tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18889856298658603152023-11-15T11:15:40.479-05:00Center for Equestrian Growth & AwarenessKate Selbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05306204154384505793noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1888985629865860315.post-58708733103660075372013-05-31T07:34:00.001-04:002013-05-31T07:34:10.138-04:00Invitation to connect on LinkedIn<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="font-family:Arial;" width="100%" bgcolor="#F4F4F4"><tr><td align="center"> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="font-family:Arial;border:solid 1px none;-moz-border-radius:0px;-webkit-border-radius:0px;border-radius:0px;" bgcolor="#f4f4f4" width="100%" class=""><tr><td width="98%" valign="top" align="center"> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="font-family:Arial;border:solid 1px none;-moz-border-radius:0px;-webkit-border-radius:0px;border-radius:0px;" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" width="590" class="responsive"><tr><td width="98%" valign="top" align=""> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="font-family:Arial;" width="100%" bgcolor="#f4f4f4"> <tr> <td> <table width="1" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class=""><tr><td><div style="height:10px;font-size:10px;line-height:10px;"> </div></td></tr></table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right"> <img src="http://www.linkedin.com/scds/common/u/img/logos/logo_emails_trans_98x24.png" alt="LinkedIn" border="0" height="24" width="98"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <table width="1" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class=""><tr><td><div style="height:10px;font-size:10px;line-height:10px;"> </div></td></tr></table> </td> </tr> </table> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="font-family:Arial;" width="100%" class="responsive"> <tr> <td bgcolor="#ffffff" style="border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); -moz-border-radius: 5px 5px 5px 5px;" class="responsive"> <table width="1" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class=""><tr><td><div style="height:15px;font-size:15px;line-height:15px;"> </div></td></tr></table> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="font-family:Arial;" width="100%"> <tr> <td width="10"><table width="10" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class=""><tr><td><div style="height:0px;font-size:0px;line-height:0px;"> </div></td></tr></table></td> <td valign="top" align="left"> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="font-family:Arial;font-family: Arial;" width="100%"> <tr> <td rowspan="3"> <table width="1" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class=""><tr><td><div style="height:0px;font-size:0px;line-height:0px;"> </div></td></tr></table> </td> <td style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> <div> <b style="font-size: 16px; margin-right: 12px;"> From Judith Falk </b> </div> <table width="1" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class=""><tr><td><div style="height:6px;font-size:6px;line-height:6px;"> </div></td></tr></table> <div style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">Equine Sports Massage Practitioner at Second Wind Equine Sports Massage</div> <div style="color:#666666">Burlington, Vermont Area</div> <table width="1" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class=""><tr><td><div style="height:16px;font-size:16px;line-height:16px;"> </div></td></tr></table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="border-style: dotted; border-color: #DDDDDD; border-width: 1px 0pt;"> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="font-family:Arial;font-family: Arial; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0%; background-color: #F2FAFF; width: 100%;" width="100%"> <tr> <td> <table width="1" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class=""><tr><td><div style="height:5px;font-size:5px;line-height:5px;"> </div></td></tr></table> </td> <td> <table width="1" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class=""><tr><td><div style="height:5px;font-size:5px;line-height:5px;"> </div></td></tr></table> </td> <td> <table width="1" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class=""><tr><td><div style="height:5px;font-size:5px;line-height:5px;"> </div></td></tr></table> </td> <td> <table width="1" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class=""><tr><td><div style="height:5px;font-size:5px;line-height:5px;"> </div></td></tr></table> </td> <td> <table width="1" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class=""><tr><td><div style="height:5px;font-size:5px;line-height:5px;"> </div></td></tr></table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="3"> <table width="1" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class=""><tr><td><div style="height:4pxpx;font-size:4pxpx;line-height:4pxpx;"> </div></td></tr></table> </td> <td style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> <p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0; margin-left: 0; margin-right: 0;"> I'd like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn.<br/> <br/> - Judith </p> </td> <td> <table width="5" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class=""><tr><td><div style="height:0px;font-size:0px;line-height:0px;"> </div></td></tr></table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="3"> <table width="1" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class=""><tr><td><div style="height:5px;font-size:5px;line-height:5px;"> </div></td></tr></table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="3"> <table width="5" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class=""><tr><td><div style="height:0px;font-size:0px;line-height:0px;"> </div></td></tr></table> </td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <table width="1" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class=""><tr><td><div style="height:12px;font-size:12px;line-height:12px;"> </div></td></tr></table> <table border="0" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" style="font-family:Arial;" > <tr> <td> <table border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="1" align=""><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" bgcolor="#FFE86C" background="http://www.linkedin.com/scds/common/u/img/bg/yellow_button_back.png" style="background:url(http://www.linkedin.com/scds/common/u/img/bg/yellow_button_back.png) repeat-x scroll 100% 0 #FFE86C;background-color:#FFE86C;border:1px solid #E8B463;-moz-border-radius:4px;-webkit-border-radius:4px;border-radius:4px;"><div style="padding-right:10px;padding-left:10px;"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/e/-px44fg-hhdannon-2s/isd/13768296626/MoJMgtok/?hs=false&tok=1wm2x6QOeSq5M1" style="text-decoration:none;"><span