Deanna Preis Horsemanship at Shade Tree Stables

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Deanna Preis Horsemanship at Shade Tree Stables

Deanna Preis Horsemanship at Shade Tree Stables Using compassion to work with horses and their people to create healthier movement and longevity.

02/03/2025

Updated content!

I have updated the class, "Proper and Improper Movement, Training Your Eye"! There are now even more dissection images, diagrams and comparison photos!

If you're already in the online library, "Setting Your Horse Up For Success", then you have access to this update for free! As I've said from the beginning, those that are already in the online library will have lifetime access, and receive all new content at no additional cost! You can find this new video under "Theory Classes".

If you'd like have access to this video and 43 more that are in the online library, along with any future content at no additional cost, you can join "Setting Your Horse Up For Success" through my website shadetreestables dot com ;)

02/03/2025

"Basics of Bit Fitting" is this month's Members group webinar!

I recently worked virtually with certified bit fitter Chloe Johnson, and she made some really fantastic suggestions that I had never considered, and they're really helping my young, mouthy stallion to adjust to wearing a bit!

Chloe will be sharing a presentation to help all of us better understand how to fit bits, and which ones would be appropriate for our circumstances. I also happen to know that she's going to offer a pretty hefty discount code to her online course for the members!

If you're interested in joining us, or catching the recording, you can join Members Basic on my website shade tree stables dot com, and go to the store. Link will be in the comments ;)

01/31/2025

This is the first event here for the year! I have one rider spot left, and limited auditor spots. Last year all auditor spots were booked! Alexis will do another morning of unmounted rider biomechanics exercises, followed by lessons. More details in the event page. If you would like to reserve a spot, you must reach out to me to be put on the list and send payment :)
https://www.facebook.com/share/15J7ss757r/

01/27/2025

What language are you speaking?

I have noticed there are professionals out there that like to talk over people's heads. You know, throw out enough sciencey words, or get so deep in theory that it makes the average person's eye's glaze over. I sometimes wonder if this is to make themselves feel smart, or to make the listener feel inadequate. Either way, If someone cannot explain something simply enough for a child to understand, they are just repeating what they read in a text book 😉

Find a professional that can take that information, and deliver it in a way that helps you feel empowered, and like you gained something from the conversation, not feeling like you left the situation feeling like you shouldn't have been part of it in the first place.

01/25/2025

Well, it's day 8 of restricted turn out due to ice. There have been several cases of horses down on the ice in the area, so we're playing it safe. I have one area that I can safely get them to and rotate which pair gets to go out.

3 of the 4 horses are very spicy 🌶but I'm super proud of how well these horses that are used to 24/7 turn out are handling 20+ hours a day in their stalls. While I talk about how it's important for horses to be out, this is what I refer to when I say that it's also important for them to be ok with being in a stall. There are times that we cannot control the circumstances, but having horses that are adaptable makes times like this so much easier on everyone!

Fingers crossed 🤞that today's temps melt the rest of the ice, and they can go back to their normal turnout set ups!

01/24/2025

What in the 🤬is stelling? 🤣

Even as I type this in my draft, it's underlined in red as if I've misspelled some other word and that "stelling" isn't a real word!

Every time I teach a class or clinic I ask who has heard of stelling. The only people I've had raise their hand, are people that have been in my classes, or online library.

When I say stelling, I'm referring to the rotation of the head in relation to the atlas, also know as the first cervical vertebra, or the first neck bone!

The main movement of this joint known as the atlanto-occipital joint (AO), is the head tossing motion as if the horse were saying "yes", but there is the ability for a slight side to side motion. Here's the magic part.... when the horse allows you to move this AO joint in this fashion, it gives you the ability to access the rest of the spine 🤯 Only when you have correct stelling, can you have correct bend in the horse! It's super important, and now you know!

You can learn more in my online library "Setting Your Horse Up for Success" and it can be found on my website Shade Tree Stables dot com 😉

01/21/2025

Upcoming webinar series for my those in Members+ and Members Basic programs!

