Born in Istanbul Turkey, Mihran rode with his grandfather from a very young age. There he studied under numerous cavalry officers and show jumper Cavit Bayer. He came to the United States eleven years ago to continue study riding and begin his instructor certification through the United States Dressage Federation. Mihran completed his dressage apprenticeship with German trainer Robert Mayer at ROMRA in Pennsylvania. After completing his tenure at ROMRA, Mihran moved to Florida and trained show jumpers and dressage horses. From there he studied under Gael Bourquin in Ohio – one of the few women in this country who have worked side by side with masters from the Spanish Riding School in Vienna. He then went on to work with German dressage clinician Alex Gerding. He now resides in Greenville, SC and keeps his calendar full with clinics, lessons, and training horses..

There are no shortcuts in Mihran’s riding and dressage training philosophy. His true joy in his life comes from the horses that he keeps in training and the many happy clients he has trained as well. He is currently training horses and our clients here at Stillwater Farm as part of our “concierge package”. When you purchase a horse from Stillwater Farm we want you to be completely happy and satisfied with your horse. In fact, we guarantee it! We usually keep your new purchase for a month or so giving you the chance to come visit and learn from our trainers. The guesthouse is open and we look forward to working with our new clients. We teach both the new rider and the skilled rider about Gypsy Vanners and what makes them so special. We are excited to have Mihran and his Dressage expertise as part of the Stillwater Team.

Mihran rounds out our training and showing program here at Stillwater. Felicia and Marvin Britt will be showing In Hand, Western, and English. Caroline McSwain shows in Driving. Mihran will be showing in dressage.

The Gypsy Vanner is known for its versatility and we plan on showing it off!

With a flick of her mane and a shake of her gorgeous head, Ruby comes to Stillwater with a star attitude.  "Look at me!" Give a big welcome to VV Rubaiyat aka Ruby, our new three year old filly.  Ruby is by Gypsy King out of VV Tessa.  We are so thrilled to add Ruby to our show and breeding program.  Tessa has incredible bloodlines including The Governor and Tansy.  Those combined with the incredible Gypsy King produced this spectacular filly.  Ruby has already been started under saddle and will continue her training here at Stillwater Farm.  Look for her to show in Perry at the Fall Feathered Classic, October 2010.  What a show line up - Pia - One Year Old, Mia - Two Years Old, and Ruby - Three Years Old!  We expect great things from all the younger girls at Stillwater.  Summer Rose and April Rose have some serious competition coming up behind them.  

The Buckeye Gold Cup Gypsy Vanner Show was held last weekend in Springfield OH and was very well attended by Gypsy Vanners and their owners from all over the country. Stillwater Farm was represented by April Rose, Summer Rose, Mia, and Pia. There were two judges for the show on Saturday and then another judge for the show on Sunday. April Rose took Grand Champion Mare on Saturday. Reserve Champion Mare was awarded to Mia. On Sunday Summer Rose won Grand Champion Mare and April Rose won Reserve Champion Mare. Mia won first, second, and first in her age class and Pia won a first, first, and second respectively. Mia won Bred in America Two and Under both days with Pia following up in Second Place. Summer Rose won the Gypsy Vanner Futurity Performance Western Championship and the Gypsy Vanner Futurity Performance English Championship. All told there were 27 First Placements for the girls from Stillwater Farm. Felicia and Marvin Britt did a fantastic job with training and showing the horses.

"We loved it."  "It was fantastic."  "Great handouts."  "Loved Felicia's tips and demos."  "Thank you judges Hipsley and Connor."

The first Faux Feathered Classic, hosted by Stillwater Farms, was a great success. We had over thirty attendees, some with horses and some auditing, from all over the country! Our judges were Wayne Hipsley and Leslie Connor. Clinicians were Marvin and Felicia Britt. Honey Rubin exhibited Austin in English Pleasure and Dressage. June Villa brought Romeo who exhibited in driving. Felicia and Marvin demonstrated In Hand, Trail/Obstacles, and Western Pleasure with Summer Rose and April Rose.

