Campbell Equine Training

11/26/2022

I had such a great time at the Equine Affaire teaching demos and a seminar! Thank you for all who joined in for Horsemanship yoga, horse and dog safety and the power of positivity in training and healing. I love the way things are shifting in the horse world. More people are looking for connection and understanding with their horse and correcting themselves before their horse. My Horsemanship Yoga demo was a great example of the shift. The first time I gave the demo in 2009 at a horse expo in VT I was put in the last demo slot on the last day and had about 12 people watching. At the EA I had a noon time slot on Fri and had the bleaches and standing area filled with everyone engaged and participating in the exercises. It is an exciting time to be teaching methods that improve the horse/human connection.
I am excited to be offering hybrid certification programs for Equine and Canine Assited Therapy, Horsemanship Yoga mini clinics and Train Your Own Service Dog. All will be launching in Jan. 2023. Check out www.heroeshh.org for details!

11/05/2022

Only 5 more days til the Equine affaire! I have had a busy few weeks getting demos, certification program content and Horsemanship Yoga videos put together. I can't wait to unviel what I have been up to over the last few years! Stop by the Heroes booth to Sat Hi. Nov. 10th-13th 654 in the Better Living Center and check out our demos on Thur and Fri!
Www.equineaffaire.com

08/03/2022

This is exactly why I teach and train the way I do. Warwick Schiller explains it well in many of his posts. Relationship before horsemanship and connection before collection are two of his common sayings. Humans tend to try to rush things to get to more difficult manuevers too fast. We miss the true gift of horses, their ability to help us soften, be more aware, present and conscientious.
I personally feel that the connection and building the rider's understanding of the horse is horsemanship but his point and mine is that most of the time what people are trying to fix in the horse is caused by the people in the horse's life. The people are not usually doing anything to purposefully cause an issue but most people are not taught how much their emotions and body position effects their horse. When you focus on treating the cause and teaching the person how to connect with their horse with understanding, timing and feel. The problem they were trying to fix usually goes away on it's own. Then you can start with a willing, happy and balanced horse and a soft, balanced and skilled rider to teach more advanced riding skills with and all the sudden the more difficult maneuvers are not hard to learn any more.

07/15/2022

This is a great visualization when working towards collecting your horse properly. Proper collection is developed throughout the entire body, not just the head and neck.

𝗘𝗲𝗻 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗳 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗹𝗱 ✨

Er is op social media veel beeldmateriaal van paarden die gereden of getraind worden, waar ik niet vrolijk van word. Dit is voor veel mensen misschien wel herkenbaar.

Ik vind dat het belangrijk is om daarover te praten, om mensen te leren hoe de biomechanica van het paard werkt en waarom het belangrijk is om correct te trainen.
Helaas voel ik wel steeds meer negativiteit/verdriet als ik weer eens beelden voorbij zie komen van paarden die duidelijk pijn en/of stress hebben. En waarop dan allemaal reacties komen van mensen die het mooi vinden...

Daarom wilde ik vandaag eens een heel positief plaatje voor jullie analyseren. Ik gebruikt daarvoor deze foto van een pagina die ik met veel plezier volg: OneHorseLife

Ik zal je de lijnen die ik bij de foto heb gezet toelichten:

𝗥𝗼𝗼𝗱 - de neus van het paard op deze foto is net voor de loodlijn, hiermee voorkom je grote druk op de halswervels en het achterhoofd.

𝗚𝗲𝗲𝗹 - de afstand van kin tot borst is mooi groot. Hierdoor an het paard vrij ademen en slikken.

𝗚𝗿𝗼𝗲𝗻 - de mond, neus, oren en ogen zijn ontspannen. Ik zie geen tekenen van een painface en daar wordt ik uiteraard erg blij van.

𝗪𝗶𝘁 - je kunt precies een lijn trekken vanaf de elleboog van de ruiter naar de mond van het paard. De onderarm van de ruiter volgt deze lijn precies, hetgeen zorgt voor een fijn contact van de ruiterhand naar de mond van het paard.

𝗣𝗮𝗮𝗿𝘀 - het paard kantelt het be**en wat achterover, door aanspanning van de buikspieren en het juist gebruiken van de rug.

𝗢𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗷𝗲 - het paard begint mooi in balans te komen onder de ruiter. De sc**ft wordt gelift, het be**en achterover gekanteld en het gewicht van de voorhand en achterhand word op deze foto zo'n 50/50 verdeeld en gebruikt de achterhand hierbij goed.

𝗕𝗹𝗮𝘂𝘄 - de passen van de voorbenen en achterbenen zijn even groot. Ook dit betekent dat het paard in balans loopt. Hetgeen dit paard kan doen omdat hij zijn rug goed kan ontspannen, en de onderlijn kan aanspannen.

