Horsemanship
Maurizio Patti NHE Workshops in Australia
I promised I’d write of my experience at the workshop I attended after Equitana. Getting there was an experience in itself, as tired from 5 days of Equitana, I left it too late to head off on the day prior to the start, so ended up arriving later on the first day. I was very glad the atmosphere was relaxed as I was exhausted – not the best state of mind to be taking things in!
Waterfall Creek Guest house in the Tallangatta Valley (which is in far north Victoria) was truly a peaceful atmosphere – the food was excellent. Glenn and Kelly’s horses were all beautiful and I especially enjoyed the connection Dusty made with me from the minute I first approached the herd.
Maurizio is a relaxed yet energetic person – and his way around the horses was beautiful to see. He has their best interests at heart and that showed with his concern about Annie, the foundered pony.
I liked that Maurizio encouraged and used treats – he always had a pocket full of carrots and used these or a big rub and hug as a reward. But what I loved to see most was the grooming (like horses do), the play and the way the horse’s choices were always respected.
I felt like I did when I was at the first Parelli clinic 20 years ago – that this was the start of something very new and out there – its the beginning of the next level of horsemanship and very different from how most people see horses. So while my piece is short and sweet, I thought I’d include a more detailed report from the organiser too.
Sascha Day writes of her experience of all three workshops:
For me, the experiences of the workshops were incredible. Maurizio shared his knowledge and the NHE (Nevzorov Haute Ecole) philosophy in the same way as he always is with the horses, in a non judgemental, non pressured and always caring way, with total integrity.
Having known Maurizio for 3 years via the internet and NHE School, and knowing him and his horses through the medium of the forum, it was a wonderful dream come true for me to finally meet him in person, and to spend time with him with my horses and family.
To see Maurizio with horses, mine and those at the workshops was a huge joy. Watching him being free and alive, open and always receptive to them, without any limiting thoughts or perceptions of them, totally in love with them and then to see the horses in turn show the beginnings of opening up, curiosity, feeling the first steps of freedom, of something of a relationship and mutual understanding with a man, where the liberty to say no is celebrated and where there are no expectations or “right “behaviour – joy and good feelings being the only goal.
Paving a way for us with practical advice, Maurizio showed a path forward for the self-aware and brave, showing us that what we dream to have with horses is absolutely possible, simple and a way to experience joy, not at the expense of another – to find a connection and relationship with a horse which is real, we need only to free ourselves completely of dogma, ropes, ego (where possible!) and limited perceptions. Thank you Maurizio for sharing the NHE principles and philosophy with us!
The participants – Of the 29 people who came along, we had such an incredible and diverse wealth of knowledge and experience, horse people with very deep and interesting paths, accomplished and wonderful people in their own right, who all shared a common goal to want to meet horses in fairness and equality.
The venue – Waterfall Creek really was a most beautiful backdrop for our first ever NHE workshops. Everyone has readily agreed that the food was wonderful and nourishing and Glenn and Kelly certainly did their best to make us feel at home. Wandering over the property, taking in the magnificent views was a wonderful thing to share with Maurizio, to show him the natural beauty of our country and wildlife. What an experience! Thanks again Kelly and Glenn for your home and your hard work to make us comfortable.
The Horses I couldn’t complete this without speaking about the horses who were at the workshops, and one soul in particular…
Every person was touched deeply by the struggle and pain of Little Annie (the pony in a state of chronic founder). It felt to me as if her terrible suffering symbolise all of the thoughtlessness, ignorance, carelessness of human beings, all wrapped up inside her small suffering body . Though seeing her agony made every single one of us feel a plethora of intense emotions, what was brought out of our experience of her was also a collective force – an energy to do good for horses, to raise awareness, to want to help, to ease her suffering if even for a moment, to highlight the necessity of speaking up for horses in the ways we can.
Humans are capable of incredible cruelty, ignorance and stupidity but likewise we are capable of incredible caring, selflessness and noble intent.
Each group gave something of themselves during their 3 days, in an effort to help little Annie in the ways we could – from sharing of medical knowledge and wisdom, to simple, gentle and loving touches filled with hope and a wish to help, the energy healing work, the gift of just being near her in appreciation without judgement or pity, really seeing her and being some sort of positive company for her … she touched us all and I know that Glenn and Kelly are going to fight even harder for her survival and healing, for her peace and for her right to happiness.
Of course, all the horses touched us, from irrepressible MacGregor, to the incredible sensitivity of Dusty, the affection of Murphy, to the wonder and depth and thoughtfulness of the beautiful Ben, to the hopefulness and curiosity of Kelly’s special Jasper. Dorrigo, Toby, Lady, Sonnet, Roly, Katie all unforgettable and touching beings. I know we all experienced quiet moments with the horses and will remember them as the unique, wonderful individuals that that they are.
Future Workshops – As with most things of value, to really understand something it is nice to experience it first hand. And as a result of our experiences, Maurizio and I have thought of how the future workshops can be run.
Final word – I am taking my own joyful time to fully assimilate, exploring in my heart and mind every part of my experience of the workshops and my meeting Maurizio, meeting all the participants and meeting the horses. It was an enriching and deeply personal experience for me, made even more wonderful by the diversity of minds and open hearts of those who attended. Thank you all so much.
The Future of Horse Partnerships
Crucial information about the future of horse partnerships from Claudia Garner. This 1 hour + recording of a recent webinar is well worth listening to and includes lots of photos. Claudia takes us on a journey that examines the motives of horsemanship and horse keeping, highlighting where we have come from, where we are now and raises the questions of where we are going? The future is your choice and knowing the options will help you make that decision. Click here to listen now.
Dec 2010 Harvey Dale Clinic, Tasmania with Carlos Tabernaberri
by Alex Mitchell
“Are you going to give me the bit to take home for my wall?”
“mmmm….ahhh…well….ummmm….” mumbles the owner, avoiding the question.
“Now I have shown you he is fine in a halter -after you get some practise in the arena will you ride out with me tomorrow on the trail in it?” prompts Carlos
“..oh no I couldn’t….I can’t ride like you- after riding him for 12 years he would know it’s me and run off” quickly explained the owner.
“That is fine- you have to do what you are comfortable with- but give it some thought”, Carlos finishes quietly….and so ends the first day of the training at the Harvey Dale clinic in the mid-north of Tasmania.
Read the whole of this well written story here – beautiful pics too!