We started the day with discussions about conformation led by Wayne Hipsley. Then we went straight into showing In Hand, not only learning about conformation but techniques on how to present your horse to the judge. We worked different patterns and also worked on the triangle. Those auditors who did not bring horses practiced with the demonstration horses, which included Summer Rose, April Rose and Mia from Stillwater Farm. The next session was on Showmanship and again we learned tip after tip on how to present your horse, conditioning, and exactly what to expect in the class. We discussed and practices different patterns. Showmanship is a great class for beginners. The class is judged on the exhibitor and the horse is merely a prop (albeit it a well groomed and conditioned prop!) From Showmanship we went to Trail/Obstacles, which is another great class for beginners. There was an entire course set up of different obstacles. We spent time on each obstacle with all the horses and exhibitors working, critiquing, and practicing. Then we would move on to the next Obstacle. It was a great chance to really practice the best techniques and learn what the judges penalize and reward on each obstacle. Additional handouts included more patterns to practice at home. Exhibitors were able to practice with demonstration horses and everyone agreed that this was one of the best sessions of the morning.

Hand outs included Show Rules in USEF format which included detailed judging specifications and practice patterns for different classes (showmanship, equitation, trail, driving, etc.), booklets on how to teach your horse to drive, and check lists for what to take to a show. We even covered what to wear for the exhibitor, what tack works best, and what grooming products worked best - all information you need to make your next show fun and successful.

A catered Mexican dinner complete with margaritas wrapped up the evening. The next morning Stillwater Farm held an open house and everyone got to meet the horses and continue questions and answers with the judges. It was beautiful morning complete with mimosas and a great end to a fun weekend. 

Stillwater Farm plans on hosting other learner clinics and wants to thank all the participants for being a part of the First Faux Feathered Classic!

Pia stole the show this weekend in Pennsylvania.  She took first in her conformation class; won the Mare Championship, and then won the Overall Supreme Champion Gypsy Horse over some serious competition including her stable mates.  Mia took first in her class also.  Summer Rose and April Rose went first and second respectively in their class.  Summer won Reserve Champion Mare.  It was quite impressive to have all four of our girls in the Mare Championship and we are just thrilled that Pia took Supreme.  No yearling filly has ever taken a Supreme Championship at a Feathered Classic event.  This is truly a first and we are so proud of our girl.  

Pia also took first in North American Bred, Bred and Shown by Owner, and Solid Color.  Mia and Pia received a first place for their dam, Tia, in Produce of Dam.  Summer Rose and April Rose took a first for their Sire, Latcho Drom, in Get of Sire.

Summer Rose won High Point Performance Horse, High Point Gypsy Horse, and overall High Point Horse of the entire event.  

As always, we enjoyed meeting new friends and seeing our old friends at the show.  This was a new venue for the NE Feathered Classic and Gail Shrine, the show manager, did an exceptional job of making us feel welcomed.

It has been a busy week here at Stillwater Farm.  We shot pictures of Summer Rose, April Rose, Mia, Pia, DaVinci, Puccini, Straffan, and finally Sheba.  

It is my hope that you are making progress with your training program, diligently keeping a journal, and adding tools to your toolbox. It is important to know that any measure of success hinges on one thing: BOUNDARIES. These are the lines and limits of expectation you set as herd leader. It is difficult to be viewed as believable, respected, and strong if everything you ask your horse to do is up for discussion; because as herd leader, you NEVER NEGOTIATE.

First, let me be clear. There is 'Consistency in Teaching' and then, there is 'Never Negotiating'. Although they often overlap, they are not the same thing. Never Negotiating is ALWAYS Consistent Teaching, but the reciprocal is not true. For example, let's say I am teaching my horse to halter and unhalter quietly. She wiggles, moves and bobs her head, so I repeat the process umteen times over a period of days until she learns what is expected. This is Consistency of Teaching. She is learning boundaries. Once these boundaries have been cemented in her training, my expectation rises and she should halter and unhalter willingly. So then, one day I begin to unbuckle her halter and she slings her head and turns away. The truth is, she knows better. So, is this up for discussion or non-negotiable? Non-negotiable. If I roll my eyes, mumble under my breath, and go hang up the halter, I have chosen the easier path but, in doing so, I have blurred the lines of accountability and made much more work for myself in the long run.

 Setting boundaries takes time and a heck of a lot of patience. Make it a priority while the issue is still minor. In this case, I would halter her again, back her up 15 or 20 steps, make her stand,then begin to remove her halter. If she moves one centimeter, I would calmly repeat the backing but, add more steps or a side pass. We are passed the point of discussing halter manners in her training. I would increase her workload, while being only as serious as I need to be to help her with her decision. The moment she relents, I soften, remove her halter and spend 2 or 3 minutes scratching her head and ears as she wonders why in the world she wanted to get away from this so quickly. She was testing the boundaries and I was building her confidence in me by letting her know they were right where I left them. This is Never Negotiating.

