As the summer is starting to come to an end, I have been reflecting on my summer as it has been full of learning experiences, old friends and new friends. I have had many opportunities to learn from some the greats in the horse industry, not just barrel racers but truly great horsemen and women.
My summer of learning started with a clinic in Ceres, Ca at Diamond Bar Arena with the amazing Dena Kirkpatrick. I learned a few new exercises to utilize in my own training and lesson program. Next came a clinic at the beautiful Falling Oak Ranch for the Sharon Camarillo clinic, where i learned and relearned so much. That clinic reiterated all that I have learned over the years of barrel racing. It is a program I can also incorporate into my lesson program.
I also decided to join Fallon Taylor‘s Barrel Racing College. This opportunity has opened up a whole new way of barrel racing. I love watching the videos she puts up for the members. Also learning from other members in the group has been great.
Later on this summer, I had the opportunity to attend an Al Dunning Clinic. Wow was that an 
experience. As a fan of reining and working cowhorse, this was so much fun, plus we learned a little about ranch versatility and ranch trail. Kayla and I had the chance to design a ranch trail course and I scribed for Al during that course, which was extremely informative as he is the Chairman of AQHA show judges.
As I am trying to figure out how to get back in to the barrel pen, I have struggled with confidence issues on my mare, so I decided to subscribe to Warwick Schiller’s training videos. Wow, was that I great idea! I will be back on her in no time if I “Stick To The Damn Plan” (STTDP).
I had the chance to go to a Molly Powell Clinic this last weekend, but things got in the way and I had to miss it this time. Hoping she will be back this way next year!
My final pursuit to become a better horseman at the moment was purchasing the Masterson Method home study course. I am going to learn as much as I can about equine massage therapy so that I can work on the horses at the barn and become a better Aculife distributor!
My goal for 2018 is to learn from as many people as possible (financially and availability 
allowing). As horsemen/women, we never stop learning. The minute we think we know it all is the minute something goes wrong!
Keep an eye out here for our plans to continue learning through the rest of 2017 and into 2018!
