Greetings from the Ranch!
Dec 7th, 2010 by Carolyn
Hope you all are staying warm and enjoying the holidays! We are in full swing of the WRIC and In–the-Box Program’s Beyond the Waterhole Rituals™ Clinic and I wanted to share some of the highlights with you! Our weather has been great! We have not had any rainfall, and some days have actually been T-Shirt weather. Sometimes we have to bundle up in the morning, but then it warms right up. The girls in the clinic inspire me to work till the sun goes down! As for our daily activities, we have started with morning meditations and Sharing Territory ™. Then we go into Liberty Dancing, Uberstriechen Exercises, and Single Lining. My horse Liberty has had the opportunity to demonstrate the Dinner and Dancing room as well! Alessandra’s horse Rosalie has been the star teacher! I think we are all having a great time- I know I am, and so are the ponies! I am amazed at how fast the class is learning. The Insider Circle and the new Extended Circle program for next year, is definitely the way to go. We are getting rid of the name “In the Box” program – nobody wants to be in a box! The new name is the Extended Circle Program! Please stay tuned for when we open registration.
For this week, I would like you to share what makes you feel warm and fuzzy during the holidays!
Hope you all are having a good time with your horse!
Carolyn
No related posts.
checking in… I’d wish California was closer to Norway…
tina
Dear Carolyn,
Thank you for the wonderful clinic. You gave us all an excellent opportunity to further develop our skills in the WHR, UE’s, and single-lining and, I am now solid in my “Head Up Head Down” technique. That alone was worth the trip. I miss our morning chat sessions already!
Hello Carolyn,
Happy Holidays to all!
My Alltime Favorite Winter Greetings:
Sitting with family and friends watching God’s TV
At the first turn of cold weather, the early morning crispness, all the horses spiraling, kicking and leaping in the air.
The dipping, gliding arrival of migratory birds so vibrant and colorful
The luminous light shower overhead on a clear, silent night
The Candlelight Midnight Mass at Christmas
Dear Carolyn-
I don’t know if I should do a short phone coaching with you or just ask through the blog. So here goes, and please let me know what is appropriate. I have been with my lease horse now for almost 3 months. I was excited today after reading the blog entries and thought I would go spend some time with Orlov, as I have a lesson tomorrow so thought I would just share territory with him today. I had a book ready and got to the stables and no one was there today. We have had bitter cold, 22 degrees on my Saturday lesson ride, and we have a foot of snow on the ground. So I have not been out to the barn since, but it was in the high 30′s and blue sunny skies today, so it seemed a perfect day to spend some time outside of the barn.
With no one there at the barn when I arrived it did not feel appropriate for me to go sit for as long as I had intended to do. I just went into Orlov’s pasture where he was eating his hay and he looked up at me. I said hi boy to him and took a couple of steps towards him and stopped. He came up to me which felt really nice so I gave him half of the apple I had brought for him and stood with him while he ate it. Then I walked down to where his hay was and just stood there not focusing on him, but feeling the sun on my face and listening to the wild turkeys in the distance, feeling the breeze and looking out on all the other pastures and horses. He walked down and stood a few feet away, I glanced at him and said hey sweet boy, and went back to just feeling the day.
He came closer so I gave him the other half of the apple from my coat pocket and when he was done he smelled my pocket, and I said all gone no more and scratched under his chin. He nosed at my pocket so I quietly walked away a few feet and stood again. He came back again and stood really close to me still smelling my coat so I gently shooshed my hands to say back up you’re too close. Then he rudely nudged me twice , so I firmly said no, raised my hands a bit and snapped my fingers leaving my index fingers up. Then he jerked his head up and down a couple of times and walked off to the end of his pasture, so I turned around and left too, and came home feeling very disappointed in our interaction and not sure how I should have handled it differently. I wanted to have a good connection today and now I feel unsure how to greet him tomorrow when I go for a lesson. Do I need to quit giving him treats? He knows that I keep them in my pocket now so he has been getting a little pushier each time I am with him it seems. I know this is my issue not his, I’m just not sure how to respond so it doesn’t escalate. I want to be friends not grouchy partners.
I want to know how to respond in a conscious constructive way so we both know our boundaries. But I’m not sure how to do this without leaving us both with bad feelings like today.
Feeling a little deflated,
Laura
Holiday greetings to all of you! The clinic looks so wonderfully engaging. I am at once envious and delighted for you all.
