Larry Stewart Focus Camp – 24 JN 09

Listening to a Master

I was fortunate enough to be able to get Wednesday off work in order to attend the last day of Focus Camp.
Here are some notes:

Be persistent, but particular

Stop the feet – not the horse! Always talk to the feet

Daily Chores:

Flex the tail on a daily basis, massage it every day.
Massage the mouth every day. Hold the tongue over such that the horse cannot close mouth.
Preparation for needles
Pinch the skin on the neck (mid-way) until horse flexes neck towards you.
Picking up feet: horse should lift feet up to you. Human to catch the foot. This will eliminate the horse leaning into you.
Massage the legs!

Taking it all in ...

Backwards “S” :

Will improve draw.

Drive Zone 1 until the horse comes straight towards you with NO tension.

Create it to be the horse’s idea to come running to you.

Always be provocative and creative to avoid boredom in a horse.

When the horse gets it, quit and move on to something new. Don’t overcook it.

Riding Naturally

Circling Game :

Get rid of the union horse. Rub only when warranted. Too much rub will equal complacency.

Do not be mean – be FIRM.

If you rub for nothing, you will get nothing. Only rub for effort. For snappy departures, the horse must yield at phase 2, or less.

Don’t rub, rub, rub – just rub and let him stand and think it out alone. Don’t rub while you wait for him to think and sort it out.

EARN THE RUB

No attitude = No fear = Fairness