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Spring Newsletter - Updated!

by Terri Bergen-Smith, click photo for Bio!

What's going on at Good Hands???

Note:  I was going to write a new article for this space, but after reading this one again, I decided to update details and leave it alone.  Sometimes I DO know how to quit when I am ahead! 

 

"If you face your fears, swallow your pride, and are willing to work at it,
you'll learn lessons in courage, commitment, and compassion, in addition to
basic survival skills. You'll discover just how hard you're willing to work
toward a goal, how little you know, and how much you have to learn. And,
while some people think the horse "does all the work," you'll be challenged
physically as well as mentally. Your horse may humble you completely. Or,
you may find that sitting on his back is the closest you'll get to heaven."
I was planning to write an article on some of the techniques I use to assess a horse for suitability in my sales and trade program. However, this paragraph showed up in a post on one of the lists I am on and it really struck a chord with me, so that other one will have to wait!  Those first two sentences can be applied to any endeavor in life.  In fact, many of the lessons I have learned about handling horses make me a better wife, friend, parent and human being in general. 
I didn't create or come up with a single one of the principles that follow, but they have had a huge impact on my training, horse handling and people skills, in general.  My biggest talent is magpie, pick up the coolest, shiniest things I can find, and create a beautiful nest!
"Be particular but not critical"  - Parelli's
"Be as gentle as possible but as firm as necessary" Clinton Anderson
"Reward the slightest try" - a whole lot of good folk out there!
"Be smooth in your handling and don't make a big deal of things" paraphrased from Buck Brannaman
"Fix it up and wait" - Ray Hunt
Had I known these principles as a younger woman, my horses, my family and my friends would definitely have benefitted!  Knowing them now, I apply them as best I can, in all situations, and when I am making a big deal of something (someone else smarter than me said "never sweat the small stuff, and it's almost all small stuff) I go back to the above and try to pick a different path.  The horses appreciate it and I am sure my husband and kids do, too!
Don't forget about us for your spring and summer riding needs, whether it's starting a colt, freshening up a horse with issues, or finding that just right horse to carry you around on trails, your children in 4-h or to hit the local show circuit with.  We do our best to please, up here in the currently snow drifted and frozen tundra, and our references and results say it all.  Currently I have several projects in the making, the gorgeous bay Tovero Paint Gelding featured on my for sale page, look for more info about Hawkeye soon!  Sparky, the Morgan pony, has some zip but is going to make someone a really sharp pony after a little more riding, jumper prospect, anyone??  Mystic just came in, too. She is a gray overo (now mostly gray) 14 year old Paint mare that was used for 4-h, before her family went on to other interest.  She should be ready to hit the trails and the local show scene, here in a little . . .  Happy Spring, everyone!

 

 

Platte River Riders - North will be announcing their ride schedule beginning April '08. will have more detail here or check out www.horsetrailriders.com and look for the PRR link.  We will be riding Stone Park, Big Elk Park, Powderhorn, Buckskin Hills by Newcastle, NE and some other exciting locations!  Plan to saddle up and come along!