Christmas lights are always my source of warm fuzzy for the holidays. They bring back fond childhood memories of laying under the Christmas tree and looking up through the branches at all the lights twinkling in magical colors. And always my father would drive us around town to see all the outdoor lights, and most fun when it had just snowed because we thought it made the lights look like gumdrops all over the trees and shrubs. So to this day the lights bring me much joy and a feeling of magic when the earth is white and the skies are dim and gray… those little lights just twinkle a message to me to remember that childhood innocence and creativity and to use it if ever I get stuck in life.
All good things,
Laura
ps- love the thought of the animals talking on christmas eve.
Dear Carolyn,
I am striving to overcome feelings of regret and longing, bitter disappointment and loss, at the fell circumstance that at the last minute prevented me from joining you at your wonderful clinic. The photos look so enticing. Can it be as marvelous as I am imagining? I keep pushing the bad feelings from my mind but they return in unguarded moments to lower my spirits. Yesterday I did not even feel like riding! But I am keeping busy. A blast of icy wind sweeping down from Canada has brought a dose of true winter weather to Florida — temperatures in the 20s at night. Unusual for this part of the world but not unwelcome in small doses. Providing extra feed and double blankets for all the horses, extra hay and feed for the cows, warm places for the cats and feeding some of the wildlife has kept me busy. Playing Santa to the animals is fun, especially when little things are so appreciated. But the solace of playing with the horses is not working for me right now. I keep a big chart in my barn with the names of the horses I am playing with and normally jot down shorthand notes on what we do each day. It helps to keep a record of things that work and things that need more work. However, entries for recent days look strangely denuded – lots of empty boxes. One sweet thing I’ll mention: my main man Zar has been particularly demonstrative the past few days, rushing up to the gate asking to come out and play and repeatedly nudging me as we walk from pasture to barn as if to say “Let’s do something!” So before going into the barn with him last night, we walked to the playground and began to play, just for a few minutes. It was like he took me. I walked towards the tarp (Zar has had issues with it before) and he jumped on it immediately with a “What, me worry?” attitude that made me smile, remembering. Then he leapt into canter circles around me at a movement of my hand, circling me as I walked around the playground and making flying changes at my most minute cues as if his mind was linked to mine, the best flying changes ever! It felt like throwing a ball for a dog and sharing the rush of his joyous retrieves. Looking around, as if I was outside myself watching this horse’s amazing engagement in playing with me – no strings attached either literally and figuratively — made me marvel all over again at the good fortune that led me to your website nearly a year ago.
Hi Carolyn,
checking in from here in hot, wet New South Wales!
What makes me warm & fuzzy for this coming Christmas time is just being alive & sharing my life with my 4 beautiful ‘spirit guides’.
We have been living here for just 3 months now & for the first time in my life I feel that I am truly ‘home’.
The joy I feel simply being with my horses (or am I ‘their’ human?) seeing them happy & contented fills my heart.
This is a link to my little movie I made of them exploring their ‘big’ new paddock.
Please enjoy…
Moyna & Da Boyz
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hVdkxQFY9g
Dear Marianne in Missoula, MT,
I don’t know the old tale of the animals talking on Christmas Eve and wonder if others have heard it. Would it be possible to share it here?
Thanks,
Ginny
Dear Carolyn, thank you so much for sharing.
)
It is so nice to see you all having a wonderful time, while we here in Holland are having an equally wonderful time trying and coping with the cold weather and having the yard de-iced to prevent the horses from ‘skating’.
What gives me a warm, fuzzy, reassuring, confirming and comforting feeling is a quote that was sent to me by The Living Matrix. A quote by one of your most influential philosophers Ralph Waldo Emerson ONCE YOU MAKE A DECISION, THE UNIVERSE WILL CONSPIRE TO MAKE IT HAPPEN.
Shanti May once told me that “Living Life is like walking on the edge of a razor blade”.
I have made my horse version of this “Connecting with Horses is like living on the edge of PARADISE”. One moment it feels like paradise, the next moment it can feel like paradise lost.
I wish you, Carolyn, and your loved ones, and all ‘bloggers’ a very good holiday season and a joyful 2011. And I wish all the horses, that have decided to help their human counterparts in reaching their next level of awareness, happiness and all the best.
