and Rod decided the six hour drive from Ear Falls would be worth it. Although Sue confesses to being very nervous, the warmth and friendliness she experienced from those organizing and attending the clinic helped her to fit in quickly, and she settled into learning all she could. “I was extremely impressed with Vanessa’s teaching style. She is a knowledgeable horsewoman who presents her information in a down to earth manner. She is able to assist her students in a manner that makes them feel good about themselves and empowered. There is neither false praise nor belittling. She left all of us enthusiastic and craving more!” As for Daisy, Sue was pleasantly surprised, particularly when the test period on Sunday coincided with a thunder storm. “Daisy took everything in stride! All clinic, I kept waiting for an eruption and other than the ball and the whip, she kept herself together. Rod had told me that this would be the indicator of how great the bond between us had become and how much trust she actually has in me. When she became unsure, she’d check in with me, and as long as I remained calm and was mindful of approach and retreat, she handled most things amazingly well. I really liked the liberty session. When she and I were in the big arena, I felt like we were doing a dance together.” The Agility test course was not without its obstacles or challenges, such as the ‘car wash’, plastic bottles, tarps, and ‘scary corner’, and jumps. Sue claims, “I had never
issue 6-2013 | www.horsecountry.ca
Daisy and Sue have a great bond.
been able to convince Daisy to jump. As we came around the corner approaching the jump, she initiated a trot, so I thought, ‘Let’s go for it!’ and she sailed over. I looked into the smiling faces of my new friends who were cheering our accomplishment.” Unfortunately, there is no Agility club in Ear Falls. Sue hopes this will change, but until then she will keep in touch with the Selkirk/Stonewall club. Meanwhile she and Rod are currently building the obstacles as per Vanessa’s book. Sue and Daisy will play/practice with them for a while before sending in a video test submission that will be judged by Vanessa, and have points awarded as appropriate. If Sue and Daisy receive a high enough score, they can move to the next level. Sue sums up her experience. “Horse Agility has given me insight to Daisy as well as myself, and will form the footing for the next branch in our path. I painted a sign that says ‘Horse Agility overcoming obstacles.’ This is my new compass. Horse and human moving as one is the bond and level of connectedness that I am striving for. ‘Overcoming obstacles’ speaks to both me and Daisy. We need to overcome our fears and physical barriers, and gain self-confidence. Only then can we strive for true agility.”c
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