WILD HORSE WORKSHOP V 2002
LAWRENCE, KANSAS By Frank Bell |  |
The fifth annual Wild Horse Workshop took place in Lawrence, Kansas this year at the end of September. As with past years, it was a great success with sixty-five attendants and eight clinicians sharing knowledge on gentling these remarkable creatures.
The format for these annual workshops has evolved in an interesting manner. Each clinician has their own slant on the gentling process which is a boon for the attendants who are there to soak up as much knowledge as possible in five days. While I personally find John Sharp’s bamboo pole approach to be the most expedient, (read/link to Fishing for Mustangs Story), there are a variety of other fascinating techniques.
Robert Denlinger specializes in the human round pen or Navajo Circle. This ancient Indian method has a dozen or so participants surround the horse in a round pen. When the horse has settled, the circle begins to tighten. The curious horse begins making contact, sniffing, and observing the non-aggressive humans. When the timing and energy is right the horse will be surrounded by loving humans stroking all over its body. With the younger horses especially, this seems a highly effective approach.
Hue Simpson is an effective Tellington-Jones trainer who uses a wand, circle-touching, and the labyrinth to gentle her challenges. Her quiet demeanor works wonders with these skittish creatures.
Chris Erlon specializes in clicker training and has an amazing knack for quickly and quietly helping the horses to trust humans. Clicker training is effective and rapidly gaining momentum in the process of gentling mustangs.
John Sharp has been gentling the wild ones for the better part of a century. He introduced the 12’ bamboo pole to the first workshop in ’98. Since that humble beginning this technique has gained momentum to where it is absolutely the preferred method.
The first day I started with a nervous highly energetic and flashy two-year old filly. Once she could tolerate the pole all over her body, I moved her into the chute. Within fifteen minutes we had four sets of hands helping her relax. By the next day she was a transformed animal leading and accepting human touch. She progressed beautifully as the week progressed and commanded a good price at adoption.
The massive black stallion who ruled the pens outside was my next challenge. This specimen resembled a large Morgan stallion. Nothing had ever pushed this guy around. He’d always ruled the roost and his confidence proved it. He was not afraid or intimidated by me. Within ten minutes of poling him, I was touching him all over. Another half hour of chute time included rope work, leading, backing, and dropping his head as he yielded to pressure. Then he was haltered. Out into the 24’ 24' Square Pen he went dragging my 12’ lead. Within minutes he was following like a champ and begging for the saddle! The final horse of that first day stole my heart. A two year old chestnut stallion with four white sox trotted confidently into my pen. His flaxen mane and tail highlighted his magnificence. His look was one of intelligence and an eagerness to learn. With the help of my assistants, the A Team, we had that wild mustang stallion turned into a cupcake in about forty-five minutes. This is not a race. Each horse progresses at their individual pace. But this horse was exceptional. By week’s end he was proudly carrying a stock saddle inviting a rider to mount up. The facility did not lend itself to the first ride, but I am certain he is carrying his proud owner as I write.
The week flew by in a blur of success, learning, camaraderie, and ended with the auction. 108 horses and burros found new homes, a huge success and testament to our efforts. My personal thanks to those who contributed to another fine event; Willis Lamb, Cheryl Eastep, Janet Tipton, Randall and Joyce (who kept us fed), Donna Maye West, Jim Rea (a Frank Bell certified partner), whose picture appeared in the Kansas City Star and made me very proud, BLM staff, and numerous others who contributed to our mutual success. Most thanks to John and Joyce Sharp who drove from Oregon to make sure we all stayed on track and set a grand example of living well. | |
