CORRALES CLINIC REPORT – 3/99 Date: Fri, 9 Apr 1999
From: Kathleen Marie Crumpton kcrumpto@cs.nmsu.edu
Subject: Mark Rashid clinic

Finally - I get to write a bit about the Mark Rashid clinic I attended two weeks ago in Coralles, New Mexico!

I wanted to see Mark becuz of what I had read about him here and on the bulletin board at the Trail Less Traveled web site. I was not disappointed. The man has a gift. I watched him work with some horses and then he explained what he was doing and what the horse was doing in response. I liked how he respected everyone - horse and human. This is a man who listens first.

There was one incident at this clinic that really left an impression on me however, so it's probably easier to talk about that rather than give a review of the whole clinic (makes this shorter too!).

There was a rider (maybe I should call her `Lady L' - that sounds mysterious). Very nice person, warm, loves her horse, soft and kind... Her problem was she could not get her horse to lope. Well, she kept looking at the horses head so, of course, the horse wasn't going to do anything. It's a habit for her that is hard to break. But that was just part of the problem. The horse had become dull to queues (sp?). Every time she squeezed her legs for a lope or kicked, the horse increased speed at a trot but wouldn't take a lead into a canter.

So Mark rode the horse to try to figure him out. It was kinda sad. What I saw was a horse who had been ridden by a lot by different people and had become oblivious. And poor `Lady L' became so frustrated.

Finally, Mark came up with an idea - a different signal - don't kick the horse into a lope - just kinda lift your legs out a bit - like a flap. It was a new thing for the horse and it started to work. I could see how the horse noticed this new signal in his peripferal vision and he started to respond to it. Now ... and this is important ... the horse was really trying.

Digress here a bit -> Horses respond in such subtle ways that sometimes we - - the human - can't see it until someone shows us. Culturally, we are an `in your face' society but horses are not `in your face' spirits. They are `tuned in' at a different level - softer (unless, of course, they have been made hard). And that's what I saw here - this horse was trying hard.

But it wasn't good enuf for `Lady L'. Every positive effort made by the horse and pointed out by Mark was rejected by her. It was sad and the session was absolutely charted for failure, the predisposition being so insurmountable.

And Mark tried to talk about positive things. A nice canter depart, willingness (to name a few). Each attempt was met with a nod of the head, tearful eyes and a negative response.

So, really, what I got to see was a truely sensitive, humble man being put to test. I salute his efforts and his great patience. I also admire how he told `Lady L' like it was. He did his best to stay neutral and he did a good job. I heard him tell her not to focus on the bad things - notice and be greatful for the good things.

She wants to use spurs. Mark said that was certainly an option but there are better options. She could work with the horse until he understood. After time and consistency she won't have this problem anymore. At least that's how I interpreted his words and I'm afraid to say, I don't think she heard (maybe she'll change her mind after thinking about it a bit).

That was the only sad thing that happened at this clinic. Everyone else had a more positive experience but their problems were different and were more easily solved with some kind of adjustment. Plus they WANTED success - they were open to it.

And we all learned.

Me? The highest praise I can give someone is that I would trust them with the relationship I have worked so hard to build with my horse. I would trust Mark. I'd use him, in fact, to tell me how my horse is doing. Is he happy? How can I give my horse what he needs so that he will be more willing to work for me? That kind of stuff. I'd trust him to tell me ACCURATELY what it is I need to do.

So I'll be looking for him in the future.

Kit Crumpton

Well, I spent the afternoon watching Mark Rashid working at a clinic in Sunland, CA today. It was the first time we had met, although I was on line when he spent an afternoon on the USDF bb, and we spoke on the phone one time when I emailed him about my stallion's 'separation anxiety'.

First of all, let me say, he comes across in person just like in his books. He is easy going, friendly, and always has the horse's best interest in mind. The biggest point that he made was that riders were tending to 'over cue' their horses. The first rider we watched was riding a 3-year-old who was 'lazy'. But the truth was the rider was push, push, pushing every step of the way. She also wasn't very sure of herself, and the horse supposedly tended to be spooky at times. Mark told her that she needed to 'be there for her horse, and give him something that he can hang his hat on'. (He returned to this point later in the clinic when asked about horses having show ring nerves. He agreed that usually it is the rider who is nervous, and if the partnership has been properly developed, then hopefully when the rider is worried, they can rely on their horse, just as the horse can rely on the rider in times of need.) Anyway, it became obvious that this well-intentioned lady was always asking - even when the horse was trying to offer her the right answer. Just in going from walk to trot, the horse would begin the transition, and the rider would give one more cluck and squeeze. How was he to know he had the right idea? And since going forward didn't seem to be right, and yet stopping wasn't quite it either, he had just given up, and plodded around. Just a few minutes of reminding the rider about her timing, and the horse's strides increased 9". He also got quiet in his mouth where he had been fussing with the bit earlier.

