Larry Stewart Focus Camp – 21 JN 09

Audited one day (of 5) of the focus camp by Larry Stewart. I only wish I had more vacation time, so I could have experienced more. It was an eye opening experience with material presented by a Master.

Here are a few notes:

Liberty – tests your ability of what you have learned on-line (communication)

Circling Game:

If your horse does not maintain gait, your send is not good enough. Send out Zone 1 well!

When backing up horse (preparing for send); use the porcupine game. It has more control than driving (you may lose horse, while driving). DO NOT use Yo-Yo. When you porcupine out, send out as far as you can reach. DO NOT move your feet!

Send out Zone 1 = Respect. Send by Z4/Z5 = disrespect. To send out by Z1, lift stick straight up and you are in Z1. LEAD & LIFT. If you are going to send to left; rub with left hand, porcupine with left hand.

Phases:
1. Lift stick, swing in air
2. Tap behind you
3. Tap beside you
4. Tap in front of you (and/or make contact)

To draw in:
1:30 – Attention!
Past shoulder – hook (horse turn to face you)
Draw back, go to bullseye
-this will maintain the bend in the horse, instead of snappy HQ with no bend. To bend, get in time with outside front foot.

Lines:

MOVE OFF 12’ – even if you use a 22’ – USE IT. 22’ does not equal 12’, get to the end of the line.
If it does not work on the 22’, move back to 12’ and fix it.
Once you get good at 22’ – don’t sit there – move to 45!

Draw/Catch Horse: Belly button (energy) to Zone 4 (straight on). If horse turns, you turn to maintain energy on Z4.

Lead by the Mane – Arm over neck, porcupine game. Support with savvy string, if need be.

Lateral Flexion and Direct/Indirect Reins – demystified:

Neutral Lateral Flexion – is at the halt. NO energy in body.
Lateral Flexion – w/t/c
For lateral flexion, ensure your arm is straight and within inside leg. If your arm is on the outside of leg, this will give a “spring” if horse moves neck.

Direct Rein = movement of front feet ONLY (pivot on HQ)
Indirect Rein = movement of hindquarters (pivot on FH)

Taking Notes from a Master

9 Step Back up

Your butt (derriere) is the only aid your horse should listen to.
Elbows against your sides.
To stop the back up, sit up straight – do not release the reins.
Horse soft in hands = vertical flexion.
Use motion to ride the horse. To stop, stop the motion (hunch/tip over). If horse does not stop within 4-5 strides, then lift one rein UP (not towards you).