Events
The Art of the Bridle Horse
100 Mile House Dates: April 17/18, May 8/9, June 12/13, July 3/4, Aug. 7/8, Sept. 18/19, Oct. 16/17 Kamloops Dates: April 3/4, May 15/16, June 19/20, July 17/18, August 21/22, Sep. 18/19, Oct. 9/10 An exploration of the Classical Californio Style of horsemanship in a way that is set up in a rather unique way that allows for the utmost individual attention yet has group support and camaraderie capabilities built in. Groups meet once a month for 7 months and I've found this method of learning offers tremendous value to the student in its consistency, accountability, adaptability; growth becomes exponential and deeply understood as riders watch and absorb the learnings of other students during the days are actively encouraged to give feedback to one another. Groups are formed at same rough stage of the bridle horse work and deep bonds form as students share their accomplishments and struggles with one another, often meeting in between sessions and there is a real sense of safety to be vulnerable and not judged. I simply love sharing this work, this way. Throughout these sessions, we will explore all aspects of developing a refined communication and connection with our horses, one that elevates both to a higher place together, then alone. The equipment: It’s origins and the brilliant design to allow for an incredibly well balanced and refined horse and rider. We will cover in depth the origins and reasons for the development of this style of fine horsemanship, as well as the gear; it's construction, why it is built this way, how it works, and how to chose and access quality equipment. You will be introduced to or advanced in working with the bosal, no matter where you are with your horse. If you are further along, this will greatly aid your bridle work which you will be given the opportunity to develop as well. As effective, humane and subtle as these beautiful pieces of handmade equipment are, none of them compare to getting ‘right’ with the biggest tool we have of all. Our body and selves, and we will be getting very clear and consistent with this piece of the equation as well. Our bodies are the BIGGEST tool we have at our disposal to ride horses with, and one on the most capable conducting the most minute and subtle communications with the horses. A vast exploration of energy, breathe, muscle/fascia/bone and boundaries between horse and human.You will also be given an opportunity to ride a more finished horse in the two-rein and straight up in the bridle to truly feel how it all connects and what the ultimate goal is. Ground work to find the holes and the very basis of identifying where communication likely began to fall apart, where forgotten pieces lie needing to be clarified,how to more easily see where and what we are doing, doing ourselves with fluidity before expecting it of our horses...so many pieces in here to explore. Presence leading to awareness, leading to feel, that "avatar sensation" how to allow ourselves to be taught by the horses, yet still maintain a balance of boundaries and play, and expression and discipline and obedience and freedom and joy Come prepared to have some myths de-mthyed, questions answered, new levels of feel and sensitivity opened, challenges and yes, even some frustration...but such an incredible journey of self and oh yes...equine development. And I promise, tons of laughs as well...:) [...]
The 6th Annual Cowgirl Re-Union
“A Celebration of Em-bodiment and Re-membering” When: July 21-25, 2021 What: Collaborative Retreat www.cowgirlreunion.com Highly unique, challenging, rewarding, soul searching, healing, balancing, enlivening, provocative and, relaxing...these are all words that come up from feedback to describe this phenomanal gathering. This is our seventh year of this heartfelt project , and it has truly taken on a life of its own. With an overarching theme of deep connection back to ourselves as women; our sense of play, stillness, and wonder, our horses hearts and bodies, our sisters and kindred spirits and our great earth we walk upon. We spend the mornings in small groups, rotating through time with myself doing mindful exploration of our horses with the Waiting Game, a bareback awareness meditation and experiential exercises in feel, timing and breath. Alexa Linton will take you on a nature/soul exploration an a re connection back to a more authentic way of being and moving through this world. Our incredibly gifted photographers have helped capture both candid moments of connection and the more staged ones, including dress-up or site specific with aspens, lakes, hills, or the woman's special vision. We supply help to tack horses, carry props, fetch water/forgotten items/ Friday is the hilarious Cowgirl Games designed with challenges for increased horsemanship and group partnership in non competitive and belly laughs followed by a big old barbeque and music on Saturday where we open the doors to husbands and boyfriends. With all these gifted facilitators it will undeniably be an experience that will change your Life! Held at the incredible Seven Half Diamond Ranch www.guestranchbc.com[...]
