07.05.07
Tom Curtin Horsemanship Experience!
Horse Gal’s Perspective
I went along with Connie and her hubby to a Tom Curtin Natural Horsemanship participation clinic that was being held in our neck of the woods, at Gelinas Farm in Pembroke New Hampshire. I was so excited because I knew it was going to be such a great time and wonderful opportunity to learn more about horses. It was exactly what I had expected it to be and so much more. By the end of the day, I was so overwhelmed by the whole thing that I just could not thank Connie enough for inviting me to tag along with her, her hubby and Gilford.
Tom Curtin’s horsemanship class in session.
At the risk of sounding like a drama queen, I left the clinic feeling empowered!! I felt that not only had I done something that was so much fun, but I also learned a lot, and learning is empowering. If any horse I happen to be around benefits from what I’ve taken away from the Clinic, well, it just can’t help but be good for the both the horse and me. To be with all those other people who feel about horses the way I do made me feel so connected to the horse world even though I don’t own my own horse right now. And this was all so Western, which I love!!! It was an experience like no other.
Gilford going onto the horse trailer, Connie’s hubby leads while she assists.
The day started with loading the handsome Gilford onto the trailer, which was a first for me to observe. Being the good and well-trained horse that he is, he went right in like nobody’s business!
Glendale watches while Gilford gets onto trailer…
It was pretty cool driving down the road with Gilford in tow! (And I must admit to having the thought that anyone who saw us going down the road probably thought that since I was in this truck pulling a horse trailer that the horse was probably mine too!!).
Tom on his reining horse working with a youngster in the roundpen.
This horse had learned it could pull back and break away from its handler, so Tom does some remedial leading work with his lasso formed into a rope halter.
During the morning, we watched some colt starting. Fantastic!! In the afternoon, Gilford and Connie’s hubby did a two-hour training class with Tom and about 12 or so other riders and their horses (the clinic itself lasted 3 days.) I was so captivated by what Tom was doing and saying– and his expertise! Tom and his wife Trina are also just plain nice!! I got the chance to speak a few words with the both of them and they were so approachable and friendly!
Tom in roundpen explaining his principles to fellow horseman.
Tom’s clinic is extremely user friendly… by that I mean he was so clear and precise about what he was saying that even a novice like me was able to follow along and understand exactly what he was explaining. I didn’t leave the clinic thinking “Well, that was very nice, but I don’t have a clue as to what Tom was saying!” That’s why I said I felt empowered because I DID understand him!! He made it easy to understand, and because I understood him, I learned; and because I learned, that day I became just a little bit better at being a horse gal.
I now have Tom Curtin’s website marked as a favorite! I also bought a mug as souvenir and I love it. I think of Connie, her hubby, Gilford and the wonderful and exciting day I had every time I use it!
Up next in my blog, I’m going to introduce you to my friend Nora and her 2 horses– a Morgan mare name Susie and her draft cross, Buttercup. Nora is a NAHRA instructor that I met through my volunteer work at the Therapeutic Equestrian Center. The love Nora has for these two (and all things Equine) is unmistakable. Coming soon so stay tuned and Happy Trails all !!!!!!
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MUCH THANKS TO HORSEGAL FOR PIX AND VIDEOS !!!