style="font-size:12px;font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold;color:#333333;white-space:nowrap;display:block;"> Confirm that you know Judith </span></a></div></td></tr></table> </td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> </table> </td> <td width="15"><table width="15" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class=""><tr><td><div style="height:0px;font-size:0px;line-height:0px;"> </div></td></tr></table></td> </tr> </table> <table width="1" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class=""><tr><td><div style="height:15px;font-size:15px;line-height:15px;"> </div></td></tr></table> </td> </tr> </table> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="font-family:Arial;" width="100%" bgcolor="#f4f4f4"> <tr><td><table width="1" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class=""><tr><td><div style="height:5px;font-size:5px;line-height:5px;"> </div></td></tr></table></td></tr> <tr> <td align="left" style="color:#999;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;line-height:15px"> <div style="text-align: left;">You are receiving Invitation to Connect emails. <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/e/-px44fg-hhdannon-2s/5ZiZNCErQ6ss-ZDjSAk8sJ-nx7tMlGydSaVCgnpFQSDkSOgJ/goo/secondwindesm%2Ejudith%40blogger%2Ecom/20061/I4569430769_1/?hs=false&tok=1q3gNX3AeSq5M1">Unsubscribe</a></div> <div>© 2012, LinkedIn Corporation. 2029 Stierlin Ct. Mountain View, CA 94043, USA<table width="1" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class=""><tr><td><div style="height:1px;font-size:1px;line-height:1px;"> </div></td></tr></table></div> </td> </tr> </table> </td></tr></table> </td></tr></table> </td></tr></table> <img src="http://www.linkedin.com/emimp/-px44fg-hhdannon-2s.gif" style="width:1px; height:1px;"/>Judith Falk, ESMPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13039346954938938677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1888985629865860315.post-48676288600692106552012-08-30T15:23:00.002-04:002012-08-30T15:25:41.185-04:00My Favorite Time of Year to Ride!My Favorite Time to Ride<br />
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The crickets are chirping, the air is drier and the nights decidedly cooler. While I don't want to rush out of summer and into fall, I do love this time of year most of all to ride, be with horses and enjoy the outdoors.<br />
Something about the quality of light and the smell in the air. Something about the leaves beginning to rustle in the wind, the huge mixed flocks of blackbirds, starlings and cowbirds swirling through the sky or lining the wires. And yes, even something about needing a sweater when the sun goes down, or feeling a chill when I walk out to the barn in the morning.<br />
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I was born in the fall, and I don't know if that matters, but it has always seemed like "my time of year." Riding during these days never fails to make me smile, and feel great. Even the occasional rainy day is fine, when you have a great ride and come inside to dry off and have a cup of tea.<br />
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Anybody want to share their favorite time of year to ride?Kate Selbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05306204154384505793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1888985629865860315.post-51873447595134130762012-08-27T18:53:00.001-04:002012-08-27T18:53:18.365-04:00End of summer reflections<FONT FACE="Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><SPAN STYLE='font-size:11pt'>Summer is winding down--what is your favorite memory that you created with your horse this summer? Galloping across a field? Taking that perfect lesson? Winning a class that you have worked SOOO hard to perfect your skills for? Maybe watching someone else ride your horse, and getting the chance to see how beautifully he moves? Spending some down time with your horse, in a long grooming session? <BR> <BR> Whatever your answer, take a moment to look back and enjoy your accomplishments, and those of your horse. And enjoy anticipating the accomplishments yet to come....</SPAN></FONT> Judith Falk, ESMPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13039346954938938677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1888985629865860315.post-19399353374914418072012-08-15T08:26:00.001-04:002012-08-15T08:26:18.953-04:00The world according to Danzig<FONT FACE="Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><SPAN STYLE='font-size:11pt'><BR> I had the most amazing experience with my new horse, Danzig, recently. In fact, it was so mind-blowing that I hardly know where to start.<BR> <BR> I could start by telling you that that I bought Danzig, an 11 year old OTTB, a mere two weeks ago to be my new field hunter, and that it was love at first sight. But most of you already know that, as I have been barley able to speak without inserting Danzig into the conversation one way or another. <BR> <BR> Or I could begin by telling you about the Animal Communication Workshop I took in June with Amelia Kinkade, and what a life-transforming event it was. To have the opportunity to be with 40 or so like-minded folks, all of us there to hone our animal communications skills, and work with such a gifted and talented teacher was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. One of the skills that we worked on was doing body scans on animals, “inserting” ourselves into the animal to allow us to see what they see, feel what they feel. It was transformative.<BR> <BR> I could also get the discussing rolling by asking you to relate some of your own successes in inter-species communication—and whether you are aware of these successes or not, I’d be willing to bet the family farm that you have had just such an interaction with an animal, one where you knew what the animal was thinking and feeling, without knowing how you came by such knowledge. <BR> <BR> Here’s what happened. We had just finished a lovely hack, with Danzig being his usual curious, enthusiastic self (“Let’s go here! What’s over there? What’s around the next bend?”) and were returning home. We got to the pasture where I keep my sheep, and that’s when it happened. Danzig stood there, riveted by the sights and sounds of the sheep, and suddenly, without me quite knowing how it happened, I was seeing the scene through his eyes, smelling what he smelled, FEELING what he was FEELING. It was incredible—I was no longer in my body, I had become part of him, and could fully understand things from his perspective. For Danzig, the sheep seemed to be magically appearing, as he couldn’t see the barn door from where they were emerging. And the noises they were making! The funny way they moved! The shape of them! And then, just as suddenly, without me knowing the connection had been “broken”, I was back in my own body, and able to verbalize to him what the sheep were, what they were like, what their jobs are (although we were communicating non-verbally the entire time). <BR> <BR> I’ve said it many times before, we all have the ability to communicate with our animals, it’s a matter of being willing to take the time to practice, like you would any other skill you are trying to perfect. I’ve never had an experience quite like this one, but I’m confident that it will happen again. And I can’t wait for the next time!<BR> <BR> Here’s wishing for many connected moments for you and your horses.<BR> <BR> <BR> </SPAN></FONT> Judith Falk, ESMPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13039346954938938677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1888985629865860315.post-88987601896387402742012-05-09T15:55:00.001-04:002012-05-09T15:55:50.888-04:00ExpectationsAs spring turns to summer, and riding season is truly upon us, I become both excited and nervous. Why?<br />
