August Newsletter

August 6, 2010 In This Issue Housekeeping Duster Sadly, Duster is no longer for sale.  During the selling process we discovered that she has a fairly serious lameness issue.  She is sound to be in the paddock or pasture, but not for riding.  Currently we are looking for a good home for her where she will be loved and spoiled.  Please let me know if you know of anyone who would like a nice companion pony.

Dear Loretta, Welcome new students! Rachel Lynn Fatima Z Shayna Sophia Ariana Jennifer Below is a list of some new policies.  Please be sure to read through the entire list.  Thank you.   Sincerely, Loretta Arey 20/20 Horsemanship   Housekeeping Unfortunate, but necessary In an effort to operate my business as efficiently as possible, I have instituted some new policies.  Arrival:  Please arrive a few minutes prior to the start of your lesson.  Pulling in to the barn and parking is not typically part of a horsemanship lesson. :O)  I have been and continue to be very generous with my time about going over the hour scheduled for lessons. Please understand, if you are late in arriving I may not be able to give you the complete hour + that most have become accustomed to.  Weekends especially are very busy and the entire day can get thrown off when a student arrives late.  If you would like to schedule a lesson for an hour and half or two hours, please contact me. Footwear:  Some sort of boot with a heel MUST be worn.  When students first come for lessons I inform them (or their parents) that a heel must be worn.  It is a SAFETY measure.  Rubber rain boots with heels are NOT allowed.  It is simply not safe. If your child has already had 3 or more lessons with me and is still wearing sneakers, all future lessons will be conducted on the ground until proper footwear is obtained.  Inexpensive boots can be purchased at the Saddlery in Great Falls, or through my Amazon store on my website. Payments:  When purchasing multiple lessons at once (4,8 or 12), a discount applies. If the lessons are not paid for AHEAD of time, the discount WILL NOT apply.  The reason I offer 'sets' of lessons is to offer you a discount for prepaying.  Payments are due at the time of the lesson if not prepaid. To summarize: Discounts apply for PREpayment. Cancellations:  Please give at least 24 hours notice of canceling your lesson.  If your cancellation inside of 24 hours cannot be filled, you will be charged the full price of the lesson.  I am usually able to fill openings fairly quickly, especially on the weekends.  However, filling an opening within 15 minutes of the lesson start time is not possible. I  am sure that your doctors and dentists have a 24 hour cancellation policy, please give mine the same respect.  Returned Checks:  There is a $35 fee for any check returned by the bank. If your check is returned all future payments must be made in cash.   Horse Update Scottie:  He is doing great!  Allergies are much less of a problem this year.  He even has a lovely mane and belly fur. Stryker:  Also doing great!  As far as he is concerned he is no longer lame.  Now that my foot is better I will be riding him at a walk.  L.S.D.  Long, Slow, Distance is what the vet prescribes. Gem:  Is doing much better.  My farrier put special shoes on her front feet to help alleviate her heel pain.  We can tell she likes them because she is moving her front legs and feet better.  Her right stifle is still very sore.  We are going to try acupuncture next. Astro:  Is coming along nicely.  Thanks to my student, Alyssa for riding him and being very patient with him.  The more practice he gets the better he will be.   Piero:  What can I say?  Always perfect Piero!  I recently found out that Piero was born and bred on the well known Farnley Farm!  He is of the Farnley/Shenandoah line, hence the registered name of Shenandoah Piero.  Oh, and he is actually 12 years old, not 11.

Loretta the natural horseman clear communication/visible results

Top 10 Purchasing Guidelines

Loretta’s top 10 Questions to ask and things to do, notice and look for when reviewing a horse for purchase.

1.     Are his eyes clear?  His coat shiny?

.      2.   Are there rings on his feet? Cracks? (not good)

3.   3.     Does he seem interested and friendly?      Is he jumpy?

5   4.     Watch how the owner handles him. i.e.  is there a chain over his nose?

6   5.     Does he willingly comply?

7.  6       Touch him all over.  Don’t start at his head, some horses just do not like that.  The shoulder or neck is a good place to start.  Run your hands on his whole body.  Back, legs, hind end.  Watch for his reactions.  Does he twitch or move around?

8   7.       Ask about ground work and manners.  Watch how he reacts and moves when being led, etc…

9.   8.       Does he stop when she stops walking or does she have to make him stop moving?  

9.  9.  Where does she hold the lead while handling him?

T  10.     Try to lift his tail right at the top of the dock.  Watch his reaction.  It is a sign of trust if they willingly allow you to pick up the tail.

Loretta the natural horseman clear communication/visible results