Discussion: Tough Skin

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Nancyhudson	Tough Skin Oct 15 2009, 9:52 AM EDT Hi everyone, Just wanted to share some insite on going to the best teachers around. If you take a Horsemanship Clinic be prepared. In more ways than one you will be surprised on what is required of you. You need to be in good physical condition along with your horse. You also need to develop a thick skin because if the trainner cares about you they will diffinately set you straight on does and don'ts. I was having a melt down the second day of Horsemanship I. I was asked what was wrong, I said it's a "reality check". That's when you've realized that some of what you thought you knew was'nt much. I'm sure there will be students that will be above their abilitys as a horseman, but alot of us were really surprised. Tough hide is the order of the week. Take care, Nancy Post reply Do you find this valuable? Keyword tags: None
Naildrivingman	1. RE: Tough Skin Oct 18 2009, 9:00 PM EDT Nancy, I agree with you about half the time. If a student isn't paying attention or giving an honest effort or being arrogant then the instructor has every right to give a reality check. If a student is making a good effort, paying attention and being receptive, then I think an iron fist in a velvet glove approach is the maximum response that a teacher should give. I attended CC's 3-day clinic and several times I was taken aback by his commentary towards me. I have a lot to learn, I won't dispute that, but some comments were absolutely unnecessary. Negative comments will motivate people, but so will positive comments. Make no mistake, I learned from the experience, but I wonder how much more I would have learned if I didn't feel frustrated by some experiences. Just my $0.02 Chris Post reply 1 out of 1 found this valuable. Do you find this valuable? Do you?
foalhandler	2. RE: Tough Skin Oct 19 2009, 12:23 PM EDT Just so you know Chris, I've heard this more than once......I'm sad to say. My two clinics ...for me...were amazing and made me a much better and more confident rider but......I've never been to a 3 day clinic and they sound pretty rough. I'm not sure if the requirements aren't clear or the skill levels of the attendees or to diverse. Chris was nothing but kind to me at the ranch, a little tough when I needed to break through my fear but sooo excited for me when I did. I am so impressed with your horse knowledge and your gentle way of dealing with your horses. Your opinion is real, and important to me. Thanks so much for sharing it with all of us. We can only learn by sharing . AND, that's my $0.2 worth LOL , Cathie Post reply Do you find this valuable?
Nancyhudson	3. RE: Tough Skin Oct 20 2009, 7:18 PM EDT \| Post edited: Oct 20 2009, 7:19 PM EDT Hi,Thanks for the response on this subject. I agree too that somtimes a gentle approch is certainly less intimidating. I know a few of the students will not go back because of the coments made to them. I just know that Chris wants a high level of safety at the clinics and I really think he does not realize that he is scaring the students and embarassing them. I'm up for the challenge because thats my nature but not everyone can deal with that . Thanks again for the input. Nancy Post reply Do you find this valuable?
burgh	4. RE: Tough Skin Oct 21 2009, 10:40 PM EDT It's been a while since I've been on here but came across this post and TOTALLY AGREE. Sad to say but I feel I'm on my own a lot with my horse training/adventures. I really don't know what's up with some of the trainers - a bit arrogant maybe??? I had an early post detailing my experience with a local trainer I sent my horse to and I hated going out there to observe the process. The guy rarely ever answered my questions and if he did made me feel stupid. I would love to know someone or talk to someone who HONESTLY cared. Post reply Do you find this valuable?
equisepona	5. RE: Tough Skin Oct 22 2009, 9:10 AM EDT I have to jump in here, having been to two clinics. First, let me say I went to Building Riders Confidence with little preparation, which was not the right way to go. That being said, it was an amazing experience and I left with a determination to build on the skills I learned, both in technique and confidence. Chris was tough when he needed to be yet soft in everything else. It was a life changing experience for me. 9 months later, HMS1 found me at moments thinking I was working with a different clinician. Chris was much tougher on this group in general. But again, I took what was offered and set my standards higher for myself in order to get what I came for. I agree with Nancy in that if we are up for the challange, then we can deal with what is being put forth. My impression from all that has been shared here and with fellow attendees is that the screening process does not match what Chris' expectation is for the people signing up, and Chris is frustrated by that. Burgh, there are trainers out there who have the right combination of teaching, communication, and human skills to help, sometimes we just have to keep trying to get what we want. Foalhandler is a great example of that, she has been through a few and now has found the right one for her and is achieving great results. Don't give up! Thanks everyone, for continuing to show up here, I learn so much from you all. Donna Post reply Do you find this valuable?