 In my experience, most 'negotiations' have to do with manners. Handlers that are just not sure about their own boundaries often struggle with enforcing any on their horse. Consequently, respect goes right out the window. Letting a horse lean or push on you crosses a physical boundary. Allowing him to turn his rear to you is crossing a psychological one. Communicating what IS and IS NOT acceptable, as well as, clearly enforcing it, will make you believable.

 It takes an incredible amount of fortitude to never negotiate. It is sort of like telling your teenage daughter for two years that 11pm is her curfew. Then, one night, she calls at 10:30pm. Everyone is at Suzy's house watching a movie and they just ordered pizza. “Can I please stay until 11:30?” You love her, you want her to be happy, and so what can it hurt? Saying 'yes' is so easy. Then, in a moment of weakness, you relent. And then you pay for it for the NEXT TWO YEARS as every Friday night she reminds you of that 'one time' you let her stay out passed curfew! Was it worth it? The same is true of horses. You let him graze on the trail 'just this once' and you spend the next 50 trail rides playing snatch and grab with every blade of grass in sight! LESSON: either change the boundary permanently or don't, but NEVER NEGOTIATE.

Not all negotiating has to do with manners. As horses become more seasoned, some seem to take pleasure in seeing just how many times you will ask him to do something. These guys are usually very intelligent and fun to watch. Let's say I am riding in the arena and ask for a trot. My expectations of this mare are high but, she hesitates then speeds up in the walk. No room for a discussion here. We back 20 steps, then side pass 20 steps, then walk 3 steps and ask for the trot. I usually get it. I bring her back down to a walk. Then, very subtly, I ask for the trot, providing her with the opportunity to give me her best effort. After all of that backward and sideways work, going forward seemed like a great option.

It reminds me of the occasion when my son, who was eight years old at the time, melted his plastic army men in the sink because they were defeated in a re-enactment of the Battle at Gettysburg held in his bedroom. We were well passed the “My Darling Angel, what did Mommy tell you about matches and safety?” speech. He was provided the opportunity to dig a 2 ft Wide x 2 ft Long x 2 ft Deep hole in the backyard while he pondered the merits of his military campaign. Now, he is a grown man in grad school, but we still laugh about it to this day. When discipline equals work it makes an impression. That goes for horses and children.

Boundaries cultivate security in your horse, making it sensible for her to trust you. Never negotiating is NEVER a harsh, headstrong, or superior presence. It is a calm, matter-of-fact, this-is-the-way-it-is kind of confidence that actually FEEDS your horse's courage and makes her want to be around you. This is the hinge on which all of your training swings. Consistency of teaching and steadfast boundaries make you a believable leader that can communicate with your equine partner in a way that she understands, so both of you will have more confidence, courage, & self-control.

Take care and HAVE FUN!!

We will be hosting this fun learning show on July 10th at the Western NC Agricultural Center is Asheville, NC.  It is a lovely time to visit NC.  This is a real show with real judges.  The major difference is that the judges will talk to you and give you pointers on how to best present your horse.  We will have all disciplines; halter, showmanship, western equitation, english equitation, western and english pleasure, driving, dressage, and possibly saddle seat.  There are three judges and several clinicians on hand to answer the question - 'why didn't I place higher?'  Showing gypsy vanners is a different game than your other breeds.  Whether you are experienced in showing horses in general and are new to gypsy vanners, maybe you are an amateur and are intimidated to ask questions at a live show, or maybe you just want to get an edge on your competition - this is the venue for you! 

Judges are Wayne Hipsley, Jim Havelhurst, and Leslie Connor.  Clinicians are Felicia and Marvin Britt.  In addition we will have exhibitions in each discipline at the show.

In addition the GVHS will be having Evaluations starting on Sunday.  Save time and money.  This is a great opportunity to attend a fun non competitive show and stay over for the GVHs evaluations.

We are just home from the Spring Feathered Classic - whew!  What a weekend.  Summer Rose took First Place in her mare class, then went on to win Champion Mare, and then on to take the Supreme Champion Gypsy Award!  This is THE top award given to any horse at the show specifically in comformation.  April Rose followed just behind Summer Rose and took second in her mare class and then Reserve Champion Mare.  Pia took second in her filly class and then took the Reserve Champion in the group including colts and geldings.  Mia won her filly class also!  Deja Blue had some tough competition in his stallion class.  But, he won First Place and we are so proud!!  We are proud of all the horses including Tia who won First Place in Produce of Dam with her babies, Mia and Pia.  Summer Rose finished up the show with Reserve Overall High Point.

