Tapestry Meadows Equestrian Center

Sally and Teri attended a 3-day Clinton Anderson Clinic near Sacramento. There were 19 problem horses and one great horse enrolled in the clinic. It was amazing to watch Clinton teach these owners how to communicate with their horses.His motto is "Make the right thing easy, the wrong thing difficult". Even the most problematic horses were responding very quickly. The more stubborn and spoiled would try their usual tricks for a few minutes, then give in and learn the lessons being taught. It was amazing to see the owner's transformation as well. As they started watching the wonderful results of their fellow clinic-mates, they would give up the "Please, fluffy, do this for me" approach, and make their horse accountable for his actions. By the end of the second day, both horse and owner were amazingly transformed.


The Los Vallecitos Riders Show Circuit
Congratulations to Nichelle Whitaker and her horse, Ahsha, who took home three ribbons! Kudos go to Jill Wiener, their trainer, as well - we're glad you all had FUN!

A fun morning was had by those of us who attended the LVR Fun Show. Jill and Mary showed Liebs (his second show) in English Pleasure, Equitation, and Country Pleasure. Thanks to Kathy and Eric Schwartz for all their hard work that goes into coordinating these shows!


The Chris Irwin Clinic

Chris Irwin demonstrating with Cheryl Erpelding (owner of California Riding Magazine)		Trainer-in-Training, Teresa, working with Montana
Montana & I attended the Chris Irwin Clinic at Creek Hollow Ranch in Ramona and I can't begin to express how awesome it was! Montana had a lot of energy the three days we were there, but I was exhausted by Monday afternoon! If you haven't heard of Chris or his wife, Kathryn, pick up The Riding Magazine for which Chris writes a monthly column I love his approach to working with horses, and that is how I found him. Montana had to work hard because she was a little naughty the first day. We have a lot of homework before the next clinic in November. Chris is a wonderful teacher. He explains things thoroughly and works with everyone individually. Montana got extra-special attention from him because she tried to outsmart me and the other trainers that were working with her. Chris said that Miss Montana was the only horse there that thought she was a "Prima Donna" but that we can channel that energy into becoming an awesome horse as she matures. Wish me luck!!
If you'd like any information on Chris Irwin, go to his website at: www.chrisirwin.com or call toll-free at: 877-394-6773

The Oaks Indian Hills Field Trip Saturday June 11
Challenger	We always enjoy spending time at the Oaks, especially in the spring after the new foals have arrived. Laura, Mary, Diandra, and Sally recently enjoyed a field trip at the Oaks to visit the stallions, mares, and foals. Javier and Nancy escorted us around the ranch, giving us the pedigree background on the youngsters, answering questions, and showing us the gorgeous stallions that belong to Joan Irvine-Smith.	Challenger
After spending time with our friends at the Oaks, we drove up the road and Javier showed us a nice two-year-old South Pacific granddaughter for sale. Mary promptly became infatuated with her...

Parelli Natural Horsemanship Clinic
Pat and Linda Parelli	A small but enthusiastic group from Tapestry Meadows recently attended a Natural Horsemanship Clinic at the City of Industry Equestrian Center. The seminar, hosted by Pat and Linda Parelli, focused on the concepts of Love, Language, and Leadership and a strategy of developing “savvy” when working with your horse.
Recent additions to Tapestry Meadows, Eileen Norton and her husband, Bill Schlichter, are students of the Parelli Natural Horsemanship training method. Along with Eileen and Bill, Sally, Kathryn, Teri, and Diandra attended the clinic.		Linda Parelli & Pat Parelli
The Parelli method is based on the “Seven Games Horses Play.” In the first level of Parelli training, the student is taught how to refine the seven games with his/her horse on the ground. This leads to a better understanding between horse and human, and the door is opened for strong communication and partnership. As the student progresses through the training method, the seven games are eventually applied while under saddle. For those of us new to Parelli, it was very interesting to watch the early morning games with horse and human such as jumping barrels, side-passing ground poles, performing canter pirouettes, and interacting with only a "carrot stick" for direction. Pat spent a lot of time discussing the rationale behind the seven games, and he believes they offer the best approach towards cultivating and enjoying a close partnership with one's horse.
Linda Parelli	The afternoon session focused on the concept of “fluidity” while under saddle. Linda Parelli spoke in depth about “moving with your horse”, demonstrating simple exercises to do while mounted that will assist horse and rider to synchronize their movements. Ultimately, this will lead to a better relationship between horse & rider.	Eileen, Teri, Sally, Kathryn
It was great to share in this event, and an excellent time was had by all! We especially appreciate Eileen and Bill's generosity in providing the group with complimentary tickets! If you are interested in more information about Pat Parelli and his natural horsemanship approach, you can visit his website at www.parelli.com

Clinton Anderson Clinic
Sally and Teri attended a 3-day Clinton Anderson Clinic near Sacramento. There were 19 problem horses and one great horse enrolled in the clinic. It was amazing to watch Clinton teach these owners how to communicate with their horses.His motto is "Make the right thing easy, the wrong thing difficult". Even the most problematic horses were responding very quickly. The more stubborn and spoiled would try their usual tricks for a few minutes, then give in and learn the lessons being taught. It was amazing to see the owner's transformation as well. As they started watching the wonderful results of their fellow clinic-mates, they would give up the "Please, fluffy, do this for me" approach, and make their horse accountable for his actions. By the end of the second day, both horse and owner were amazingly transformed.
Clinton advising clinic attendees Clinton demonstrating E-Z All horse washing system	Our humorous composite: Sally, Clinton and Teri on our trusty steed, "Sausage-Boy".