May 2010 Quantum Weekend

When: 1st - 4th May 2010
Where: Lindy's Place, Colac
Time: 8.30am - 5pm

Level 1 Primary . . . where it all begins
Covering Lesson 1 & 2 of the Foundation Programme . . . on-line ground skills and float loading, developing a calm and confident horse. These lessons are suitable for those new to the QS programme and students studying the relevant lessons.

Level 2 Secondary
Lessons 7 & 8 . . . Impulsion and developing emotional fitness for you and your horse, introducing the bridle, picking up the pace, leads and lead changes.


A huge thankyou to Lindy for being such a wonderful host, providing us with good food, a place to sleep and excellent company. It all addeds to the fantastic experience of our Quantum Weekend.

We all made some great discoveries about personal space and using the hoola hoop with the Forequarter & Hindquarter yeilds really helped to show where our horses were actually stepping. Our Level 1 Primary group have had a great start to the Programme with a good look at their Basic Skills and Purpose Plays and then put it all together with their saddling proceedures.


With the preperation of looking at the patterns we use in our ground work and then looking at the same patterns when we are riding, the Level 2 secondary group 'Quantumed'with thier skills and the 'Grand Finalie' the Canter Passenger Lesson was amazing to watch. Very concerned faces at the beginning turned into grins from ear to ear in the finish as each person started trusting their horses more and more. Well done Everyone!

Ta Da's:

• Maintain the distance/personal space, ie watch that shoulder
  
• It's okay to push at the shoulder when asking for spirals in - helps to maintain gait and softness
  
• Being able to walk Lewis through the two sheds without him rushing and spinning!
  
• Being able to comprehend and implement the rebound exercise
  
• Soft feel for the first time!
  
• Watch the shoulder so it doesn't invate your personal space. They can be very subtle movements.
  
• Three circles at canter (each way) . . . no discussion, pigroot or ears back! . . . and spiral in!
  
• Rory did ligh and soft spiralt in at trot.
  
• A few steps at liberty with connection with Bailey and four feet across the trailer ramp!
  
• Saw the light!!! for a few seconds of hor to get my horse over barels.
  
• Rory gave me canter cicles in the bridle even though it was very claustrophobic for her!
  
• I think I finally felt true "effective phases" . . . . and it really works!
  
• Ridden spirals - felt soft and Max picked himself up properly . . . even had a couple of spiral steps at canter!
  
• We survived a canter passenger lesson in the rain on slippery ground
  
• I understand the posting and how to feel for them.
  
• Clarity and consistency!
  
• Remember to start with phase 1.
  
• Protect my personal space!
  
• Rebound exercise - to address claustrophobia.
  
• Body rubs and contact to address personal space invasion and desentisation.
  
• Getting phases right . . . phase 1, 2, 3, 4 . . and their respective pressures.
  
• Understanding the importance of the saddling procedure!