We all had a fantastic time.  Gail Shrine did a great job again.  The weather could not have been better and we made some wonderful new horse and people friends.  What a great way to start the 2010 show season. 

Of all the qualities I look for in a horse, INTEREST is always at the top of my list. No matter how beautiful or structurally correct a horse may be, if his attitude is bitter, dull, or unapproachable, it is like a gold ring in a pig's snout. Cultivating your horse's natural curiosity is the most versatile tool in your toolbox. Let's start with the kitchen sink.

B.R.A.I.N.

UNDERSTANDING BEGINS ON THE GROUND

Start by placing an object in an arena or pasture. I like to hang something on the fence where I usually work. Start with just one item, then before long you will have a half dozen. Lead your horse to that area and go through your normal routine, completely ignoring the object. Observing him closely will tell you the proper distance to stay away from the item, to keep anxiety to a minimum. Your ultimate goal here is to teach him self-control. His instincts tell him to run, but your body language tells him it is okay. It is critical that you appear completely unaffected by the object. He is going to scrutinize your tone of voice, posture and expression for even the slightest indication that it is time to RUN. If he is anxious and you stop your routine and pet him, you are rewarding his fear, as well as confirming it. If the object is more distracting than interesting, move farther away, but continue your routine. When everything else stays the same, especially you, he begins to go through his mental list and ask himself questions. Your self-control teaches him self-control. Your calm demeanor conveys to him that the object is a non-issue. Stopping and staring at it simply doesn't work for me. I think he just wonders WHEN it is going to eat us both.

For horses that are more sensitive to change, I usually do not do this next step until she has experienced several different objects hanging on the fence during multiple sessions. By then, she is really beginning to wonder about all those 'things' hanging around. Then, at the end of a lesson, I lead her over to the object, let her touch it with her nose once, then lead her away. Often, you will hear a big sigh...question answered. And boy! Did you get a lot of respect from her as you displayed so much courage in the midst of such danger. (A scary stuffed teddy bear sitting on top of the fence post). When you begin to add various objects to this game, it becomes some major league desensitizing. But, the great part is the day she walks into the arena LOOKING for objects to investigate. I love to witness this transition and delight in ignoring the elephant in the room until she is dying to go exploring. At this point, I begin to say the word “touch”, just before her nose makes contact with the object. Remember to walk away immediately after a single touch. Before long, you are actually SENDING her to touch things. This 'touch' cue transfers beautifully to the trail. Whenever one of my trainees sees something 'spooky', whether we are leading or riding, I give her some slack and say 'touch'...then, fear becomes curiosity because she knows the game is not scary, so this must not be either.

There is a beautiful, black mare I have in training named Love. She came to me as a 6 year old retired show horse who had never been ridden out of the show ring. Whether a youngster or a finished show horse, I always put my first 30 rides on one in the woods. I feel nothing solidifies the trust bond better, than a horse in unfamiliar surroundings having to fully rely on her handler. I feel that exploring the forest instills, or in this case, rekindles a horse's curiosity and sparks her courage.This mare had never been on a trail in her life and was simply afraid of everything....including butterflies and grasshoppers!

The best day of all was when Love's owner, MJ, and I went for a trail ride on an adjacent cattle ranch. MJ was on her mare and entered the pasture gate a few yards in front of me. I had instructed her on the intricacies of the 'touch' technique and she was confident and determined to impress. Love immediately became curious about the brown blobs that littered the ground. As I observed from behind, MJ dutifully approached each one and said 'touch' and moved on. After about the twentieth pile, I thought I was going to fall off my horse laughing as I wondered if she would 'touch' all 12,572 cow pies. She didn't, but my ribs were sore for a week!

Since every unfamiliar scenario cannot possibly be reproduced, the goal is to give your horse the tools to deal with situations as they arise. He will learn self control and so must you. If you are anxious and tense, expecting a train wreck...you usually get one. A calm demeanor shows you have taken on a confident leadership role. If your horse has passed this stage of his training, it is still critically important that your time with him stay interesting. Resist the temptation of allowing his conditioning to become mindless lungeing and trail rides becoming dull and unchallenging.

