Sherry 's Site

Sherry 's Site http://sherryjarvis.multiply.com/ Welcome to my blog, where you will read about my journey with natural horsemanship. I will share my experiences, philosophy and heart about horse human relationships. There will also be reports on the camps, clinics, and private lessons that I offer where people discover more about leadership, confidence, and communication so they have even more success and fun with horses. I hope you learn something from my blog as well as become inspired and motivated to be the best that you can be for your horse. My mission is to help horses and their owners to find a new freedom and partnership where dreams are realized. Tue, 6 May 2008 05:41:59 -0000 Fri, 4 Apr 2008 03:21:42 -0000 Sherry 's Site http://images.sherryjarvis.multiply.com/logo http://sherryjarvis.multiply.com 100 100 Women's Confident Leadership Camp Bond with your horse and become a better leader for http://sherryjarvis.multiply.com/calendar/item/10013/Womens_Confident_Leadership_Camp_ Fri, 4 Apr 2008 03:21:42 -0000 Regular Clinics and Private Lessons http://sherryjarvis.multiply.com/calendar/item/10012/Regular_Clinics_and_Private_Lessons Fri, 4 Apr 2008 03:20:36 -0000 Natural Horsemanship Clinic Geared for first time at a natural horsemanship clinic http://sherryjarvis.multiply.com/calendar/item/10011/_Natural_Horsemanship_Clinic_ Fri, 4 Apr 2008 03:19:16 -0000 Parent/Child Horsemanship Camp Geared for kids under 13 to learn alongside parents. http://sherryjarvis.multiply.com/calendar/item/10010/ParentChild_Horsemanship_Camp Fri, 4 Apr 2008 03:18:12 -0000 Cowboy Cowgirl Cattle Drive Camp Hone your natural horsemanship skills, and take a full day cattle drive, enjoy the ranch on another day, and then have some private instruction also. http://sherryjarvis.multiply.com/calendar/item/10009/Cowboy_Cowgirl_Cattle_Drive_Camp Fri, 4 Apr 2008 03:16:35 -0000 Bareback Riding and Liberty Clinic Must have attended at least one other of Sherry's clinics http://sherryjarvis.multiply.com/calendar/item/10008/Bareback_Riding_and_Liberty_Clinic_ Fri, 4 Apr 2008 03:12:52 -0000 Natural Horsemanship Clinic Clinic for beginners and also one for intermediates. Private lessons also available. http://sherryjarvis.multiply.com/calendar/item/10007/Natural_Horsemanship_Clinic_ Fri, 4 Apr 2008 03:11:56 -0000 Women's Confident Leadership Camp Bond with your horse and become the leader he needs http://sherryjarvis.multiply.com/calendar/item/10006/Womens_Confident_Leadership_Camp Fri, 4 Apr 2008 03:10:17 -0000 Mini Clinic with Free Trail Ride Come for individual instruction for 3 hours in the morning. Have lunch together, then go on a free trail ride on the school section of the rolling sandhills. http://sherryjarvis.multiply.com/calendar/item/10005/Mini_Clinic_with_Free_Trail_Ride Fri, 4 Apr 2008 03:08:43 -0000 Advancing Natural Horsemanship Clinic Already been to a clinic, advance your skill level at this one day http://sherryjarvis.multiply.com/calendar/item/10004/Advancing_Natural_Horsemanship_Clinic_ Fri, 4 Apr 2008 03:05:54 -0000 Ground Skills Clinic Bring your horses to this one. Learn more respect, trust and loyalty on the ground with your horse so your riding improves. http://sherryjarvis.multiply.com/calendar/item/10003/Ground_Skills_Clinic_ Fri, 4 Apr 2008 03:04:15 -0000 Young Horse Handling Class Learn how to get your young horse off to the right start. http://sherryjarvis.multiply.com/calendar/item/10002/Young_Horse_Handling_Class Fri, 4 Apr 2008 03:02:57 -0000 Ground Skills Workshop Sponsored by NE Dressage Asso. Demonstration of Ground Skills Bring your own chair, Lunch provided. http://sherryjarvis.multiply.com/calendar/item/10001/Ground_Skills_Workshop Fri, 4 Apr 2008 03:01:36 -0000 Don't Look Back Horses have been training me for a long time.  My experiences with them have shaped my life. I've made my fair share of mistakes with horses.  It wasn't until I started seriously studying natural horsemanship 10 years ago that everything really started to click for me. My past history with horses was full of ups and downs. I used to think the ups were winning belt buckles and trophies. But now all I can think about is winning a horse's heart. Life is very full of blessings and the future looks even better. I used to think the downs were when I couldn't get a horse to do something in the way I wanted him to. But now I see these as learning opportunities to gain more savvy. Now the down times seem to be defined by moments when one of my horses are sick, like last summer when Cisco was at the vet hospital for EPM. The only other down time I have is when I see someone treating a horse in a way that I know is not best f... http://sherryjarvis.multiply.com/journal/item/48/Dont_Look_Back Fri, 4 Apr 2008 02:18:57 -0000 Student Testimonies from recent clinics 3/08 Student Testimonies from recent clinics: "I am so thrilled with the clinic on Sunday.  