Alice Trindle: Developing a Willing Partnership with your Horse.

Reflecting on 2011 Newsletter ~ Hot off the Press!

2012-01-10T17:09:00.000-08:00

Well do to a little set-back on December 27th involving a couple of horse hooves, five broken ribs, and a cracked spleen, I have been a bit slow getting the newsletter published! Things are healing up just fine, and as broken ribs go, this set is the best I have ever had! Thanks for all the wonderful kind words, thoughts, and prayers. They made all the difference.

So, I invite you to visit the website to see the newsletter which has many great pictures from clinics in 2011, plus a fair amount of reflection on the 2011 theme of "Relationships in Balance".
http://www.tnthorsemanship.com/newsletters/

Along with the 2011 Round Up Newsletter, you will find the tentative schedule for 2012. In an effort to keep things as economical as possible, and fit your schedules, we are primarily offering weekend clinics where you can customize the focus to fit your desires. Let us know your interests and timeline, and we will help make a great experience happen!
http://www.tnthorsemanship.com/schedule.html

Looking forward to riding with you in 2012!

If Reindeer Can Fly...How About Those Elk?

2011-12-20T09:00:00.000-08:00

Haines, Oregon… On Christmas Eve, as the family arrives and children are yearning to see Santa’s reindeer, there is a new tradition to be added to the menu…Elk-Viewing! T&T Wildlife Tours, located near North Powder, Oregon, will be offering for the first time in their 21-year history, an opportunity to see some very ‘real’ antlers on Rocky Mt. elk rather than on reindeer, on Christmas Eve day.

Susan Triplett, of T&T Wildlife Tours relays, “While we are quite sure that none of our elk fly, we do know that they are close relatives to reindeer, and that their antlers represent a pretty magical story”. During the tour with viewing from the horse-drawn wagon equipped with wheelchair access, holiday goers will learn about the antlers of the elk, what effects their annual growth, and that they actually are the fastest growing bone in the entire animal kingdom. Triplett continues, “We are anxious to see if Scoop Loop, a seven-point bull elk, will be returning this year, and to be on the look-out for any reindeer tracks indicating that Santa’s helpers stopped by to fuel up on alfalfa before hitting the skies for Christmas night”.

The elk-viewing tour for Christmas Eve, December 24^th, will start at 10:00am, with tours running every ½ hour until 1:00pm. Special holiday tour dates are scheduled for the day after Christmas through January 1, 2012. Call 541-856-3356 or the Union County Chamber office at 1-800-848-9969 or Baker County Visitor Information at 1-800-523-1235. To see us on Grant’s Getaways, go to the link below for a full 30 minute feature.

Website: www.tnthorsemanship.com/wildlifetours/

'tis the Season for Elk, Draft Horses, & Fun!

2011-12-08T16:11:00.000-08:00

Here we are...set for another great year of horsemanship, learning, and for the winter months - Elk feeding! Waylan and Jed are good to go having been leading the life of luxury all summer long. These two Percherons simply amaze me as they seem to be in exactly the same place, with their great work ethic, that we left them at the end of last elk feeding season.

As always, we have many things to be thankful for in regards to great coverage of our little wildlife viewing experience. A wonderful article in Northwest Travel Magazine, along with the on-going airing of 'Grants Getaways' with Travel Oregon and KGW. http://blog.traveloregon.com/2011/01/27/grants-getaways-elkhorn-wildlife-area/

Hope to see you this winter on the hay wagon. We'll be running every weekend through the end of February, plus special holiday dates of December 26 - January 1, 2012.

Come see us and pet one of those big black velvet Percheron nose!

