What's been going on at Kalimbah this week ...
23/07/10
Despite all the best intentions 2 1/2 weeks school holidays basically bought a halt to my training program - hard to co-ordinate horses and 4 kids all together! We did get some great rides in though -making the most of some lovely winter days. I was also still busy teaching and we had 2 visits from Jeff to see Adam. They have really connected as a team and Adam will be heading off to Sydney next weekend. I am so happy for this horse - from a less than perfect start he has gone from strength to strength once I figured out the training style that suited him. I have certainly learned a lot from him:) See ADAM'S page for more details and photos. Back into training this week are Shadow and Frank, lots of interest in these 2 boys, Benny, who will join Kalimbah horses, and Phoebe, who has setttled well into paddock life with Irish and Indie. I will update their pages early next week.
Only a week to go till the Starting the Standardbred demonstration at Bargo - I have had a great response to this and am looking forward to meeting lots of Standie fans on the day. With the KISS clinic on the day before I have to say I am looking forward to going away and catching up with friends for a really horsey weeken! If you want to attend the Sunday Standie session just contact me for the details.
9/06/10
Well it was -10.5 degrees at 10am here at Bredbo this morning... brrrrrr! Warm breakies for ponies all round. The only consolation is that mornings like this usually resolve themselves into beautiful sunny winter days but I have to say that the motivation to get out of bed in the morning is getting harder and harder to find :P I hope you also like the winter themed photos on the home page - all those people in T-Shirts were making me cold just looking at them :)
Some changes on the Available Horses page this week with the addition of Phoebe to the training program and Big Ollie to the spelling paddock. I have withdrawn Indie from sale for the moment as I am battling to keep the weight her- I think after being stabled for 3 years she is really feeling the cold. With Sally gone she is also an important part of my KISS teaching program as she is a wonderful ride for confident intermediate to advanced riders. You may have also noticed that Hunter is no longer on the available list. I am very troubled about this horse as despite addressing any issues he may have (chiropractic, dental) his behaviour when being ridden continues to deteriorate. He has adopted a totally reactionary "pick a fight" attitude to the point that I would not be happy riding him out of the arena and I would certainly not let anyone else ride him. He is out in the spelling paddock for the moment to give me time to decide what to do with him.
On a happier note I had the chance on the weekend to ride Buddy out on our monthly Standardbreds Unharnessed ride at Hall in Canberra. Buddy's owners have been coming out for KISS sessions for the past 3 months - in particular to work with Buddy who had a less than ideal background. It is a huge credit to them that he has come so far.From a horse that had no "off switch" to reacting really well to the one rein stop when a dog hit a colourbond fence right next to us and , even better, being able to walk on calmly afterwards. We had a trot, canter and even a bit of a gallop and then into a one rein downward transition to halt. Here we are on our way home with Michelle on Nipper who is also doing great with her.
And yes - the real reason all my horses ride on a loose rein, one handed is so that I can talk with the other hand! :D
23/06/10
Winter is well and truely here and all my shiny autumn horses have been replaced by scruffy, hairy brumbies :P
The weather has actually been surprisingly mild and we have had some beautiful riding days here at Bredbo. I am definately making the most of it with 3 geldings in full training and another 2 being bought on as well. You can see ADAM, FRANK, SHADOW and BENNY's progress on their pages plus I will have to start up a training page for SKIPPPER. Leaving Kalimbah over the past month have been Charlie and Sally,both of these horses having a special place in my heart. Charlie would have to be one of the most delightful youngsters I have handled. At 2 and a half he tried his best at everything he was asked to do with no arguement or sulking. I am so looking forward to seeing him grow and develop with his new owner.
Sally was a special horse from the day she arrived 3years ago. Bred in NZ, broken in to harness in QLD, bought back to NSW by her owners who wanted her to have the best future she could, everyone who has handled Sally remembers her - her trainer from QD recently contacted me to see how she was going! I could have so easily kept this girl for ourselves but the Economou family from Melbourne were so keen to meet her they flew up, stayed out here at Bredbo to spend time with her and, of course, fell in love with her like the rest of us. My only consolation for selling her is knowing what a wonderful home she is in and how much joy she is going to bring to her new family.
