The New
England chapter of AAPH (American Association for the Progression of
Horsemanship) made the most of the gorgeous fall weather with its second
Alternative Horsemanship Meet of 2008 over Columbus Day weekend in
Mendon, MA. This “challenge by choice” event was a great place to test
skills and showcase achievements. The Meet offered an array of fun
classes, both mounted and in hand, as well as opportunities for horse &
handler teams to demonstrate their development through AAPH’s Categories
of Progression, receiving valuable feedback on their skills. The fun
classes, as well as the mini trail challenge and the extreme trail
course, definitely gave participants the chance to demonstrate their
horse’s versatility. The October meet was the second of the year for
AAPHNE; the first one was held in August. Both meets showcased AAPH’s
continuing commitment to provide its members fun opportunities to share,
learn and understand horsemanship in an open and supportive
environment.
AAPH held
its first meet in 2004. The format has evolved to accommodate and
encourage people’s developing natural horsemanship interests while
keeping focused on its core purpose: to provide a welcoming and
supportive environment for like-minded people who don’t necessarily
employ the same natural horsemanship methodology. AAPH meet
participants come at their relationship with their horse from a variety
of natural horsemanship training perspectives. Many have years of
practice in developing a versatile horse from the ground up while others
are just beginning to explore this comprehensive, holistic approach to
horse communication.
As is
typical of AAPH events, both the August and October meets were filled
with happy horses and smiling people who were enjoying the fun and
supportive environment provided by the activities and community
atmosphere. With AAPH’s emphasis on effective communication between
horse and handler, teams were encouraged to work through any issues that
arose in the arena or on the course and get to a positive outcome before
calling it a day.
For those
unfamiliar with the format, an AAPH meet is designed as a very informal
weekend of fun activities that give practical applications of the
foundation and ground work handlers have developed with their horse.
The weekend schedule includes evaluation opportunities in the Categories
of Progression, fun classes like Capture the Flag, Musical Stalls
and Mystery Obstacles in both mounted and unmounted divisions, as well
as a Mini Wilderness Challenge, Extreme Trail course and even horse
soccer. Schooling is available, as is a potluck supper around a
campfire and a great deal of idea sharing and story swapping. When
asking AAPH members why they attend meets, one participant replied “I
like being able to go somewhere with my horse where people have the same
mindset about working with their horses as I do, even if they don’t ride
in the same discipline. Variations on natural horsemanship are
everywhere. It’s nice to go someplace where all these methods are
welcome and people can learn from each other. Clinics are good to get
information, but an AAPH meet is the best at applying the information
you’ve learned and the work you’ve done with your horse at home. I’ve
had a great time putting into practice in some creative ways what we’ve
worked on all year. My horse and I received some great feedback in the
groundwork category and had a blast doing the Capture the Flag course.
The support from other participants here has been great -- I’ve heard
some great tips. Plus, it’s a great way just to get together and
exchange horse stories and the pot luck dinner is always terrific.”
Norma
Fay, participating for the first time, said “It is so nice to be
somewhere where people are having fun with their horses instead of the
high stress show-style environment”. For example, AAPHNE
recognizes the importance of ending any working session with a horse on
a positive note. As needed, each horse/handler team is allowed time
after their evaluation or class to reach a constructive end of their
session before leaving the pen or arena. Spectators and participants
are encouraged to talk with each other, ask questions, and share
observations. This open approach to alternative methods of horsemanship
allows members to work together, regardless of discipline, in improving
each other’s understanding of the universal language of the horse.
AAPH
functions as an umbrella organization for natural horsemanship
practitioners, regardless of traditional discipline or horsemanship
technique. Each natural horsemanship methodology enlightens people to a
common language that then allows a horse to do any job in any
discipline, resulting in a well rounded, versatile horse. Members agree
that a traditional discipline is a horse’s job, but it takes the
communication found through natural horsemanship and the relationship
you build there to develop a versatile horse, capable of doing any job
at any time. A strong communication foundation allows a versatile horse
to do any job better. Many come at natural horsemanship through a
struggle with a difficult horse in a particular traditional discipline;
others bring their horse along through natural horsemanship practices
from the beginning, starting with a solid groundwork foundation and
building through their chosen discipline. Either way, members and
guests enjoy demonstrating their progress at AAPH events.
In
addition to the two meets this year, AAPH members participated in a few
Barn Hops earlier in 2008. These free, informal gatherings, usually in
the colder weather, were a single day, farm “open house” style occasion,
allowing members and friends the opportunity to share each other’s
facilities and try new things with their horses. The thinking behind
them is that sometimes it’s helpful to get out of your own barn to see
things in a different way – and sometimes other people can offer an
insight or comment that helps you develop your relationship with your
horse. AAPH members believe that developing strong, clear communication
fundamentals with your horse encourages versatility and paves the way
for a horse to be successful in any discipline.
AAPH
provides its members fun opportunities to share, learn and understand
horsemanship in an open and supportive environment. All events run in a
“challenge by choice” open, fun and safe format, encouraging
participants to explore, share, and apply the innate laws of the horse
and offering opportunities and events through which the laws of the
horse can be examined, demonstrated, and promoted.
AAPHNE
is holding an open meeting Friday, December 5, 2008, at 7:00 pm to
welcome new members and to plan the 2009 calendar. For more
information, please email
info@aaphorsemanship.org
October 2008 Meet Pictures
