West Vic Quantum Weekend

When: 15th - 18th August 2009
Where: South West Equine Centre, Cross Forest Road, Naroghid (10 mins from Camperdown)
Time: 8.30am - 5.00pm

Daily Programme:
Morning - Level 1 Advanced: Level 1 Overview

Combine skills learnt in Level 1 - Build your Confidence in all gaits - Prepare for Level 2

Afternoon - Level 2 Secondary: Lessons 7 & 8 Impulsion & developing emotional fitness for your horse - Cherokee Bridle - Introducing the Bridle -Picking up the pace - Leads & Diagonals

The support for this Weekend was fantastic...we had students and auditors travelling from many parts of Victoria, including Kilmore, Avoca and Geelong and everybody's input created a great learning atmoshphere. We focused on the benefits of making a programme of our tasks, ensuring that we repeated everything we did in each lesson in the days following. The difference this made with our Passenger Lessons in the L1 Advanced lesson from the first day to the last really stood out, and I am looking forward to hear how everyone goes with completing their next 7 Passenger Lessons in a row on their own.

I was also very proud of my horse, Abbey who participated in both the morning & afternoon lessons, which meant that on one of the days, she did both a trot and a canter passenger lesson!! She took it all in her stride and even helped to point out to the other riders that thay needed to protect both their horses & their own personal space during these Passenger Lessons. The L2 Secondary students all had a great time with introducing the bridle and I can remember the auditors commenting on the huge difference it made with Vicki's horse, Max in the way he carried himself. Well done guys!

Student Ta-Da's!

Level 1 Advanced

- We can stop from a canter

- We can get indirect rein without pulling on the head

- Cantering 2 full circles

- Becoming a stronger leader (protecting personal space

- trot PL)

- Flight test jump becoming softer and less impulsive

– still have to work on hq yields, need to go to phase 4

- Got a couple of indirect reins without touching the rein!

- Circle at canter without “discussion”

- PLs becoming less rushed

- Flight test jump becoming softer and less impulsive

– still have to work on hq yields, need to go to phase 4

- Got a couple of indirect reins without touching the rein!

- Circle at canter without “discussion”

- PLs becoming less rushed

Level 2 Secondary

- Your horse may be lighter than you think!

- Survived canter PLs

- Direct rein is much better now my rein is shorter and remember to drop my shoulder when I open up

- Hq yield without picking up the rein

- Max can canter small circles . . . . indoors!!!

- Be particular . . . . not over critical

All I can say now is . . . . bring on November !!!

July 09 Milduara Quantum Weekend

With Endorsed Instructor, Mel Peacock

When: 3rd - 6th October 2009
Where: Riverbend Vet Clinic, Buronga
Time: 8.30am - 5.00pm

Daily Programme:Morning - Level 1 Primary: Lessons 1 & 2

Learn how to communicate more effectively with your horses - Have a more willing, co-operative horse with much more positive ground manners - How to Float Load safely and Easily

Afternoon - Level 1 Secondary: Lessons 3 & 4

Safe & Practical Saddling and Riding techniques—To have your horse going forward Confidently & Easily—Sideways and Backwards—How to stop your horse with just your body energy and one rein

Thank you Amanda for helping to organise this fantastic event and Dr Deb for providing a fantastic venue for us. It was such a pleasure to teach at this weekend. The guys starting out for the first time all had such a wonderful attitude and had things happening with their horses in no time at all. Even the flight tests were a breeze, and who could forget the fantastic demo Paula gave us to get Marty over the barrels - which happened to be her goal for the weekend! The afternoon group made huge progress also - building lots of confidence in the saddle, to the point where there was LOTS of giggling throughout their passenger lessons. Congratulations to Nikita (who is only 10 YO I think) for completing a whole trot passenger lesson for the first time on Yoshi!! He certainly is a great pony and a wonderful confidence builder for Nikita.

Ta-Da's:

Paula- managed to keep Marty out of my personal space, he remained calm and focused while practicing basic skills, I backed marty through the arena gate for the first time today YAY!!, focused on keeping marty out of her personal space successfully for the whole lesson!

Maggie- Managed to handle gracie in a controllable manner

Karen- Was able to get buck over the step with confidence, Seemed to respond better as the lesson went on! Maybe i am getting the hang of it sort of lol

Jennifer- how to use my direct rein properly and to get him to bend to a stop by getting clancy off the forehand, trot passenger lessons x 3 and canter leap frog

Nikita- I got on my horse and completed 3 passenger lessons at a trot

Mel- I made improvement without a negative outlook and can communicate with my horse

Sharna- Aella started very slowly to move with light touches, Aella was even lighter today, i picked up all four feet from one side, she led from the shoulder and i could move her without contact plus heaps more , Aella didn't want to trot small circles but with mels help we had a really good try, also aella is responding more to no contact yields, We accomplished our goals that we set on Saturday Thanks Mel plus i got her to jump the barrels both ways!!

