After saying goodbye to Caeli, I boarded a flight headed to Arkansas. I was off to Cindy Bennett Martin’s property. Cindy is my online coach and we had met in person at the Clicker Expo in April – now I was headed to her place for almost a week – and for another of Alexandra Kurland’s clinics.
It was a long flight with a change of planes – but finally I was there. Cindy lives near Fayetteville in Arkansas and has a wonderful property full of dogs and horses. I was a day or two early for the clinic so Cindy had time to show me around.
Her facilities are amazing – such a beautiful barn area and huge arena!!! We took a drive around the property. Here are some photos!
The day before the clinic I helped Cindy put out road signs – so I got to see a little of the country. Then we drove to the airport to pick up Alex. How wonderful to now be part of a second clinic!
People were staying on site and in nearby accommodation. I was fortunate to be able to sleep in Cindy’s house – in the study. It was great to meet more people. Mary Hunter attended the clinic. I had been reading her Stale Cheerios blog which is a ‘must read’ and had heard about her work with the PORTL game. Here is another link to her blog which includes a video on PORTL.
Mary also wrote a great blog discussing the ‘Pat Parelli and Catwalk’ incident. This was written back in 2010. I remember reading it a few years back. It was sensible, brave – and provoked much comment. It’s worth reading.
There were about ten of us for the clinic – once again, great discussions were had – horses were brought out for ‘data collection’ ie. seeing where they could be helped the most during the clinic .
We had plenty of room in the barn to practise ‘single rein riding’, rope handling, balance (in the human) and to listen to Alex.
And then we had the arena! One horse there had learnt how to retrieve! It was such fun watching him pick up cones around the arena! We also played PORTL games at night!
Once again, the three days were packed full! There was groundwork as well as riding. Alex also worked on balance, rope handling and single rein riding. I was in awe of the detail.
At times I sat there, regretting that I had not discovered this sooner. Of course these regrets are pointless! And of course I am so thankful I have found it!!
I so enjoyed my time at Cindy’s. We did a tiny bit of sightseeing – and had a trip to the feed store. I love feed stores!!
It was sad to say goodbye – new friends, friendships strengthened – and so much to take away from the clinics….
I had time on my long trip home to muse over all my thoughts.
COMING UP – THE KIND LADIES
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