Tip for the Ride ~ Use of the Garrocha

2011-11-12T19:55:00.000-08:00

In this month's Tip for the Ride, Alice discusses and demonstrates some basic movements and hand positions for utilizing the Doma Vaquera bull-figthing pole called the garrocha. It is amazing what a simple tool such as this 13ft. long pole can accomplish in helping both horse and human to develop confidence, with rhythm, timing, balance, focus and ultimately feel. Whether you are looking to ride the perfect circle, help your horse to become braver, or seeking a tool to help you easily understand leg-yield and half-pass positioning...the garrocha is a great horsemanship tool. Check it out on YouTube at:

http://youtu.be/ejlZ2hF-ksU

The No Smoking Sign Drill

2011-10-01T11:46:00.000-07:00

This month's 'Tip for the Ride' is a fun one, but probably one of the more difficult to master, as it requires FEEL, Timing, Balance, Rhythm, all multi-tasked together in order to communicate with the horse. Dubbed the "No Smoking Drill" you'll watch Alice demonstrate using the flag and the horseman's halter & lead, a ground exercise to send your horse sideways on a circle, while the flag draws a "No Smoking" sign on his side at a very rapid pace! In no way is this a "De-Sensitizing" exercise...Just the opposite actually. This "Sensitizes" your horse to follow the intentions of your mind and body language. Check it out by clicking here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IEpmsqc27c

Working at Liberty

2011-09-14T15:23:00.000-07:00

The Tip for the Ride for this month examines working with your horse at liberty...no strings attached! With the pursuit of 'natural horsemanship' by many folks, the concept of interacting with your horse at liberty has become common-place. Unfortunately, at times I have seen this accomplished in a mindless manner and not keeping the principles of rhythm, balance, timing, attention, and feel in the forefront. In this Tip for the Ride I will discuss and demonstrate the beginnings of liberty work in a round pen positioning. As with all our ground work, it is critical that we are presenting a picture to the horse that will be similar to the thought and body positioning we will be using up in the saddle. Utilizing our 'Horseman's Protocol' is equally important ~ Become present, Think, Focus, Wait, & Reward. Mindfully sending your horse on a circle, watching for positive attitude by the giving of his eyes and ears, and then playing with transitions can be very rewarding!
Click here for the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gx3N4W9AB_U

Reminder: You can join Alice at her ranch in Haines, Oregon this fall. Winter Horse Courses are forming too. It's not too early to think of good Christmas presents! Visit the website: www.tnthorsemanship.com

Balanced Canter Departs

2011-07-08T09:19:00.000-07:00

In this month's Tip for the Ride, I will be demonstrating a simple pattern that prepares the horse for balanced canter departs. Light, soft, willing canter departs and lead changes are a hallmark that most aspiring horsemen and women desire to achieve. This Tip discusses the use of the riders natural aids (seat, legs, hands, & focus), combined with a simple pattern (The Bobby Pin) to position the horse and rider for effortless, balanced canter departs.

Check it out...Click HERE:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPkuJPYCBT8

Soft Shoulders Geometry

2011-06-14T09:52:00.000-07:00

The importance of focus, feel, timing, and balance are critical components for all aspiring horsemen and women. In this Tip for the Ride, Alice describes and demonstrates the use of these elements in accomplishing an exercise she calls "The Bobby-Pin". By incorporating a slight reverse-bend with a leg-yield, the rider can prepare the horse for easy, balanced transitions. Check it out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAtEEYbNN4Y

Tip for the Ride ~ Soft Shoulders and Hips

2011-05-06T21:44:00.000-07:00

In this month's Tip for the Ride, Alice discusses and demonstrates the power of balance, timing, and feel to develop soft shoulders and free hips in your horse. By using simple exercises to create a soft and willing turn on the forehand, and then a turn on the haunch, you ultimately develop the ability to feel for the feet of the horse through the use of focus, with light aids, and balance. Review other written articles at: http://www.tnthorsemanship.com/.

Click here to view The Tip for the Ride:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41OBwBirjmk

A Tip for the Ride ~ Moving Sideways with Balance

2011-03-25T07:38:00.000-07:00

In this month's 'Tip for the Ride' I will discuss and demonstrate establishing a flowing, rhythmic lateral movements in leg-yield and half-pass postures. Often times I see people trying to move their horse sideways by employing unnecessary pressure, and balancing over the very body part that they are asking the horse to move!