In the revolving door nature of Kalimbah as 2 horses leave another 2 arrive!
Frank has started his training already and is a smart little horse that I already have plenty of interest in. Archie is a giant 17hh but is showing a very balanced, smooth movement in the paddock. He has come straight off the track so is out in the spelling paddock for while to remember what being a horse is all about.
There has been a great response to both of these already and will be great days full of information and fun. Bargo is about 30min south of Campbelltown, Sydney and about 1 hour north of Goulburn. For Standardbred fans in particular this is a great opportunity to attend a session specific to our breed and pick up some tried and tested training methods. Please contact me if you'd like more information.
29/05/10
So I thought coming into winter things would slow down here at Kalimbah but that is not at all the case.
You can catch up with the training updates for CHARLIE, SALLY & ADAM on their pages plus CASH is now in LIFE AFTER RACING. Our new additions BENNY & SHADOW are starting to settle in - both still a little standoffish but they will start proper training next week and once given a job I am sure they will do just fine.
The other exciting new arrivals at Kalimbah were the pretty ponies! Gifted to us by a generous friend they made quite a splash in Bredbo and thrilled my girls. Llanfairbyrn Derwyn (Wynnie) -
Mejabee Rainbows of Smoke (Lil Guy) - Ultimate Shiney Penny (Penny) -
Here they are meeting some of the Kalimbah herd for the first time -
Wynnie and Hunter Irish making sure it is not a big dog!
Wynnie will be Georgia's new pony (no getting out of Pony Club now!), at 8'2hh Lil Guy will be great for Caitie as well as the perfect size for the kids to try their hands at natural groundwork with, and measuring in at 30 inches Penny has already taken up "lawnmower" duties at a friends place. Here is the first training session we did with them and the girls - both need to be mouthed and further off lead training but they are proving to be an absolute joy to work with.
Departures in the last week also includes KISS Horsemanship!I have to say I have been surprised and delighted at the huge interest in all the KISS sessions and have spent the bulk of my time in the past few weeks teaching rather than training. To this end I decided to give KISS it's own dedicated website. All the info about sessions, costs and times are now available at www.kisshorsemanship.com. I won't be updating it as often or with as much detail as Kalimbah but will put up the most recent photos from our sessions and regular feedback.
Another exciting development for Kalimbah is the decision to build our own arena, roundyard and games/jumps course. I have been blessed in the past 5 years with the generosity of our local saddler, John Shortt, who encouraged me to use his arena facilities for my training and teaching. Kalimbah and KISS have now grown to the point though that we really need our own space so this is our major project over winter. Coinciding with the completion of these facilities will be the start of our KISS Junoir program that will offer horsemanship and riding tuition for children 5 - 15.
Very exciting, very busy and very cold days ahead for us!
06/05/10
I observed earlier this week that the website updates are like housework - if you do not keep on top of them they just build up and then take 3 times as long to do when you go to catch up :P Unfortunately in this household the the house work and wedsite stuff are always below the horse work on the "to do" list so they just have to wait :)
We seem to be settling into a routine of busy and quieter weekends now with Craig and I trying to take the opportunity of the slower times to do some riding with the kids.The last week of the holidays I really enjoyed working with my "Junior Horsemen" - Mel, Kenzie, Justin and Tom. We did a trail out on the river in the morning and then worked in the arena in the afternoon looking at the importance of getting your horse working off the leg and also refining rein skills.
Here is Mel and Kenzie on our way home through the village and the "3 Muskateers"
(Tom, Kenzie and Mel) late afternoon in the arena.