Now the next participant that we watched was a nice woman with a Lovely seat for the sitting trot, on a 4 year old TB mare. She had started this mare in Mark's colt starting class last year and this year was enrolled in the trailriding class. Her biggest problem was that when she would ask the mare to jog, she got this big forward trot, and it would take half a lap around the ring to settle her. Mark first had the woman walk around the arena and asked us if the horse was staying at the same tempo. Everyone's initial reaction was Yes. But careful analysis showed that the mare had moments of slightly slowing down, and moments where her energy was increasing. He suggested that when you are working with a green horse, you Use these natural variances to your advantage. If you want a downward transition, feel for the moments when the horse is naturally slowing, and Then ask. If you want an upward, feel for the horse to already be increasing in energy, and then ask.

Then he began to address the issue of too much trot. He noted that the rider was giving aids that while for most horses would be considered light, for this mare, they were too much. He asked the rider to trust the horse to do the right thing, and ask Very quietly, and give the mare a chance to respond. This produced some much quieter upwards where the mare trotted quietly along on a loose rein. He also pointed out to the rider that she was constantly looking down, which failed to give the horse clear direction. After calmly and clearly reminding the rider Not to Look Down more times than I can count, she began to catch herself. But there was never a critical or degrading comment. Mark would just blend the 'look up' comment into whatever else he was talking about - e.g.: "Karen is going to LOOK UP as she gives that light squeeze starting at the knee and working down with a gradual increasing pressure".

Now, I won't say that Mark is the Messiah of horsemen, and he didn't address some rider position issues that I might have made take top precedence, BUT… he helped all the horses and rider improve in their relationships. He used simple exercises and was clear in his instructions. He never made the rider a brunt of a joke, and yet he made the riders laugh at themselves. He included the audience so they could understand what was going on. He asked the riders for input, and checked to see that the really understood what and why he was asking them to do something. Every horse remained calm and focused, and he was about to take this group of riders out on a trail ride to work on real world problems! He did not have a standard routine, and he did not watch the clock! There was never a session where he said, "whoops, time is up for today, we will see where we get tomorrow." Every horse and rider got however much time they needed. It was a very pleasant afternoon - I wish I could go again for the rest of the week. For any of you who have a chance to ride in a clinic with Mark, or even audit - take advantage. You will see a lot of classic horsemanship taking place. You will get some ideas that you can take home, and you will start thinking about lightness, rewarding intentions, staying attuned to your horse, and developing a partnership based on trust. Not to mention, you will have a good time laughing at horse jokes and visiting with honorable horse people trying to do right by their horses. If you can't see him in person, then I really will recommend his books "Considering the Horse" an "A good Horse is Never a Bad Color". They may not hold earth shattering new information, but they will remind you to think about your equine partner, and you will keep trying to develop trust. Anyone who is located in Southern California, this clinic will be continuing through Sunday. Auditing is only $15/day to ETI members, and $20 to non-members. The location is beautiful and the hospitality is great (Robert and I went down and forgot to take jackets. Here in Lancaster it was 75 degrees, but we dropped over the hill into the San Fernando Valley, it was overcast and maybe 55! The owner of the ranch went up to her house and came out with coats for us both!!!) Anyway, you can contact Lisa at (818)541-5049, or just go to Peacock Hill 10330 McBroom Street, Shadow Hills. And Just so you know, I am not connected with this group at all, and this is unsolicited support. I think that everyone could benefit from this man's gentle attitude.

Good riding. Monica

I would describe Mark Rashid as kind, gentle, insightful, wise, and humble. He has the patience of a saint. He seems to never tire, physically or emotionally. He's "right there" for you and your horse every moment. He gives private, one-on-one time to each horse and rider. This was a unique experience for me.