In this 'Tip for the Ride' I will talk about:
~ Balance in your seat and shoulders
~ Pressure & Relaxation in your legs
~ Use of your hands to encourage softness

In horses and in life, a lot rests on developing Relationships in Balance. Check out how that applies to 'Moving Sideways'! See below or click:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jw8K0v4VsgU

Tip for the Ride ~ Bolero...Bullfighting with Your Horse

2011-02-26T08:23:00.000-08:00

Welcome the Alice's video blog ~ Tip for the Ride. This segment features an exercise that Alice recommends both on the ground and in the saddle to help stretch, lengthen, and relax your horse in preparation for a great ride. She calls it the "Bolero", in that it is similar to a bullfighter using his cape to draw the bull forward with feel, rhythm, timing, and balance. The energy level is a bit different between what we are looking for in the horse, and what the bullfighter may be experiencing, but the lightness, focus, and ability to achieve 'feel' are most likely similar!

Click here to view the video on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqCG7UvmsMI

Tip for the Ride ~ Alice's New Video Blog Starts NOW!

2011-01-26T16:34:00.000-08:00

Alice Trindle and T&T Horsemanship is pleased to announce our brand new video blog posts for Horsemanship Journey called...A Tip for the Ride. These will be a series of short video articles regarding practical "How to" exercises and maneuvers to accomplish with your horse. In Alice's typical style, you will also hear the "Why" to these activities, all based on the principles that build on a willing partnership.

Round Pen and Square Pen Lunging Postures: The first video discusses the equipment, positioning, and reasons for sending your horse on a circle or a square utilizing a lunge line, horseman's halter, and snaffle bit bridle set-up. Give it a click! We hope you'll enjoy the first...

Tip for the Ride!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bO1983l6npI

T&T Silver Cantle Art

2011-01-08T08:35:00.000-08:00

Most of the true aspiring horsemen and women I know are not much into 'bling'! It is the understated craftsmenship that they seek out, and the piece that honors the traditions whether it be regarding Classical Dressage, Doma Vaquera, or Californiao-type Vaquero. You work hard and earn the right to place a beautiful, hand-crafted piece of silver on your prize saddle, bridle, or breast-collar.

Susan received this beautiful piece of cantle art for her birthday this December. It was developed with the assistance of our saddlemaker, Greg Gommersal (http://www.gomersallsaddlery.com/), and created by Erine Marsh of Marsh Bros. Oregon Silver. (http://www.spanishspade.com/)

PS: Keep an eye out...We will be starting our video blog series...Tip for the Ride, at the end of January 2011.

Harness Bells and Elk Antlers (I Really Wanted to say "Hornshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WChJQND7hmg"!

2010-12-28T16:48:00.000-08:00

Plowing through this week of holiday elk-viewing, and today, December 28th, we arrived to nearly a foot of new snow, and no elk! After trudging down the hill and across the creek with Jed and Waylan in tow, shoveling off the the hay wagon and loading about a ton of hay, we still had no takers of the elk-variety. So, back up the hill with the people-moving wagon we plowed, and the boys working pretty hard. Then we dawned the beautiful bells on loan from the Ruth Boyd family of North Powder, Oregon, and you guessed it...out came about 27 head of elk. We certainly didn't get the entire herd to come, but at least this handful was apparently waiting for the ringing of the bells to alter them of breakfast time!
Come see us, and hear the full story of this set of 14 - 100 yr.+ old harness bells. We run through January 2nd everyday, then back to our weekend schedule through end of February.

Scooploop is Back! 7x7 BIG Fella!

2010-12-21T11:27:00.000-08:00

If you have been following our elk-viewing stories for the past 20 years, you may recognize a reference to Scooploop. We have been watching this magnificent Rocky Mt. bull elk grow from a shy 3 or 4 point (totally out shown by Dennis!) to become a bold 7x7 point...the largest bull we have ever seen at this site! Last weekend he was there to greet us, as if to say "Where ya been? I had another great summer out-smarting the hunters and entertaining the ladies"! Here are some pictures from December 17th, 2010. For fun, compare to the picture on the previous blog post, which features Scooploop last season - just a 6x6. Come join us for the holidays ~ Running everyday from December 26th through January 2, 2011. (Then back to our weekend schedule through the end of Febraury.) Check it all out at: http://www.tntwildlifetours.com/

Elk-Viewing Tours Start NOW!

