10.19.06
Posted in Horses for the horse crazy at 5:22 pm by petArtist Cmoses
Riding high on the success of such books as You’re My Mare Not My
Mother and Denial Ain’t What Keeps the Horseshoe On, Pamela
Wilsby-Higgins is holding clinics across the country to promote her latest
book and infomercials From A Whisper To A Scream: When Your Horse
Can’t Hear You. This plucky blonde, so progressive in her methods of
equine communication she’s called The Woman Who E-Mails to
Horses, is the first woman to receive national attention in the growing
field of touchy-feely horse training. Although successful, Pamela has
been criticized for her unorthodox techniques and is the first to admit
she’s not a traditional horse trainer. “Training is such a worn out concept,
even the word ‘train’ is archaic, it comes from the Old French ‘trahiner’, to
drag. And that’s just what training is, a BIG DRAG!
“What I’m interested in is communicating with problem horses, letting them
know they’re not alone. Since I too have issues with trust and a history of
abusive and dysfunctional relationships, I understand what they’re going
through. I can also relate to frustrated riders. As I wrote in You’re My
Mare Not My Mother, at one point a guilt-tripping gelding shamed me
into believing if I were a prettier, thinner, smarter person I wouldn’t be
having riding problems. My goal is to facilitate people away from the
‘Self-Centered’ riding made popular in the 1980’s to a more
‘Co-Dependent’ riding where the horse and rider work closely to deepen
their relationship and become enmeshed in the riding experience.”
In defense of reports that her clinics are among the most expensive in
this new industry, Pamela is unapologetic. “You get what you pay for.
Horses are individuals and it takes time to discover what form of
communication works best for them. Whispering to horses is fine but
some respond better to murmuring or babbling, while still others prefer
mime or slide shows. I have found when working with a herd, semaphore
is the most effective.”
Pamela further points out that not all bad horse behavior is the result of a
negative breaking experience. “Horses are very sensitive and can have a
variety of problems, both emotional and paranormal. They can suffer from
depression, low self-esteem, eating disorders, even repressed memories.
Most people are unaware of the large number of horses who are survivors
of alien abduction. I have found that repressed memories of such
abductions are the primary cause of trailering difficulties. There are also
horses unfairly labeled ’spooky,’ when their behavior is actually an
appropriate response to poltergeist activity.”
Pamela’s Symposiums cover a wide range of topics, such as:
Re-imprinting the Inner Foal, Obsessive/Compulsive Dressage,
Gymkhanta?, Andalusions of Grandeur, Bi-Polar Bending, A.D.D. in
Arabians, Fear of Flying Lead Changes, and Feeling Suicidal?-Consider
Eventing. When not on tour, Pamela offers weekend retreats at Passing
Wind, her Malibu, CA ranch, that focus on specific breeds and riding
disciplines. She will also customize sessions to meet a client’s particular
needs and budget. “Once we even re-birthed a Tennessee Walker to help
her face her “Water Issues. It was exhilarating and only 3 or 4 people
were injured.” Pamela was unable to comment further on this event as
the matter is still in litigation.
Pamela began developing her techniques
under the tutelage of GoWaan PoOniFynGer, the charismatic shaman of
the Diamond-Phillips tribe and author of the book, Horse, Buck Hard.
“The whole monosymbolism of Horse Buck Hard overwhelmed me with its
Zen. I knew instantly I had to study with him.” GoWaan introduced Pamela to his
tribe’s ancient practices of Equine-Aromotheraphy, Prance-Channeling,
Stall Feng Shui, Public Relations and marketing. “GoWaan taught me so
much. Not only did I learn how frequently riders with dysfunctional
personal lives project unresolved and emotional issues onto their horses,
but the outrageous amount of money they are willing to pay to be told it
isn’t their fault.” Pamela went on to be come GoWaan’s assistant when
he toured to promote his calendar and videos, Buckskin, Beads and
Beefcake. “It was a great gig”, she reflects, “but I knew it wouldn’t last,
when I noticed most of the women attending his sold-out clinics didn’t
have horses.”
She next traveled to the Australian outback where she studied with
acclaimed Snowy River Kanguru Bruce Fosters, whose masterwork, The
Principles of Bonding– From Brumbies to The Boardroom, has become an
integral part of the executive training programs of many multinational
corporations. “Bruce is an incredible visionary. He was the first person to
theorize that a rearing horse is just asking for a hug!”
Since starting her own clinics, Pamela has emphasized the differences
between her methods and those of her contemporaries, but she does
admit to performing the crowd pleasing, ubiquitous
get-an-unstarted-horse-to-accept-a-saddle, bit, bridle and
rider-without-breaking-its-spirit-in-under-an-hour demonstration. “Of
course, since I’m using the techniques I’ve developed, my version is
different from what people have come to expect after seeing other
clinicians. For example, I find using a pyramid-shaped pen, instead of a
round pen, brings more energy to the session. I also use indirect lighting,
scented candles and soft music.