With the kids back at school, the following week I bought SALLY back into work and have just been bowled over by her wonderfully sweet temper. You can also see training updates for ADAM, CHARLIE,INDIE and see how CASH is settling into life in Bredbo on their training pages. I am particularly pleased with how well Adam has progressed with his training and how well he is goingunder saddle. I think it really suits him to have a "job" that he understands and knows that he can do well. Can I just say here that I write my training reports with complete honesty in an effort for you to be able to see the genuine progress of each of my horses. I see no point in making out that they are all perfect angels who make an instant transition to the new work I am presenting to them. Believe me, some are but some are most certainly not. This is not to say that, like Adam, they are not able to make the adjustments to thier new lives with some extra care and work. Every horse is different and I love the challenge and rewards of working with them to figure out the best learning format for each of them. By recording the highs and lows of the process I hope that you gain a better understanding of my methods and a real respect for this wonderful breed who try so hard to do a good job.
I have recently started a weekly social trail ride with a friend who wanted to give her young horse some extra trail work. This is now every Thursday from 10am to 1.30pm and if anyone is interested in joining us they are most welcome. This is not a training session but rather a relaxed social ride along our river trails. Bring your own horse or I am also happy to supply a horse and gear for the ride for a small donation of $35 to the Kalimbah Feeding Fund LOL :D
We did a great full day trail last weekend with my friens Carol and her kids Sarah and Matthew who own Paddy. With myself, Craig, Tom, Justin and Mel (oh and our Whippet Slim!)it was a good mixed group for a big day of over 20kms riding. The track to Goatshooters takes in some really steep hills but the amazing views and beautiful bush tracks make it all worthwhile.
Here we are at the top of the Dip Hill Firetrail - a really steep track that takes you out of Murrumbidgee river valley.
As the river doglegs north we go across country and head back into the river valley to Goatshooters Hut
Lunch at Goatshooters Hut on the Murrumbidgee
Heading home- Carol on Cash and Craig on Nick with Slim leading the way! Then our last big drop back into the river at the juction of the Murrumbidgee and Bredbo rivers.
Another busy weekend ahead with a full program of KISS sessions booked plus with the overnight temps already dropping to minus the winter routine of rugs off, feeds, rugs on, repeat daily till October has already started!
P:)
15/04/03
Easter, School holidays, arrivals and departures, horse and rider training... it's all been happening here!Firstly we said farewell to Boston as he headed to Canberra and his new home with Angel. Angel has been coming out and riding with me once a week while her agistment was sorted and I will miss her company on the trail. He and Angel make a great pair together.
On the same day I delivered Boston I also picked up a new addition to Kalimbah - Cash. I sold Cash to Mel over 3 years ago and she has enjoyed showing and riding him during that time but is now studying full time and with 3 kids as well just doesn't have time to do this boy justice. Here he is in show mode, all his flat work is established and he does trail as well. It would be great to see him go to a home where he would be able to fly the Standie flag at some regular shows. I'll add him to Available Horses soon.
We have had lots of visitors to Kalimbah over the holidays and a lot of interest in our lovely girl VELVET. I knew it would be a "first to ride will buy" situation with her so the lucky Marhoff family from Sydney will be taking her home in a few weeks time. She has had several riders over the past weeks from 8yos to KISS session participants and is such a gem I am starting to regret not having kept her for our family instead. The main thing is that she is going to a great home with a loving family to care for her :)
One good thing about having the kids on holidays is that Tom has been able to take some good photos while I am training. Yes - you will see lots of photos of saddled horses as usually I am by myself when training so only get static shots.
There are some great photos of ADAM in his first work session for a few months. He seems to have settled much better now and is all round a much happier horse. CHARLIE is also back in work with his leg wound having healed well. I have to keep reminding myself that this fellow is only 2.5 years old.
Star of the month is ROMAN who has proven himself a wonderful student and calm, willing boy. His first ride down the river was with my 13yo KISS student Mel, who although just learning has a natural feel and timing with horses that made them a great team. He'll be heading off to Mel's place when he finishes his training in a few weeks.
INDIE was a great mount for Heleena in our recent KISS session and I have been working with HUNTER to improve his connection and ability to let the rider be the decision maker in the partnership.
Some great photos I have recieved are of Paddy - Big Bad's half brother and the first Standie a rehomed. Here he is a Pony Club camp with Sarah, 12, and Matthew,10. I love the line up with all the little grey ponies and then the 16'1hh Standie! These guys have done an amazing job with Paddy who attends Pony Club, Ag Shows and also trails in the bush. What a fantastic ambassador for the breed!
