~ Ricky Quinn Horsemanship clinic

I can't begin to explain how much 

riding with and learning from

Ricky Quinn

has changed my life.

(www.rickyquinnclinics.com)

Sounds exaggerated, I know.

But so true. 

(more on that later when I am waxing philosophical)

It was so amazing how relaxed Kaiyah was.

Just two months ago at Buck's clinic, she was a whirling dervish, running around terrified, thinking that all of the other 30 horses and their riders were going to eat her for dinner. 

It was great to have my friends' support at Buck's clinic,

and it was just as sweet to have them each congratulate me at this clinic on the dramatic change in Kaiyah.

my wonderful friend and mentor, Denise with her mare Lilly

Peggy and her Arab, Loomy

Laura on Twister, ponying Ricky's horse in training, BB (Blue Butterfly)

Jessie (on her older horse... we were all missing Mischa!)

Rene and her mare Cleo

And the girl with pipes! Janelle and Rusty

We had fun sitting on the stairs at night in Denise's house, listening to her play the guitar and sing. The girl's got talent! You are beautiful, darlin...

Sarah and another one of her braided works of art! She is braiding me a custom mecate that matches Kaiyah... can't wait to get it!

I asked Jonathan to be sure to take photos the last day... 

because I knew the yawning would commence

and I wanted those moments captured!!

For those of you who don't know... yawning is a great sign of relaxation and "letting down." It's a great feeling to be able to help Kaiyah be that relaxed, after how troubled and bothered she's been since I got her in April. I feel like we're finally getting somewhere!!

Denise, Janelle, Peggy, Ricky, Laura and me

this is a cute shot of Denise and Lilly.  :)

And while this last shot wasn't taken until October, when Sarah flew back to see her mare's new baby (long story!), I had to add it on here. Some of my all time favorite people, joined together by the love of good horsemanship! 

Joe LaChapelle (Denise's husband), Peggy, Joel (Nicki's boyfriend), Nicki LaChapelle (Denise's daughter), Sarah Sandusky (Ricky's fiancee), Nick Donohue, me, Jessie Donohue, Laura Lillie, Denise LaChapelle, Janelle

I love you guys!!