs, Carol Caddes, Mena Canonico (great photos!), Shelly Martin and her great Black Wing essence remedies.
Teddie and Kedra chopped 35lbs of carrots!
I also want to thank the entire class for coming to California, for without you the joy would be only a dream. Here is a photo of our amazing group of helpers and Liberty Training Students: Anna-Karin Hägglund, Bonnie Beresford, Christin Staszesky Harper, Diane Morgan, Elodie Belz, Erica Dixon, Jannie Smit, Kamille Hottinger, Karen Frame, Leanne Tindal, Linda Holland, Lynn Punturiere, Marja van Run.
Thank you Anna-Karin for your vision of a school for children that nurtures their soul while growing their empathy for nature, animals and each other.
Thank you Bonnie for staying with me for all these years and enjoying the journey with your horses and the energy you brought to all of us.
Thank you Christin, it was so easy to coach you in my method, you have a natural way about you that the horses trusted.
Thank you Diane, I am looking forward to our continued journey together to find the strength within.
Thank you Elodie for your way with horses and your study of animal behavior and videos.
Thank you Erica for being you and bringing your up lifting energy to me and understanding my method as deeply as you do.
Thank you Jannie for your journey in dressage with horses with my method and sharing your artistic expression and thank you for making the fairy tale book I do so cherish.
Thank you Kamille, it was a pleasure to see your natural leadership style and personal power to shape the behavior of your horses when you felt the fear that you did.
Thank you Leanne for being a true student of the horse and your friendship and reaching past what you know to continue to stay a true student of the horse.
Thank you Lyn, I’m so excited about the possibilities of your leadership programs and wanting to share a new kind of leadership in the corporate world.
Thank you Linda for the bond we developed together. I so enjoyed how you knew where your center needs to be to influence a horse.
Thank you Karen, it was wonderful to work with you on your journey of connecting to the true nature of horses.
Thank you Marja for being a horse dancer extraordinaire and your beautiful videos and being a growing close friend. I hope the journey to my ranch was well worth it to you.
There will be more photos and videos on The Carolyn Resnick Method Facebook page – come join us!!
Would love to hear from my class about your experiences here on this blog so we can relive the wonderful memories and stay connected.
Have a great weekend and watch out for new horse and human sightings,
warmly,
Carolyn
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Dear Carolyn,
I made it back home again but my head space is still in Escondido.
I have had such a great time with a wonderful group of people and horses.
Now I have had a few days to digest some things we did at the clinic I start to realise that there is so much more that I have learned than I initially had thought I did. We did so much in the 8 days (and than as well the time I had with you after) that you need some time to let it all sink and things just pop up in my head that might not have been that obvious while I was there because there was so much going on. I think this will still keep occuring while I start working with my horses again (and hopefully with many more horses very soon) and I start to recognise things that I have experienced while my time with you and working with your horses.
For me it was great to see the details, the small things. I think I had a reasonable understanding of the WHR through your on-line course but to actually see you work with the horses and to work with you and get direct feedback was very valuable. Your body language was at times so fine and to see the horse respond to that was so great.
I am looking forward working with you in the future.
warm Regards
Jannie
Dear Carolyn,
It has been just days since the December Clinic and I am so astounded by the new sightings, both horse and human, that I’m experiencing.
The main change is in me. Last March I ventured out to your clinic because I was feeling so lost but determined to capture the essence of the Waterhole Rituals. I came home from that clinic believing in the dream. Since the December clinic I have experienced the magic.
It is a blustery, cold day here in Texas; it is also 61st birthday. Today I feel like a little girl, a little girl playing Princess out in the field with her three minis and two gorgeous big geldings.
We started the day with the Hello ritual, each greeting each other with a bow of honor. Each mini, (Winston, the paint; Ruby, the chestnut mare; Oliver, the little donkey) said hello in their own sweet way.
Toby, the dark bay, a horse with a reputation for biting and kicking, offered his ‘hello’ with just one eye showing so I gently straightened his face and told him I prefer two eyes. He understood immediately, bowing his face for a scratch between the eyes.
Then I went to my prince, my Einstein. We said ‘hello’ after a little “Head Up, Head Down” reminder. (Next time I will be certain to say hello to him first.) I invited him to come play with me and in an instant we were totally in-sync Companion Walking. We walked into a near by paddock where I set a blue water barrel in the center. We proceeded to do the Clover Leaf pattern like we’ve been doing it together all our lives, even though the day before yesterday was the first time!
This all may sound silly and trivial but Companion Walking seemed so far beyond reach for us. Now it is as natural as the sun shining in Texas.
So thank you for the best birthday present ever, the gift of confidence and the gift of the Waterhole Rituals. Who knows, I just may put a saddle on the old boy on New Year’s Day!