29/03/11
It is great to have so many nice horses in for training at the moment - makes the hard work enjoyable.
I was very disappointed to have INDIE's sale cancelled due to no fault of her own. She is a terrific little mare and really gives you her all every time you ride. I love the way she strides out on the trail and think she would love to build a close relationship with her rider. She is definately not for the beginner rider but has huge potential with the right person. HUNTER is going to be great to work with and has the looks and presence to make a good competitive mount. He has already shown some talent for jumping so I am really looking forward to taking out for some "bush cross country" riding. ROMAN and VELVET should also both start saddle work later this week.
You have probably noticed that I have been reworking the format of parts of the website including the AVAILABLE HORSES page and KISS HORSEMANSHIP pages. I hope these changes make the information more easily available and that they give a better idea of the pricipals and ideas behind my training style. I have also added a new horsemanship session - KIDS AND ADULTS STARTER SESSION. I already have regular attendees at this session and they are really enjoying learning all the basics of good horsemanship and horse ownership in such a practical setting.
Congratulations to Caroline and Lloyd who completed their first 10k training ride together in Canberra recently. This was Lloyd's first outing and Caroline was very pleased with the way he handled the busy atmosphere and the number of horses passing them at speed.
16/03/10
Lots of comings and goings the past few weeks to catch up on!
Arriving were ROMAN, 15hh 2005 gelding and INDIE, 15'2hh 2002 mare who I broke in 3 years ago but whose owner is moving overseas. Going on her her new home was our beautiful Bling baby - so special in so many ways. Tom was so pleased with himself to ride his first "breaker" in Bling - she is such a soft giving mare it was a wonderful way for him to start.
Possibly setting the record for the fastest sale at Kalimbah, CHARLIE arrived on Tuesday and sold on Thursday! He is such a delight to handle and train that I need to keep reminding myself that he is only 2.5 years old! He has had 2 rides so far but now has an injury above his knee that is probably going to put him out of action for a few weeks.
Another quick "turnaround" was INDIE as she starts her training to get ready for her new home. She has not had a lot of riding in the 3 years since she left Kalimbah so is almost starting a fresh. She is a sensitive mare, but very brave on the trail and has already reminded me of why I like her so much the first time I trained her. Boston has finally sold! He is going to a fantastic new home with an owner that he has already formed a strong bond with. At least now I know he didn't sell before... he new owner has only just returned from overseas so I think we were ment to wait for her!
Not a new arrival but a new name for Steve - now to be known as SKIPPER. He is the newest addition to the Kalimbah family and I am sooo impressed by this young horse who had his first ride this week - check out his page for all the details.
Our club Standies Unharnessed club ride was at Mount Ainslie in Canberra this month - check out the photos from the great day we had HERE
25/02/10
Gosh where did that 3 weeks go! I am really struggling to keep up with it all at the moment and am hoping things will start to settle down in March.
Best thing of the past few weeks has been in incredible amount of rain we have had! Last week alone we had over 6 inches in 4 days. This has set us up for a good winter, probably the best in 10 years or so. Unfortunately this has also set back my training timetable but I can live with that :)
The parade of ridden Standardbreds at the Canberra Cup was a great night and all the horses where a credit to their breed and to thier owners. It still amazes me that they can come back to such a high stress enviroment and behave so well. We had 10 horses and were all looking very flash in our new club polos. Have a look at the photos from the night
HERE.
So since our last news we have had one new "graduate" and a few new arrivals. Cooper finished his training with a wonderful ride on the river with Trina, her husband and myself. Everything was easy for this boy - he is smart enough to pick up any new training quickly, balanced enough to be able to perform and confident enough to be a real working partner in the process. It was also nice to offer Ray and Trina the chance to ride out together - something they had not done for many years.
Joining the Kalimbah "herd" are
VELVET,
CHARLIE and
CHELSEA. Take look at their pages for more details.