The time with Mark was very humbling for me, and I believe for the other riders as well. I will never handle my horse the same - and thank goodness for that! I hadn't realized how much of a sensitivity void or gap I had in my training. (my words, not Mark's.)

Despite having read Mark's delightful books; despite having read the glowing clinic reports posted to this list, I wasn't prepared for the revelations of this weekend.

For many years I've been studying Natural Horsemanship. Now at last I've come face to face with my own personal "truth" (it was different and yet still similar for all of us at the clinic). I learned that I had NOT been considering my horse (to use the title of Marks book). Over the years I had learned a good deal of technique and mechanics without having worked out the relationship aspect between horse and human that we on this list spend so much time discussing; i.e., the ethics of horse handling and training.

If you and your horse are fortunate enough to work with Mark Rashid, and you allow yourself to put aside your defenses, assumptions, pride and mindless habits - just to consider objectively yet compassionately what the heck you're doing with your horse and why.........well, after you catch your breath, you might be amazed how differently you'll see things. Your horse will thank you for this enlightenment, of that I'm certain.

Sharon
Temecula, California

March 13th & 14th, Mark Rashid Private Clinic
Sharon & Rick Dial's in Temecula CA.

What do you get when you take 4 women who are great friends devoted to training their horses, 2 husbands with a lot of natural ability, a trainer from Estes Park Colorado with an exceptional ability to communicate with horses and a talent for developing partnerships between horses and humans? You get a lot of learning and some great horsemanship going on.

I have been riding horses for 10 years and studying to train my horses for the past 4 years. In two short days, Mark Rashid taught me how to communicate with my mare, not to her but with her, on the ground and in the saddle. He taught me how to begin to have the true partnership I have always wanted with my horse. For this, I will be forever grateful.

We began with Mark asking me to show him what I do with my horse. I decided to be totally honest, even though I thought he would not like everything he saw. I wanted to get my time and money's worth, and I wanted his honest opinion. I wanted him to see the whole picture. He did, and he never once criticized my methods. In fact, he encouraged me to keep doing the things that I thought were working. He only suggested his methods as an alternative.

Mark does not require a specific style of tack or equipment. All he brought with him to the arena was a 30-foot, soft cotton rope. Students showed up with rope halters, hackamores, snaffle bits and more. Mark's only requirement was that the horse was comfortable with the equipment.

We learned the difference between feeling the horse and drilling the horse. Most of us were drilling our horses. Mark made it very clear that he does not like to see horses drilled. He believes that once a horse learns something, they have it forever. If you need it, it will be there. (A big pause here because I think that is REALLY IMPORTANT!)

He told us their memory is second only to an elephant's. He would like to see people work less on technique and more on that ever-elusive feel. Therein lies the communication. If you are consistent with your horse and your horse can come to depend on you, the technique will follow. 90% of problems with horses would clear up with consistency. I believe it.

One of my groundwork drills was asking my mare's hindquarters to disengage. No matter how lightly I did it, she swished her tail. I asked Mark what I should do about this. I was dumbfounded when he suggested that I simply stop doing it. How could I give up to solve the problem? He put his hand near my mare's flank and she stepped over. He told me she knows how to do it, so just give her a break. He bet that if I stopped doing it for a month or so, then asked her to step her hind end over, she would oblige me and not be upset about it. He suggested that maybe I only ask her to do it when I needed to, like to open a gate. Put purpose to the exercise.

We began each day with a groundwork exercise on a 30-foot rope, a bit like ground driving, but it teaches much more. It asks that the horse rate the human's speed and for both to stay in time with each other. This in turn directly transfers to riding in the saddle. It makes the human very aware of their position, one wrong step to the right made my horse change direction. One step too close to your horse's shoulder and she will turn to face you. It was hard to get in rhythm and hold the correct position, but once we did all I had to do was pick up my pace and my horse went from walk to a trot. If I slowed down my steps, my horse came down from the trot to the walk. Did I ever imagine it could be this easy after all the drills I have taught my horse on the ground? And what's more, my mare was aware of every step I made. That is how sensitive our horses can be.

