LHH 2010 Recap Light Hands Horsemanship IV expanded to 4 days and was a huge success. A record number of guests attended arriving from 14 states and Australia, France, Poland, Hungary, Brazil, Argentina and Canada. Even Hawaii joined us this year. Tom Spalding of Spalding-Labs and Fly Predators is the events sponsor. He is the motor...behind LHH. The sun was out and the wind blew but spirits were high and the magic of the entire event built each day. Clinicians Dr. Robert Miller, Jon Ensign, Road to the Horse winner Richard Winters, Lester Buckley, World Equestrian Games 2006 and 2010 participant Eitan Beth-Halachmy, Jack Brainard ( recent inductee into the NRHA Hall of Fame) and world renowned horseman Monty Roberts headlined the all star line up of talented teachers and presenters. Rick Lamb of the Horse Show on RFD-TV has been the official MC each year and this year he gave two lectures on The 7 Key Qualities of a Good Horseman and Great Horsemen of the Past. Author Petrine Mitchum (Movie Star Robert Mitchum's daughter) joined LHH for her second year with a presentation of her fabulous documentary "The Hollywood Horses." Cowgirl Hall of Fame inductee and famed horsewoman Sheila Varian and well known author and traditional Vaquero Ernie Morris joined the group with stories and tall tales from the Campfire. The Campfire is guaranteed to leave you in tears of laughter... hilarious! There were celebrity sightings and laughter and wisdom shared by all. The event was hosted by Art Perry a long time breeder of Morgan Horses at it's permanent location Intrepid Farms in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley. A Santa Maria style bar b q lunch and dinner was supplied each day by the popular Los Olivos Market. No one went hungry and the food was delicious. Musician and singer Ron Miller of Santa Maria kept us entertained with his wonderful voice and humor. A select group of vendors returned to LHH and brought their high quality merchandise. From saddle makers, jewelers and artists the best were there. Once again the talent and teaching at LHH was over the top and extremely informative. The clinicians have become increasingly united and in touch with each other and their audience. The theme of LHH is that each person is a guest, not an auditor. People are treated as guests would be at a luxury resort. The atmosphere is open and relaxed. The clinicians are dedicated to their guests and easily accessible for questions and conversations. These horsemen are more than just superior talent and strong presenters, they are great educators and truly gifted in the art of teaching. Intrepid Farms is one of Santa Ynez's most beautiful estates. You really do feel as if you are at a horse resort. The event was opened with appetizers and music after a day of private museum tours. Rick Lamb gave a very enlightening presentation on What Makes a Good Horseman. The next day the clinics began with a presentation by Dr. Robert Miller. From there each clinician took you through a progression of training steps from the first ride to the 90 day horse, the use of Dressage to build a solid foundation in any discipline to the schooling and training techniques of the advanced horse. Jack Brainard with help from Jewels Adams gave an excellent presentation on foot falls and cadence. Jewels Adams also rode two tests from the new and increasingly popular American Cowboy Dressage Association. She then treated everyone with a wonderful freestyle to music. For information on the ACDA visit www.cowboydressage.com/westernDressage.html. The division is official and the association is in the works. Plans are under way for a very special LHH V in 2011. Look for a little "Vaquero" to be added to the line up of talent. The same clinicians will be returning for 2011 with new topics and a continuation of those presented in the past. No where in the country can you find this line up of horsemanship talent on such an up close and personal format. LHH stays focused and committed to their guests.. it is all about them and their horsemanship needs. For more information and coverage of our 2009 event pick up the June issue of Cowboys and Indians Magazine. Expect to see more of LHH on YouTube and a possible series on TV in the near future. Production by Emmy Award Winners Tom Spalding and Barry Landon are underway. Plan to attend LHH May 19-22, 2011. We are approaching our limit of guests and expect to sell out in 2011. For more information visit www.lighthandshorsemanship.com. You can visit www.spalding-labs.com for information on Fly Predators. They really do work!! Comments from LHH 2010: I keep thinking back at how unique it was to have all of those fabulous horsemen together in one place- a very special experience. Thank you- Lisa Hoban Dear LHH Colleagues, I think the wind was providential:  It meant to carry all of that horse wisdom and knowledge and experience all over the world.  I pray that this is so. -Susan Tomasini We enjoyed the conference.  I attend and present at many conferences and must say that yours has been one of my favorites.  I liked the laid back/down to earth approach and the smaller # of people in attendance.  We also appreciated the approachability of the presenters and being able to follow up with questions.  Rick Lamb as usual did a great job as emcee keeping everything on schedule.  You did a great job organizing the clinic. Greg and Nettie Barr Canadian Natural Horsemanship Inc Thank you so much for the great event in Santa Ynez. I came away inspired and refreshed, thanks again.I am back home now working horses everyday and trying out some of the more advanced techniques from Lester and Eitan.What an awesome event and what a great way for people to get involved with Natural Horsemanship in an intimate setting. I hope that I am able to return next year. Joe Turner, MT When can we sign up for 2011!!!  It was the best horse event I've ever attended. Thank you so much.  Molly Hogan Thank you so much for all your hard work.  My husband and I thought the clinic was AWESOME!  In fact, my husband was so taken by it all that he signed us up for a week clinic with Richard Winters.  He had previously not been riding much and now he is all jazzed up again!  I am thinking of keeping a Quarter Horse mare I have had for years to try some cowboy dressage.  What fun!  I have further to go then she does. The wind was worth it!  We will be sharing our experience and our pictures with our local riders at our meeting next week so I expect you to get many of them in next year's clinic! Thanks again, Lynne and Ken Orloff More Photos and Updates to follow so stay tuned.