As we have discussed, skills are taught layer upon layer. Decide what you are going to work on that day and what new elements you are going to introduce. I like to follow the same pattern most of the time. 1) Warm Up His Brain(review) 2)Warm Up His Body(conditioning) 3)Today's Lesson(new element) 4)Build Confidence(review) 5) Relax(cool down & flex) This pattern works for me with horses at all levels of training. Even if your horse is under saddle, begin on the ground. Go through everything your horse has learned recently. Mix it up. Do several skills in a row, increasing the difficultly and speed as his brain comes alive. I like to do what I call circuit training. Just like in the gym, varying the skills, conditions more than just muscle...the brain has to concentrate to keep up. For example: I lead the horse at walk, stop, back 4 steps, stop, wait, pivot 90 degrees, back 4, trot off, stop, wait....stand...pivot 180 degrees, switch sides and repeat entire circuit, leading from the right side of the horse. Then, send the horse out on the circle, walk relaxed , pick up trot, trot 2 circles, walk 2 circles, stop. Pivot 180 degrees on circle and repeat. Then trot on off side to obstacle course set up in the yard and practice trail elements. Trot back to arena and go through entire 'set' again. This time adding a canter, or side pass, or pivot on the forehand. Reverse & repeat on the other side. Whatever your horse has learned, include it in the circuit. Then, if your under saddle, mount up, and do the entire circuit again. Be clear with your communication, keeping your posture, voice and expression balanced. Begin to minimize your cues, while picking up tempo. In my experience, it is great way to keep him interested and really using his mind. Make it hard, purposefully. HAVE FUN!

Every moment you spend with your horse, you are training him. Make the most of it. Believe in yourself, so he will too. Control the territory, so he will follow. Communicate clearly, so he will understand. Kindle his interest, so he will let you in......and....finally...

Next Time      N – NEVER NEGOTIATE

Feel free to post your questions or comments here.  Remember!  There are NO dumb questions.  We will be at the Spring Feathered Classic April 16-17 in Shelbyville, TN.  Drop by our stalls and say "hello"!

When I mention 'aggression', what is the first thing that enters your mind? ANGER. That is typically the association we make. But, I can aggressively go after a job promotion without displaying anger, or aggressively shop for Christmas presents on that big sale day at the mall, devoid of any malice. I can even aggressively consume a Big Mac, large fries and a milkshake in complete and utter happiness. Aggression is not just offensive or invasive. Aggression, by definition, can also mean confidently and boldly assertive, vigorously energetic, self-assured, positive, competitive or decided.

When you BELIEVE in yourself and you understand the importance of territory, you can use assertive, positive, decided levels of aggression to communicate with your horse in a way that makes sense to him. There should never be ANY display of anger. A horse's natural response to it is fear. In a herd you will never see a horse kick or bite another without first giving a few warnings, which increase in magnitude until the subordinate yields. This gives him a chance to make a decision, “Do I go ahead and let him have this section of grass, or do I think it's worth seeing if I can move up the pecking order?” Unlike people, when a dispute over property takes place, horses don't hold a grudge. They use just enough aggression to gain position, and then it is over. No animosity. Twenty minutes later, they are grooming one another in the field. It is about respect, not life & death. Imagine how you would ask your child to “Come here.”. First time you would ASK, then you would TELL , then you would go get her and MAKE her come to you. You gave her the chance to make the right choice on her own. Just as there is no place in this scenario for anger, the same holds true when you're training your horse. Just a 'matter-of-fact' attitude and the willingness to repeat an element over and over until it is understood.

Let me just take a moment to talk a bit about anger. The confidence I speak about is a quiet confidence conveyed to your equine partner through posture, skill and forethought. Study your training method and plan each session. The courage I mentioned is rooted in a knowledge of equine behavior and your own horse's individual personality. Study & observe. Just like with our spouses and children, we've spent so much time building a relationship with them and understanding who they are, we can almost always know what they need to quell their fears or calm a situation. Spending time just observing your horse and learning about his personality, will help you with his training. Lastly, self-control is seated in the emotions. When we go to the barn for a training session without tools or a plan, frustration is inevitable and often leads to anger. We blame the horse for not 'getting it' and we use the wrong kind of aggression. Our emotions are out of control, the horse sees it and you quickly go from a leader to a predator. Allowing your horse to doubt your motives often undoes any accomplishments achieved during recent sessions. We are all human. When you feel yourself losing it, LEAVE. Our goals are calm confidence, skillful courage and complete self-control, for horse and handler.

So, since we know that the pressure we use to communicate to a horse is an assertive, positive pressure, we can concentrate on how it is transferred in LEVELS. As we talked about in the last session, giving pressure in levels gives the horse a chance to learn and understand. He begins to see a pattern and yields while the pressure is still light, because he believes it will get harder the longer he waits. Start with a low level of aggression, like your hand lightly on the bridge of the nose, while asking him to 'back'. In my experience as a trainer, once you have developed a trust bond, it usually takes a very low level of pressure to teach a multitude of elements. Since we communicate more to the horse with our body language than any other cue, do your best to be clear and consistent. PRACTICE. If the horse doesn't get it, it is my fault, not his.