Namaste
Geerteke
checking in
My story is one of true redemption. It makes me feel especially warm and fuzzy because the warmth and fuzz come from Above.
During the holidays, 8 years ago, my 27 year old mare who was born in her stall one beautiful spring morning all those years ago returned to this same place –where where she was born, where she felt safe and loved her entire life — to depart her life on earth.
The emptiness and sadness that flooded the holidays that year has been replaced with unforseen joy! Soon after the holidays, I got Oreo, my 15 year old SSH/TWH gelding who was God’s promised “joy in the morning” that He promises us in Psalm 30 will come even “though weeping may endure the night.”
The years he and I have shared number 8 so far and my heart is full! You see, along with Oreo, several years later came your book, Carolyn! Oreo and I would not have the depth of connection we do without it, your DVDs and your blog.
So this is my bitter sweet warm and fuzzy story to share along with a prayer for all readers to know the pure joy that can come when God takes even our deepest sadness and redeems it with joy we did not even know was possible.
your clinic sounds wonderful. wish I was there. thanks for letting us have a peak. your ranch looks so beautiful and peaceful.
what really warms me this time of year is to look up from whatever I am doing and just take in all the beauty and blessings that surround me and my family two and four legged. It is so wonderful to realize that you are surrounded by so much love. kitties purring happily next to me, while 5 dogs sprawl snoring in contentment about the floor. the beaming face of a teenager, momentarily free of any ‘growing pains’. my husbands laughter. birds joyfully foraging in the gardens or at the feeders. the warm fuzzy faces of my horses softly nuzzling me to say hello, yawning that life is truly good, and of course checking the pockets to see if maybe, just maybe I have a treat for them and staying even tho the pockets are empty.
It sounds like a great time and learning experience is being had by all. Sure wish I could have been there.
What will make me warm and fuzzy THIS holiday season is knowing that at long last my training area/bigger horse paddock will be finally completed and I can get back to spending more quality time with my two horses. We are ALL going to be happier. It’s still small, but infinitely more workable than before. And then there will be the time shared and holiday eats with my good friends.
I’m looking forward to the new year with the WHR’s.
Pat
Wonderful to hear you are all having such a good time together, that must be so very special, to meet each other and share this!
Warm… I already dream of spring, but (as Marja said) early snow and ice here in the Netherlands.
I’m not fond of the holidays or this time of year, but what makes me warm and fuzzy inside is my dog sleeping cuddled up next or on top of me, and my Juno making friends at her new home – seeing her falling in love with one, and playing with another horse, jumping from joy. And of course the soft look in both their eyes.
How WONDERFUL !!!! The photos are amazing and thank you so much for sharing them. My heart is with you all (and that makes me feel all warm and fuzzie !!).
Love, Virginia
Hi Carolyn
Wow, the ranch looks amazing with all the Christmas decorations. I’m sorry I couldn’t be there with you to share the clinic. It looks like you are all having amazing fun. I’m jealous particularly as I have been snowed in here for two days. At least that means I’m making progress on Blog Book version 2.
What makes me warm and fuzzy over the holiday season. Definitely a glass of port or mulled wine, particularly good whilst watching the Boxing Day hunt go off. Watching my horses play in the snow like a bunch of kids. It happened this week and made me so happy. And of course curling up infront of a log fire with some good friends for companions.
What makes you warm and fuzzy during the holiday season?
Miss You All.
Love Jules
Dear Carolyn,
It is fun to imagine you and the girls in the clinic together and doing all the things you have told us about. Oh how I wish I were there with you all! Please do send them my warmest greetings!
My favorite time of the year is the week between Christmas and New Years. It is as though the whole world is at peace, taking a break, sharing territory and living entirely in the moment. I go out through my woods on snowshoes every day and immerse myself in the silent winter world, listening to my own soft footfalls and looking for animal tracks or the feathery strokes made by the flight of birds along the snow. It is as if Nature herself is wrapped in fur-warm snow-covered contentment.
Blessings and peace to you and all the horses.
Bonnie
That is beautiful Bonnie. I just got back from snowshoeing and there is nothing quite so peaceful as breaking through fresh deep fluffy snow.
I can’t wait to ride through the deep snow tomorrow. That’s where you really get the action in the gaits!
Peace to all.
Hi Carolyn and all clinic participants,
You’re message and photos gave me a warm fuzzy feeling! I’m a bit fed up with the snow and ice here in Holland at the moment; the icy, frozen, slippery roads and ground make taking care of my horses and the daily chores quite hard.