LHH 2010    May 20-23, 2010 Intrepid Farms, Santa Ynez, CA. (museum tours and 3 full days of clinics)   Jack Brainard Returns in 2010   We are excited to announce the 2009 Road to the Horse winner,       Richard Winters as our guest clinician in 2010.   Stay tuned for a recap of 2009's event and updates and       information on our upcoming 2010 event.   BLOG -Now Available - Click Here!!!   Good updates on the       clinicians, including some good training articles. Videos Click here to see video highlights brought to you by Spalding Labs. Click here to see video interview with Dr. Robert M. Miller brought to you by Rick Lamb & The Horse Show on RFD TV. Click here to view the Horsemanship of Eitan Beth-Halachmy and his equine companions. Watch as they perform "as one", to music...... A visual display of artistry and partnership between man and horse.   Light Hands Horsemanship in PA in Sept of 2011? It just might happen! Click here and let us know if you would be interested in attending.

Back By Popular Demand Jack Brainard returns to LHH in 2010 We are very excited and honored to have Legendary Texas Horseman Jack Brainard as our guest clinician in 2010.  Jack brings with him a wealth of experience, education and horsemanship.  He is the horsemen's horseman. Trainer, Breeder, Judge, Leader, Teacher, Author, Mentor and Friend are all accurate labels of Jack Brainard of Tioga, Texas, long known for his contributions to the equine industry and his lifelong commitment to horses and the people who enjoy them. Jack Brainard has bred and trained horses for over 53 years and judged for a variety of national horse associations for over 40 years. In 1966 Jack Brainard helped organize the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) and served as one of its original directors. Jack has is also a well respected author and has written two popular books: If I Were To Train a Horse  and Cowboys Past, Present & Future Jack Brainard, at 85, still trains his own two-year-olds. Most days he can be found schooling numerous horses, teaching students, or traveling the roads to conduct one of his many clinics. His students marvel at his “easy to understand” presentation of the prerequisites and elements of the “flying lead change,” his positive and motivating approach to both horse and rider, and his never-ending enthusiasm for doing what he truly loves. www.jackbrainard.com Light Hands Horsemanship is proud to announce that the popular TV/Radio Host and Author, Rick Lamb will be acting as Master of Ceremony at the event for his 3rd year. In addition to Rick's yearly duties of MC, in 2010 Rick will also be a guest speaker. He is a wealth of knowledge and stories that all will greatly enjoy. Rick's topics will be posted in the near future. Rick Lamb is best known to horse lovers around the world as host of The Horse Show with Rick Lamb on television and radio. He has also written three books: The Revolution in Horsemanship (with Dr. Robert M. Miller), Horse Smarts for the Busy Rider, and Human to Horseman.  He is a featured presenter at numerous horse expos each year and permanent host of Road to the Horse, the popular annual colt-starting contest. Rick lives in Phoenix, Arizona with his wife, Diana, and their four horses. Rick Lamb, well known author, TV and radio host will also be a Guest Speaker at LHH in 2010.  Stay tuned for subjects to be covered.  www.thehorseshow.com