I learned so much and now I want to just go to your clinics and train my horses.  I think that you are a great teacher and you took the trouble to make sure that you didn’t hurt my feelings which is very sweet. I don’t know how you cope with all the tears and the fears. I believe  you can guess that I wouldn’t do very well with being a teacher like you are. You do a great job and if anyone says anything else I want you to call me!!!!" Kim   "I had a WONDERUL time Saturday at the clinic and thought my wife was going to have to hang up on me to shut me up from chattering on and on about it.  You were correct that you picked the perfect horse for me, as Sliver was exactly the challenge that I needed to move outside my comfort zone.  When I saw his scared eyes and saw he wouldn't come near me when I approached the stall I thought I was in trouble for th... http://sherryjarvis.multiply.com/journal/item/47/Student_Testimonies_from_recent_clinics_308 Fri, 4 Apr 2008 02:13:58 -0000 Can I let my horse roll? Can I let my horse roll?  Question:    My horse has rolled under saddle before. He has rolled once with someone in the saddle, and twice after someone has just gotten off.  There has never been anyone around to show me what to do when he does this.  I know it's wrong.   But, in the instances when I'm leading him, I would prefer he not roll.  I'd like for him to know the difference.  Is that feasible?    Answer: It is feasible for your horse to know when it is appropriate to roll and when it is not. The first and most important thing to establish is clear defined roles of leadership and partnership. Without a clear definition of roles between the horse and human the horse will test who the leader is by taking over the position whenever they feel like it. A person who does not set firm respectful boundaries will inadvertently reward undesirable behaviors and confuse a horse about whether   behaviors ar... http://sherryjarvis.multiply.com/journal/item/46/Can_I_let_my_horse_roll_ Fri, 4 Apr 2008 02:12:46 -0000 All We Can Do is the Best We Can! All We Can Do is the Best We Can!  I have noticed that a lot of people beat themselves up about the ability or lack thereof they have with horses. Then others think they are a lot better than they actually are. But all we can do is the best we can, because we only know so much and there is still so much to learn. None of us have reached perfection.   As I look back over my horsemanship journey I realize there are some things I thought were the best at the time, but later I came to see that maybe they weren't nearly as good as I thought they were. If I beat myself up about those mistakes I won't continue to progress. All I can do is be the best I can be right now, keep learning and trying and it will come. Sometimes I wish I could go back and apologize to some of the horses I have handled. Since that is impossible most of the time, all I can do forgive myself because I know I was doing the best I could at the time with the knowledge and experience I had. ... http://sherryjarvis.multiply.com/journal/item/45/All_We_Can_Do_is_the_Best_We_Can Fri, 4 Apr 2008 02:12:06 -0000 RIDING PANTS, BRAS, AND KENT FEED! RIDING PANTS, BRAS, AND KENT FEED!   I have been looking for quality products to recommend to students over the past four years which will enhance the whole horsemanship experience. As most of you know I mainly use Parelli halters, leads and sticks because they feel the best to me. However there are also other sources on the links page of our website where you can buy comparable tack at a little lower cost. Check it out!   As I have been trying products and researching I have found three products which have passed my expectations and the companies have been excellent to work with.   Kent Feed: I have been feeding my horses Dynasty Pro since Cisco came down with EPM last July. They love it and are doing great. You can have a chance to win a 50lb. bag of Kent feed by pre-registering for any of my camps and clinics. I will be giving a bag away at most of my events this year through drawings.   ... http://sherryjarvis.multiply.com/journal/item/44/RIDING_PANTS_BRAS_AND_KENT_FEED Fri, 4 Apr 2008 02:09:50 -0000 Life Lessons Horses Teach Us  As many of you know I have been working on writing a book this winter. I have learned even more by writing things down. It is helping me to realize what was in my head, what I do know, and what I don't know.  