Kortom, je ziet op dit plaatje een paard dat de ruiter goed weet te dragen en zijn lichaam effectief en gezond kan gebruiken.
Daar wordt ik blij van, jij ook? 🐴 ❤️

06/25/2022

I love this. Over the last few decades more trainers are starting to figure out more about equine psychology. They are figuring out how to fix the cause not train the symptoms which builds a much more effective and solid foundation.

06/18/2022

I am reading Mark Rashid's Life Lessons from a Ranch Horse for the third time. It is one of my absolute favorite books and the only one I read over and over. When I read this book the first time it was a huge light bulb moment for me. It changed the way I thought about horse training and started me on my journey to teach people how horses are trying to teach us how to be better humans. It also made me realize that horse training (really any animal training for that matter) has more to do with working on ourselves and finding ways to understand and communicate than teaching the horse what to do. Every time I read this book I find new things that I had missed the other times because I needed to do more work on myself before I could absorb more. This book started my interest in finding ways to be more open, patient and curious. It has helped me look at things in new ways and continue to try again when I am not as good as I know I can be. It helped build the foundation of the therapeutic programs I now run and teach. Horses and animals are truely a gift to us from something greater than we are to teach us how to be better versions of ourselves. I am grateful that I have these furry angels/guides/gifts/friends in my life to help me be a little better every day.

05/19/2022

I have been enjoying Warwick Shiller's videos and teachings. He has been talking about a lot of the things I have been working on and discovering lately. This is why I love horses. You get to learn how to be better every day. :)

05/13/2022

I like this exercise. Warwick has a lot of great ways to gain connection without using force.

03/22/2022

Joined a 100 mile warhorse challenge for all of my horses. Last week I started with Sackett and Twister. Working on lots of low headed, forward walking and western jog to get them ready for the adventures in store this year! Looking forward to getting back in the saddle and connecting with my horses again.

03/22/2022

When a Demon is knocking at your door, go ride your horse.
When you feel like you don't care anymore, go ride your horse
When you’re are being doubted. go ride your horse.
When someone else gets what you want, go ride your horse.
When you are given the impossible task, go ride your horse.
When you’re afraid, go ride your horse.
When you see that facebook post of someone else winning, go ride your horse.
When the finances don't compute, go ride your horse.
When you need to just feel, go ride your horse.
Ash Performance Horses

02/28/2022

01/04/2022

Heroes, Horses and Hounds and Campbell Equine is currently working on a certification program to teach trainers how to add Equine Assisted Therapy or Equine Assisted Learning to their programs. This certification program will be taught by Colleen Campbell, 35 years horse training and instructing experience and Cris Carl, licensed therapists with over 20 years studying and working with PTSD and CPTSD. The program will be a combination of online and in person learning. Look for more info in the spring!!

Many studies have reported benefits for equine therapies in different populations, and some research suggests that those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may benefit from these approaches as well.

04/16/2021

Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile Virus (WNV) are spread by mosquitos and can cause fatal neurologic disease in horses, other animals, and people.
Routine vaccination can prevent these diseases in horses.
Cannot afford this life-saving vaccine? MDAR is partnering with local veterinarians to offer discounted EEE vaccination for equine owners with financial need. Ask your veterinarian for more information.

Protect your horse!
https://www.mass.gov/service-details/current-animal-disease-updates-for-ma

Public information related to current reportable animal disease issues in Massachusetts.

04/14/2021

I am looking forward to getting my truck and trailer set up. I am hoping it will be a reality this year so I can explore some new trails on horseback! Here are some tops for those of you who hual longer distances

04/11/2021

Good hack for the trail!

Good To Keep Around!

03/31/2021

My dream trailer! Looking forward to making this a reality.

03/27/2021

A good trail horse gives so much joy. They are worth their weight in gold!

He's "JUST" a Trail Horse**

I can't count the number of times that I have heard the words "Oh you just trail ride" or "It's just a trail horse", especially from other riders who focus on only one discipline. And each time I have to smirk a little. To be JUST a Trail Rider you need a very special talented kind of steed for which many folks don't realize the expertise required:

- He needs to be as maneuverable as a Dressage Horse...to be able to place each foot exactly where and when you need because there is a steep cliff drop-off on one side and a wall of solid mountainside on the other. A sure-footed horse is a must to be a good Trail horse.

-He needs to be as bold as a Foxhunter....to go willingly where he is pointed, whether that is over a log, up a steep hill, down a gully, through rushing water, boot-sucking mud or bushwhacking through thick scrub.

-He needs to be as agile as a Show Jumper....able to easily twist and turn around trees and bushes, boulders and hop over fallen logs.

-He needs to have the stamina of an Endurance Horse....because a 7 mile ride can easily turn into a 20 mile ride if his "on-board GPS" (aka rider) takes a wrong turn.

