GETTING OUT OF THE ARENA 

Today we got to attend a great “Ranch/Trail/Cow” clinic with the always awesome Susan Wirgler. WHAT A FUN DAY! A great group of folks of all different levels and a great group of horses of all different levels! There really was something for everyone. 

We started the day with some solid groundwork, ensuring that we had the lines of communication “live” and the mind engaged, as well as warming up the body. After an extensive pre-flight check we mounted up and worked on some body control, getting more with less and a variety of other skills. 

Then we hit the trail! 

The ranch ride provided some great terrain, awesome trails and a perfect “creek” to practice water crossings (as well as cooling off the horses). The creek posed certain challenges, as creeks often do, but once we got those horses with less confidence to go into the water and splash around, it was hard to get them out! Throughout the day we returned to the creek to cool off a bit. The sand bar next to the creek provided some great opportunities to let the horses who had “steam”, spend it in a controlled space. The trails were fun. We played “leap frog”, worked on building skills and confidence as well as refining our “handle” and had a great time. 

Then it was time for lunch. Hanging out, sharing stories and laughter certainly is good for the soul and we all ate and hydrated ourselves. 

Then…cattle work! 

Again, there was something for everyone at every level. We discussed pressure on the cow to create movement, boxing, blocking and some basic cutting. We contained the herd, passed through the herd and boxed some out. We all enjoyed seeing the babies and how curious they were. We exposed those horses who had little “cow experience” and we helped work on being a better hand for those that had experience. It was really fun. As the temperatures rose we decided to cool off again in the creek and finally called it a day. It was awesome! 

If you have never done a “ranch day” before, or are worried that it would be “too much” for your horse…well…don’t miss out on these. They pace was suited for every level of rider and horse. The ranch was great and the fellowship was amazing. So many wins for everyone. Worth the effort to attend and we (Laurie and I) will be doing this again. We even discussed do a “Ranch Ride” with a group and kicking the fun level up a notch or two. Stay tuned on that! 

THANK YOU EVERYONE who came out, shared the fellowship and made the day so great! 

Michael C

Dixie today.  A lovely mare and my best trail horse ever.  Thank you Susan.  😊😊😊

Hi Sue! I know it’s been awhile but wanted to give you a Jake update and thank you again & again for having faith and selling him to me!! We are doing great and continuing to improve. It seems like it only gets better every time we get together. Recent took him for a camp trip to the Caribou Wilderness  and discovered that my Jake is a Trail King!! He’s smart, careful, and watches out for me like I watch out for him. He’s awesome and I am over the moon that he’s mine!! He has his weight back, and is looking great!

FACEBOOK CHAT – LINDA P

Great workshop yesterday with Susan Kilinski-Wirgler on connection with your horse! Started off with lunging horses together in the arena, what a fantastic way to start, my girl did such a good job running around with a herd of 3. She and I did so well together and I took away some really practical tips and exercises. I did my homework with her again today and then felt brave enough and went out on the trail with her paddock gal pal neighbor Meredith and Sharon for the first time! It was amazing! I felt so connected to her and I could feel how happy and relaxed she and I were on the trail. Now just have to get her boots so we can go out in more fun areas where her feet are protected. Oh, and check my new rig! We are mobile now!…..

Linda writes:

AND comments from and auditor ”

 It was such a pleasure for me to observe your clinic that morning Linda! Although I was not a participant, I too took away some really practical tips that I’m excited to practice during my next lesson. Congratulations on your trail ride…that was a big step for the two of you and your confidence will continue to grow with every step you take. I hope our paths cross again! Jana S

The Workshop  was amazing. Very informative and Susan breaks things down in steps. So what you do on the ground then transfers to the saddle. She’s a great teacher and funny to boot 😊 

Peggy M

Thank you Susan Kilinski-Wirgler, it was such a great learning experience. You broke everything down perfectly. Look forward to more clinics with you. I actually felt so confident that I trailered out and we did a solo ride at Olmstead and she was fabulous.. really would like to attend you ranch cow clinic. Thank you for all your support and individual attention..

Peggy Nov. 2016

 I really enjoyed the clinic today. I took away alot of new things to work on. Beautiful day for if and wonderful ladies to share it with. Thank you Susan again. Looking forward to me riding lessons too.

Debbie