This has forced me to do more research and experiment even more. As I go through this process I keep getting reminded of how challenging and humbling it is for anyone to become good with horses. I have also been thinking back about every teacher I have studied with. In doing so I realized each one had an important piece of the puzzle. None had all the answers and none were perfect or wrong. But each teacher whether horse or human offered a unique perspective which guided and influenced my personal experience and understanding. I also became aware that all I can do is pass along the important concepts I have gained from each one of these great teachers, along with my own insights. It is the way I present the ... http://sherryjarvis.multiply.com/journal/item/43/Life_Lessons_Horses_Teach_Us_ Fri, 4 Apr 2008 02:04:43 -0000 Lack of Confidence in Round Pen I have a Green broke 2-1/2 year old TWH Mare.  Each time I get her in the round pen I expect her to kick up her heels,buck etc.. Instead she races around like her tail is on fire. She does turn when I ask but has one speed, fast.  Once she is lathered and breathing rather heavy then she asks to come into the center. Most of the time I am just standing watching her not asking a thing of her.  I hate to see her all in a tizzy like this. What else can I do to get her to listen and slow down to do her Flat walk and switch to a Rack or a dog walk? Thank you any advise is very much appreciated. Jan from SC   Jan, you need to do one of two things either put her back on line or if you decide to keep her at liberty in the round pen change her direction often while she is on the rail running. If you think you don't have the skill level to quickly change her direction when she is at liberty then put her back on line. It wouldn't hurt to let her get rid of some... http://sherryjarvis.multiply.com/journal/item/42/Lack_of_Confidence_in_Round_Pen Tue, 12 Feb 2008 02:01:54 -0000 "Attention Please" Does your horse listen to you? Even though it has been a cold January I have had many dedicated students eager to learn come out for private lessons and simulations classes. As I watched horses and people trying to perform in the bitter cold I noticed how sometimes people ask something of the  horse when he is not paying any attention to them. Perhaps it is hard for them to concentrate because they are so cold and shivering. But no matter what the excuse, any effective communication begins with having the listener’s attention. When working with horses I have found many of them are not in the habit of giving their attention to a human. I believe this is often the cause of a lot of the difficulties people experience with their horse. Being able to gain and hold a horse’s attention is the first step in building a safe, harmonious relationship between you and your horse. I have been pondering why we tend to skip this first step. Perhaps it is so basic and such a subtle step that we take it for granted. Since it is... http://sherryjarvis.multiply.com/journal/item/41/Attention_Please_Does_your_horse_listen_to_you Fri, 1 Feb 2008 20:46:07 -0000 A Horse Who Fidgets During Mounting. Jan. 08 Monthly Training Tip   Question: My Horse keep moving away when I try to mount. I have even fell down while trying to get on. Is it my horse or is it me? How can I get her to stop?   Answer: This is a cartoon we see all the time in the horse world. But it isn't funny to the person having the problem. First it is important to understand why the horse is doing this so we can develop a successful plan to deal with it and change the behavior. Sometimes the cause lies with the horse and other times it is the humans problem, but most often it is a combination of both.   There are several possibilities behind the cause of this problem, and without seeing you with your horse I will list some of the possibilities. However it usually boils down to one of these three generalities or a combination of them.   1. The human allows it and doesn't know what to do to change the behavior. The person tries to put up with it which causes it to only get worse. ... http://sherryjarvis.multiply.com/journal/item/40/A_Horse_Who_Fidgets_During_Mounting. Sun, 6 Jan 2008 19:44:23 -0000 Fears About Trail Riding Fears about Trail Riding   There are quite a few people who enjoy trail rides in NE and they do it safely. However there are still some people who's fears keep them from trail riding, even though they desire it very much.Trail rides should be relaxing and fun but for the person full of fears they can be a nightmare. Making trail riding fun and relaxing is each riders responsibility.   