With deep love, affection and humility,
Wishing you the Merriest Christmas and a Glorious New Year,
Diane (Morgan)
Dear Carolyn
The jet lag has finally lifted & now my brain works again..
Thank you a million times for being you! The whole clinic was like a hugely indulgent chocolate cake with a big thick filling of lusciousness
!! You not only put the icing on the top, but a big cherry as well. I simply could not be happier. I feel confident in that I have a complete package of horse ‘training’ to work with – from first connections through to the horse getting the job done with enjoyment & willingness. & carrots (that was my wee line in the song about the carrots)!! Kedra’s Mustangs were a special treat & I am asking those who have no idea what to buy me for Christmas to get me a big filly apron! I cannot wait to see the horses’ faces..
It was truly inspirational. & it was so wonderful to finally meet all the other strong women taking part – friends for life. We Euros will hopefully have a few reunions..
Hugs & warmest wishes
Erica
Dear Carolyn,
I’ve made it home safe and sound and can you believe it is snowing?! (All be it very little my it is a shock to the system!) I’m still on the coast of Canada so it is wet snow but soon I will be in the prairies with -40C and snow piled 4 feet high to clear walkways! At least the snowy photos are pretty.
I miss you already and look forward to see you in the spring for another amazing adventure basking in the glow of your “OneWomanHorsemanship”. Being your apprentice and “organizational shadow” gives me great joy.
Meeting all the amazing horse women at the Beyond The Waterhole Rituals Clinic this past week has been exhilarating, it is great to see how far your Method reaches and how it brings people together.
Much love and whoopy wang from 2200 km away,
hugs,
Sharolyn
Dear Carolyn,
I can’t thank you enough for yet another wonderful BTWHR clinic, and for the lovely personal thoughts you wrote down for each of us
.
There were so many great things in this clinic for me, regarding human-human as well as horse-human relationships. I can never learn enough and will never get bored with all the details of your teachings. The deepening of my understanding just keeps going on and on and on.
I thought I ‘knew’ about the importance of giving the horse their own job and responsibility but not until this clinic did the penny REALLY drop by watching all the work you did with the horses that really showed what it means to do as little as possible and let the horse work things out on their own. That creates the truly featherlight and thinking horse!
I so enjoyed finally meeting all my Ning friends; this group felt like such a peaceful harmonious herd. A heartfelt THANK YOU to each one of you for your companionship and for sharing who you are. A special thanks to Christin for the wonderful yoga and partner-yoga class.
Thank you Sharolyn, Teddie, Kedra, Carol and Mena for your fabulous assistance in making this clinic possible!
And now here I am at home again, getting adjusted to the time difference (it’s 1:20 a.m. and I’m still wide awake!) and feeling inspired to go out and try all kinds of fun things with my horses (after a good night’s sleep
)!
With love and gratitude,
Marja
P.S. so happy that Honey was pleased with ‘his song’!
Dear Carolyn,
This clinic has given me inspiration to last a lifetime. The way you handled the mustangs was just one unforgettable memory of your skill at work. Watching you handle Marchador when he was out of sorts, and Honey that day he was so resistant, were invaluable learning experiences.
The episode with Jazz who was frantic at being separated from his buddy – well, seeing you make a connection with him and turn his attitude 180 degrees was worth the price of the clinic. And just as you predicted, that problem was GONE when he was brought back two days later and his attitude to his buddy was: “See ya later, I’m going back to that cool lady in the corral!”
Whenever I had a chance to practice something, you quickly saw what I needed to improve, and that feedback from you is something I could not have gotten any other way. And when I got it right, hearing you say “Good girl! There’s your horse.” was like winning the lottery. I am proud to say that I have been taught by a horsemaster.
I am lucky to have shared this time with a phenomenal group of women, and to finally meet face to face with dear friends I had only known through the internet until now.
Many blessings to you, Carolyn.
Peace to all.
Bonnie
Dear Carolyn,
I have arrived home in Switzerland after a very long trip, and I would like to thank you, Sharolyn, Teddy, Kedra, the horses and the whole class for this wonderful experience! I will never forget this time. Everything we did taught me something, and the greatest lessons were sometimes in the smallest details. I was very impressed by the demo you did with Jazz, this was really something I needed to see, and I enjoyed the work with the mustangs very much. How fast they learned! I was also very honoured to be able to work on free lungeing with Maestro. I will remember him as a “shining floating prince”. I will keep experimenting with different horses until I can get my own, and I will try to make some new videos soon!