Dr Deb-Psalm walked through the front door of our reception at the clinic and out through the treatment room to the barn!!!!!

Amanda- i managed to confirm the next QW by getting 6 deposits in during this QW!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mildura Quantum Weekend September 2008

With Mel Peacock

September 13th - 16th 2008

At the Riverband Vet Clinic, Buronga

Time: 9am - 5.30pm

Daily Programme:
Morning - Level 1 Primary: Lessons 1 & 2 in the Foundation Programme.
Learn how to communicate more effectively with your horses - Have a more willing, co-operative horse with much more positive ground manners - How to Float Load safely and Easily




Afternoon - Level 1 Secondary: Lessons 3 & 4 in the Foundation Programme.
Safe & Practical Saddling and Riding techniques—To have your horse going forward Confidently & Easily—Sideways and Backwards—How to stop your horse with just your body energy and one rein


With thanks to the Buronga Practise Group and Group Orgainser, Amanda Bernaldo for co-ordinating this event.

This weekend kicked off with lessons 1 & 2 with a great bunch of students, studying their 3 Basic Skills for the first time. This group also included a student with a young Donkey! Boy was it interesting to see the way the other horses reacted to 'Jenny' who was oblivious to the fact that she was just a bit different to all the others. Neverthless, the QS principals still applied to Donkeys just as well as they do to horses. In fact it was even more important to offer comfort and release to a Donkey as we all found, especially when it came to going forward. With an animal that has no flight response, this was the only way forward was going to happen.

The afternoon group saddled up (safely of course!) and were riding all weekend, even on the day with some pretty wild and windy weather! With a few nervous students sitting around before the lesson started, I pointed out that the horses were quite happy out there in the wind, so why should it be any different when we were riding them? Well of course they all performed fabuloulsy Passenger Lesson and all.

Everyone who participated in the weekend put in a huge effort to better their horsmanship skills. Well done everybody!

Broken Hill August 2008 Quantum Weekend

With Mel Peacock
When: August 9th -10th 2008
Where: Broken Hill Tent Pegging Grounds, Broken Hill
Time: 9am - 5.30pm Daily

Level 1 Primary: Lessons 1 & 2 in the Foundation Programme.Learn how to communicate more effectively with your horse - Have a more willing, cooperative horse with much more positive ground manners - How to Float load safely and easily

Our August Quantum Weekend in Broken Hill saw us getting started with Level 1. It was fabulous to see a new group of Students starting out on the Programme and learning about the 3 Basic Skills, 3 Purpose Plays and discovering how Release Focused Training will help them to have their horses willingly do anything for them. We had a lot of fun exploring new things to No Yeild our horses with and combining our skills with different tasks and fine tuning our Focus in some 'Follow the Leader' . Our Students also had the pleasure of meeting a horse that I am just starting with. This was Pinta's first Quantum Weekend, and although I am only just starting out with her, she was happy to 'show the way" for the rest of the Students.

Student Ta-Da's:
'I only just joined Quantum Savvy last weekend after participating in a Quantum Weekend. My name is Sharon and I live in Broken Hill. I am a novice even though I used to work with horses (but that was many years ago). I have always loved horses but only learnt a little bit of riding, and have never had the chance to own one. I am studying Level 1 with my friend's horse Pauly. In fact it was Carmen (my friend) that introduced me to Quantum Savvy. A big thank you once again to her for bringing Pauly out for the Quantum Weekend.My "Tah Dah" is the fact that I completed the weekend and began to build a closer relationship with Pauly despite the fact of losing my confidence with horses many years ago. Some nasty experiences in the racing industry meant I became very nervous when handling horses. I was so afraid that they may get hurt I couldn't even walk them anymore. With the help of Mel even though I was very nervous, I began to communicate with Pauly in a way I would not have thought possible. As I practiced my No Yield, Contact Yield, and my No Contact Yield my nerves died away and I began to really enjoy myself. I was in awe of the trust that has started to build in Pauly as well as myself. Coming from the racing background where so much focus is on forcing the horse to do what you want, I was amazed by how responsive a horse is to the littlest pressure. As a result I have a whole new respect for them. Pauly is a wonderful teacher as well. His gentleness and understanding help me to concentrate on my own actions and see them through his eyes. He is also very patient which is just what I need.A huge thank you to Mel for running an enjoyable as well as instructional weekend. A huge thank you to Carmen for her support and letting me work with Paulie.'
- Sharon Murphy, Broken Hill

Ellerslie Quantum Weekend

Ellerslie Quantum Weekend With Mel Peacock

June12th - 15th 2008
at 'Sullivans Run' Ellerslie, NSW
Time: 9am-5.30pm

Daily Programme:



Morning: Level 1 Primary - Lessons 1 & 2
Learn how to communicate more effectively with your horse - Have a more willing, cooperative horse with much more positive ground manners - How to Float load safely and easily



Afternoon: Level 2 Secondary - Lessons 7 & 8


Impulsion & developing emotional fitness for your horse - Cherokee Bridle - Introducing the Bridle - Picking up the pace - Leads & Diagonals

With Thanks to the Ellerslie Practise Group and Group Organiser, Cindy Brander for co-ordinating this event.