Our horses are constantly telling us what is going on. They communicate all the time. Humans usually only communicate to their horse when they want to do something. If I start to pay more attention to our horses, we will begin to see what they are saying. For instance, one mare was asked by her owner to trot circles around him. The horse tugged on the line, wrung her tail and threw her head in circles. She was not happy with the exercise and she was clearly communicating this. The owner recognized the problems but did not know what to do about it, so he continued to drill the horse. Mark thought the lunging was not a fair deal to the horse as the human stood in the center and pointed, and the horse did all the work by circling around. As I watched I could see that the horse needed more support, more direction. When this same horse and human began the ground driving that Mark had taught them the mare relaxed and stopped throwing her head. She was feeling supported as the human stayed in time with her and helped her.

Another example of communication, my mare was worried about her cinch and she turned her head to me each time I saddled her up. She had recently begun to step away from me. I know the saddle was not hurting her, so I figured it was just disrespect on her part. I had been dealing with this by taking what she was doing and making it uncomfortable for her, increasing the pressure on her. When she did not stand still I asked her to move her feet, back and sidepass or longe around me. My goal was for her to want to stand still. Mark encouraged me to listen to what she was trying to say. She was telling me that she was worried and this was important to her. I was cinching her up pretty fast. If I cinched her up slower and gave her a little time in between tightening the cinch, maybe walk her around some, she would relax. I did and it worked. How easy was that compared to the sidepassing and longing I had been doing? And the next day as I cinched her up slowly and considerately, she did not even look at me. She trusted me.

I observed an interesting parallel in Mark's teaching method. He asked us to ground drive our horses and stay with the horse for support. As we were riding our horses, he walked around the arena with each of us, standing at our side and staying right with us. He consistently asked how we felt, reminded us to breath, asked us if we could feel what the horse was doing, and told us we were doing a good job. He was there for us and for the horses each step.

All of us had one thing on common; we could improve our posture and cues in the saddle. Mark encouraged us to sit quietly in the saddle. We all worked on our transitions, walk to trot, trot to lope, stops and back ups. Mark wanted us first to get a picture of what we want, and then to use our focus. We all were asked to use a whole lot less pressure with our legs and reins. Instead, use our balance and energy in the saddle to encourage forward transitions, and hips rolling under for stopping or backing. He asked us to keep our off of our horses while riding, unless we really needed them. He taught us to drop the cue the moment we could feel the horse responding. He reminded us we can always reapply the cue if needed, but to trust the horse as they respond and to give us what we are asking for. This, I know, creates lightness between the horse and rider.

I was amazed at my little mare. I could just tilt my weight backwards and tuck my hips, and she would stop on a dime. And here I had been shutting her down with my reins, and she would stop with no rein! At the walk when I would lift my body forward and cluck to her once or twice and she would give me a trot, no leg needed. I have been squeezing her in to each upward transition. Mark would tell us out loud the moment he saw the horses react, "Too much cue." Even when my mare did not respond right away, Mark could see she was trying. He encouraged me to stay with her. I did and she would tip right in to the trot a couple paces later. It was so soft.

Timing is very important. Mark used the analogy of a relationship again and again in teaching us. He supposed that if you made a date with a friend and promised to show up at 8:00 but you arrive at 10:00 every time, pretty soon your friend wont like you much anymore. It is the same with the horse. We have to get in time with them, release the cue immediately when we feel it happening.

After the first day I was unsaddling my mare. Without thinking about it, I asked her to step her hind end over because as I was a bit crowded. Remember how I was complaining about her tail swishing when I disengaged her hind end? I realized after she did it, with much astonishment, that she had not swished her tail. I was not drilling her, and there was a purpose she could understand. I shared this later with Mark and he simply said that she made him look really good.

The second day I could not stop smiling from the moment my horse and I walked in to the arena. I was getting exactly what he was talking about and I could feel a whole new soft way of riding my horse about to begin. My confidence was shining. Mark walked with my mare and I, and he showed me that she has transitions in each of her gaits. When she is walking she is constantly asking me if we should go up or down. It is so subtle that it is hard to see with the eye, easier to feel under the saddle. She lifts up asking me if we should go faster. Then she drops down, maybe her head drops a bit and her ears relax, asking if we should slow down. If I can get in time with this, and then time my stops to her downward transition I will nail my stop every time. If I can feel her lifting, our upward transitions will flow together. The result of this being a partnership. We are riding together.