When you think of 'aggression', think ASKING and ANSWERING. We ask our horse to move over and he doesn't. This is the question he asks, “Do I have to yield to this person?” The pressure you give might be a training stick, body position, facial expression, a voice command or all four in unison. It is very important that each aid you use is in harmony with the others. Look at the part of his body you want to move, or the direction in which you want him to go. For example: You shouldn't ask your horse come to you with a stern look on your face. Your body is telling him to come to you, but your expression is driving him away. Likewise, if you are facing your horse's hip in hopes of clucking him forward, you usually end up with him facing you with a perplexed look on his face. You drove his hip away, bringing his forehand to you. Be clear with what you are asking of him.

Just as I say, “ut-uh”, to avoid a mistake, I also say “good” to let my horse know something is done correctly. When I say “good” it is similar to clicker training, in that, I have identified a particular movement at a precise moment in time. ANSWERING might not and, in the beginning, is usually not quite that simple. When your horse tries to drag you around the arena, a simple “ut-uh” isn't going to work. These subtle answers only work if the horse BELIEVES and has been taught that you will back it up with some serious consequences. As we mentioned before, when your horse believes you mean what you say, the challenges to your authority become fewer and fewer. It is not unlike repeatedly talking to your teenager about curfew versus enforcing it in a matter-of-fact, this-is-the-way-it-is demeanor. You raise the level of consequences until it just isn't worth it anymore to buck the system. When done with respect and self-control, it works on teenagers and horses! This method works well for me, but you will find your own unique way of letting your horse know she is doing what you want without always stopping and petting her. Too much of the 'stop & pet' rewards the horse for a really awesome “Whoa”. Then, guess what she will always want to do? Yup. Whoa.

In the beginning, it is important that you look for opportunities to answer your horse. It is easy to be so involved with the task we are trying to teach, that no definitive answer is given to make it clear to the horse that he has done the correct thing. We already know that when you apply pressure and then release, the horse learns a desired behavior has been achieved. But, what about when your horse becomes more knowledgeable and is really beginning to read subtle cues in your body language and discern your facial expressions? Some horses try so hard to do the right thing and are looking to the handler for some cue to know they are on the right track. When they receive no response, they go to the next item on their mental list of tasks. For example: You are trying to teach your horse to walk straight alongside of you, tracking true with nice self-carriage. As you lead him along, he swings his hip to the outside and walks sideways. You stop, back him up and try again. This time he walks sideways and breaks into a trot. You stop, you back him up, or circle him, and try again. This time he doesn't move at all. So you cluck at him and he goes backwards. He is literally running through the list in his mind in hopes of getting it right before he has a meltdown.

NEXT TIME: I – INTEREST

The seminar was broken into two parts; Judging and Evaluations.  Both are connected, but they are not the same.  The GHVS has voluntary inspections that are a true hands on evaluation of the horse, both in conformation and in performance.  One of the suggestions that came out of the inspection training and the actual inspections held on Sunday was that we need to add a beginner level performance category.  We saw horses under saddle six months and horse under saddle six years.  We all felt the younger horses were at a disadvantage and needed in introductory level - much like the walk trot classes.  There were two evaluators for each horse and each owner went away with a good idea of the pros and cons regarding their horse and what they wanted to achieve with their horse.  This is a fabulous tool that we, as breeders, will be able to use when looking for breeding stock and evaluating breeding stock.

Saturday night we had the Annual Meeting and reviewed 2009 for the GVHS.  Most importantly we discussed the future of the GVHS and our Gypsy Vanner Horses.  It was unanimously agreed to engage the services of Wayne Hipsley to consult with the GVHS and help move our organization along the path of professionalism while preserving the Gypsy Vanner Horse.  The GVHS is embracing the theory of UNITY among all the Gypsy horse owners.  We will set the example and lead the way.

All in all it was a very fun, informative, and positive meeting.  We have already experienced the past and have now agreed to put it behind us.  We want to look to the future and set the course.  Thanks to all the volunteers who made the weekend happen.  The Gypsy Chicks had a blast.

I almost forgot, April Rose received High Point Halter Horse and Reserve High Point Performance Horse.  Summer Rose received Reserve High Point Halter Horse.  Congratulations to WR Ranch's Kuchi who received High Point Performance Horse.  We all received beautiful silver belt buckles designed by Ariel Folk.  Dennis Thompson was also presented a buckle for his work in the GVHS.

