I met Carolyn a few years ago. I was introduced to her by a mutual friend (thank you Barbara!) However, unlike her students, we met socially through having horses in common. In the beginning of our relationship we talked horses, but not about Carolyn’s work. We were friends for a year before Carolyn shared her Method with me.
Once Carolyn and I started talking about horses more in depth regarding her method things got interesting. Anyone who knows Carolyn, knows her poignant questions. She reads people and horses like a psychic. It is an amazing skill that I see from working next to her in the classrooms as she is coaching students.
One day while we were talking about some funny new thing my horses had come up with, Carolyn asked me, very cautiously, how I felt about my relationship with my horses. I told her that I was very happy. My horses loved me, I loved them and we had great times trail riding and spending time together. It seemed like an innocent question, but I could tell I had just stepped into the “Carolyn Zone” and my life was getting ready to be changed.
I remember talking about … Read more
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A horse needs manners to be able to go on a picnic. A good gas pedal helps!
Horses do not see us as family members to be trusted until we give them reason for their trust. They do not always like our agenda. They like us, but they generally have to put up with so much from us, that it can get in the way of how easy it is to train them. We are generally in a hurry and we can forget to make a connection with them before we tell them what to do. We tend to use tack in a way that makes a slave of the horse. Many times we make them go to events when they do not necessarily want to be there. When a horse shows his spirit we are uplifted, but was the horse feeling this dance or only frightened? When things go wrong we often look for a quick fix. I see less than a few people taking the time to become a true horseman and this for me is the best part of life.
I see that people are resonating to my method and it is raising the consciousness in how … Read more
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Here is what several students have asked me to write a blog about:
Taking Territory – the 3rd Ritual of the Waterhole Rituals:
I no longer teach this Ritual in my online courses for a couple of reasons. One thing is that I have developed many games that will get the same result and require less skill. I still use this Ritual myself, but seldom.
For those of you who are not familiar with the Third Ritual, Taking Territory, its purpose is to create respect and it raises your position in the pecking order. You can gain the right of passage to be accepted in the horse world as a leader. Taking Territory is not about chasing a horse around; it is about Taking Territory away from your horse when he is not paying attention to you.
All animals in nature experience the loss of territory in social interactions and it is what builds their character and social behavior to fit in and be responsible in the community. You can Take Territory easily with a horse by surprising him in order to initiate his flight response.
The Proper Guidance:
This ritual is a ritual which is seldom used without … Read more
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The way we approach our horses in every day actions can make a big difference. My parents, when I was growing up, suggested that I look at how my horse sees my behavior and to look deeply into how my behavior could affect my horse’s attitude towards me.
Practicing this, to this day, causes me to approach relationships in my life with more consideration. The more I think of what my horse needs the more he surprises me with what he has to give back.
I went to look at a new horse that might be coming to my ranch. It was so touching, after spending less than an hour with him, when I went to leave he called out to me like a horse does when his best friend or his mother is being taken away from him. He will be coming here for my Bitless riding course.
I am not going to tell you about him except that it was a momentous meeting. As time goes by with my work with horses I am surprised how the door into another dimension continues to open wider.
When I have experienced this kind of connection with a horse, it … Read more
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There is a Place to be, in quiet times, with Horses that is Magical
It creates a spontaneous ability to dance with a horse and have a horse want your leadership in a free environment. Of course sitting in the chair is not the whole answer, but it creates the bond needed for the dance. By giving a horse a sense of freedom while Sharing Territory, you grow the bond that you need for the rest of Waterhole Rituals to be effective.
I ask my students, to sit in a chair while Sharing Territory to grow the bond. Here are a few reasons:
- By sitting in a chair you are more aware that you truly have no agenda, and your horse soon sees that too.
- It is relaxing to sit in a chair and your horse picks up on that.
- You can not move your chair easily, and this causes you to be more careful around your horse. You pay more attention to your personal space by keeping him at a safe distance from you. This teaches respect in a very easy way.
- It teaches your horse not to be afraid of objects that you may drag around with you.
… Read more
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Posted in Clinicians, Clinics, Observations on Mar 28th, 2013
Well, what a wonderful week it has been! We just started the Spring Online Waterhole Rituals Course. The classroom is buzzing with excitement as the students collect their reeds and begin to Share Territory. We are thrilled to have students from around the world, including The United States, Canada, Sweden, Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand, UK, Norway, Luxembourg, Costa Rica, Equador, Austria, Italy, Finland, Israel, Greece and Indonesia!
For this week I’d like to share some videos on the Journey and Philosophy of the Waterhole Rituals…
Video: Discovering the Waterhole Rituals-Carolyn Resnick Method
Carolyn reads from her book Naked Liberty and shares how she came to understand the culture of horses.
Video: Liberty Training Horses ~ The Waterhole Reflections DVD
This Waterhole Reflections DVD is designed to awaken your senses enabling you to be truly present and to put you in the right state of mind before you start work with your horse. Through appreciation of the world of horses by viewing this DVD and having a heart-felt connection with your horse, you will strengthen your relationship. By viewing it on a daily basis, you will continue to reach a deeper connection with your horse by raising your awareness in the
… Read more
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If you answered yes, and you are ready for a journey of a lifetime, I can guide you to finding the secret to life though the nature of horses.
Upcoming Online Waterhole Rituals Course:
The next Online course starts March 24th and consists of 5 calls, which take place every 2 weeks. You have two classes to choose from, Insider’s Circle or Extended Circle. Calls are held on Sundays at 11 am PST or Mondays at 5 pm PST, depending on your location. You have one more day to take advantage of our BONUS OFFER… (details below)
If you are New to my Method:
If you are new to my Method or you feel that maybe you are too much of a beginner with horses, I want to reassure you that the class is more for YOU than you can imagine. If you have an easy horse, can read his/her feelings enough to keep yourself safe (because I am not there in person to guide you), and if you can get your horse at Liberty to leave your company at a trot, you are definitely qualified for my course.
I will be there to support you step by step; … Read more
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