What a ride!!
September 21-23 was the final 3-day clinic for Colt and I in the Mike Bridges 5 Year Bridle Project. For those who don't know, we've been going to Central Oregon every spring and fall to learn from a true master horseman. "The Project" is a course that Mike developed to train a horse "his way" making finished bridle horses in the traditional California Vaquero Style.
One of my fellow riders is a wonderful photographer, and she offered to take photos "before and after" of the horses. They definitely built up some body!
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| ~Photo credit to Cindy Sloan~ Date: 09/09/2009 |
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| ~Photo credit to Cindy Sloan~ Date: 09/08/2010 |
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| ~Photo credit to Cindy Sloan~ Working on flying lead changes. Date: 09/08/2010 |
I really can't describe the feeling of completing the course, but the words accomplishment, satisfaction, amazement, comradery, fulfillment...these all come to mind.
Not only do you get to know your horse on a whole new level, but the friendships between the other riders...and their horses, too...are life changing.
Was it worth the time, effort and money? Absolutely!! The part I like most about his program is that he doesn't wait for you and your horse. He sticks to the program and moves forward whether you're ready or not. It makes everyone work all that much harder...and we get things done!
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| ~Photo credit to Cindy Sloan~ Final clinic: Sept 2014 |
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| ~Photo credit to Cindy Sloan~ Final clinic: Sept 2014 |
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| ~Photo credit to Cindy Sloan~ Final clinic: Sept 2014 |
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| ~Photo credit to Cindy Sloan~ Final clinic: Sept 2014 |
Thank you Cindy for the awesome photos!!!
To celebrate the occasion (there were two Projects graduating at the same time), the meeting room at the Sisters Rodeo Grounds was rented...catered dinner, live music and dancing...and of course the graduation/awards ceremony!! What a fun time!
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| The beautiful award; hand crafted silver knife by silversmith Rusty McCullough! |
I do have to say there was a big "sigh" in my head for making it through.
So, where do I go from here?
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April 19-21 2015...Project 7 begins...with Pierce!!!
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| Oh yes...we're gonna do it all over again! |
Oh yay! I was hoping you'd do the same with Pierce! Those are wonderful photos.
ReplyDeleteGlad you are back! Enjoy the next round!
ReplyDeleteWhat an triumph! Thanks for stopping by Karen. I had an OTJ injury two years ago, which changed my life. Living with a partial permanent disability is not something I thought I would face and have been wading around in forced retirement trying to figure it all out, mentally, physically and spiritually. I imaging I'll be back before long, but I just need to stop and think and find a footing for daily life that will bring back a measure of joy. All my best to you Karen...
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!! Wow he really did beef up over the years! Nice work, I bet he is a joy to ride.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! Those are some awesome photos!
ReplyDeleteGood for you, I've always thought that it took more than a 30 day wonder to get to know and train a horse or other kind of equine.
ReplyDeleteI feel that about 5 yrs of work is worth it and you end up with a much better animal!
Kudos for doing it with Pierce.
Good job!
Fantastic! Nice shots, too!
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