The GVHS – Gypsy Vanner Horse Society has purchased a new searchable registry software program. This is a great step toward ONE Database. The GVHS‘s position is that they have always been willing to cooperate with other registries regarding DNA information. The University of Kentucky keeps the data for three registries and each registry allows their registrar to cross check information through the University of Kentucky labs. However, the University of Kentucky cannot give or copy the reports on a horse to another registrar or to another horse owner. There are several issues involved regarding “ownership” of records and contracts made with the University of Kentucky. But, there is simply no reason the University of Kentucky cannot combine these databases with the information they have on file. The separate registries are already denoted on the reports for billing, etc.

Information is the key to Breed Preservation and it is only with one database can we keep accurate information. Horses sometimes have multiple names and then change owners. But, their DNA is always the same. Wouldn’t you like to be able to cross check your horse with unknown or unverified parentage against the entire world of registered Gypsy Vanners, Cobs, and Drums to see if any matching DNA showed up? Well, the new GHVS program can and will do just that and then confirm with the University of Kentucky for an “expert” report. Right now the University of Kentucky doesn’t even have this capability.

It would make it so much easier and provide more accurate extended pedigrees if we could share this information. This is how we preserve the Breed! So far, no other registry has proposed putting this together except for the GVHS. If you are a member of any other registry and are interested in having all the horse information you need in ONE Database then contact your Board of Directors. Or you can send in copies of your registration, regardless of registry, and any DNA reports you might have. Once you submit your information you will have access to the database the same as a member of the GVHS. The GVHS would love to have the cooperation of the other registries. However, that will not come easy. But, you, as an owner can make your own statement and help by submitting your horse’s data.

I know there is a consensus of owners and breeders who want unity. This is a great first step. THE HORSES COME FIRST!

If there is someone who doesn’t want to share their horse’s data, what are they hiding? If there is a registry BOD who tells you not to share information, what are they hiding? This is information that every horse owner is entitled to have access to. You can’t steal it. It doesn’t change. DNA is DNA and it is DNA that makes up our fabulous breed.

Congratulations to the GVHS for making taking this initiative toward Unity!

Training with Felicia

From the legends of Romulus and Remus to the clash with Carthage during the Punic Wars; from the cruelty of Caligula to the reign of Constantine, the Rome that was once a small agricultural village became one of the largest empires in the Ancient World. Before Attila and his gang, along with some Visigoths and some Vandals sacked the city of Rome herself, this great empire expanded its territory and dominated the Mediterranean for 1200 years. How was this accomplished? By Leadership, Determination, and Skill. The Romans knew that the power lay with the controller of boundaries and the owners of land. So, before I bore you to death with anymore parallels in classical antiquity take hold of the lead rope and think like a Roman, because it is all about territory.

B.R.A.I.N.

UNDERSTANDING BEGINS ON THE GROUND

R – is for ROME

 As it is with every creature in the animal kingdom, from children to grandmothers, from chicken to chimps, there is a pecking order which is established by one thing: territory and who controls it. Whether it is a favorite toy, a bargain on the sale table, a juicy, fat worm or a bright banana, someone is going to submit. Your horse is no different. Every time he lifts his head just out of your reach, or hits you with his shoulder, or walks in front of you, or leans on that foot you are breaking your back to pick up to clean, he is controlling his territory and yours. Sometimes it is obvious, and other times so very subtle it may go unnoticed by you. But, to be sure, it is very deliberate on his part. And when we let him use us for a scratching post, we just dropped down so far in the pecking order that even the weanlings are laughing at us!

Before we start on your territorial campaign, I'd like you to keep a few thoughts flashing in the back of your mind.

1) Be Believable: your focus is to convince your horse to trust you, not fear you.

2) Be Brave: your focus is to be honest, not perfect

3) Be Patient: your focus is the process, not the product.

In my view, these are the three most important tools you can take with you to the barn. They build confidence, courage, and self-control in you and your horse.

 Unlike people, horses don't care where they are in the herd's hierarchy, as long as they know where they are. It is important to note that while it may not look to you as though the pecking order amongst your horses has changed in the last five years, you can be certain that their positions are re-established daily. That is why your horse will continue to 'check' and see if you are still over him today like you were yesterday. He will actually find new and creative ways to test this regularly, to which you must be prepared to answer consistently every time. How? Move his feet and take his spot of turf, literally.