“I start by sharing a few glasses of wine
with the horse, then begin to recount my earliest childhood memories of
separation and abandonment, while lunging the horse at a trot. After
several minutes of this, usually at the point in my litany of victimization
whereby abusive second husband leaves me for my farrier, the horse will
begin to go through a visible change. While still at a trot, it will start
shaking its head and trying to cover its ears. This is the moment I call “The
Throw Up.” The Throw Up is the point a horse reaches when it can’t stand
listening to my problems any more and will do anything to get me to stop,
including being saddled, bridled and ridden for the first time. People think
it’s magic when they see how willing the horse becomes once I shut up
and start saddling but there’s nothing mysterious about it. I just have a
very annoying voice and more issues than T.V. Guide.?
Future goals for Pamela include developing a website, and a 900 number.
“I envision a network where for only 99 cents per minute, riders can speak
to their own Psychic Tele-Trainer, that I’ve personally educated. I also
plan to explore the financial aspects of communication with other animal
species. I’m willing to discourse with dogs or chat with cats. I’ll even
vocalize with vermin if there’s money in it.”
Reprinted from–
Natural Horse Trim, barehoof community group
Talk about pets, equestrian group
__________________
Connie Moses, petArtist– website since 2001:
PortraitsWithPets.com (homepage) aka PortraitsWithHorses.com (art galleries)
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10.11.06
Posted in Horses for the horse crazy at 5:50 pm by petArtist Cmoses
Veterinarians change Barbaro’’s right hind leg cast– FROM Barbaro Updates
October 10, 2006
KENNETT SQUARE, PA “ Veterinarians at Penn’s George D. Widener Hospital changed Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro’s cast yesterday, Monday, October 9. We placed Barbaro under general anesthesia to remove the old cast on his right hind limb and took new radiographs to assess the continued healing of the original injuries, said Dr. Dean Richardson, Chief of Surgery. I was pleased with the continued progression of healing and the overall condition of this leg. Barbaro had another successful pool-recovery, and was resting comfortably in his stall after the procedure. In addition to replacing the cast, doctors trimmed his feet and applied a new shoe on the right hind foot. A few hours after recovery, he was taken back outside to graze and was comfortable on both hind legs.
There are no signs of infection and the primary incisions have healed surprisingly well, said Dr. Richardson. Because he has had a cast on for so long, there are a few cast sores, but nothing serious.
Barbaro’s left hind foot, which had laminitis, continues to gradually improve. There is good growth along the quarters (closer to the heel) but there will need to be much more healing along the front of the hoof, said Dr. Richardson, who cautioned that we still have many months of healing ahead of us.
Barbaro remains in the Intensive Care Unit of the University of Pennsylvania’s George D. Widener Hospital, where he is recovering from injuries suffered at the Preakness on May 20.
The next update will be posted on Tuesday, October 17, unless there is a significant change in Barbaro’s condition.
REPRINTED from Barbaro Updates
To see other Barbaro posts here, search on Barbaro at top right…
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10.10.06
Posted in Other fun stuff at 7:47 pm by petArtist Cmoses
Our son Ezra is taking flying lessons out of Laconia Airport, so we get to see him a lot on weekends lately. He is really enjoying it, often flying twice a day to get in the hours since he is totally limited to good weather days right now. He is about 1/3 along towards getting his private pilot’s certificate for starters, and then he’ll see where it takes him from there.
I tagged along and took a few pics of Ez doing his preflight and taking off with his flight instructor Dennis, of Sky Bright. One day soon I hope to go up with them, preferably not on a day when Ezra is practicing steep banking turns and stalls… I’m not much of a backseat flyer!
Ezra starting his preflight instrument panel check– plane is a Piper Warrior PA 28-161, single engine, fixed wing and gear, 4-seater
Ez checking the engine
Examining the propeller
More engine checks as Dennis, the flight instructor, looks on
Ready to roll– bye mom–
Taxiing out to the runway with Dennis in co-pilot’s seat
Ezra’s takeoff– Hooboy!
__________________
Connie Moses, petArtist– website since 2001:
PortraitsWithPets.com (homepage) aka PortraitsWithHorses.com (art galleries)
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10.03.06
Posted in Horses for the horse crazy at 1:19 pm by petArtist Cmoses
Horse-information video clips are posted by Dressage Monthly Video Magazine as samples of their DVDs. My favorite so far is the Spanish Riding School Tour. Sweet way to use up time online.
Dressage Monthly Online Clips
__________________
Connie Moses, petArtist– self-built website: PortraitsWithHorses.com
(horse and pet portraits)
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Posted in NEWS at PortraitsWithPets at 1:19 pm by petArtist Cmoses
Brand new on my portraits website– REVISIT the site within a week of your first peek and receive a full 25% off your commissioned portrait painting. This way you have time to consider what reference photos you like best, your ideas, everyone else’s ideas, possible sizes, where to hang the artwork, etc.
