2/19/2013- Well after a nice cold Michigan Christmas with my family I headed west to sunny California! What a whirlwind trip that was to drive across the country in three long days. I brought Super Newton with me and a horse that came for some Foundation Training. We made it all in one piece and have been enjoying the weather which is a bit better for riding than Michigan would be this time of the year. Not to mention I am a big baby when it comes to cold weather.
Since being here I have been taking time to do some computer work, catch up with some friends, make some new ones and do some self development. I rode in a clinic with Martin Black who is a fantastic horseman and stockman that I had the chance to ride with while I was with Pat. The clinic was hosted by the wonderful Dave Ellis, 5 Star Master Instructor and Horse Development Specialist for Parelli. It was great to catch up with some Parelli friends and meet some new ones and Newton and I had fun learning from Martin.
Another challenge that I put myself to was to go to a horse show with Newton. We were going to compete at a cutting show however on the week of the show Newton came up lame and wasn’t able to make the show. Not to worry! He is all better and there is still another chance for us to compete before we head back east so keep your fingers crossed for us. It is a great test to get ready and have a goal and learning about the competition world has been a great experience for me. It is something I started learning about with Pat as he got himself back in the show pen and I think it will be a good test for Newton and I to do every once in a while. It also helps me better understand more of the horse world and if I am going to be able to help horses and humans all over I better be learning all the time!
I will be back east at the end of March and April will find me back in Illinois. I will be doing some teaching and horse developing. We have added something new this year that I tried a bit last year with a few students. We are calling it “Biernbaum Bootcamp”. Don’t be scared it is going to be a party! Just not a pony party, with rainbows and butterflies, but maybe cupcakes. The idea is to have consistent coaching over a longer period than just a weekend clinic. This will allow you to make a more lasting change in you and your horse. You are basically signing up for a package lessons so it saves you money instead of just taking a lot of ala carte lessons. Contact Deb if you want to have a look at the packet to get more info!
I hope you are staying warm and dry where every you are and I will be doing plenty of traveling again this year so I hope you get to come and see me when I get to your town. Stay in touch and hopefully its sooner rather than later!
Jake
P.S. I GOT A PUPPY!!!! Her name is Sandy. I tried to give you a picture but there was a error with loading it. So check back later!!