This Sunday the 26th will be April Schaeffer on the topic of "Getting a Feel Equine Bodywork"

February 23rd will be Chloe Johnson with Spotted Horse Bit Fitting presenting on the topic of "The Basics of Bit Fitting".

March's presenter will be Jolien Dalenberg on the topic of "Stress in Horses".

All webinars will be recorded and available until the next month's recording comes out. This gives members a chance to view the webinars even if they can't be there live.

Do you want access? Members+ is currently on a wait-list. If you'd like to join that list, reach out or comment below.

Members Basic is open! Not only do you gain access to the monthly webinars, but also my personal Facebook group for further discussions, exercises, and Q&A! Link in the comments, and feel free to reach out with questions!

01/18/2025

Well, the ice and snow we had melted enough yesterday to refreeze, along with the rain last night to create ice rinks in the normal turnouts. Luckily, enough ice melted on the south side of the barn to safely walk the horses to the pasture. Because I hadn't been using it, it wasn't hoof packed like their normal areas, and the grass sticking up had enough traction for everyone to have a little sunshine time and stretch their legs.

01/15/2025

Group webinar!!!

If you're not already in Members Basic, what are you waiting for?
This month's guest speaker will be April Schaeffer. Her topic will be "Getting a Feel for Equine Bodywork". This will be a great webinar to get you started with doing some light body work on your horse, as well as be able to ask questions!

This webinar is for those that are in either Members Basic OR Members+. Members+ is currently on a wait-list, but Members Basic is open to join!

What do you get in Members Basic?
🟢The monthly group webinar where I have guest speakers come in and talk about different topics involving equines! These speakers often have exclusive discounts for my members to gain access to their services!
🟢These webinars are recorded and available until the next month's recording is released, so no worries if you can't make it live!
🟢Access to my private fb group for further discussions, questions, and exercises!
Cost is $15/month. Link to the online store in the comments.

01/15/2025

I have a confession. While I was in Texas, I fell in love with a tall, dark, handsome, hunk of burning love..... Elvis ❤

Elvis and his owner worked on liberty. When working at liberty, the horse has the option to leave BUT, this is only if they haven't been conditioned that they will be chased for leaving. This was not a problem at all with Elvis and his owner, but it has been coming up in my lessons lately, that this is what people have learned. If the horse is only staying with us because it is the lesser of two evils (the other being chased around), it is no more a willing, beautiful thing than if we have a line on the horse.

At this clinic we discussed an alternative. The horse will often leave us if, we are asking too much, they are not interested in what we are asking, or if we are unclear! When the horse leaves, and at some point he will, don't be the desperate girlfriend! Go be more interesting by yourself!

In our second lesson of the clinic, we were doing an exercise at liberty where Elvis was to circle, and then stop between two cones. We had done this 2 or 3 times. Then there was a little unclear communication. This happens during the learning process. Elvis walked off. I then spent some time explaining why this happened, and what we could have done differently. His owner and I were there talking, and guess who walked up and stopped right between the cones behind us? Mr. Elvis! He just needed some time to himself after being a bit overwhelmed with the previous question, but when he was ready, he rejoined us, and showed us that he understood the question!

Sometimes, we just have to do less 🥰

This picture is from day one with a different exercise. You can learn more about how to start liberty in my online library "Setting Your Horse Up For Success". It can be found on the store page of Shade Tree Stables dot com ;)

01/14/2025

I'm back home after a weekend away from the snow in Smithville, TX. There always seems to be a common thread that continually arises during clinics. I asked my host Lorre, what that was for her. Her answer was, "less is more, and slow is fast", meaning that when we take the time to build a strong foundation, and teach the horse the letters of the alphabet, he can then quickly use those letters to build words, sentences, paragraphs, and stories. If we skip over this vital process we run the risk of leaving holes in our training that slow our progression, cause behavior issues, or lead to injury, and loss of comfort and longevity.

Huge thank you to Trinity Equine Services for putting all the work into organizing, and trusting me with your clients and friends, Restoration Ranch for hosting our meet and greet, and to Vivian for allowing us to use her lovely facility Wise Acres.

01/07/2025

I find that people often struggle with the concept of straight and crooked.