Just reserve your commission with a deposit and the portrait can be started any time you’re ready. This is a savings of at least $100 on the smallest size portrait (8×10), save even more with a larger portrait– it’s a great Christmas gift idea! Details are right up top on the PortraitsWithPets homepage. (And yes, believe it or not, webmom CAN track when you visit!!!)
__________________
Connie Moses, petArtist– website since 2001:
PortraitsWithPets.com (homepage) aka PortraitsWithHorses.com (art galleries)
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10.01.06
Posted in Horses for the horse crazy at 6:43 pm by petArtist Cmoses
Friesian Costume classes are new to me, I guess I’ve been out of the horse show loop too long! Hubby and I were both pretty excited to watch one at Deerfield Fair Horse Show (New Hampshire) on September 30.
I don’t know about Friesian Costume (I know a bit more about Arabian Native Costume,) but I’m sharing here some of the photos I took of these elegant black Friesians and their fantasy-costumed riders. They showed at the walk and their trademark high-stepping trot (those pictured galloping were taking their victory lap.)
Thanks to Michelle who sends these class results (see Comments) and identified these folks! Per Michelle, the costume class is judged on costume and also on behavior of the horse. Of course the more elaborate the costume and the flashier the horse, the higher it will pin.
If any reader wants to share their own pictures or remarks, we’ll all be grateful!!! Email pics as attachments to connie@PortraitsWithHorses.com To comment, just click Comments at the end of the pictures and add your own remarks. Don’t miss FRIESIAN LINKS below these Friesian costume pictures!
Friesian Costume Class Blue Ribbon, Denise McCabe, on Harem (owned by Vanguard Friesians, Chester NH)– Deerfield Fair NH Horse Show, Sept. 30, 2006
Beaming face of the lovely winner Denise McCabe, Friesian Costume Horse Show Class at Deerfield Fair NH Horse Show, Sept. 30, 2006.
TOP THREE COSTUMES and also sixth place were creations of A.J. Silva from Vanguard Friesians, designer and owner of Chantilly Lace bridal shop in Lowell, MA (with Gene Sweeney.)
Taking Second in Friesian Costume, this Gladiator outfit was popular with the crowd! The rider is Gene Sweeney on Vietse; Eugene is owner of Vanguard Friesians
In fantasy Friesian unicorn costume, Shelly Crawford on Hidde (Vanguard) took third placing…
Fourth place bridal Friesian costume, Jen Capone on Lucas O.– owned by Pam Moriarty
Charmaine Delisle rider/owner on Frans– Fifth place Friesian Costume in royal green and purple
Sixth place Ethel Nye, rider/owner on Meinsje
Lindsey Todt on Harry fan e’Aldedyk, owned by Michelle Loulakis– passing the admiring crowd. 15 yr.old Lindsey made her own costume, and Harry is only four, in his first costume class!
Lindsey Todt again… Elegance portrayed in costumes is befitting the showy Friesian!
Kayla Rolfe on Berend, owned by Sharon White
Allison Chabot, rider/owner on Valimar
Class lineup at end of Deerfield NH Horse Show Friesian Costume Class
friesian forums and resources:
Friesian Forum
Friesian Crazy forum
Friesian cross message board
Northeast Friesian Horse Club
Friesian sport horse registry
Friesian horse breed resources
Friesian exchange
__________________
Connie Moses, petArtist– self-built website: PortraitsWithHorses.com
(horse and pet portraits)
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Posted in Horses for the horse crazy at 4:50 pm by petArtist Cmoses
At Deerfield Fair, I met up with some of the youth educators who were leaders when daughter Emmie was in the 4-H Horse Program in the late 80’s/early 90’s. They are still going strong and helping young people all over the state of New Hampshire, not only through involvement with horses but in all sorts of other club-oriented activities and friendly competition, such as dog-related, clothing and textiles, goats and sheep, dairy, working steer, and animal science study.
Lynn G. and Conrad M., longtime 4-H educators, pictured at Deerfield Fair in NH
A warm thank you to Lynn, Conrad, Brian and all the rest, both staff and volunteers, for helping our daughters and sons along the road of life, and for everything you do in your selfless service.
From personal experience I can tell you the extensive 4-H Horse Program remains excellent. 4-H offers great FREE opportunities and character- and leadership-building activities to children ages 5-18, whether they own their own horses/animals or not. The 4-Hers participate in Fairs at county, state, and regional levels. (I am quite pleased to see driving and reinsmanship programs now being included in the Horse Shows and Activities.)
Learn about 4-H Programs in NH here:
4-H Youth Development at UNH Cooperative Extension
NATIONAL 4-H WEEK October 1-7, 2006
__________________
Connie Moses, petArtist– website since 2001:
PortraitsWithPets.com (homepage) aka PortraitsWithHorses.com (art galleries)
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