The expectations that the season brings makes me at the same time eager to get out there and do things, and also afraid I won't measure up, or make the grade.<br />
But who is the scorekeeper? I am! I am the one who sets my own goals, my own challenges, and my own measures of success. Whose voice tells me what is a job well done, and what is not? <br />
This year, I promised myself to base my expectations on only what I feel my horse and I can or cannot do. If it is the same as last year, who cares? If it isn't as brilliant as the rider after me, so what? All I need to think about is: Did we do our best? What can we do better? Were we prepared for the goal?<br />
If I focus on answering those questions, then I can accurately measure "success" based on how well we actually performed, rather than how it stacks up against others (or how I believe it compares).<br />
So this summer, I'm going to prepare, set clear obtainable goals, and listen only to my heart and my horse instead of imaginary voices. And hopefully you will see us out there trying our best, and smiling about a job well done. Good luck to you all, whatever your season's goals are!Kate Selbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05306204154384505793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1888985629865860315.post-23581290731267186542012-04-18T21:49:00.001-04:002012-04-18T21:49:14.342-04:00Let's go!<FONT FACE="Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><SPAN STYLE='font-size:11pt'>Spring is here—it’s the perfect time to sign up for an individual CEGA session for some fine-tuning as you head out on the trails or into the show ring! Or be sure to join us for our upcoming session, Stress-Free Riding at Home and Away, to be held at The Equestry in New Haven, VT on Sunday 4/29. Our goal is to help you and your horse get the most out of your time together! </SPAN></FONT> Judith Falk, ESMPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13039346954938938677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1888985629865860315.post-54388024761775857332012-04-05T17:28:00.001-04:002012-04-05T17:28:58.751-04:00The harder we try, the less we accomplish?Yesterday, during my lesson. I rode a horse that I have ridden a few times now. He can be lazy, and requires a bit of leg/incentive to keep his energy moving forward without falling on his forehand. I found myself working harder and harder to keep him going. I gripped with my legs and used my stick and gripped harder with my legs. I collapsed my body, so I could use more leg. I began paying less and less attention to being in the moment, as my frustration began to rise. I'm sure you can recall a time when you just wished your horse would do what you asked. Well here's the thing, this horse is all about ease and flow and how you use your energy. I of course had totally lost that and needed reminding about how this horse would be able to hear what I was asking for.<br />
Finally after trying REALLY hard. I was reminded of energy and flow and how if I were to become clearer and more fluid perhaps I might get more from this horse. OMG what a life lesson. Sometimes I get so focused on <strong>trying</strong> to create something that I forget about what it is I am really looking to do or have. When I take the time to be in the moment, and stay with my horse with clear intent and energy my ride, my life, my work all flow with greater ease. Where could doing less with greater clarity be more in your life?<br />
BarbKate Selbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05306204154384505793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1888985629865860315.post-36301473433307762252012-03-23T11:21:00.000-04:002012-03-23T11:21:06.608-04:00Communication<br />
Communication is an interesting topic, don’t you think?<br />
<br />
How do you communicate? How do you know if someone heard what you meant to say? How do you know if you understood what someone said to you? What do you do when the body language or tone is different than the words that were used? What happens when you don’t want to hear what the other person has to say? Do you listen to what the other person has to say or are you busy preparing what you want to say next? <br />
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We interact with people and animals on a daily basis and we rarely think about how we do it. While preparing for our next clinic, I have been reviewing the processes of how I learned to communicate with animals. The thing that keeps on surfacing for me is that there are so many ways to receive and interpret information. Every person is different and every animal is different. It took practice and a willingness to go with the first thing that popped into my head without second guessing myself or editing what I got. I studied with Penelope Smith and fortunately for me she had developed a system that allowed people in the class to practice and then she would provide feedback about what we got. So,…. That is what we have put together to introduce the topic. <br />
<br />
Do you believe it is possible to communicate with an animal? Regardless of what your answer is, if you have animals in your life you have been communicating with them. How do you know: What they like and don’t like? When they want to eat? When they need to go out? When they are mad at you?<br />
<br />
What about taking it to the next level? Would you like to listen to what they have to say? I was a bit surprised to find out how knowledgeable and conscious animals are. I am grateful for their generous contributions to the world. Hope you can join us on Sunday for the workshop. <br />
<br />
Happy Spring<br />
<br />