They think that because their horse is moving on a straight line, that they are straight in their body. All of us are crooked to some degree, but it can be improved to find better symmetry in the body (though we'll never achieve perfect symmetry).

This photo was taken by Jeff Preis Photography while Trinity Equine Services and I were doing some geeking out 🤓

If the horse follow the yellow line, he is straight in his body for his line of travel. The common misconception is, that if he follows the green line he is straight. If he follows the green line, he is crooked in his body. What we want to strive for is that all legs are moving on the line of travel, and the horse isn't falling in or out, and they maintain alignment of their spine matching the line of travel.

I will be teaching this class on Saturday in Smithville, TX, and you can find it in the online library, "Setting Your Horse Up For Success".

01/06/2025

Upcoming events for 2025! There are still a few more in the works...
If you're interested in attending any of these events, please get with me or the host!
Please share! We have to be, and support the changes we want to see in the industry ❤
Edit: Fb is not allowing me to tag the event pages, so please go to "events" on my page, or reach out to me :)

Jan. 11 & 12 - Deanna Preis Clinic in Smithville, TX
March 15 & 16- Deanna Preis in Panama City Beach, FL
April 5 & 6 - Alexis Martin-Vegue Rider Biomechanics Clinic in Freeburg, IL
April 26 & 27 - Deanna Preis in Green City, MO
May 3 - Collaboration Clinic with Cailin Messer and Deanna Preis in Freeburg, IL
Early June (dates to be finalized soon) - Carolin Moldenhauer Clinic in Freeburg, IL
Sept 13 & 14 - Deanna and Tiffani in Bow, WA
Oct 4 & 5 - Deanna and Tiffani in Upper Peninsula of MI
Nov 15 & 16 Deanna in Panama City Beach, FL

As I mentioned, there are still a few dates and events to still be finalized, but if you are wanting to attend any of these events, let me know!

01/05/2025

I wanted to get one last play session in before snowmagedon! I just came in from the barn, and it's starting!

01/04/2025

Follow up from yesterday.....

What does it look like to create boundaries and hold space?

This was a couple videos that someone took during a clinic here. This horse was nervous about being in a new place and sounds at the other end of the arena. Those are pefectly acceptable things, but please don't run over me in the process 😉

The horse never got out of the walk, he never got sweaty, I never hit the horse, I never je**ed on the horse, and yet you can see how he calmed down nicely. I kept the original audio in there so you can hear my explanations. I hope this is of some help. If you'd like to learn more, I have the self study online library, "Setting Your Horse Up For Success" , and if you're wanting personalized attention for your specific issue, I will have ONE spot opening for Members+ February 1st. If you're interested, send me a message :)
EDIT: This spot has been filled. If you'd like to join the wait-list, please message me.

01/03/2025

Holding space, setting boundaries, and staying safe.

Kumbaya horsemanship has really become popular, but, lets be clear, this should NOT come at the expense of your safety!

Repeat after me, "boundaries are beautiful!" Holding space for your horse does not mean that they get to walk all over you. It does not mean they get to show dangerous behavior that puts you at risk. You cannot love a horse into behaving anymore than you can with your kids.

This does NOT mean that you have to be violent with your horse, but you do have to be clear that certain behaviors are not acceptable when they put you or others at risk. The horse should understand that you are made of glass and they are not to run into you. I once heard Frederic Pignon say, "your horse wouldn't spook into a tree or a fence post, they shouldn't run into you either".

If you've ever been to any my clinics or lessons, you know that I am very soft, kind and gentle with the horses, but when we have horses that come in that are exhibiting dangerous behavior, I am very clear about setting boundaries, and the horses actually seem to be relieved, and it gives them confidence when I let know what "lines to color in", or "which lane is theirs."

I just felt like I needed to speak up on this topic because over the last several months I have had many people come to me with very dangerous situations that had been escalating for weeks or months. I am the first person to say that I am so happy to see people moving away from the round penning, flooding, and rope shaking training. The pendulum always swings both ways before it finds center.

