One of our "on going" clinics (for obvious reasons) is our "Farrier" demonstrations. One of the area's most renowned shoers, Joe Bell, who has been doing our horses for many years, always welcomes our "boot campers" to participate, watch and learn. We've also added a "To Shoe or Not To Shoe" clinic with barefoot farrier, Chuck Mills. It is always educational to experience the different techniques these professionals perform.
Quick Test: Can anyone tell me why man started putting steel on horse's feet?
Jim & Lori's Equine Experiences & Cowboy Boot Camp Newsletter
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Okay...this whole Newsletter writing thing got a bit behind since last I wrote. We've been extremely busy and growing by leaps and bounds! Within our few years of Cowboy Boot Camp, WE HAVE OVER 250 MEMBERS !!! And...some from as far away as San Francisco, Michigan and Oregon! Plus, we can't keep enough of our "Cowboy Boot Camp Official Gear" clothing line on hand to fill requests, but, we're running as fast as we can. However, I must not get ahead of myself......
First, let me start by saying, thanks to everyone for your support as well as your shared passion for our horsemanship program. We couldn't be growing this fast without each of you. We really appreciate it!
Now...enough of sentiments...and reaching WAY back in time......Equine Affaire was a huge success for us. We stayed in our horsetrailer on the Fairplex grounds and several Cowboy Boot Campers attended seminars and shopped BIG TIME! Gunner certainly got "outfitted !"
I got a chance to meet and chat with several high profile clinicians including "Road to the Horse" winner and extraordinary horseman, Chris Cox and trainer, Julie Goodnight.
Both were familiar with Cowboy Boot Camp and spoke very
highly of our program and had even referred people to us.
Do not pass up an opportunity to watch these experts in action.
They're phenomenal !
And, speaking of clinics...we've held several over the past few months including Dr. Kelly's equine dental presentation. (For more photos see our Cowboy Boot Camp page). Poor Buddy and Sly had a couple of teeth pulled. We kept them tho... just in case you want to put one under your pillow. No one fainted, however, Cowboy Boot Camper, Matt Griffith had seen enough he said, and decided to focus his studies on hoofs. (Keep reading, more on him later.) But everyone in attendance got the opportunity to discuss with the "Doc" the importance of equine dental maintenance as well as concerns when purchasing a horse, vaccine requirements and regional regulations. There will be many more important clinics with Dr. Kelly and other veterinarians in the future.
We also conducted a "Tack and Saddle Sense Workshop" where we explained the fitting of a saddle and its impact on your horsemanship skills as well as the parts of Western tack and their function. Then, what a better way to learn than to get your hands dirty by cleaning and polishing saddles! Everyone got involved and it turned into a very enjoyable and social evening as well. I think everyone finally stumbled out by about 9:00 PM. But, it was fun learning together. Boot Camper, Suzie Shaw proudly showed off the saddle famous Western author, Zane Grey had given to her father. It was extraordinary being able to bring out the shine once again of that great saddle.
As mentioned above, equine dental procedures really aren't his thing, but boot camper, Matt decided to to learn more about the farrier profession and attended the Oregon School of Natural Hoof Care, which is a one of a kind school to learn horse hoof care and natural trimming.
One of our earlier boot campers, Jim Hart, an adamant anti-horse, surfer dude who, along with is wife, are the proud owners of three horses and now he serves on the Big Bear Equine Search and Rescue Squad.
After only riding with us for about a month, 9th grade english honors, school teacher Keely Dietrick joined us on a Cowboy Boot Camp "Member's Only" destination ride in the Sequoia National Forest. She came back a bit more "batty" than when she left but is now the proud owner of Grady, the personable, 9-year old registered Dapplegray Quarter Horse we have here at the barn.
(Speaking of positive life changes...just ask HER !)
Another popular clinic we offered was "A Bit Understanding,"
where we discussed the various bits and their function.
But these are just a few who have trained with us and caught the horse fever and gone on to acquire their own. There's Annette, Rick, Lorren, Diane, Keely, Debbi, Donna, Kristen, the entire D'Ambra family, and many, many others...unfortunately, too many to list here. All totalled to date, about 45 horses now have good homes with great Cowboy Boot Camp horsepeople!
One of the greatest things about Cowboy Boot Camp is the spark we ignite in people and that everyday we have wonderful success stories!!!!
"Come Join Us,"
Jim & Lori
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