Barb<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Kate Selbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05306204154384505793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1888985629865860315.post-85857432973566002702012-02-19T13:57:00.000-05:002012-02-19T13:57:00.156-05:00Finding QuietLately I have been able to find this quiet place in my head where I have stopped beating myself up. I love it! I am finding comfort in a place I did not know existed. I have spent a lot of my life trying to figure out what everyone else wanted me to be. Now, I am at the beginning of asking myself, (not someone else) how I want to be and what I want in my life. I am letting go of when the other shoe will drop or the idea of when the pain will begin because I did not do "it" right. I am transforming the fears that have run my life into possibilities. I am willing to step into something new, something I have always kept myself from doing, because the infamous "they" said "that will never work". Now I am asking myself how can I make it work.<br />
What noise lives in your head? How does it affect your life? How does it affect your ride, your horse?<br />
Let us know what's happening in your world.<br />
Enjoy the moment<br />
BarbUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1888985629865860315.post-74477891635223382382012-02-13T12:25:00.001-05:002012-02-13T12:25:43.699-05:00February has turned into such an interesting month. The cold snaps that chill to the bone and the warm snaps that breath in the beginning of spring. Spring is the time of reawakening for me. The time when I begin to look at what I want to do next. This year I want to develop my business and do more coaching. I want to let go of the thinks that have been keeping me from moving forward. I want to ride more and have more fun. Now is the time for me to figure out how to make it happen before time passes by and i don't know where it went. <br />
What is your plan for the up coming season? Have you chosen what you want in your life? Have you created a plan to make it happen?<br />
BarbKate Selbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05306204154384505793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1888985629865860315.post-34148518214348452562012-02-12T12:06:00.000-05:002012-02-12T12:06:32.486-05:00rebuilding my bodyWhere to begin, it is always the question that pops up for me when I decide I need to make a change. Some changes just seem to happen and others need some conscious attention. Lets face it as I have aged and there were other things on my plate I neglected my body. So..... I have for several years now been putting it back into place. I could spend hours talking about the dysfunctional array of things that have occurred with in my being. I could beat myself up for having let this happen or making this happen. Or I could find some gratitude for how generously my body has put up with how I abuse it. Any way not wanting to spend hours ruminating on the past, I have recently stumbled on to some fabulous and easy exercises that are creating huge changes in my body. My hips are straightening and opening, which has mad significant changes in my riding. My back is realigning and my arms are becoming independent of my shoulder girdle. (did you say independent aids). How can this be possible after years of yoga and palates etc.<br />Simple targeted exercises re aligning the body and helping it to remember its own kinesthetic ability. Cool! It is called the Egoscue method and it is just another thing of the many millions out there and it is working for me. What is happening in your body that you thought you could not change? What if you could? Would you be willing to commit some time to yourself and improve your riding? What would it take for you to have more of what you want? Take a chance and believe in your ability to make a change in order to have more of what you want. If your happy and life is all you want it to be, no need. <br />Barb<br /><br />Check out the upcoming workshop on creating greater connection with your horse and your body on Feb 26th. <a href="http://www.cegavt.com/">www.cegavt.com</a>Kate Selbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05306204154384505793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1888985629865860315.post-2797407105073955132012-01-25T12:38:00.001-05:002012-01-25T12:38:56.264-05:00True connection<FONT FACE="Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><SPAN STYLE='font-size:11pt'>Hi, everyone.<BR> We have all hard a great deal about connection as it pertains to training your horse. I’d like to get you thinking about your horse as a beautifully engineered marvel of design, and the true connection in your horse’s body, from nose to tail, from head to hoof. <BR> <BR> Here’s a brief overview: your horse’s HEAD is connected to his FEET, from JAW muscles (such as the omohyoidius inside the jaw), which connect to muscles of the NECK (the cephalic muscles, for example), which connect to the muscles of the CHEST (some of which make up the bicep complex), which connect to the FOREARM (the carpi muscles), which connect to the HOOF (via the flexor and extensor muscles and tendons). <BR> <BR> Think about it: head to neck to chest to forearm to hoof. None of these parts operates independently. What does this mean? Any tension or imbalance or strain in one part, will of necessity have an adverse effect on the rest of the system. A strain in one area means compensation in another area. Restriction of movement in any area is going to lead to problems, some obvious, some subtle. <BR> <BR> The best thing you can do for your horse? Allow him to carry himself freely and in a relaxed way. A tense horse is not using his muscles to their full advantage. Look at your horse when he is moving, and pay attention to how he feels when you ride him. Do his strides feel even or choppy? Do his hooves make the same sound when each hoof makes contact with the ground? How does he carry himself? If you’re not sure what you’re seeing, ask someone you trust to help you. Asking questions doesn’t mean a lack of wisdom, it means that you know enough to know that you need to learn more. <BR> <BR> Our horse’s bodies are truly wonderful. </SPAN></FONT> Judith Falk, ESMPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13039346954938938677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1888985629865860315.post-59921238284686365072012-01-09T21:11:00.004-05:002012-01-11T13:41:31.006-05:00What do you choose to see?Welcome to 2012<br /><br /><br />It is hard to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">believe</span> that time has passed so quickly and January is here and going fast.<br /><br /><br />We have been working on developing a winter workshop series that actually goes into May and I really hope it is not winter in May. I am really excited about the topics we will be covering. The first one is about being courageous and transforming how you work with your fears. It makes <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">sense</span> that this has developed into a workshop, we have discussed this topic before and now we want to give you some real hands on tools to use. So once again I ask: When do you act courageous? What does it mean to you to be courageous? What about your horse? Would you like to transform your fear into something you can manage?