I think it can be very detrimental to both the human's safety, and the horse's long term wellbeing to believe that everything is cupcakes and rainbows as it can be portrayed on social media. I'm not saying you need to beat your horse, but you also can't let your horse be beating on you!

I'll share a short video clip tomorrow of what this may look like. I also have a module in my online library, "Setting Your Horse Up For Success", entitled "Dealing with Undesired Behavior", and just a teaser, but I'll be collaborating with another professional this year to do an in person clinic on this very topic ;)

Photo explanation: This is a 4 year old stallion, in the spring feeling his hormones. He wanted grass and was tired of me saying no. He's never been beaten, his doesn't have trauma. He's just testing the boundaries because he's 4 and full of testosterone. Do you not remember high school? 🤣

01/02/2025

EDIT: SOLD! If you'd like to be on the wait-list for future opportunities let me know!

Wanna jump start your 2025?

I will have ONE spot available for Members+ starting February 1st!

What does this consist of?
🔥1 virtual lesson/coaching each month ($65 value)
🔥1 group webinar on various equine topics by myself and guest speakers ($15 value)
🔥Access to the private Facebook group filled with supportive, like minded horse owners for further discussions, exercises, and support (BONUS)

Members+ is $59/month. Other members are using their private coaching time for lessons on riding, groundwork, liberty, problem solving, starting their young horse, business coaching (several trainers are in the membership), farm layout, preparation on how to move their horses home, and more!

If you'd like this spot when it opens February 1st, be sure to reach out to me!

01/01/2025

Cailin Messer Horsemanship and I are going to get together tomorrow morning to brainstorm on ideas to improve the horse industry.

Who would be interested in this collaboration AND what topics do you want us to take on?

Address

Freeburg, IL
62243

Website

https://www.shadetreestables.com/

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Oh the wonders of winter 😳🥶🌬️🌨️🤣 #shadetreestables #winterhorsekeeping

Before the snow

I wanted to get one last play session in before snowmagedon! I just came in from the barn, and it's starting!

Follow up from yesterday..... What does it look like to create boundaries and hold space? This was a couple videos that someone took during a clinic here. This horse was nervous about being in a new place and sounds at the other end of the arena. Those are pefectly acceptable things, but please don't run over me in the process 😉 The horse never got out of the walk, he never got sweaty, I never hit the horse, I never jerked on the horse, and yet you can see how he calmed down nicely. I kept the original audio in there so you can hear my explanations. I hope this is of some help. If you'd like to learn more, I have the self study online library, "Setting Your Horse Up For Success" , and if you're wanting personalized attention for your specific issue, I will have ONE spot opening for Members+ February 1st. If you're interested, send me a message :) EDIT: This spot has been filled. If you'd like to join the wait-list, please message me. #ShadeTreeStables #horsetraining #settingboundaries #holdingspace

A little help from @firefieldfarmchick ♥️ Having a ground person when starting horses is so valuable to bridge the gap in understanding when going from the ground to their back. Instead of pushing through, the ground person can communicate with them in a way they already understand to get them unstuck. The full process will be going into the online library "Setting Your Horse Up For Success" on my website. Crucero is wearing his Cordoba Special by @hidalgosattel #shadetreestables #andalusianstallion #horsetraining #hidalgo

Merry Christmas!!!

Check your horse and let me know! You can have the perfect fitting saddle, but, if you ride in a way that doesn't take into account your horse's anatomy and how they should move, they will still have back pain! I see it all the time! #shadetreestables #andalusian #horsetraining #hidalgo #hugyourhorse #backpain

I had a lot of questions after yesterday's reel. This first paddock hasn't been topped off since 2020. The second one was 2022, but is on a hill. It's been raining here for the last 10 hours. #shadetreestables #tracksystem #allweatherpaddock

The Black Friday DEAL is coming! Are you ready for it? #blackfridaydeals #ShadeTreeStables #taylorswift

Join me in Smithville, TX! Reach out to Trinity Equine Services to reserve your participation or audit spot!

Good news!!! If you've been waiting to join my online programs, Black Friday deals are coming! There will be no coupon needed, and $100 Savings! Details to come!

Deanna Preis Horsemanship at Shade Tree Stables

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