Last weekend was the ATHRA NSW AGM and Camp - an event we were looking forward to with plans of taking 4 horses for Craig, Tom, Justin and I and camping from Friday night. Like all good plans it started to come apart at the seems with our childcare for Georgia and Caitlin being cancelled, then Craig having to work all day Saturday. The kids and I did have a great day up there though and saw lots and lots of Brumbies. There was even a mob that came right down near the camping grounds and Tom followed them back up into the bush to get these great photos.
This week we are looking forward to our first Standies Unharnessed trail ride for the year around Mount Ainslie in Canberra. I did the reccy ride this week and there are some amazing views looking back to Parliment House over Canberra. This is a friend who came with me on Boston...BTW can any body tell me why this horse is stil for sale? *scratches head* it is a strange market at the moment.
01/02/10
A very productive week with the kids returning to school meaning that I can really start my work year.
Tuesday saw the arrival of Adam and George, who was immediately renamed Hunter. I don't ususally rename my horses but he is far too good looking to be called "George"!
Wednesday I went to a NPWS meeting with other interested horse group reps regarding developements at Wares Yards near Tantangara Dam in the KNP. I hae to say that in all my dealings and contact with the NPWS rangers from the Tumut office have shown them to be friendly, sensible and supportive of everyone being able to use the park in a sustainable way.
Thursday I had Cooper's owner here to watch his training session and I did some initial assesments on Adam and Hunter. There are updates on their pages. I have also been happy with Steve's progress and Bling and Sally are ready to move onto saddle work once they see the Chiro next week.
Sunday Bling's new family came for a training session on Sunday and spent time working on their ground skills with Bling and the girls having a riding lesson on Haylee pony. Sunday afternoon was the AGM and ride plan meeting for Standies Unharnessed and as well as a great catch up with all the members we sorted out the details for the parade next week at the Canberra Cup and set our ride calendar. It is going to be a great year for the Standies in Canberra. The ride calendar can be viewed HERE
Boston was due to go off to a new home this weekend but his new owner found out she was pregnant this week and,with much regret, decided it was only sensible to wait till next year. So - this great horse is still for sale. Lots of interest in him so hopefully he will find his new spot soon.
Busy this week with visits from the Chiro and Farrier. I have to bring Harry down to our place so that he and Kenzie can ride at the Canberra Cup with us. Cooper and Sally will be ridden this week while Bling does her last prep before riding. I have Indie (who I broke in 3 years ago) coming back to Kalimbah as her owner is going to live overseas and she wanted to be sure this lovely mare goes on to just the right home. Looking forward to "making her aquaintance" again.
CONGRATULATIONS
ALLY AND MARTY (Kalimbah Smart Tempo)
2nd Place Open Led Gelding at Morrisett Ag Show
a great win in a well attended class of 10 horses where he was the only Standie
25/01/10
Busy, busy week but I have a suspicion I might as well get used to it this year!
Moved all the horses for training down into the working paddocks last weekend and set them all up. Irish, Sally and Bling together make a paddock of beautiful girls! The boys are split in 2 groups on the railway with Haylee and Nina in the showground paddock that is about to be refenced and have the weeds removed (Tom's project).
Monday saw Cooper score himself a great home with Trina and Ray - his switched on attitude impressed even myself. He is now down in training while our other new comer Jimmy has gone out for a few months to bulk up and let done. He is also a nice type but is in very fine racing condition so will benifit from getting back to a more natural, bulky, grass based diet.
I always have a number of horses in the spelling paddock that are not yet on the website as some of them I like to give a bit more time before I start work with them. It is worth remembering this as if you are after a particular type of horse I may not have it on the website but might have one stashed in the paddock!
So the week was busy with Sally, Bling, Cooper and Steve all starting their groundwork. I've put updates on all their pages - no photos as because of the heat and the kids being on holidays I have been doing most of my work in the late evening. I will try and get some this week and add them as I do.
Lots of enquiries about Boston this week - he is such a nice horse to handle and ride I would have kept him myself except for the 10 or so I have to break!
I was supposed to have 2 new geldings arriving last Tuesday but a truck breakdown delayed it to this week. They both sound very nice so I am looking forward to meeting them.