<br /><br /><br />What would it take for you to create a plan to make a change this year?<br /><br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">That's</span> the sales pitch.....<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The other thing I want to talk about today is something that happened before <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Christmas</span>. Every year I send out an e-mail to my family asking, is there something you would like this year. My father, who is 92, replied that he would like for me to do a blog or something that would let him know more about what was happening in my life, the day to day stuff. I was really touched that someone (even my family) would be interested in my day to day <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">existence</span>. Hard to believe in these times of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">face book</span> and twitter where so many share so much.<br /><br /><br />I now find myself looking for the things that have happened in a day or week that would be nice to share. I did not expect that this simple request would change my life. I find myself looking to have more fun in each day. I am looking for great things to happen and they are showing up. Somehow I could not give this to myself before, I have been struggling to respect myself and prioritize the things that are important to me. Even though I am doing this as a gift for my dad, it has become a gift to myself. Look for the good things that are happening in you life and you may be <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">surprised</span> by what you find. What we focus on really does get bigger. What do you want to choose?<br /><br /><br />Wishing everyone a wonderful new year filled with exciting choices.<br /><br /><br />BarbKate Selbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05306204154384505793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1888985629865860315.post-4597311667056681322011-12-28T09:21:00.001-05:002011-12-28T09:21:31.722-05:00The holiday season<FONT FACE="Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><SPAN STYLE='font-size:11pt'>Hi, all.<BR> <BR> Here we are in the thick of the holiday season. How are you doing? Are you remembering to breathe, and take some time for yourself? I know, these can sound like platitudes, but it is vitally important that you take time to nurture yourself. At this time of year, it is so easy to get caught up in giving everything we’ve got to others, leaving us exhausted, drained, and with little time to enjoy what really matters—our family and friends.<BR> <BR> It is easier to be generous to others when we are not running on empty. Allow yourself the time to do what feeds your soul—make a cup of tea, sit with a favorite book, spend time with a friend, two-legged or four-legged. Give yourself a few extra minutes at feeding time to bask in the company of your horses. I find that there is nothing that grounds me more than sitting in my barn, listening to my horses munching on their hay. Their contentment washes over me, and I am at peace.<BR> <BR> Here’s wishing you all a truly joyous holiday season, and the best to you in 2012!</SPAN></FONT> Judith Falk, ESMPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13039346954938938677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1888985629865860315.post-71260403523983469192011-11-04T18:14:00.001-04:002011-11-04T18:14:53.644-04:00Weekend plans!<FONT FACE="Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><SPAN STYLE='font-size:11pt'>Heading to a two-day Equine Biomechanics clinic tomorrow, taught by Dr. Deb Bennet, a noted expert in the field, with Dawn Jones-Low of Faerie Court Farm. Positively can’t wait!</SPAN></FONT> Judith Falk, ESMPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13039346954938938677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1888985629865860315.post-82703505727769823882011-07-24T09:19:00.002-04:002011-07-24T11:13:16.381-04:00ChoiceYesterday, I had a conversation with a friend that complements the ideas of courage and fear. So.. I wanted to share some more thoughts and see what other people have to say on the subject. <br /><br />I have been working on becoming clearer about choosing what I want and how to move forward to make it happen. This has been challenging for me. Because, I have spent a large portion of my life trying to make other people happy in order for me to be "safe". I am the master of figuring out what everyone else wants so that I can fit in, they will like me, and then I will be safe. (This is childhood stuff that I learned at a very young age in order to survive. Now that I know where it came from I am consciously choosing to change it.) <br /><br />Part of the process of getting clear about what I want has been about listening to my heart and not justifying everything with my head. This takes courage to overcome my old survival fears. I don't always have the courage to follow what I know is right for me in my heart. I often begin the process of justifying or recycling some reason why I can't do or have what I want and before I know it I have immobilized myself from being able to take any action. I make a decision that feels right for me and then I begin to second guess myself into stagnation as I sort through what the outcome might look like and all the details in between. (not to mention the onslaught of opinions from everyone else) It becomes a mess of made up assumptions about how it won't work; As I slip further and further into the fear (<strong>f</strong>alse <strong>e</strong>vidence <strong>a</strong>ppearing <strong>r</strong>eal) of what might happen if I make the "wrong" decision. The truth is there are no right or wrong decisions. If I don't like it or it doesn't work I need to make another decision and keep moving sooner or later I will create more of what I want if I keep choosing what works for me. It is just like using a half halt, re-balance and take another step. You don't know how long it will last or how soon before you need the next half halt you just keep being in the moment with your horse in as balanced a way as you can.<br /><br />Yesterday, while I was riding I had a choice to think my aid had not been clear and I was doing it wrong or to say excuse me my aid was clear and you need to listen. The clearer I am and the more I pay attention the more aware I become of the choices I have. My default reaction of "I have done it wrong" is changing into choice. The more aware I become, the clearer I become, the more my horse responds with ease and grace. The more joy I have.<br /><br />I couldn't see it and I never would have believed it a year ago.<br /><br />Where can you change a default reaction into a conscious choice?