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Mark Russell was at Cash Point Quarter Horses where I board Jesse
Friday and yesterday. We had a lesson Friday morning and yesterday
afternoon. Jesse did really well and we had a good time. Bonnie and
Ed Dervage did also did their wonderful job as Host and Hostess making
sure things ran well and provided plenty of coffee, water and snacks
for the riders as well as the auditors. I have attached a few pictures
of Jesse and I with Mark. Mark is a wonderful teacher and he demonstrates
in a way that is easy to understand and makes sure the rider understands
the concept and can repeat what was taught. I learned a lot now I
need to put it to work.
Hi Elizabeth,
Jesse is doing well, we have signed up for a Parelli Advanced Level 2 clinic on November 4 & 5 with Kelly Sigler in Ardmore, TN. She is a Parelli 2 Star Instructor. Kelly is the resident instructor for the Biltmore Estates in Asheville, NC. Auditors are welcome, $25 per day. The level 2 clinic is 2 – 6 both days.I hope to get some pictures from the clinic and maybe some video as well.
I’ll send you some new pics and maybe video soon.
Take care, Gail
Elizabeth's Notes: If you are in Ashville that weekend looking at leaves, stop by and visit Gail and Jesse. Get me some photos, too! ;--)
July 25, 2006
Hi Elizabeth,
As of today, Jesse and I have officially completed Parelli Natural Horsemanship Level 1. We've been working on Level 2 but it took a while to get a free day when someone was available to tape the session. Ed that owns the place where I board Jesse taped and edited the material then copied it onto a VCR tape for our official assessment. I need to get my camcorder back from him so I can send you some of the footage.
I attached a copy of the Assessment to give you an idea of the tasks you have to perform. The Indian side is the off-side, it's actually quicker to saddle from that side; less walking back and forth. All riding is done with the halter and 12 ft line as a rein (riding with one rein). Jesse looks really good, he is turned out with three other geldings so he has plenty of company. The arena is really nice and there is also a great roundpen.
At this point work is getting busy so sometime after the end of September I'm going to try to come for a visit.
Take care,
Gail
April 24, 2006
Jesse sniffing out the saddle for treats.
Jesse stands quietly ground tied on a mounting block!
Hi Elizabeth,
I finally have a few new pictures of Jesse in the new arena. It was hot
yesterday so he wasn't exactly a ball of fire, like most men he can sleep
anywhere!! Notice him checking under the saddle just in case I hid the goodies
there! Tonight he pulled the bag of Mrs. Pastures cookies out of my tote bag and
ran off with it. It was full so he didn't get far before he dropped it. Now
that the weather is better I should be able to get more pictures.
Hope all is well.
Gail
April 5, 2006
We are just fine; I’ve been waiting for warmer weather to take pictures. I moved "Jesse" the beginning of April to a nicer facility. There indoor is really nice and the footing is great. They also have a round pen with the same nice river sand footing. They have a nice tack room with a bathroom; that sure is nice to have. Now that it has warmed up I don’t have to worry about moisture problems with the digital camera so if the weather is good I should be able to get some pictures this weekend.
Gail Wilbur
April 19, 2005
Hi Elizabeth,
I have been riding Jesse with a halter and rope
for a while now. Tonight I actually asked him to canter and he was
wonderful. He picked up both leads smoothly and stayed quiet. He wants
to counter-bend going to the right so for now I'm going to let him.
If I bend him to the right he picks up the counter-canter. At this
point I'm happy to get a smooth transition and a nice canter, I'll
work on the bending later. I spend a lot of time doing ground work
and he will walk up to a 55 gallon drum lying on its' side and just
pop over it. The first few times I asked him to jump over it he ran
around like a demon. Now, he isn't worried by it at all. I have two
barrels end to end and sometimes he walks or trots after me and we
jump them together. I've even ridden him bareback with the halter
and rope a few times. I'm going to invest in a bareback pad this summer.
December 31, 2004
Hi Elizabeth,
I took some new pictures of Jessie today. I'm not thrilled with
them so I'll take some more soon.
I actually ride Jesse with the halter
and rope, usually only one rein not two but I didn't want the
rein dragging. I want to get some pictures of me riding him
with just one rein. I can mount and dismount from either side
and he stands quietly. At this point we only walk, trot and
back up with the halter. I'm working on getting him to bend
his neck as well as his body.