2010-12-10T14:01:00.000-08:00

Waylan and Jed are set to go for T&T Wildlife Tours 20th season of providing Oregon's only elk-viewing excursions via horse-drawn, handi-cap accessible wagon. This year the big Percheron draft horses will be wearing a very special set of historic harness bells, provided the Ruth Boyd family of the North Powder valley. Ruth rescued this beautiful set of 16 bells from the Author Boyd barn, which was built about 1910, near North Powder. The Boyd's were long-time sheep ranchers, and of course used draft horses to hay in the summer, and feed in the winter. Come see and hear these beautiful bells to help get ya in the holiday spirit! Tours start December 11th and

run every weekend thru the end of February. Holiday dates include running December 26th thru January 2, 2011.

Oregon Elk Viewing 12-03-10.avi

2010-12-06T15:11:00.000-08:00

The Gift - Riding the Land of the Dorrance's

2010-11-03T08:02:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I was given a wonderful gift. I met up with Peggy, Leslie, and Cindy in Wallowa County, Oregon on a lazy late fall day, with snow on the Eagle Cap Mountains, yellow and orange cottonwoods and quakers in the draws, and my fine mare Tilly in the trailer. Peggy, who in her own right is a piece of NE Oregon history, with her husband being the grandson of the western movie actor, Walter Brennan, had arranged for the four of us to ride a bit of land that is located about 15 miles from Joseph.

We had a small job to do in gathering some pairs into the lower meadows of this high prairie country that stretches out towards the Grande Ronde river, off to the Zumwalt Prairie, and edged with the Seven Devils on one side, and the Wallowas on the opposite. This was the land in which the Dorrance family grew up. It was impossible to not be effected by a profound sense of heritage, of the resilience that these early homesteaders employed, and the sheer beauty of the place. It was a spiritual outing.

As we rode along, I heard the voices of Tom and Bill Dorrance, felt for the lightness and soft feel of my horse, and joy of partnership, friendship, and a connection to the place. Before returning to Enterprise, we drove a short distance up the road to see the Dorrance Family barn. Built in 1915, it still stands proudly today, in the light red/pink paint that was just the amount the Dorrance's could afford at the time, along with the corrals that are still used today as the area ranchers gather and ship. What a treat to feel the ghosts, hear the voices, picture the draft horses.

The marvelous gift helps me to once again thank the Creator for this amazing and beautiful place in which I get to live. The importance of the place, the land, the people, and the horses in shaping who I am becoming. The necessity of observing with integrity...every single day. What a gift this day was for me. Thanks girls!

Now is the Time to Plan for 2011!

2010-10-22T09:52:00.000-07:00

As we wrap-up the horse activities for this year, it's time to start planning for 2011. We invite you to "Build Your Own Clinic".

Perhaps a 'Girl Friend Getaway' would be just the ticket for you and a group a gal friends to come to eastern Oregon, canter up mountain meadows, play with cows, eat great food, and enjoy the bunkhouse.

Or maybe you have a local group that you ride with that would like to have Alice for a clinic to focus on specific details like: How to build confidence on the trails, or focusing on Work in Hand exercises.

Let us work together with you, your horse, and your friends to build a great partnership, here in Haines, Oregon or in your home area.

Call today: 541-856-3356

Fall in Here ~ Time for Last Colt Starting

2010-09-09T09:35:00.000-07:00

We are finalizing the schedule for the last Colt to Horsemanship clinic here in Haines of 2010. Look at your calendar, and let us know what dates work best: October 4-9, or October 18-23? This is a great way to start a young horse, and then put him away for the winter. Or, take the time to truly put a new foundation on a re-start horse - filling in the holes. Visit the website for more details. http://www.tnthorsemanship.com/

Fall Horse Courses - End the Summer with FUN!