<br /><br />Choose to create your life the way you want it to be.<br />BarbKate Selbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05306204154384505793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1888985629865860315.post-15335674760631598282011-07-14T07:35:00.001-04:002011-07-14T07:35:46.691-04:00Courage and confidence<FONT FACE="Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><SPAN STYLE='font-size:11pt'>Let’s talk some more about courage and confidence, especially as it applies to your horse. (Check out cegavt.blogspot.com/2011/07/courage.html) If courage is about overcoming fear, and confidence is not having the fear to begin with, what does this mean to your horse? <BR> <BR> Courage in your horse is asking your horse to give a little more, push himself a little harder, try something he hasn’t done before, trust you. Confidence is all about that “look of eagles” that some horses have—they don’t know the meaning of can’t!<BR> <BR> What happens when your horse is not feeling courageous, even fearful, about the task confronting him? He becomes tense, rigid, tight. His back may hollow, his jaw may lock up and clamp down, his neck becomes rigid, his gaits lose their fluidity. His muscles will tighten as he prepares to “fight or flee”. What does this mean for his performance?<BR> <BR> A horse who is rigid and tight is only going through the motions. He may be technically doing what you ask, but something will be missing. <BR> <BR> What is your job in this? What can you do to help?<BR> <BR> The first thing, of course, is to know your horse, his personality and how his mind works. Does he thrive on challenges and learning new things? Does he need plenty of time to absorb the new task? Does he get tense, wound up, and have to be pushed/helped through his tension? Or does pushing him make him even more tense?<BR> <BR> Some horses are naturally courageous, some are not. You can help your timid horse to be more courageous by first helping yourself to be more relaxed, of course-if you are anxious, you can bet your horse will pick up on it! Remember to center and ground yourself by using three deep breaths to release your own tensions. Ask your timid horse to expand his comfort zone incrementally, whether it’s leaving his herdmates a little farther behind, or tackling a slightly more challenging series of jumps. Praise is always a good thing, as long as you are praising for actual good behavior. And if you feel yourself becoming frustrated, take a break—don’t add to the stress level. <BR> <BR> And remember that our horses are so often mirrors of ourselves. Take the time to really examine what’s going on, and ask for help if you need it. <BR> <BR> What techniques do YOU use to help yourself and your horse relax and gain courage?</SPAN></FONT> Judith Falk, ESMPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13039346954938938677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1888985629865860315.post-5710091464680124522011-07-06T15:40:00.002-04:002011-07-06T15:51:29.118-04:00CourageWhat is courage and what is confidence?<br /><br />Confidence is knowing you are able to do something, or to figure it out safely and fairly accurately and perform with a reasonable expectation of success.<br />Courage on the other hand is doing a thing even if you lack the confidence you wish you had.<br />For some folks, just putting that foot in the stirrup requires great courage, and the send of accomplishment when settled into the saddle is no less exhilarating than for someone clearing a 3' wall in the hunt field.<br /><br />When we take a next step in our riding--first canter, first crossrail, first horse show--we often find that through the doing we lose a lot of the trepidation and grow in confidence. It takes courage to take the new step, every time.<br /><br />Look for areas in your life and your riding where you have confidence, look for areas where you need courage, and look for areas yet to be conquered. With knowledgeable supportive help and conscious practice, you can gain confidence where you had none, and courage to tackle areas where once there was only fear.<br /><br />What is courage? What do you think?<br />We'd love to hear your stories about you own adventures!Kate Selbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05306204154384505793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1888985629865860315.post-3071679797654371812011-05-27T21:35:00.004-04:002011-05-27T22:43:25.748-04:00What does control mean to you and your horse?I am reading a book that is talking about the difference between influence and control. Some of us have the desire to control things, situations, and animals in hopes that we will somehow get a desired effect. <div><br /></div><div>So, I have begun to look at what control means to me. Let me know what it means to you.<div><br /></div><div>There are the ways I work to control my emotions. I prefer to use the term monitor however at times it feels as though they are out of control and I have to reign them in and keep them under "control". I find that when I become uncomfortable my desire to control things increases because I believe that if I can control the things around me I will be o.k., really it is about gaining control over myself. My first desire is to tell others how they "should" be; so that I don't have to deal with some old wound from my life experiences. As I become more aware of the places where I have what I refer to as a default reaction. (my horse spooked here last time so I better be ready for it every time I go by here) A place where I have made an assumption that something that happened in the past will continue to happen again and again. I begin to make different choices, letting go of my assumptions and creating room for a different outcome. </div><div><br /></div><div>In the past it seemed like a good idea to have some type of control over my horse. (We all know that leaving a horse to it's own choices while we are riding, can often lead to places the rider may prefer not to go.) If I can just keep my horse under control I will feel safer, have a better ride or.......(fill in the blank) this often translates into holding and becoming tight in my body. As I become more tense my horse begins to feel confused and I have begun to deliver aids to my horse with out awareness of what I am doing. The more I tighten and search for control the more my horse becomes upset. I do not get what I am looking for until I let go and begin to ask in a clear manner. It is in the release that I allow my horse to answer my request. <div><div>I have found that as I let go of the idea of control and begin to play with the idea of influence and using my energy to create a flow or an intention I find that my horse becomes amazingly responsive to these concepts. My horse begins to take part in a conversation and I begin to listen to where my horse lets me know something is hard or he is not sure how to do a movement. When I recognize that my horse is telling me what is going on for him through his movements and responses. I begin to find ways to influence rather then control; a clearer aid or a half halt instead of holding on and creating tension. My horse and I begin to have an ongoing conversation where we are aware of the influences and challenges that are coming in each moment of a ride. </div><div>Where can you let go of something that no longer serves you and create a new way of communicating? I would love to here what other people think about this.