Making learning fun at a PNH clinic

Education is the key. At a recent mid-week Parelli Natural Horsemanship Level One Clinic instructed by Carol Coppinger of Mt. Juliet, Tenn., one such group of horse owners gathered to learn how to safely communicate and have fun with their equine partners. Coppinger was, at one time, at the top Tennessee Walking Horse versatility world. As a trainer who had received top recognitions, she was constantly contacted to train horses for others. She found it very frustrating to spend hours fine-tuning a horse, only to send it back to someone who lacked the horsemanship skills to maintain the training. She just knew that there had to be a better way.

In a typical Level One Clinic, she guides the attendees deftly through basic horsemanship and safety skills while encouraging humor and enjoyment. No one is ever allowed to feel like the situation is hopeless or beyond accomplishment. By using positive vocabulary associating the skills with games, participants quickly learn how to succeed in moving and controlling various parts of their horses' bodies. The foundation is established on the ground at the end of a twelve-foot line. This provides a safe platform from which to practice and perfect basic horsemanship skills.

By day two, these basic ground skills are transferred and tested in the saddle. Smiles erupt on faces on a regular basis as riders discover newly found confidence in their riding abilities. Carol circulates around the arena offering suggestions, encouragement, and kudos. She assures each rider, that even after the clinic comes to a close, support and advice is just a phone call or an email away. She encourages the submission of videotapes when problems are encountered. The suggestion is offered that friends form focus groups to aid and encourage each other. She also suggests "borrowing" a calmer, more patient horse from a friend to refine skills if a horse is not tolerant of his human partner's learning process.

And what does Carol gain from the clinic? The knowledge that she has empowered a horse lover to pursue and achieve any conceivable riding goal while having fun and enjoying horses safely. Does this woman enjoy going to work everyday? You bet!

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