And finally, let me share something very unique about this patient horseman. He believes that if you are not getting what he is trying to teach you, it is his fault. He works one on one with each student and has a maximum of 6 students in each clinic. There is no time limit; the horse dictates the pace. The entire time you are with Mark, he is checking in with you while you are learning. If you look uncomfortable he suggests you slow down. He wants each and every person to tell him if they understand. If they do not, he will try another way to explain it. He takes full responsibility for the teaching and he wants each person to grasp what he is saying. I have never met someone so dedicated to teaching good horsemanship.

If you have the opportunity to ride with Mark Rashid I sure hope you take it. A teacher like Mark doesn't come around often and your horse will thank you for it.

Beth Anne
Alpine CA

well, I was 'prompted' to try to capsulize those two days....i.e. short and to the point...don't know that I can, but here goes....and as always, what follows is just one person's opinions/thoughts......

I. About Mark A. He truly 'walks the talk'...not just with the horses, but in his interactions with humans ( I'm talking all humans...waitresses, strangers, gas attendants....not just the riders/auditors!!)...Patient, kind, and very long-suffering !! Treats others as he wants to be treated...wow ...what a concept c:)

B. He is always searching for a way to make what he believes in so strongly, clearer so that we might find a way to make it 'ours'....not just settle for the 'knowing'.

C. He knows and accepts his responsibilities as teacher/leader and does all in his power to fulfill those , however, he is also aware of where his 'job' stops and yours begins...and he has a way of allowing and assisting you to fulfill your responsibilities and do your part.

II. The 'technical' stuff

A. set it up and wait...as long as he is searching, wait for him to find it. If he is locked up, then find something to move a bit.

Example: Backing....set it up and wait...he is moving his head or body or ear or....just hang with him. Locked up...nothing is happening, he's going to sleep, etc. then rock him back ( if you get a step, you release), if you get a bit of a rock back, then ask him to step over. Remember....we are rewarding the *thought*...often not seen except by those as perceptive as Mark. When unlocked, set up the 'back' again. Build on each step.

B.Don't 'train' for refinement... it will come as your relationship with the horse develops (discussion on relationship comes later under" III. Ephipiny" !!).

Teach them and when they know it ...let it go ...don't drill. Illus. by the time you are in JR. High, does the teacher still ask you everyday what 1+1 is?

C. Don't rely on tools....make your body the tools (hands, arms, energy, etc)...you always have your body with you!!

D. any gait too fast? Have a gait they can go to and feel calm and safe and build from there. Example: canter too fast and emotional.... get to where the horse can jog quietly and calmly and feel safe. then ask for the canter...too fast?, then bring back to the 'safe place' trot, ask for canter again.....keep building.

Much different from the canter til they are tired and then ask them to canter some more til they come down, huh? More effective , quicker, and easier on horse and rider, too.

III. My Epiphany (!!??!!)

Mark is always talking about consistency, being there for the horse, relationship, and we all nod our heads 'yes, I understand'....and we do.. to some degree....but believe me, its not to the extent that Mark is talking about.

I had a situation where he really drove it home for me....I was ground driving my mule and he was doing beautifully...really hooked on, etc. at one point, I stepped in too close to his shoulder and he stopped and turned in to me. This mule is pretty responsive (by normal NH standards!!) , so I gently pointed in the direction we were going as if to say, " thank you, but I would like you to keep going this way"....no quick movements or rope swinging or stuff like that...just a gentle finger point!

Mark said 'whoa, wait a minute....why is he paying for your mistake? You stepped into his shoulder...he is only doing what you asked."

"But, I only asked with a pointed finger for him to go on....I wasn't 'yelling' at him", I WHINED!!!

so the point *I* was missing? I wasn't being consistent, there fore, I wasn't building his trust ....next time I moved to his shoulder, he would have to ask himself "well, THIS TIME, does she want me to really stop or keep going?"

Does this seem trivial or such a small point? One person at the clinic mentioned that they thought Mark was 'picking' on me because that person saw Hank doing so great and my 'keep going' was so quiet ( and I thank that person for the support!!) ....but I am so Grateful he chose to bring it to my attention....nothing else would have allowed me to see so clearly all that I had been nodding my head to saying ..."sure, I get it"...but was I really? I guess only time will tell....

I do not write as well as many on this list, so hope this made some sense and thank you for allowing me to try to put into words....each time I say or write it, it helps to concretize it in my 'pea brain'!!

Ima Mary Dennis
Natural Equine Therapy Center
Anza, Ca.
softeyes@pe.net

The Horse Always Knows the Truth ( & the Mule Keeps You Honest)