Beeman's Better Deal

The Revolution in Horsemanship - by Robert Miller

This book was a gift from an avid student of mine who had "discovered" natural horsemanship. Anyone interested in or thinking about changing their approach to horses or searching for a more solid understanding of them would benefit from this book. It helps the reader see horsemanship as a way of life, as an approach to life from the perspective of those who have made their life with horses. It helps define horsemanship as a skill rather than a discipline or new trend. I found it to be well written, well rounded, and thoroughly researched. An excellent read for those looking to understand the meaning and roots of horsemanship and it's evolution to present day.

True Horsemanship Through Feel - by Bill Dorrance

I honestly do not think there is a question about horses, horse training, or horse behavior you would not find the answer to in this book. It is my number one recommendation for anyone with a desire to truly understand horses. It is not an easy read or an instruction manual rather more a lifetime reference for those who choose to make horses a part of their lives. I encourage every student in my program to use this book. Note I said use, not read, as I still will refer back to this book to help a student understand the whys and whats of their work with their horses.This is a must have for the serious student of horsemanship.

True Unity - by Tom Dorrance

True horsemen are hard to find, and as some have mentioned, even harder to understand at times. If you are serious about learning the art of horsemanship and want to have the deep understanding of the horse it takes to do so this is one of only a handful of books I recommend. It is not a riding manual, a quick fix for horse problems, or a style even of horse training and communication between horse and human. It is more a sharing of experience and knowledge to help the student of horsemanship develop a way of thinking and approach which opens up the door for communication with the horse. This is not a book you will read then put on the shelf to collect dust. It is a book you will go back to time again as your understanding of the grows.

Watch Yourself Work

Thanks to the students and boarders at Broken Wheel Ranch there is now a brand new mirror in the indoor arena - great for analyzing your position and seeing how your horse is moving.

2009-2010 Winter Workshop Series

Note: please click this update for the January schedule: UPDATE

The Goshen workshops went well when the weather held but it is getting harder and harder to be consistent with the shorter days and colder weather. I would like to start a training level group here at the ranch where it would be more comfortable and consistant for learning. I will set it up so that you would not have to transport your horse here. Each week you would learn a concept and go home and apply it to your own horses and situations. The following week we would review your experience and build on it. This way your winter

season can be a preparation of the spring riding season and that fury beast out in the pasture will be a partner who knows his job as opposed to a 1000lb package that needs to be unwraped and assembled!Cost would be $20.00 per session. The time can remain Friday at 4:30 or we can arrange another time that will accommodate the group. If you are interested in this program please, let me know and I will schedule the weekly sessions.

You will also find attached a class list for the 2010 WINTER HORSEMANSHIP COMPETITIONS. We have tentatively scheduled these for the 3rd Sunday of the month in January, February, and March. All classes will have cash payback. There will be a seasons end high point award for each class along with Grand and Reserve Champion Awards. Cost is $125.00 per competition and includes a hot lunch. Spectators are welcome. I encourage training level and beginning students to attend these competitions. It's a great learning experience, lots of fun, and the competitors love to be cheered along.

AND FINALLY! There will be a horsemanship workshop held Sunday morning October 25th. At this workshop we will go over the criteria included in this newsletter. We will also go over the HORSEMANSHIP COMPETITION class list and I will answer any questions there are about it. A full packet including diagrams, release forms, and entry forms will be available at that time. Please let me know if you plan to attend unmounted or with your horse.