| 1st Fundamentals of Horsemanship Festival |
The American Quarter Horse Association, La Cense Montana & the University of Montana Western would like to invite you to the 1st Annual Fundamentals of Horsemanship Festival held here at La Cense on June 13 & 14 of 2008.
Come join us for education, fun, hands-on learning, entertainment, music and food all in one beautiful setting. You will have the opportunity to learn the AQHA's Fundamentals up close and personal at this one-of-a-kind event. In addition to learning these techniques, there will be opportunities for many exciting activities.
Hope to see you there. For more information, click here.
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| Update on the University of Montana ~ Western & La Cense Partnership |
May 2008
I just wanted to share an update on my adventures with Sawyer, a horse my husband purchased for me from La Cense Montana in 2006.
Sawyer and I have had a wonderful two years. In that time, I've been able to enjoy my horse, go on trail rides with family and friends, and continue in the Horsemanship Program at the University of Montana-Western here in Dillon. In just a couple of days, I will graduate with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Natural Horsemanship. For a 52-year old novice rider, this is quite an accomplishment. And I know in my heart, that it would not have been possible without my little black horse who helped me overcome so much of the fear I had built up over the years, and gave me back that confidence that I so badly needed.
While my skill level kept Sawyer and I from being in the top of our class performance-wise, I was proud of the role we were able to play. We were able to ride outside among excitable horses, and Sawyer's quiet, calm nature seemed to help keep us all out of trouble. When one student needed someone to video tape her last exam, she asked me, because "I know Sawyer will stand still." She was right.
The Equine Studies Program at the University of Montana-Western, with its unique association with La Cense Montana, includes some amazing young people. Their talents and abilities will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the world of natural horsemanship in the years to come. It was a true privilege for me to get to know these folks, both students and instructors.
Sincerely,
Lanie Jones
Natural Horsemanship Graduating Class of 2008
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| Customer Connection |
Meet 2005 customer Barbara Paciello of Martha's Vineyard & her La Cense Montana sorrel, Quinn:
Barbara says, "I let the horses graze around the outside of the barn (we both win that way... they get to eat and I don't have to mow) and as I was making up the grain ration for the day, you-know-who had to see what was going on!
This picture was taken last summer. I love that horse. He is quite a character."
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| La Cense Beef |
Get ready for your summer grilling season with La Cense Beef.
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La Cense Montana ranch is also the home of La Cense Beef, a sustainable ranching operation that raises 100% grass-fed cattle on our 88,000-acre ranch. If you've visited La Cense Montana, you're probably seen our Black Angus cattle roaming our rangeland, feeding on the Ranch's abundant bunchgrass.
La Cense Beef raised naturally on our Montana ranch, our 100% grass-fed Black Angus beef -- free from pesticides, antibiotics, and hormones -- is better for you and for the environment. and its clean, deep, true beef taste simply outclasses conventional products. Real Beef. Real Taste. Real Satisfaction.
Make the summer grilling season a little greener, Order now and get $25 off on your order of $90 or more: www.lacensebeef.com/SV25LCM.
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| Springing into Season |
Spring is finally here. Our canals are filled with water again, and our horses have shed their long winter hair. The calves have been delivered and the new horses have been started.
Next on our agenda is getting ready for the AQHA Fundamentals of Horsemanship Festival. The horses are practicing their ground skills and are ready to put on a show for all those who will be visiting. It will be a great time to get to know the individual horses as they will be part of a presentation that shows the beginning groundwork through the more advanced riding skills that are part of the La Cense Method, (upon which the AQHA Fundamentals of Horsemanship DVD's and training manuals are based).
Clancy, Dundee, & Merlin left this spring to go to their new home in Sun Valley, Idaho.
Although quite a few horses are leaving this spring, we have a number of up & coming horses who will be ready this summer. I would like to introduce you to a couple that will soon appear on the web:
 Tanner, registered name "Dare Ya" is a red dun gelding who just turned five. Athletic and willing, he will try his hand at whatever you want him to do. He's playful on the ground and has lots of go in the saddle.
Haizer, registered name "Haizer," is a grey gruella gelding who also just turned five. Calm and mellow, he'll take you anywhere you want to go, safely and securely. He's trustworthy and relaxed, with a shy, sweet personality.
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| Training Corner |
The AQHA Fundamentals of Natural Horsemanship Step 1 Exercise 2
Can you visit your horse while you are neatly dressed? Does your horse use you for a scratching post? Does he push on you or jostle you especially when he is afraid?
This exercise will help to teach your horse to respect you. The objective is to establish the basis on which to build respect. Also it will show the horse the limits beyond which he should not approach you.
He can only come into your space at your invitation.
Start by backing your horse away from you by applying pressure to the halter. Stand in front of him and hold the lead-rope below the clip with the firm intention of having him back up. Walk towards him keeping your arm straight. Be careful to keep your head to one side to avoid a head butt!
As soon as he takes a step backwards, release the pressure immediately. Often as soon as you stop, the horse will try to walk towards you. Keep repeating until he no longer chooses to enter your space. You must stop at the right moment, which is when the horse backs lightly. Progressively work in phases, beginning with the slightest try. Then, make a mental picture of a straight line as you ask for more steps, while correcting his direction, to help him back up straight. After a positive effort, allow him to have some "dwell time": so that he will understand that he got it right. Your horse will stay much more willingly out of your space and he will begin to back up more and more lightly.
You must use clear and determined body language to get a result, but relax as soon as you obtain the desired result. Remember, assertive but not aggressive; always keep your horse's eyes and ears toward you; "speak" clearly; and most importantly you should "lead the dance."
Next time we'll talk about asking your horse to "Stand Still" Step 1 Exercise 3.
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