The highlight of my week has been a fantastic ride with Craig today along the Murrumbidgee and Bredbo River trails. We had a great time hooning along, riding through the river and generally behaving like teenagers! It is really good to remember what it is all about sometimes. I have been "tuning up" Max lately and today he did well to keep up with Nick's fast walking pace (although he and Craig pretty much creamed us at the canter). Amazing too how quickly he can remember his leg aids when the rider is wearing spurs! LOL. Here is Craig and Nick on the river - this is officially my new favourite picture of them!
Craig and Nick sharing a (ginger) beer at the end of the ride
Although I think Nick prefered the bread >
We also gave both the boys baths and haircuts plus rugged them in preparation for the Canberra Cup in 2 weeks. I think they look very smart in their crewcuts
We are really excited about being a part of the Canberra Cup meeting once again this year. This time it will be Standardbreds Unharnessed Inc putting on a display of horses throughout the night as well as a parade of ridden Standardbreds right before the Canberra Cup. It will be a great night if you are nearby and we will be easy to pick out in our flash new Standies Unharnessed club polos.
PS: *sniff* only one entry in my guest book *sniff*
14/01/10
2010 Here we come!
What a great Xmas break! - can you believe I did not ride for 3 weeks? And loved every boot free minute of it!
Craig, Tom and Justin did get some riding in though - I always love seeing all my 2 legged and 4 legged boys out together.
Tom has improved in leaps and bounds on Buster. He is working on his rein skills and balance and is trotting confidently now. Not bad for a kid who only 6 months ago would squeal if the horse shook it's head :) I will be eternally grateful to this wonderful horse for letting me share my great passion with my son.
Our first rider training session was held the 9th Jan and was a great sucess. I really enjoyed the mornings training and riding, I think Heleena and Margaret did to. I already have bookings for these session up to March so am looking forward to this new service becoming an integral part of Kalimbah.
Developing on from designing these training sessions has been the idea of KISS Horsemanship. You know the old adage - Keep It Simple Stupid! Well it did start out as a bit of a joke with Craig and I but somehow it stuck and I came up with Keep It Safe and Simple. This really is the basis of all my training and the tag KISS just sums it all up. As Craig said though - some people might think it is the newest thing from the US, come along expecting to see some flash person in all the "right" gear and get...MOI! LOL
Sad news for so many of you will be that Bling is sold. Yes, the lovely girl was snapped up before Xmas by a very nice family who already have one Standie and want another for them all to enjoy. We will be doing lots of work together to make sure they all have the skills they need for a great life together and I am sure they are going to have a wonderful time. They tell me they are "not really into that showing stuff" but with 2 daughters and such a pretty mare I am sure they will be able to be persuded. Bling's trainer actually told me to warn them that they have not so much bought another horse as aquired another daughter! She has just started training with some simple ground work and lots of "personal space" training (yes, she does think she should be in your pocket all the time!)Also just starting training is Steve and Sally. I am treading water a bit while the kids are still on holidays but once they are back at school I can get my training program going full speed.
Keeping me busy at the moment is planning 2010 for our local riding club Standardbreds Unharnessed. Most exciting is that we will once again be taking part in the Carnival of Cups Canberra Cup Race Meeting. This year we are planning a display as well as a parade with all of us in our new club polos. Very flash!
You may have noticed the Quest Equine Network logo on the front page. Quest has been set up by Bec who was instrumental in saving Dawn and the other Bridgewater mares from starving to death (have a look at our RETIREES page for Dawn's story). I am really interested in the idea behind Quest as it is networking people across Australia who share a common concern for the welfare of all horses. We all can't take in rescue horses but this network allows you to connect with those around you to help a horse in need or to just discuss and educate on welfare issues. They have also started the 1000 Voices campaign which is a great way for all horse owners to voice their commitment to proper horse care. Take a look and pass it on :) PS - I have added a Guest Book to the website so please make use of it! If you have a Kalimbah horse it would be a great place to give us some up dates on how they are going, if you have been to a Kalimbah training session let us know what you thought. I'd also love any general feedback about the site and to hear about your Standies and what makes them special :)