!
It’s nice to hear that you are all having a fun time! I love the pictures (are there videos too??)
Yes, ‘Extended Circle’ is definitely a better name
Carolyn,
I wish you and everyone at your ranch a most memoriable learning experience and a very special time gaining & expanding friendships as well. What an opportunity that I so hope you will repeat for more of us to participate in, in the future.
My new Gt. Pyr rescue dogs have arrived, are settling in, and are not only beautiful, but have the sweetist souls, great intelligence and are trying ever so hard to do right on our little farm. They are so much more than I could have ever imagined or wished for. Bounding, Barking, smiling and full of youthful energy. Still gaining trust, they have been through a lot in the last few months during their transition from having never really been handled or socialized, losing their home and livestock due to their owner’s passing. Arriving at their foster home in another state back in the fall, both ill(ehrlichia-a tick born disease) and scared, numerous vet visits, to traveling across the country to our farm.
When they arrived they just stood rock still and stared for the longest time at the horses in quiet silence followed by looking the sheep(a bit nervious at the change of command) and then the fear of new was surpassed by big smiles and tail wags of acceptance or relaxation at their home & Job. I wish I had a video of their first hour here. It was really interesting to observe.
My home now back, in the good paws of Gt. Pyr protective balance, I am looking forward to experiencing even more of the magic from the Insiders Circle and the Extended Program in the New Year(Good ridance to the “Box”even though I was grateful for its existance)….and to the unique opportunity with your programs of sharing new and even deeper experiences with our sweet horses all while under the new guardians(Abby & Ranger’s) careful watch.
Much love to all….
Leanna
Dear Carolyn,
Wishing I could be there, both to learn & to thaw out – very frigid here in TN. Thanks for sharing.
Things that make me feel warm & fuzzy during the holidays – watching Chaska & Star graze peacefully on their hay when the moon is full. Pinkles & Bear, my cats, napping in the sunny window in the middle of the afternoon, Hobie, my dog curled up in the straw on my carport, or lying in the afternoon sun. Snuggling down with the cats purring at bedtime. Little Bit (our 18 yr. old family cat) purring in my lap at Mom & Dad’s house.
Spending extra time with those most dear to me, both 4 legged & 2 legged. Finding special gifts to give those I love that lets them know those gifts were purchased specifically with them in mind. Sitting quietly with candles burning, listening to softly playing Christmas Carols & enjoying the lights on the tree & the peace of the season, while sipping on hot cider – or a hot toddy. Memories my mother helped us all to make for our childhood Christmases, & continues to help us make as adults.
The magic of believing in something bigger than ones self, & being able to set aside stresses & worries of daily life to enjoy special moments.
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, etc.
Many more blessings to us all & our families!
Brenda
Missing you all ~ wish I were there!
Thank you for sharing the beautiful pictures from your Ranch!
Sharing territory with the horses in the jungle makes me feel warm and fuzzy.
under the sun and
under the shade from the moving palms
we hear the grazing horses picking up their favorite herbs
listening to the river that flows and
feel the wind caressing our hair
we move in unity through the intense green landscape
towards the ocean where the sun sets
while our hearts beat in unity
work in progress
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMAYcHLjZdw
happy holidays, love always stina
checking in
Dear Carolyn
How wonderful to see this, you with the students. I’m sure everyone will having a great time. Would be just around the corner to look a bit.
What makes me warm at Christmas is the following:
Be together with dear people and my dear beloved animals from chickens to horses.
Then buy small gifts for everyone, and seeing the happy faces when they turn out because they like the small gifts. That gives me a warm feeling in mine heart
The gesture of love, warmth and trust.
And I also really warm up, is hot chocolate with whipped cream, so good.
With a little, little sweet rum in it, i become Fuzzy
Wishing you all a very happy training time
Lots of love
Monique
It is wonderful to hear how much fun you are having! Though the universe conspired to keep me from being there in person, my mare who stops drinking in cold weather is doing better, and other responsibilities flowing smoothly. And I’m terribly antsy to begin phone coaching! Blessings on all of you!
As to the warm fuzzies during the holidays, the old tale of the animals talking on Christmas Eve brings those feelings front and center. I always have to hang out in the barn close to midnight . . . .
Marianne
Missoula, MT