-He needs to have the calm mind of a Rodeo Pick-Up Horse....because many horses can not hold it together under stress. But a good Trail Horse must be able to cope with the high emotional energy often coming from other horses in front, behind and either side of her. He needs to always be level-headed and sensible.

-He needs to manage being squashed against others like a Polo Pony....because on some trails his nose might be pushed against a tail in front, or flanks pressed side-by-side with rider's knees banging against other rider's knees, or another horse breathing down his back. He needs to have patience and get along well with others.

-He needs to cope with bursts of speed like a Racehorse.....because if that "on-board GPS" (aka rider), stated above, turns the short ride into 20 miles you won't get home till dark if walking that whole distance.

-He needs to be a clever problem-solver with his mind and feet like a Cutting horse....sometimes his rider is gonna get him stuck in places that seem impossible to get out of!

-He needs to be brave like a Cow Horse because not only will he have to deal with protective mama cows and bulls out on the trails, but he'll also be faced with mountain bikes, ATVs, motorcycles, strollers, tractors, logging equipment, chainsaws, horse-drawn carts, bullet-riddled appliances, floating plastic bags and balloons, booming thunder and pouring rain with flapping slickers, loose wild horses and burros, and all forms of wildlife.

-And he needs to be cuddly and sweet like a Child's Pony....because he will spend countless hours exploring trails with his rider.

But hey.... He's "JUST" a Trail Horse!~*~
****Author unknown ****

03/27/2021

This is a good article about towing safe loads. It is not always clear or understood what should be considered when matching a truck and trailer!

Do you know if your truck and hitch is adequate to haul your trailer? Learn how to determine if you are hauling a safe load.

03/24/2021

Day 2 let's try the saddle. Second time wearing one. It was about a year ago that I put it on for the first time. This little mare has come along way I her acceptance of new things. The last time was a lot more explosive! I love how relaxed she is about the whole thing, choosing to check in or slow down when she is unsure rather than explode. These first sessions are usually short, keeping things relaxed and positive so Sophie realizes this is no big deal. There is a temptation to do more when things are going well when the best thing to do is end on a positive note and build on it the next day.

03/23/2021

Our position in the saddle is so important to our ride. A lot of times the problems we think we have (my horse doesn't like to/won't stop, turn, slow down, go straight, collect, etc) is because of how we are riding. Which means we can "fix" our horse's problem by focusing on and fixing ourselves. Here is a quick exercise you can try at home to get the feel for what your horse has to carry when you are out of balance during your ride. Being out of balance can be caused by twisting too much on turns, leaning in or out on turns, collapsing your rib cage on one side, not looking up, sitting too far back or forward in your saddle. Need help figuring out if you are doing any of these things? Stay tuned for horsemanship yoga clinic details! I will be starting them again late summer-fall this year!!

"To help you understand what the horse feels when you sit crookedly in the saddle, load a wheelbarrow heavily to one side as in the center illustration. Now push the wheelbarrow, and feel how it pulls to the weighted side and how you are forced to lean in that direction to compensate. That’s how your horse feels when you sit unevenly in the saddle, as shown in the left image. When you sit evenly, the horse will be centered and balanced as shown in the illustration on the right." — Sharon Sweet

Illustration by Sandy Rabinowitz

03/21/2021

After 2 years of focusing non stop on the dog side of things I am finally able to get back to my horses! Today is the first day working Sophie. She has not been under saddle yet so I thought it would be fun to post her progress as I start to ride her.
Day 1: Relaxation, connection and building trust.
Ba****ck pad to let her get used to working with a girth. The ground is still hard and uneven in places which is the missteps you will see.

03/21/2021

“Horses reflect our emotions, while at the same time they seem to know how to give us exactly what we need to soothe our pain” – Barbra Schulte

Getting excited to start the Mirrors Equine Assisted program! We are testing out the new format in April and will be taking new clients around the middle of May. Check back for details!!

03/17/2021

This is something I talk to people about often. Your position effects your horse's movements. If you find your horse falling in, dropping their shoulder in corners, on circles or at the canter or not straight tune into your body and fix that first. Make sure your are straight before correcting your horse. Some many "issues" with our horses are caused by the way we ride and can easily be fixed by changing ourselves.

To maintain your balance on top of your horse...

"Imagine that your upper body is like a broomstick and your horse is a hand trying to balance it. If your body (the broomstick) starts to tip, your hand (horse) will automatically move underneath to keep it up. You cannot lean right and expect your horse to go left." —Laura Tomlinson

🎨 Illustration by Sandy Rabinowitz

03/10/2021

Sophie's motto

03/06/2021

A good way to tie

03/06/2021

The trailer I am saving to buy! I saw these at the Equine Affaire and love them. I love that you can completely customize them to fit you needs.

Research shows that rear-facing trailers they are better for horse's physical and mental well-being. See some fantastic rear-facing custom horse trailers.