2010-09-01T11:08:00.000-07:00

Certainly the fall weather is upon us, with new snow on the mountains, and frost in the mornings. It's time to the end the summer up with a Continuing Education Horse Course with T&T, or look at an October clinic in Emmett, Idaho or the last Mt. Trail Horse clinic of 2010. Check in with us at 541-856-3356. Lots of FUN yet to be experienced with your horse yet this year!

July Mt. Trail Course Clinic

2010-07-25T09:31:00.000-07:00

A wonderful time was had by all at Alice's first Mt. Trail Course Clinic, held at Eastern Slope Ranch, near Baker City. A beautiful weekend, with great humans and horses, and a fun course to play on! The next one is August 14 & 15, and is nearly full. Sign up today. View the photo album at: http://picasaweb.google.com/atrindle/July2010MtTrailCourseClinic#

Getting Ready for Cows & Mountains!

2010-07-15T08:29:00.000-07:00

The second Cow Clinic of 2010 is coming up August 6-8, here in Haines, Oregon at T&T Ranch. It is so much fun to learn to read cows, connect your horse, scamper through the mountains, and relax in the evening telling stories on the porch watching the sun go down on the Wallowa & Elkhorn mountains. AWE.....SOME!

Ski Poles and Swords with Horses

2010-06-12T08:08:00.000-07:00

Ski Poles and Swords with Horses

Alice at Eastern Slope Ranch - Trail Clinic

2010-06-12T07:51:00.000-07:00

“If you can influence the feet and positioning of your horse with clear focus, you can prepare to handle what will be encountered out on the trail.”
You are invited to take advantage of this is a rare opportunity to join acclaimed clinician Alice Trindle on the excellent trail course located at Eastern Slope Ranch near Baker City, Oregon. Two weekend clinics will be offered: July 10 & 11, August 14 & 15.

This will be great preparation for those planning on competing in the
Mt. Trail Horse Classic
to be held
July 23 – 25, 2010 here at Eastern Slope Ranch.
Alice will present exercises to prepare participants and their horses to develop self-carriage and self-confidence while encountering a variety of obstacles that could easily be found on the trail. Maneuvers such as turn-on-the-haunch, turn-on-the-forehand, balanced side pass, and light-responsive backing, will first be practiced in the arena, then applied to the Trail Course.

“Eastern Slope Ranch offers a great opportunity for folks preparing for trail competitions or for a summer full of riding in the mountains, to set it up for success with their horses,” commented Alice Trindle. She continued, “Our focus will be to help humans in developing a safe, willing partnership with their horse, that allows us to know where the feet of the horse are at all times, in a balanced manner.”

Great Cows and Mountains!

2010-06-07T16:19:00.000-07:00

A wonderful time was had by all during the June 2010 Cows & Mts Clinic here in Haines, Oregon. It was definitely on the muddy side, but that allowed us to work the cows indoors, which was a new experience for everyone...they look very different confined with a big metal box! The mountain ride was a true adventure with Anthony Creek running over it's banks, and the "Gauntlet" of pigs, wild turkeys, barking dogs, chickens, and kitty cats to spike up ride! New meaning to the words "face-up, breathe, and keep your bottom in the saddle"!!

Hamilton, Montana in June YIPPEE!

2010-05-20T11:17:00.000-07:00

We are delighted to announce that the clinic originally scheduled for late July 2010 in Hamilton, Montana has been moved to the late June dates of 25 - 27th for the 3-Day Trail Clinic, and June 28 & 29th for Private Lessons with Alice. Janie Vogt will be hosting at her ranch. Check it all out on the website: www.tnthorsemanship.com.

Great Gals at the Work In Hand Clinic

2010-05-03T15:04:00.000-07:00

We have just finished up five wonderful days of learning, listening, and 'observing with integrity' with the 2010 Work in Hand Clinic. Three very different types of horses, along with their humans, participated. Self-carriage and self-confidence certainly came a long way. Watch the video of Romona driving her Mustang gelding - Duke, on the long-lines.

