The feature photo is of Alexandra Kurland with Sebastian – Caeli Collins’ horse. Caeli – who I met on the Five Go To Sea cruise – had suggested a couple of months previously, that perhaps I would like to visit for the clinic. It didn’t take much persuading!!
Caeli kindly picked me up from the airport – and I was able to stay with her for a couple of nights before the clinic started. I helped her with some of the last minute organisation. What a massive job! A house is rented at Half Moon Bay – about half an hour’s drive from her house outside San Francisco. This is where her horses are boarded.
Food is provided in the clinic cost and Caeli had cooked an enormous amount of dishes!!. At this particular clinic, there were twelve people in the house. We took extra camp beds and bedding. I was to share a room with two other people, who I had never met previously. Fortunately we got on like a house on fire! Terry – an awesome dog trainer and her friend were so much fun!! There was much laughter in the room late at night – we were like the naughty girls at school camp!!!
Alex starts her clinics on the Friday night and goes through the weekend – plus Monday. It’s non stop – packed full of information – and leaves you wanting more!!! I learnt about bone rotations, ‘bubbling springs’ and ‘tai chi walls’, techniques of rope handling – plus balance in the human.
I met a group of dog trainers who had come to see Alex’s work – and Lisa, who I had met previously on the Five Go To Sea cruise. Lisa’s passion is giraffes – and she trains zoo staff – amongst other things. Something she said to me stuck in my head…..
I was talking about my slow progress with Magnum and how I really did need to get to his hooves – but I was as scared as him! She said to me “As you go along, with each step both you and he will relax more. You will progress together!” This helped me so much – I didn’t have to conquer my fears immediately in order to help him. It would be a process for both of us – at the same time!!
When you go on these trips, these are the unexpected gems that pop out!
Several people had brought their horses – some were newcomers to clicker training. It was great to watch the progress over the weekend. Caeli’s horse Sebastian was learning about balance. It was wonderful to watch them.
I was starting to see what was possible – and that’s when I first saw ‘the glowing’. Now that was jaw dropping!!!
COMING UP – THE GLOWING!
IF YOU ARE NEW TO THIS STORY, PLEASE START AT THE BEGINNING HERE – Part 1 – An Introduction
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