Some Ta-Da's from the Weekend: 'Wow what a QW we just had! Level 2 ridden.. Demaris and I learn't so much, I don't know where to start!!! I discovered how very light my horse is , that I have to mean what I'm saying (yes canter means canter), and how much fun riding is now that i've made it through level 1 and most of my irrational fears are in the past.The canter Passenger Lesson was something I knew I had to face and I was a bit worried about it. Demaris tried all sorts to get out of cantering and Mel had to use her stick some to get us going again but when all's said and done we made it through.. It was very emotional on my part I nearly cried (built up emotions are no good), but I also laughed alot!The next day when I asked for canter he just stopped and kicked out but it was something I needed to work through and its been great since.. He really was just looking for a strong leader and I know how to be that now. Thanks for your help Mel - Amanda Bernaldo

Mildura June 2008 Quantum Weekend

With Mel Peacock

June 7th -10th 2008
At the Riverband Vet Clinic, Buronga
Time: 9am - 5.30pm

Daily Programme:
Morning - Level 1 Secondary: Lessons 3 & 4 in the Foundation Programme.
Safe & Practical Saddling and Riding techniques—To have your horse going forward Confidently & Easily—Sideways and Backwards—How to stop your horse with just your body energy and one rein

Afternoon - Level 2 Primary: Lessons 5 & 6 in the Foundation Programme
Advance on our Basic Skills with Positive Reflexes— Work on longer lines—Go looking for the truth at Liberty—Gain an independent seat with Bareback Riding
With thanks to the Buronga Practise Group and Group Orgainser, Amanda Bernaldo for co-ordinating this event.

Some Ta-Da's from the Weekend:
'WOW, what an action packed last four days Digger and I have had... I had just gone to pick him up from Mel’s place last Thursday after 9 days of Trail Training (just as the rain was setting in) and then went straight into a 4 day clinic with her. We had plenty of BFO’S, near to tears and some amazing tah-dah’s. I thought the first day was going to be the highlight of the clinic when i had him jumping over the barrels for my first time and after a pretty scary passenger lesson (for the first time) I thought it couldn’t get any better but today was the biggest highlight ever, Digger and I did our first canter thanks to Mel’s guidance, encouragement and one big push. Thank you sooooo much Mel for all your help I can only imagine how frustrating it must be at times and just having the patients and knowing when to push that little bit further for both Digger and I to have a brighter future thanks to QS.WOW, what a great weekend.' - Lisa Murray
'There was lots of new stuff for all of us. Way to go!!! I cant highlight enough how valuable it is to get to any clinics that anyone possibly can, there are so many things that we tell ourselves we're not ready for but with encouragement and just a little push in the right direction it's amazing what we can all achieve. There were so many tah dahs. Thanks to everyone, Amanda, Deb, Kath, Lisa, Emma,Wendy, Marie, Jane, Jen, Helen and of course Mel for making me feel so welcome in your group for the weekend, I really had a great time, and a big hug to everyone - (even if you dont like them) Look forward to catching up with you all again.Cheers' - Jen & of course Rory
'Well where do I start. Thank you one and all for a great weekend at the Buronga group clinic. And most of all a mighty huge thanks to MEL!!!!!!!. I got my new pony Stormy on boxing day. He is my new harness pony. He is 3 yrs of age. Stormy has been an aloof character, not really trusting anyone. I have had him in harness many times and no real problems, however I wanted to start him with QS and build a raport with him. We did a clinic back earlier in the year and have not done much since. I decided to send him to Mel for foundation training.
Mel found that he was a very worried and nervously braced pony. After 9 days I returned to Buckalow station to pick him up and Mel had done her usual fantastic job of giving this pony a foundation in QS. The following Saturday we started our four day clinic. I couldnt believe what I was able to achieve with my pony. We learnt so many new things and stormy accepted it all. I for the first time experienced him coming over to the gate of the yard to stand beside me. He had never done this before he, would only sniff me from a distance and then turn his back on me or walk away. So that was a big tah dah for me. He has also had issues around his head, and with Mels help and advice I think we have overcome that as well.