Garrocha Demonstration at Idaho Horse Expo

2010-04-19T08:45:00.000-07:00

A wonderful time was had by everyone who participated with me in the Idaho Horse Expo. Eight riders - three from the Boise area and five from eastern Oregon were gracious students as we pulled logs, rode with the garrocha, and performed cowboy quadrille. It was GREAT! Check out the video on YouTube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlHXBWu8RAc&feature=email

Celebrate the Horse - April 10, 2010 at the T&T Ranch

2010-03-25T15:44:00.000-07:00

Come watch, learn, eat, and have great fun at the 4th annual 'Celebrate the Horse' expo at the T&T Ranch near Haines, Oregon. Alice and Susan have been putting this local group of experts together to show their appreciation of the talent we have right here in eastern Oregon and western Idaho. This year's theme is..."Colt Starting - Taking the Time to Develop the Foundation". Here are some pictures from the recent colt starting class to get ya motivated!
www.picasaweb.google.com/atrindle/
Visit the website for more on the presenters: www.tnthorsemanship.com/clinicsandretreats/

Last Weekend for Elk Feeding

2010-02-27T07:41:00.000-08:00

February 27 & 28th, 2010 mark the last weekend for elk-feeding for this season. It's kind of a YIPPEEE! for Susan, Mike, and I, as we now have our weekends back - the first time since December! But truly, there is always something to observe and gain from those elk, the draft horses, and even the people! If you haven't been yet this year...Saturday and Sunday are "The" days. If you did visit us this season...A million 'Thanks'!

Four Weekends Left for Elk Viewing!

2010-02-06T08:52:00.000-08:00

Just four weekends left for elk-viewing via horse drawn wagon, with T&T Wildlife Tours! Super Bowl Sunday is always a great time to come visit, as the elk gather to place bets. Check out the video with the star...Scoop Loop - up close and personal.

Celebrating 83 Years of Life with Elk!

2010-01-26T18:09:00.000-08:00

(North Powder, Oregon) Ethel Laurence, a resident of La Grande, Oregon, knew exactly what she wanted to do for her birthday. Turning 83 years young January 23, 2010, Ethel told her daughter visiting from Portland area, she wanted to visit the elk. That is exactly what she did!

“I had been wanting to see these elk, but couldn’t find anyone to take me”, relayed Ethel. Her daughter continued, “There was really only one thing she wanted to do for her 83rd birthday, and that was come see these elk and meet the horses.”

This past Saturday, T&T Wildlife Tours were able to make Ethel’s birthday wish come true. Located just west of North Powder at the Anthony Creek feeding site, T&T offers tours every weekend through the end of February. “We were so happy to meet Ethel, and learn that we were part of her birthday wish,” commented Susan Triplett, co-owner of T&T Wildlife Tours. Triplett continued, “It was a beautiful, mild weather day, and both the elk, along with Waylan and Jed – the horses - were happy to meet her.”

Miss Laurence summed up her experience by saying, “I hope it becomes an annual birthday event!”

Tour are offered every weekend through the end of February. The first ride departs at approximately 10:30am (pst), and visitors are encouraged to come a little early to help insure a ride on the first trip. Tours last about half-an-hour, and the last tour typically leaves at 2:00pm (pst). For more information, contact T&T Wildlife Tours at 541-856-3356, or visit the website: http://www.tnthorsemanship.com/.

Scoop Loop Returns for 2009

2009-12-30T08:47:00.000-08:00

He's Back! A nice big six-point bull elk, we named Scoop Loop, and have been following for at least the past five to six years. I think he has added at least 4 inches to his antlers from point to point. Wayln and Jed are falling into their winter rountine of feeding the elk, and then hauling anxious visitors (human-type) to watch the elk. Check out more at: http://www.tnthorsemanship.com/

Elk-Viewing Starts Today...December 19th

2009-12-19T08:11:00.000-08:00

The elk-viewing season will officially start today, Saturday, December 19th. We took Wayln and Jed up yesterday, as we have been trying to get them in shape for the working everyday between Christmas and New Year. About 30 head of cow and a few babies, which of course thought Mom was crazy to be that close to those HUMANS! Come join the fun and get out to enjoy winter and nature!