Richard Winters 2009 Winner of Road to the Horse joins LHH in 2010 Horsemanship – A Lifelong Passion For nearly three decades Richard has dedicated himself to honing his horsemanship skills and to passing this knowledge onto others. His vast experience includes starting literally hundreds of horses that have gone onto almost every equine discipline imaginable. Richard's credentials extend from the rodeo arena and high dessert ranches of the west, to being a highly sought after trainer and horsemanship clinician.  Richard considers himself a product of many great horsemen that he has had the privilege to ride with. The absence of a fixed destination fuels his passion. “The further I go in my horsemanship, the further there is to travel while on this journey!” From the weekend trail rider to the competitive world of three day eventing and reined cow horses, Richard makes it possible for people to realize their horsemanship dreams. Richard’s credentials include World Champion-ship Titles in the National Reined Cow Horse Association along with being an A rated judge. Richard’s most recent accomplishment was making the Limited Open Finals at the World Championship Snaffle Bit Futurity in 2008. Richard also earned the Reserved Champion Title, in the Limited Open Derby, in Stephenville, Texas, in 2008. In 2007 Richard was named champion of the West Coast Equine Experience “$10,000 Colt Starting Challenge.” He was also presented with the 2007 Monty Roberts Equitarian Award for outstanding achievements in Horse/Human relationships.   Much of Richard's work has been accomplished through the numerous clinics he conducts around the country. He also enjoys being a guest presenter at various Horse Expo's.  A love for horses, knowledge developed through years of practice and study, and a willingness to continue learning, are the components that make Richard the “Masterful Equine Communicator” that he is today. www.wintersranch.com

News Flash.... Western Horseman October 2008 issue features article "Easy Does It" on LHH by publisher Darrell Dodds Click Here to read article.   (pdf 620kb)

AN INVITATION TO AN ADVENTURE IN LIGHTNESS

“Equine Learning: From Birth to Maturity”

LIGHT HANDS HORSEMANSHIP™

May 20-23, 2010

It is with great anticipation that we again offer the equestrian public this new and innovative concept and format in the teaching of horsemanship for the third year. As all of us have traveled around the country teaching at clinics and equine expositions we hear the same comments. “Ok, you have showed us how to start a young horse, now what?” or “This is great to see such an advanced horse but how do we get there?” Always listening to the needs of our horse public the four of us decided to form a group of horseman in a clinic setting that will take you from “Birth to the Advanced Horse.”

Each of these clinicians are unique and committed to their particular field of teaching and training. One of the things that they all have in common and will stress in their presentations, is the use and development of “LIGHTNESS.”

“LIGHTNESS” is their cornerstone, it is what all 5 clinicians strive for from their “first touch thru advanced training”. You will see “lightness” from the hand held touch of a lead line to the hand and rein communication of the advanced horse and rider.

How do you create the “lightness?”. Join us May 20-23, 2010. in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley. These five horsemen are “MASTERS OF LIGHTNESS.” They will teach you, share their knowledge and create a desire in you to know more, to learn more. It promises to be a weekend not easily forgotten.

Welcome back to LHH IV from Dr. Robert M. Miller

The success of our 2007, 2008, and 2009 Adventures in Lightness at Intrepid Farms in California’s beautiful Santa Ynez Valley has encouraged us to do it again. The enthusiastic comments from our international  audience, representing so many different breeds and disciplines is hard to ignore. The social aspects of the event seemed to please people as  much as the education in horsemanship.  This events setting is beautiful, not a dusty uncomfortable arena or showgrounds but a private estate where every detail is attended to. Green grass, white fences, shade trees, mountain views and ocean breezes, and lots of beautiful roses and color. You will think you are at a resort so come prepared to really enjoy yourselves. 

So, May 20-23, 2010 we are going to do it  again. The theme will be the same: LIGHTNESS. What is “LIGHTNESS ?”  By  definition it is an immediate and full response to an absolutely minimum amount of stimulus (signal). In all disciplines, lightness in the use of the  reins, the hands, the seat, and the legs is too often overlooked.  LIGHTNESS and how to achieve it will again be the heart of this event.

"The Revolution Horsemanship has produced no finer teachers than the three gentlemen returning to California’s Santa Ynez Valley May May 20-23, 2010  Masters of subtlety, soft hands & quiet methods of Western, English, and Classical Horsemanship, they will demonstrate, on elegant horses, how to achieve complete respect and compliance without producing fear in the horse. This event will continue to inspire you and help you to achieve oneness with the horse."   

This event will emphasize the training of the horse from birth to advanced levels. I have met few people in my life who were born with the qualities of patience, persistence, empathy, dedication and gentleness that are necessary in a great horseman. These 5 gentlemen have those gifts and they will share them with you. 

That is our theme: “LIGHTNESS, The Training of the horse, from birth to finish.”

We all look forward to sharing our knowledge and love for the horse with each and every one of you once again.  This is an auditor only clinic, no need to bring a horse.... just come, relax, share and learn.

Robert M. Miller DVM

Please stay tuned and check back often as the site will be continually updated...much, much more to follow!!

Photos by Mary Buckley and Shery Jespersen, Debbie Beth-Halachmy and Betsy Viets Wallen