But the biggest tah dah for me in the world was after three days of intense brain straining stuff, on our fourth day Mel had me doing work in a round yard at liberty. What a BLAST. My pony out on the edge of the yard and me working him around that yard with only my stick and my life up, and working his HQ to keep him with me..we did short range circles/yeilds, HQ yields, FQ yeilds, figure of eights and back ups and rebounds..... WHAT A CONNECTION. And this was all achieved with Mel using Stormy and I to do the demo and she walked us through it step by step. The cheers and claps and words of praise and encouragement when we had completed it was simply amazing.

I did question Mel at the beginning, if she really thought we were up to it. Stupid Me..I certainly have to learn to trust my pony and myself. I still have to keep pinching myself, that we actually did it. I at that point was certainly living my dreams. This is a new beginning for Stormy and I, and I cant thank QS and Mel enough. Now you all have to keep your eyes peeled for a 14.2 clydie/quarter horse cross for me to buy so I can start riding again. I have got more than my life up now. Everyone else on the weekend has inspired me to get back into riding again. WOW, that is a big tah dah all on its own' - Jane Roddy

My Journey to becoming a QS Professional

I am flattered that you have taken the time out to find out a little more about me and although you have probably gotten to know me as Mel Peacock, QS Instuctor, Agent and Foundation Trainer, my journey to this point has been somewhat adventurous. I would like to share with you the path I have followed.

My first horse was a 3 YO pinto gelding that my parents bought for me when they finally gave in to my constant nagging for one. None of my family knew anything about horses so I was just handed this horse that had only recently been 'broken in' and had to work out how to look after and ride him for myself. I was about 14 at the time and was so thrilled to have such a magnificent animal that I had no idea what I was about to get myself into or where it was going to lead me.

As I had no one to guide me, I started out by buying lots of books to gain the know how, but when it came to going out for a ride on my beautiful horse, I learnt through trial and error. Every day we would head out down the road, which was OK until we turned for home. He would then gallop off for a little way, stop, buck and land me on the ground. Not being one to give up I would get back on him the next day and do the same thing all over again. I continued this process until I decided that if I kept going, I would seriously injure myself, so I resolved to just walking everywhere. For weeks, I did not let my horse out of a walk until I gained enough curage to start trotting. This seemed to work for me and after about six months, I was finally able to walk trot and canter without any bolting, bucking, or falling off (well maybe it was less frequent! ).As I grew older, I knew that I wanted a career that involved horses, so when I finished High School, I enrolled and completed the Advanced Diploma of Applied Science in Horse Management, hoping that this would take me to where I wanted to go.

Following this I moved to Cranbourne in Victoria and started working in a Racing Stable as strapper. I worked here for two years, but as I had no desire to work in the racing industry, I felt that there was no future here for me. So instead of pursuing my career with horses, I found myself living in Broken Hill, shearing and crutching sheep. It was here that I acquired a Thoroughbred Mare who had done a lot of racing in the local Gymkhana's. She was a very impulsive mare and completely different from the lazy pony that I was used to. At the same time I had been hearing people talking about Shane and Meredith who visited Broken Hill regularly, and being a little curious about what natural horsemanship was all about, I booked into one of their schools.

The first day absolutely blew my mind away and I knew I had finally found what I had been looking for. What I was learning made so much sense to me that I couldn't believe why everyone didn't already approach and handle their horses in this way. With Shane & Meredith's help, my Horsemanship was now on the way and as I progressed through Levels 1 & 2 with my mare, 'Dolly' I took on the role of Group Organizer for the Broken Hill area. When Quantum Savvy presented their first professional courses I thought all my dreams had come true and I knew I just had to be there. Initially I was interested in just training horses, however I could not get past the fact that all the horse training in the world will not help their new owners if they did not know how to 'drive' them. I also believe that every horse owner & lover should have the opportunity to be able to enjoy true partnership with their equine friends. Although I had never pictured myself as a teacher of any description, I challenged myself because of my beliefs. I set my sights on passing Level 3 with my horse, Dolly, applied to become a Quantum Savvy Agent and attended the QS Professional Instructor Course in 2004.

Just getting to this point required a lot of determination and hard work but I still had a lot more to do, to achieve my goals as now that I was starting to teach people, I wanted to help the horses as well. In 2006, I completed the Foundation Training Course and gained entry-level status as a QS Foundation Trainer. At this time I was still an Entry Level Instructor and passing the Foundation Training Course put me another step towards becoming an Endorsed Instructor. All I had left was to coach a few more students through their Level 1. It was in November last year (2007) that I was conducting a Lesson Weekend in Mildura that I had recieved a message on my phone. As I listened to the message I was concerned that it was from Shane, thinking that there must be something wrong when it dawned upon me what he was saying. He was congratulating me for becoming the very first ENDORSED Quantum Savvy Instructor!!!

Now my dreams have become a reality as not only am I developing my rapport and bettering my relationship with my horses, I am also helping lot's of horses and lot's of people to enjoy each other, be safe, and get a whole lot more from their partnership!