Tentative Schedule and 2009 Newsletter On-Line

2009-12-07T16:26:00.000-08:00

The tentative schedule for T&T Horsemanship events, clinics, retreats, and vacation packages for 2010 is now available on-line at: www.tnthorsemanship.com. Also, check out the 2009 T&T Round Up Newsletter...always fun to see how the year's theme played out, and what clinic photos are used to bring back special memories. Alice is off to lessons with Bettina Drummond this week, so LOOK OUT...(You know how those always get her mind a go'in!)

Hosting an Alice Trindle Clinic?

2009-12-01T08:45:00.000-08:00

We are finalizing our 2010 schedule, but always have room for discussion of new clinic topics, format, and locations. If you are interested in hosting a clinic and riding for FREE, contact us or visit the web site and click on the "Hosting Letter". http://www.tnthorsemanship.com/

Thanksgiving Coming Up...Christmas Around the Corner

2009-11-20T13:17:00.000-08:00

As a reminder...T&T Horsemanship clinics, retreats, and vacation packages are GREAT holiday presents! Give the gift of education and fun. Check out the 2010 tentative schedule beginning December 1, 2009 on the website: http://www.tnthorsemanship.com/. The newsletter for this past year is also on line. Visit and see some great pictures from this past year...Trusting in the Path!

Moving Maxwell Cattle after 150 Years!

2009-11-13T09:37:00.000-08:00

For probably the first time in about 150 years, Maxwell Ranch cattle were moved off of Maxwell land! Pretty amazing, even if it was only a short 5 mile trip up the road...The cows were saying "Great-Great-Great Grandma never got to do this!!!"

Last Mt. Ride Pictures

2009-11-11T10:44:00.001-08:00

Cattle work & Last Mountain Ride of 09??

2009-11-11T09:36:00.001-08:00

We are continuing to have a wonderful LONG fall here in eastern Oregon. That certainly helps with the fall cattle work! These pictures taken over at the Maxwell Ranch in Haines, with owner Marci Maxwell. Also took what may be the last ride of 2009 into the mountains. Gail on her new horse, Mateo...A PRE Andalusian she purchased from our friend Chuck in Boise. I am riding Cowboy, a BIG Arab/QH owned by Pam in La Grande. A bunch of pretty horses!

Fall Riding at T&T

2009-10-17T08:33:00.000-07:00

We have had many fun and beautiful trips to our Elkhorn Moutains looming right out the back door of the ranch. Just a short 15 minute drive and we find ourselves surrounded by bright yellow cottonwoods, soft-green tamaracks, and the music of nature. Good for the soul, wonderful for building friendships with both horse and human.

Women's Retreat & Gal's Weekend

2009-09-17T08:39:00.000-07:00

So much fun was had by all during the annual Women's Retreat. We were treated this year to two women, Judy & Jean, both 70+ years young! Along with Deb from Council, Idaho, we rounded-arched-suppled-and flexed our minds and bodies to a deeper understanding of the horse! Judy & Jean grew up as neighbors and friends of Tom Dorrance. In fact, Jean was sure she would marry "Tommy" when she reached 13! Wonderful stories were shared...a real treat of human personalities in all three women.

We followed with a weekend with gals from La Grande and Mt. Home. Very fun romping around the round pen, through the mountains, and playing with the garrocha!

August Colt Starting Clinic with Happy Horses!

2009-09-01T08:19:00.000-07:00

The August 2009 Colt Starting Clinic at the T&T Ranch in Haines was a wonderful experience. Both horses and humans walked away with happy faces! We started five young horses ranging in age from 2 to 4 yrs. old, and one re-start that needed a little confidence building. Great fun and huge thanks to the loyal friends from La Grande that continue to support our horsemanship journey.

Annual Swim Party a WET Success!

