Light Hands Horsemanship 2011 presented by Spalding Labs

2011 was the fifth year for Light Hands Horsemanship and again it proved to be unlike any other event. Attendees came from 14 states and 10 countries including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Uruguay, France, Germany, United Kingdom, Scotland, Sweden and Norway.

Presenters this year included Eitan Beth-Halachmy, Richard Winters, Jon Ensign, Lester Buckley, Jack Brainard, Dr. Robert Miller and Rick Lamb. All presenters focus on a light handed approach to horsemanship but each has their particular perspective to offer. Those in attendance receive the best education in Light Hands Horsemanship available. Each of these presenters are dedicated, sincere, funny and most importantly they are excellent teachers. They joke with each other, with attendees, share camaraderie and just really have a good time.

This year's event celebrated the Californian Vaquero. Sheila Varian and Ernie Morris -- two people that illustrate the style and philosophy so well -- presented this year. Sheila, owner of Varian Arabians, was influenced by Tom Dorrance in the 60's and his "soft approach" to training and interacting with horses. Ernie Morris is an artist that works to maintain the California Vaquero history and tradition. Ernie has celebrated the California Vaquero in tack, paintings, sculpture and as an author. Both Sheila and Ernie added a true Vaquero feel to LHH this year.

Light Hands Horsemanship 2012 will be held May 31 through June 2nd. Eitan, Richard, Jon, Lester, Jack, Dr. Miller, Rick and Sheila will be presenting in 2012. They will be joined by Leslie Desmond, co-author of the famous Bill Dorrance book, "Horsemanship Through Feel", many other books and DVDs, trainer of trainers and educator for the "finer points of feel and release."

Spalding Labs continues to sponsor Light Hands Horsemanship. Tom Spalding supported the event when it was just an idea brewing and has continued to support it for the last five years and will do so again in 2012. It takes many dedicated, hard working people to produce an event of this caliber and the folks at Spalding Labs are proud to be among the many that makes Light Hands Horsemanship possible each year.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• light hands horsemanship
• robert m miller
• eitan
• richard winters
• lester buckely
• jon ensign
• shelia varian
• ernie morris
• spalding fly predators
• spalding labs
• rick lamb

[smeathead]

French ur ignorant u dont know the first thing about a light horse, talking about the spade. Thats the ultimate tool ur years behind

[TheNaturalLeader]

what a delight to have the opportunity to see these masters at work!

[lor4320]

To FRENCHI1102 - The bit Sheila is using is a sign of the horse's progression in the vaquero way of training. By the time they reach a spade bit, it is pretty much a sign of status, not ever used to inflict pain or fear, same goes for spurs. You'll notice Richard Winters also has a spade bit on his horse.

[FRENCHI1102]

Hmmm, beautiful words, I just don't understand why Sheila's bit is so strong... that in itself instills fear...

I would love to see all of this with a bitless Bridle... that's what I use and through patience and good leadership, well, you know the rest. Also, what's with the massive spurs? I've NEVER used spurs a day in my life. The philosophy doesn't match the action. imo

[CNewbert]

Loved it!!! Can't wait for next year