May 7-11, 2002 Wild Horse Boot Camp - participants and clincians
From left to right: Diane Delano, clincian; David Hesse, participant; Suzie Landolphi, participant; Jill Starr, president/Lifesavers; Bill Steckel, participant; Donna West, clinician; Lisa Cody (splits), participant; Steve Perron, participant; Judy Long, participant; Melinda and Matthew Peterson, participant; C.J. Wallace, participant; Steve Wimberly, participant; Phyllis Leslie, participant; Darice Holloway, clinician; Lesley Neuman, participant; Kim Stallings, spectator; Rob Pliskin, clinician; Diane Calligari, participant. Missing: Jerry Tindell, clincian; Pat Hurt, participant; Sonya Thompson, participant.
Staff clincians-left to right: Diane Delano, Donna West, Jill Starr (president of Lifesavers), Darice Holloway, Lesley Neuman and Rob Pliskin. Missing: Jerry Tindell
Boot Camp always starts off with a safety lecture, and then a human on human demonstration. Here Jerry Tindell is showing Lisa Cody what it feels like to be on the other end of rope that would be attached to the horse. This teaches an understanding of "feel" and helps the participants to learn to be light with pressure.
Jerry Tindell is coaching Sonya Thompson on when to release the pressure. You wait for the slightest try, then let go. Here they are waiting for "Sally" to give the slightest amount to the pressure of the rope, then they will let slack in the line to teach Sally the correct response.
Lesley Neuman is instructing Suzi Landolphi in the round pen with one of the BLM horses. The lesson is getting movement. The halter and lead line is used to energize the horse to direct it's movement.
Our youngest Boot Camper, Matthew.
Diane Calligari in the round pen with "Valentine" allowing her to freekt move around until she's comfortable and relaxed.
Darice Holloway and Jerry Tindell keeping their eye on participant Steve Wimberly and "Appy Horse".
Steve Wimberly is practicing the use of a lunge whip and bag referred to as a "flag". The flag is used as an arm extension that can reach out and touch the appy from a safe distance. This techniques is also desensitizing the horse to it's natural fear of plastic bags.
Bill Steckel is also trying out the flag on the Appy.
Pat Hurt tossing the soft rope across Valentine's back. This is to desensitize her and energize her at the same time.
Donna West and Judy Long take a minute to discuss the plan of approach to be used in the pen with "Lode".
Darice Holloway has a good hold on Phyllis Leslie to keep her from getting too close or exerting too much pressure on "Nick".
Diane Delano and Suzy Landolphi clowning around with "Calico". Although wild horse gentling is serious business, there's always time for fun.
Lisa Cody is using the bamboo pole as an arm extension to touch the appy from a safe distance. You can see the appy is not concerned at all, but what about Lisa?
Steve Perron in the pen with Izzy. Steve is cuing Izzy to move away from him.
Safety is the number one concern at Wild Horse Boot Camp. Rob Pliskin is guiding Diane Calligari in her body position and distance from the horse.
On May 8th, the second day of Boot Camp, we were blessed with the foaling of "May Zing". The filly's proud mother is "Blue".