2009-08-11T08:33:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful time riding and then swimming the horses last Saturday, August 8, 2009 at Pilcher Creek Reserviour, during the annual T&T Horsemanship Horse Swim! About 13 people swam their horses, and a total of 23 folks joined us for the BBQ. Lots of fun...Great food...Wonderful people.

REMINDER: The Applied Equine Podiatry - 3 Day Hoof Care Workshop is this week - August 14-16th, here at the T&T Ranch in Haines. Melissa Smith is the instructor, and there is limited space. Go online to read more at: www.appliedequinepodiatry.org, or visit Melissa's email at: barfoottrim@msn.com. OR, visit the T&T site for the flyer - www.tnthorsemanship.com/schedule

DV Clinic Canceled...Annual T&T Horse Swim Added

2009-07-27T17:20:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately, we will be canceling the Doma Vaquera clinic that was scheduled for August 7,8,&9, 2009. Times are tight for many folks, and we look forward to offering a great DV clinic in 2010. (We still we be learning to ride with the garrocha here at T&T!!)

With that weekend open, we figured it was time for the Annual T&T Horse Swim Party on Saturday, August 8th. Bring your swim suit, carrot stick, and teenie-shoes, plus a salad or desert for the BBQ. We will serve up Maxwell beef hamburgers, tell stories, and a more than a few lies! (Ride at 3pm; Swim at 4:30pm; BBQ at 5:30pm) It is so much fun! RSVP by August 6th please.

Pictures & Videos

2009-07-19T08:40:00.000-07:00

Seems my pictures and videos are not showing up on the blog. Any help would be appreciated. I will try to post a couple of items to see how my luck is running this morning. (Appears to be working, except the video does not have any sound on my end??) Also, I have a new article out in Eclectic Horseman magazine regarding the garrocha...a Doma Vaquera tradition. Check it out at: www.tnthorsemanship.com/articles.

2008 Doma Vaquera Clinic Photos

2009-07-10T08:08:00.000-07:00

Reminder: Doma Vaquera Clinic Coming Up in Haines, Oregon

2009-07-10T07:53:00.000-07:00

Alice will be joining together with Ami McHugh, noted equesterian and breeder of fine Andalusian horses, to present the second annual Doma Vaquera Clinic in Haines, Oregon. Call for more information at 541-856-3356 or email: tnthorse@eoni.com. August 7 - 9, 2009. More information on the web site: www.tnthorsemanship.com. "It is VERY fun, informative, and even though I didn't have an Iberian horse, I felt quite Spanish"...(2008 Participant).

Unbelievable Lessons with Bettina!

2009-07-06T16:28:00.000-07:00

If I understood 1/20th of my lessons with Bettina...She gave me five miles-worth of things to ponder, reflect upon, to learn about the history, anatomy, of the horse, and certainly many great pictures and the occational correct 'feeling' to fuel the fire for months to come! WOW! Intense and wonderful. Tilly did well, but we pushed to a new level, particularly with engagement and use of her hindquarters, and reaching with the shoulders. Susan captured (we think!) everything on video, so we hope to share some of those moments in the near future. Right now the plans are for Bettina to return in December -09. If you are interested in riding and/or watching, just let us know.

It's 2009 and WE ARE BACK!

2009-06-06T08:57:00.000-07:00

Thanks to our good friend from Boise, Kathy, we are actually moving forward with the blog for good 'ol T&T Horsemanship! We are excited to finally get better connections for our friends and clients to video clips, tips for recent articles, and to hear back from you. Join up on the followers list to the right. As always...we have some great clinics and retreats coming up and can't wait to see you. Alice

Picasa Web Albums - Alice - 08 Knots

2008-07-28T17:29:00.000-07:00

Picasa Web Albums - Alice - 08 Knots

T&T Horsemanship Enters the 21st Century

2008-07-28T17:20:00.000-07:00

Ok...We are really slow to understand cyber-space, blogs, and wickies! In eastern Oregon our cell phones usually don't work (that may be a good thing!), and blackberries really are grown here as juicy fruit. So, we are trying our first posting on our blog. Let's give it a try and see where this goes!
A & S