</div><div>Barb<br /><div><br /><div><br /></div><div> </div></div></div></div></div></div>Kate Selbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05306204154384505793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1888985629865860315.post-35962110830235853842011-05-19T07:42:00.001-04:002011-05-19T07:42:27.862-04:00What makes you tick? How about your horse?<FONT FACE="Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><SPAN STYLE='font-size:11pt'>As we move through life, striving to improve and grow, a key portion of this is finding out what motivates us to achieve our best. In our relationship with our horses, we also need to find out what motivates them. How do they learn best? Are they sensitive, “thinking” types, easily bored? Do they question everything we ask them to do? Are they good-natured, willing to comply with anything within reason that we ask of them? Do they need to think about a request, take time to absorb it, before they can comply? And there are many more ways to learn, especially when you put different riders and trainers into the equation. <BR> <BR> In my barn, I have four horses, each with one of the learning styles I mentioned above. I have to approach work time with each of them differently. The sensitive thinker is happiest with doing something different all the time, keeping him happy and engaged. My just-for-fun horse will do anything, really, and will babysit anyone on his back, including my three-year-old grandson. Another is sensitive in his own way, needing time to process information before I ask again, and gets confused if asked again too quickly. And the mare questions everything! She should really have one of those question mark cartoon bubbles over her head, permanently. <BR> <BR> None of these styles is necessarily any easier than the others—it all depends on us, our personalities, and how we approach our ride time. I’ve found that I need to be completely relaxed, have all the time in the world, for Mr. Sensitive Thinker. If I’m in a hurry, he gets stressed out. If I’m tense, he is exponentially tense. Of course, tension in us affects them all, but some of them hide it better than others. Mr. Easy-Going is my relaxation ride, but he doesn’t like to be taken for granted just because he is easy-going. Mr. Processor shuts down if nagged at. He will just give the minimum effort to get by. And Ms. Questioner needs to be asked, not told, to do anything. Try to force a situation with her and she will never forget it. <BR> <BR> Essentially, I have to be four different riders with these four different horses, although the base line is the same: relaxed, focused, listening. These are my basic tools in my tool kit. Then I pull out others as I need them, depending on which horse I am working with. It’s made me a better, more well-rounded horse person. <BR> <BR> What does your horse want YOU to know about how he learns? And what does he want you to know about how YOU learn, to be the best partner you can be for him?</SPAN></FONT> Judith Falk, ESMPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13039346954938938677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1888985629865860315.post-19199550194320647432011-05-12T11:20:00.000-04:002011-05-13T17:22:05.914-04:00CompetenceSo many times we fail to hear the kind things people say to us on a day to day basis. Words we often most want and need to hear, but are so often convinced of their untruth, we cannot accept them into our selves.<br />We often will rehash the unrelated negative comments of complete strangers who may be having a bad day, and we bump into them on the street. Or someone's opinions may be so colored by their personal events that even simple conversations feel like disagreements when the topic is beyond the understanding of the other person involved.<br /><br />For myself, I often feel as if I should be more competent and need less help, or be farther along in my life. If I stop to think, I am often told I am very competent and successful. And if I look farther, I realize this is true. I may not be living up to my own expectations of self, but indeed that is an artificial standard. It may be unreachable and is created by imagining the realities of others and making false comparisons.<br /><br />Where in your own life--riding, work, relationships, housekeeping--do you feel as though you are falling short? Can you take a moment right now to assess things a little more objectively? Make lists--what have you accomplished? What is life bringing you? Though it may not be what you imagined, you will be surprsied to find that an "objective" comparison will tell you that you have done well.<br /><br />Are there areas where you would still like to achieve more? Great! That is what goal setting is all about. Pick an area that means a lot to you and your own quality of life--not for others but for yourself. Now choose a modest goal for improvement in that area. Create a plan for achieving it. If any one part of the plan seems undo-able (time-wise, financially), stop and do a little brainstorming to see how you can work with or around that problem.<br /><br />Are your standards set so that even Clark Kent couldn't achieve them? You don't need that kind of pressure, and you don't need to be perfect. You deserve to take credit for what you do well, and to work consciously toward your goals and desires. And if you slide away from your plan... No Worries! You can make a new one!<br /><br />Enjoy the day and the season, and lighten up and see the good in you :)Kate Selbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05306204154384505793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1888985629865860315.post-72288263271443129032011-05-04T07:46:00.001-04:002011-05-04T07:46:37.252-04:00Inspiration<FONT FACE="Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><SPAN STYLE='font-size:11pt'>Looking for inspiration in your life? Here are three things that come to mind for me, right off the top of my head.