Wish you a very nice week,
Elodie
Oh and I forgot: many thanks to Mena too for all the beautiful pictures!! I can’t wait to see the rest of them
Hi,
After a long journey i am back home in Sweden. Today I will go out and meet my horse Ameri Kahn and his sister Zaritsa. Tomorrow I will be back in school and meet all my children.
Thank you all for the GREAT and LOVELY time we shared !
I have been learning a lot about my self and how to work with horses and humans and THAT WE ALL ARE STRONGER THAN WE BELIVE!
Love to all of you and thank you Carolyn for teaching in the way you do it gives strength to my way of teaching!
Anna-Karin
It is a dream to be a part of this. Lovely.
Regina
wish i could have been there – how magical!
Thanks for sharing the spirit of the clinic and great pictures, nice to see everyone. It must have been a wonderful clinic (as expected)!
Toby
IC 2010, EC 2011
Dear Carolyn,
It is early California time back here at home in Texas on Sunday morning, the first morning home after the December clinic… as I remember the joy, protection and power I experienced with Marchador during the clinic… From sharing Meditation time, offering his Spanish walk when I gave him his carrot. to charging up and stopping so gracefully in Go Trot and Come Up, this last task in the pouring rain (me – I was under the arena cover… It was Mr Man who was out in the elements). I feel truly blessed to have found my guide in Carolyn Resnick, our guide who encourages us to develop our own One Woman Horsemanship. I love you Carolyn for giving Me back to me.
With deep humility…
Diane (Morgan)
So beautiful.
)
Loved this blog!! and the pictures!
Sounds like you all had an amazing time together… wow! I feel so much joy reading this and watching all the beautiful people and horses.
Thank you for sharing Carolyn.
Much love,
Aline
Thanks for sharing with us about your clinic. And the tip about entering an arena with a lot of horses. Blessings ~ Lisa & Magnum
nice.
`Christin answered: “Training horses at Liberty allows the horse to retain his autonomy, his wild and free heart and honors his place as teacher as he reflects all the ways we are, as we show him all the ways he is.`
Lovely perspective.
Dear Carolyn
How great to have all these wonderful memories of the clinic in photo form. Thanks for elaborating on the mustang learnings and underscoring the different horse engeries.
I bought a horse! Can’t wait to try out the rituals and beyond on my own horse.
I’m so excited!
Thanks for the hope, inspiration, and encoragement.
Gratefully,
Carol
How lovely to hear about the BTWR clinic this year. It sounds as though you all had a great time. How great to be with the five mustangs, I would have enjoyed that. Thank you for posting.
Love as always – Carolyn B xxxx
Hi Carolyn
So sorry I wasn’t with you this year. Sounds like you had an amazing time again. So happy for you.
Much Love Julia
A true joy reading your post on the latest BWRC
Warmly, Geerteke
Carolyn
Looks like a successful and fun clinic as usual!
I have used the bunch (2-6) of reeds tied together with a rubber band to work in herd and also a store bought metal pole with a nylon flag on it. Have not tried the apron in group yet only with one horse. I can keep a group of 15 horses off one who is doing something I want with the bunch of reeds. Have not used the flag much yet. Mainly have used it to create my own territory for personal safety when in a big group.
Thanks for the tip about driving horses away from fence before entering paddock. I have not done this and have been lucky not to get hurt. I am in there daily to clean water containers etc.
Sally
Hi Carolyn
A great, wonderfull blog,
love to see you and the students
Much love from the small rainy Netherlands
Monique
Dear Carolyn,
Your blog left me absolutely pumped. I can’t wait to attend your next Waterhole Clinic in the Spring.
Something very exciting and rewarding has happened the last few weeks. Someone I told about you and your method has taken a real interest in how you interact with horses. I have been giving her your videos and Naked Liberty to read and directed her to your blog. She is a sponge and wants to learn more. When she first approached me about meeting my horses and learning about your method it impressed me that she felt that horses have a lot to teach her. I knew then that she will be a great student.
It is rewarding to be the messenger of your teachings.
Karin
Beautiful Carolyn…. may many more people connect with you and your method… : )
Stuart
Dear Carolyn,
Wonderful clinic news! The experience of working with the mustangs must have been a rare highlight for everyone.
Best,
Susan
Thank you Carolyn for this most wonderful and amazing experience of a lifetime!!
)
Dear Carolyn,
What a wonderful blog – it inspires like wildfire across oceans, forests and mountains.
Much Sunshine Stina
thanks for the pictures Carolyn, it’s nice to see some of the people who post their experiences on your blog.
In the past couple of days, I’ve been going out and just hanging around with a couple of my herds. After sharing territory for a bit, usually someone decides to companion walk with me a little around the pasture before I go back inside to so some making money work.
Wonderful news from the clinic! Thanks for every word!
Ruella Yates