Notes from Mark Rashid Clinic

Mark Rashid is a horse trainer and writer. I've read most of his books, which are written in a down-to-earth, story telling tone that appeals to me.  I like how Mark combines what he knows about horses, with what he knows about Aikido (a Japanese martial art), with what he knows about life.  I believe deeply that the mind/body/spirit connection is important in horsemanship, so I like to read the insights of like-minded riders and horse trainers. 

Anytime I have audited a "big name training clinic" (I've watched Buck Brannaman, Julie Goodnight and a couple of others), I always leave intrigued, but skeptical.  It's inspiring to watch masterful horsemen/women at work, but I often feel that most of the audience (perhaps self included!) take away only a superficial impression of what the trainer is doing and therefore leave with a false sense of knowledge.  (It concerns me that people go home and try what they think they saw on their own horses and then end up doing more harm then good!)  I believe it's a fault of the format of these clinics more than anything else. 

I was surprised but glad to find Mark's clinic was organized as private lessons and there were only about 10 of us auditing, so it felt a lot more personal and he was able to answer questions.  Unfortunately, due to time and distance, we were only able to watch three riders go, but I did leave with some take home messages that I will keep in mind while I ride and teach this week:

• "When I get on a horse I don't know, I try to establish with the horse the way I ride, not let the horse establish with me the way that everyone else rides him." - Mark Rashid
• Mark talked about looking for a certain feel when he rides and trains horses and said he'd call that feel "availability."  I guess that means the feeling that whatever he might ask for next, the horse is ready to do it.
• Mark also talked a little about life and living well, which I really enjoyed listening to.  He said when he's dealing with a conflict, annoyance, or really any situation, he asks himself: Is this going to be important to me in five years?  If not, he doesn't bother to give it much thought/ action/ energy. I think if I could follow this advice consistently, it would save me a lot of time and worry! 

Overall, I had a good time visiting Hickory Ridge Ranch in Rincon, Georgia (a lovely facility!) and watching Mark, who is obviously a skilled horseman and kind, authentic person, do his work!