<BR> <BR> First, watch the movie “Temple Grandin”. It is the story of a truly amazing woman, who has autism, but that assumed “disability” enables her to think in pictures (her words), the way animals do. I’m not doing her story justice, I know—so watch the movie, or read one of her books. <BR> <BR> Also, because I am fresh back from the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, I am still thinking about that a lot. It was won by Mary King of Great Britain, riding the lovely King’s Temptress, a mare that Mary bred, raised and trained herself. Mary also took second place, on the gorgeous gray Fernhill Urco. First and Second place both? Unheard of! Unprecedented! Mary is no spring chicken, either—she is 49 years old. Oh wait, that’s how old I am!<BR> <BR> Third place went to Sinead Halpin, who has NEVER competed at Rolex before, and her horse Manoir de Carneville. Sinead is only 29, and to watch her ride, and the love and credit she gave to her horse after her gorgeous show-jumping round, brought tears to many eyes. <BR> <BR> We’re never too old, or too young, or too “handicapped”, to let that stand in our way. It’s no good sitting on our butts, wishing and dreaming, waiting for things to be different. Get up and make your dreams happen! Ask for help if you need it, but do it! What are you waiting for?</SPAN></FONT> Judith Falk, ESMPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13039346954938938677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1888985629865860315.post-18341170393522614152011-05-01T21:49:00.002-04:002011-05-01T21:51:25.470-04:00Great weekend at Everything Equine! Met lots of super horse folks, and talked about goals, relationship, fear and moving forward--both horses and their riders!<br />Thanks to everyone who stopped by, and we will be drawing the winner of the free CEGA workshop later this week--stay tuned!Kate Selbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05306204154384505793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1888985629865860315.post-46849365182641010852011-04-23T15:42:00.002-04:002011-04-23T16:28:09.987-04:00Spring EnergyAs the spring comes, it brings a magic of warmth and new beginnings. The flowers are making their way out of the ground into vibrant colors. I find myself wanting to be outside and there are always more things to be done as I move from inside to outside. I often get distracted by what ever project or task happens to present its self in the moment. As I make changes in my life and begin to create more of what I want. I look for ways to keep myself more focused, instead of allowing myself to be distracted by ............ whatever.......... comes along.<br />So... If I want to be more deliberate in how I create my life I need to find a way to keep track of and prioritize the things that will move me closer to what I want, not just the things that need to be done. There are the usual things like: cleaning, cooking, shopping and then there are the things that move me closer to my dreams. Having more: clients, time to ride, order, money etc. <br />Last night I began the process of creating a list of all the things that I want and need to do. The list became very long as more and more things popped into my head that needed to be done. I quickly became overwhelmed by the numbers of things to be done. Until I realized that my mind was actually getting quieter as I began to see how I could prioritize and make choices much more clearly by having everything out in front of me. I began to divide things into categories of importance to me. Many things that I often spend my time doing were not as important as I thought. I began to look for the things that would move me closer to my dreams. <br /><br />What dreams have you put aside or given up on that you could be resurrecting? What one thing could you do today that would move you closer to what you want? Listen for the voices that have an opinion around your dreams. The chatter of doubts or excitement. Who do they belong to? Are they true? Are you willing to do what it takes to get there? <br /><br />Remember it is not about beating yourself up for not doing something, it is about making choices and finding what works for you. <br /><br />How many shoulds are you beating yourself up over?????? Shoulds are the things you think you ought to do and don't really want to do. I should clean house instead of ride my horse. Which one would bring me more joy? For me it is about being more aware and making a conscious choice. From a riding point of view it might be school your horse or go for a trail ride. What is right for you today? Lounge your horse or just get on and go. Trust your inner voice of knowing what is right for you.Kate Selbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05306204154384505793noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1888985629865860315.post-86345499920703054392011-04-17T08:58:00.002-04:002011-04-17T09:13:25.931-04:00Choices in actionWith construction projects ramping up around the farm, I've had opportunities to watch people's reactions to change.<br />While everyone is excited about the work and what it will bring, the changes it causes in routine show how inconvenience can equal opportunity--if you want them to.<br /><br />The indoor has been temporarily shut down in order to resolve a pipe leak issue. Now, most folks didn't notice any problems caused by the pipe. They sure would have if it had been allowed to go on long enough to blow the water pump (no pump, no water), or to flood the barn.<br />Now they need to deal with the closed space, and that directly affects them.<br /><br />The simple answer? Ride outside, of course! But, this is spring, or rather mud season. I watch their decision-making with interest, empathy, and a bit of incredulity. Some just keep riding. Wind, a bit of rain, cool temperatures, puddles in the outdoor--it's all fine, and they just get on with it. Some hedge their bets, trying to work in the half of the indoor that doesn't have an excavator in it. And some just stay home.<br /><br />I think about the year I spent at my old farm with no indoor. Each weather challenge created a new situation for me to work my horses in. Sure there were days when--for me--riding was out of ths question. But for the most part we kept going. When deep winter snows and ice meant riding int he field was pretty impossible, we stuck to the plowed and sanded dirt roads. Hacking, logging miles at the trot, or schooling voltes, leg yields and half-pass. Some days we even put a jump in the road!<br />Muddy spring roads meant riding in areas where the sand was showing in the outdoor, or taking to the woods.<br />A little drizzle meant business as usual. Ever ride in a show outside in rain and puddles with a horse that has been cloistered in an indoor all year?<br />Stormy days meant tack cleaning, clipping, planning the year's events, de-cobwebbing--all the things you don't want to be stuck inside doing on the nice days.<br /><br />So when you come across an obstacle that feels like is is going to stop you, think again. Someone else has a different perspective. Where you see "can't do" they may see opportunity :)Kate Selbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05306204154384505793noreply@blogger.com0