Private Hackamore Intro Camp
July 10 & 11, 2018 100 Mile House [...]
The Call of the Art
June 25-27 2021 Seven Half Diamond Ranch, Merritt, B.C.http://www.guestranchbc.com Seven years ago I dredged up out of the back closet, way down underneath some long forgotten totes, single socks, shrunken western shirts and in amongst the dust bunnies….my passion for Art. It was moldy, barely recognizable and so sad and tattered, but I tenderly carried it out into the light, had a good cry and am now nursing it back to vibrant, shiney happy health. It takes some nurturing by kindness, patience and buckets of compassion, faith in the outcome, wonder in curiosity and JOY…oh the JOY of actually creating cannot even be described! I feel this guilty, gleeful, skippy feeling when I allow myself time to ponder what I may paint next, staring at photos, buying canvasses(FUN!) and paint, taking a workshop to help guide me and direct this rag tag drive to MAKE STUFF.. Soooo in my journey of doing all this, guess what I learned? well well well, imagine that! There are all kinds of you just like I was, that never had the time, or it was 'one day', blank canvas fears, Art store TERROR, no talent (but oh so want to), no energy, one day ( No really, one day), too busy, other obligations…one day (I promise). So so many of you who really really want to do SOMETHING with art…but what and how and when and and and where to begin. I tried this a couple years ago…and surprise surprise! No one showed up! hahahaha! So trying again….gently nudging any of you who have ever (or never but..) wished to pick up a paint brush, to come out with your horse, and hang out together and paint stick horses, stick trees and stick sticks…no pressure, just play. My vision is to experiment with the paint, experiment with colour, experiment with play and heart, hang out with the horses, maybe sketch them, as badly or goodly as we want, paint our horses( literally, on their hair) day dream, ride in the evenings maybe, see what unfolds in a nurturing, supportive inspiring, safe way with other kindred spirits who are every bit a daunted at creating and just gently coaxing your Lost Art to come out, come out come out and play…. If this feels like it's calling you and you've no horse, we can work with that too, but I want horses there as a grounding, connecting, soulful and accepting place to relax away from the art. Seven Half Diamond will be the location and accommodation is available, so if you have not had the pleasure of being there yet you are in for a real delight. Lakes, hills mantled in aspen, crazy beautiful light, rustic ambience with all the comforts of home and a fantastic saloon for spaced out creative ventures, arena with obstacles, wonderful variety of trails and we will be there in wildflower season...extraordinarily beautiful. Horses have lovely big pens as well. A recommended supply list will be provided, but I am happy to share my paints as needed. [...]
Private Lessons and Workshops
Please contact me if you are interested in setting up a private workshop for yourself and friends! I love the more intimate sized teaching opportunities to share weather its focused on: Hackamore/Bridle Horse: Beginning with an in depth look at the genius behind this time honored tradition, proper gear selection, fit and application, through introducing the often radically different way of riding that focuses on ourselves. Feel, Timing and Balance: Yup...the big 'un's. And what I love to explore! I call this the mortar between the foundational building blocks and incredibly profound for us to dig into; both for ourselves and our horses. "Feel Like a Kid": These camps are a ridiculously fun and sneaky way to help us become more present, aware, playful, and right brained; all tromped on skills we've left behind that as we ''grew-up' that allow us to become available for ourselves and others, including our horses and set the stage for developing feel. Seriously silly growth and comedy. Art and Horsemanship: Mixing my two loves into one magnificent offering that will allow us time to ''be', space to dabble, room to experiment, safety to question. These two are so alike and supportive of one another not to mention about the ONLY thing we want to paint! If ever you're like me and have Lost Art, a longing to create that you've never explored for all out myraid of reasons and want to try... stefanietravers777@gmail.com[...]