Pat Parelli
Pat Parelli has been a tremendous influence on how we train, teach
and foster our relationships and partnerships with our horses. As a breeding farm of Rocky Mountain Horses,
we have used this program with over 200 horses through at least level one for the safety and benefit of
our clients and future owners. We encourage relationship FIRST and understanding Equine language for the
communication to set the partnership up for success. With our Rocky Mountain horses, that have a
natural 4 beat gait, we focus on the groundwork fundamentals, but remain consistent on ensuring our
horses remain strong gaited. So, we substitute the trotting exercises for gaiting exercising.
This means, we learned to be very patient while we teach our horses to stay strong in their gait, so
later we can also encourage them to canter. It also means we get to utilize all the techniques, methods,
motivations and otherwise upbeat and positive attitude that the Parelli program brings. At our farm , we
support all clients that choose to go through the Parelli audition process. We have learned, and continue
to learn from the Parelli program.
Ray Hunt
Without Ray Hunt, we would not have learned to start our own colts. His DVD's and seminars
have proved to be worth their weight in gold. While the Parelli program fosters strong
partnerships with our horses, Ray Hunt provides valuable knowledge and guidance on starting
a young colt and establishing a strong foundation which will continue for the rest of the
horses' life. Unfortunately, Ray Hunt passed away on March 12, 2009, we were blessed to have
met him and his wife while attending his seminar, and even more, we were able to get his
wisdom, time and attention while attending. I highly encourage you to visit his website, which
is rayhunt.com, and to order all his DVD's and enjoy his
knowledge and wisdom as we have. We also managed to get ahold of his book. Wow is all I can say.
Gene French
Our farm is full of Rocky Mountain horses, yes, we have been to professional trainers, attended
hundreds of seminars, shows and otherwise been involved with the breed and the formation of the Rocky
Mountain Horse Association. Gene French brought all the goodness and soul of the Rocky Mountain horse
to us when we first started. His knowledge, patience and riding experience created the right
atmosphere we needed when starting with this breed. He showed us all the versatility built into the
horse that most will never see or hear about, from pulling carts, to show riding, and, of course, hitting
the trails. From showing us, that indeed, stallions are not mean spirited, but, in fact, a joy
to be with, Gene put us on the right path to stay with the Rocky Mountain horses.
Buck Brannaman
Buck Brannaman is the man if you want to learn things like
cuttin' cows, ropin' and otherwise getting into Vaquero stuff. His 3 DVD set for starting out with
the snaffle, hackamore and two-rein are great if you want to learn these fundamentals. Buck takes you
through the sequence nice and slow and makes it fun to learn for both you and your horse. He is also
an accomplished roper and he has a 3 DVD set for that as well. I have had a lot of fun learning how to
toss the rope.
Tom Dorrance
Tom Dorrance, from listening to Buck, Ray and Pat, has influenced
them all with his horsemanship. Unfortunately, Tom passed away long before we found all these horsemen. But,
you can get his book and his DVD's. Be prepared for a horseman's sense of humor as you view and read his
stuff, but more importantly be prepared to learn an incredible amount. I would not try his stuff until you
have at least went to a Buck Brannaman seminar. Feel, timing and balance, those words will get ingrained
into your head.
Sinjun
Our lead mare, Sinjun is why we are in the horse business, she has taught us about horses. She
has taught us their gentle nature, their intelligence, their attitudes, their well-being. Not only that,
she has taught us about horsemanship, riding and being on the trail. She has taught our kids about horses
and now, she is teaching our grandkids.