There are some things a person can do to ensure trail riding is both relaxing and fun. Unconfident horses and riders rarely improve through trail riding. So get some confidence first in a familiar and confined environment. Be sure you and your horse are properly prepared before you go. Taking an impulsive, emotional spooky, unconfident horse on a trail ride is not fun and it is downright dangerous.   The best time to go on a trail ride is when you know how to take care of your confidence and also your horse's confidence. You will know when you ... http://sherryjarvis.multiply.com/journal/item/39/Fears_About_Trail_Riding Sun, 6 Jan 2008 19:06:42 -0000 Staying in Riding Shape this Winter Staying in Riding Shape this Winter   As we examine our horsemanship goals at the beginning of each year, no matter what those goals are, in order to achieve them a good horseman has to be physically, mentally, & emotionally fit. Most people who own horses don’t have the luxury of an indoor arena to ride in all winter. Even though upon occasion we make it to an indoor arena to ride, many of us may be out of riding shape when the ground thaws and we can start riding on a more regular basis. Therefore it would be wise to use our time during the winter months to keep in shape physically, so we are prepared for spring riding. The better physical shape we are in the more in tune we will be with our body and the more control we have over it. When we have better control over our body we can ride our horse even better. We will feel more connected with our horse’s movements when we are more connected with our own bodies. Even though your entire first couple of months of the year might ... http://sherryjarvis.multiply.com/journal/item/38/Staying_in_Riding_Shape_this_Winter Sun, 6 Jan 2008 18:45:13 -0000 FREE Learning Resources provided by Sherry   Take Advantage of our FREE RESOURCES for learning: Read <A href="http://www.sherryjarvis.multiply.com/">Sherry’s Blog</A>  (Training Tips and inspiration for the journey.) <A href="mailto:freeman@diodecom.net">Join</A> our Yahoo chat group (Lots of good information and motivation.) <A href="http://www.heartinyourhand.com/ask.html">Ask</A> Sherry a question. (She will answer you.) <A href="mailto:sej@carrollsweb.com">Join</A> a Study Group (Please call before coming, check on location, etc.) <A href="http://www.heartinyourhand.com/hosting.html">Host a 2-day Clinic</A> in your area  (Qualify to participate for free! ) Call Sherry any time 308-346-5663 (I care about your progress.) FURTHER SUPPORT: Regular Private lessons at certain locations and upon request. Monthly Training Tip Pod Casts coming in 2008. DVD and Book also coming in 2008. Internship: Live with Sherry for 2 weeks or more. 1– Day Mini Clinic with Free Trail Ride: At Sherry’s place this spring  Other things of interest available through  Heart in Your Hand Horsemanship <A href="http://www.heartinyourhand.com/couponoffer.html">Christmas Special Offers</A> on Camps still available until the end of January 2008. <A href="http://www.heartinyourhand.com/onlineregistration.html">On-Line Pay-Registration</A> <A href="http://www.heartinyourhand.com/scholarship.html">Sponsor a Youth</A>  with a Scholarship for a Camp <A href="http://www.heartinyourhand.com/requestscholarship.html">Scholarship ... http://sherryjarvis.multiply.com/journal/item/37/FREE_Learning_Resources_provided_by_Sherry_ Sun, 6 Jan 2008 18:44:29 -0000 Happy New Year & Simulations Classes this Winter  I hope you had a happy and safe new year and in thinking about your <A href="http://www.heartinyourhand.com/newsletter.html">2008 horsemanship goals</A> you will include bonding even deeper with your horse this year by providing even more confident leadership and clear communication. There is no feeling better than when your horse spots you coming whinnies at you and leaves his friends or food to hang out with you. It is an honor to be viewed by your horse as a worthy partner who is both fun and interesting.  One of the quickest ways to improve the bond with your horse is to be able to spend quality uninterrupted time with your horse. Lack of quality time with your horse is often your worst enemy. Our four day <A href="http://www.heartinyourhand.com/womensretreat.html">Horsemanship Camps</A> can help solve this problem for you, because you will be able to focus solely on you and your horse without other obligations, such as your job, cooking, dishes, laundry, family, etc. If you have never been able to spend four full focused days on horsemanship you will be amazed at what the total immersion in h... http://sherryjarvis.multiply.com/journal/item/36/Happy_New_Year_Simulations_Classes_this_Winter_ Sun, 6 Jan 2008 18:22:53 -0000