You can begin with this basic exercise to train your horse to respect your space. Start first by keeping his head off of you. Now, if you just push him away he will think it is a game and he might push you back.  To avoid this use one or two fingers to press behind the jaw until your horse moves his head. When he does move, immediately stop the pressure and look away. You will probably have to repeat it many times until he believes you really mean it. Don't quit! Challenge yourself to outlast him. If the lesson today is nothing but to keep his head off of you, then let that be the lesson. If every time he tries to maul you with his head he runs into your fingers, he will stop. With his belief in your commitment (defined as your absolutely-will-not-yield attitude) comes respect. You win. Incidentally, if you don't feel comfortable using your hand, you may certainly use a training stick. Just remember, whether hand or stick, the pressure is touch-press, not POKE.

Once you have the hang of it, hold the pressure behind the jaw longer. Like an immoveable object, hold it there and ask for a bigger commitment on her part. This time you want her to move her head and her front foot. When she steps to the side remove the pressure and look away. You just took your first bit of territory! Practice over and over...pressure, release, pet. Now, when I say 'pet', I don't mean so much affection that her brain turns to oatmeal. Just stroke her briefly to let her know she did what you asked.

At first, allow your goal to be one step to the side. The next day, two steps. Use only as much pressure as it takes for her to learn. Decreasing the pressure gives her a sense of accomplishment. And you, too! Ultimately, you will ask her to do a 360 degree turn without touching her at all. She will simply move out of your way as you take that space. Always, ALWAYS practice on both sides. Count how many times you work on each side and document it in your training journal. It might feel awkward for you on one side or the other, but make yourself do the hard side first. I often find myself purposely schooling on the right side as to educate that eye more, resulting in a much braver horse.

You can apply this exercise to different parts of your horse's body to move her feet and take her territory. Pressure to the flank moves the hip over. Pressure on the chest moves her backward. When she moves like you are asking her to, step into that space, remove the pressure and look away. Then give her a quick pet. Let her rest. Walk her around a bit. Then start again. Control yourself and don't fry her brain.

Lastly, be aware of your body position. For you to communicate clearly, your posture, position, and expression must be consistent with one another. Face your chest the direction you want your horse to go, place pressure on the area you want to yield, look directly at that spot on the horse. When she moves her feet (yields), remove the pressure and look away. This way your hand, body and expression are in unison, communicating a clear message. When your horse finally believes that you are always going to be dominant, she becomes a more secure, trusting partner. When she knows where her position is and can depend on you to be the same every time, the challenges to your authority become fewer and fewer. Eventually, an eye flash from you is all it will take to remind her of her place.

In ROME, we learned that to gain respect you must conquer some territory. What does it take to conquer anything? Confidence, Courage & Self-Control..... and good old-fashioned aggression.

NEXT TIME:

A – AGGRESSION

ASSURANCE NOT ANGER

Felicia Britt, Trainer

In the world of gypsy horses today, there is absolutely no reason to purchase a horse unless it has a documented pedigree or is already registered with one of the four registries in North America.  That being said, there is also a serious need for all of this data to be in one place, easily accessible, to breeders and owners.  Why can't the different associations/registries agree to combine databases for the preservation of the breed?

Everyone is having annual meetings soon and this is a good opportunity to speak to your Board regarding access to information.  Please urge your Board to put the breed ahead of any personal agendas and work together. 

We need to work toward a common goal beginning with preserving information about our breed in one place that is easily accessible to owners, breeders, and breed enthusiasts. Please visit our Gypsy Vanner Pedigree Database page for more information.

Dr. Phil Sponenberg, PhD, DVM serves as technical coordinator for the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy, an organization involved in the conservation of rare livestock breeds.  Sponenberg and CJ Christman published A Conservation Breeding Handbook.  I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in preserving our breed of Gypsy horses.  Many of his philosophies are applicable to our breed and our breed organizations.

Facebook might be a good place for someone to learn about someone they met at a show for instance.  They can look at your wall and read your comments and your friend's comments.  The lesson here is not to make any comments or post any photos you may later regret.  I am really a shy person and this will be a really good media for me.  I can think before I speak!  Maybe someone visiting my Facebook will see the humorous or "real" side of the man (or woman in this case) behind the curtain! This is a more casual place to post thoughts, pictures, ideas.  The instructor of our seminar told us the Facebook is for the kahki and polo shirt crowd.  Twitter is for the shorts and t-shirt crowd.  There are other sites for the coat and tie crowd.  I think Facebook will be a nice place to come together.