foalhandler	6. RE: Tough Skin Oct 22 2009, 1:05 PM EDT I just wanted to respond to finding a trainer...When I came home I lost some of what I had learned because I needed someone to critique my hands on with my horses. When I went back to the trainers I had been riding with before I realized how much we were on different pages. After worrying about losing all I had learned I FINALLY located a man who doesn't even want me to get on my horses (during the lessons) until we have the relationship on the ground that I so desired. He is amazing, gentle, respectful, and tells me what a great student I am and how fun it is to work with me and my horses. He "gentles" wild Mustangs and so he has the touch and the patience AND believes in the CC and Parelli techniques. He even told me at my last lesson that he had learned some things from me..HA.. and that he is constantly learning and hopes to continue to learn from humans and horses till the day he dies. Don't give up the search..I am so glad I didn't, I feel so blessed, Good Luck, and thanks Equisepona ,you know the journey and the struggle as we walked it together God Bless Post reply Do you find this valuable?
grassburners	7. RE: Tough Skin Oct 26 2009, 7:48 PM EDT Hi all. I would like to just comment on my experience at CC I did Building Riders Confidence course. What I liked was Chris reads horses and people very well and know when someone needs that push to get over your hurdles but some people expect the wishy washy type stuff, that is not what he is about. I look at it that everyone pays alot of money to learn all they can and there always has to be 1 in the crowd that cant handle it and wants to complain. Some in my clinic tried to complain how he talke to his staff that was training us. I just told them that they are learning like us and it seems nice to see that he talks to all the same no no nonsence stuff. Don't get me wrong I was one who had a melt down day and was totally embarrassed in front of 18 others but it made me a stronger person at the end. Today I strive to be the best that I can maybe not to Chris's level but then again I don't have all day to ride my horses. Our group was great ranging from people who had only rented horses here and there to one's who'd been riding for 30 yrs. Some times you have to sit back and see where they are coming from too with all the different personalities that he deals with. Some don't know where the butt is on their horse. That would get very frustrating expecially since the've been around horses 30 yrs. Post reply Do you find this valuable?
KayHays	8. RE: Tough Skin Oct 26 2009, 11:17 PM EDT "Hi everyone, Just wanted to share some insite on going to the best teachers around. If you take a Horsemanship Clinic be prepared. In more ways than one you will be surprised on what is required of you. You need to be in good physical condition along with your horse. You also need to develop a thick skin because if the trainner cares about you they will diffinately set you straight on does and don'ts. I was having a melt down the second day of Horsemanship I. I was asked what was wrong, I said it's a "reality check". That's when you've realized that some of what you thought you knew was'nt much. I'm sure there will be students that will be above their abilitys as a horseman, but alot of us were really surprised. Tough hide is the order of the week. Take care, Nancy" Hey bare hunter!, Love your comments, but I love you! Let me tell you what has happen to me since we came back from Chris's clinic. It has all come full circle & I now have a friend, that is a cutter, riding with me every day! I am having so much fun! Ove the past year I have had several lessons from a few different people before I went to Chris.. Now after having been to Chris, I now have met the wonderful young lady that is riding with me everyday. She is a cutter & she is teaching me to really ride & now to cut. What is so amazing is when we are in the arena I can still hear all of my teacher's voices on different things I have learned. I always hear Chris's voice & what we were taught is now coming around. I just wish you were here to experience all o f this with me. Yes, Chris is tough, we have all established that, but just always remember "you paid to go learn" remember when you were in school & the teacher you did not like the best, probably made you a much better student. I know it did me because I was not going to be wrong! There is a time to cowgirl or cowboy up & the time to do it is when you are with the toughest teacher ever! Chris I love you & can't wait to come back soon! sassie from South Texas Post reply 1 out of 1 found this valuable. Do you find this valuable? Do you?
Natural101	9. RE: Tough Skin Oct 27 2009, 12:26 PM EDT Chris can be tough for sure. But what I realized is that he has expectations, and he wants you to meet those expectations - just like his horses. He has expectations for his horses as well - he also knows their limits (and your's). He knows what you can handle and what you can't. Another thing that I respect about Chris is the fact that even though he is quick to correct, he's just as quick to reward and say "good job." He expects you to come prepared for whatever he throws at you. There were a few people at my HH1 clinic that got upset and offended because of his corrections. But, all I can say is that they were supposed to be here to learn, so suck it up, take your corrections seriously, and work hard at getting better. Because Chris truly wants you to succeed, but he's not going to hold your hand to get there. He gives you the tools you need to succeed, so listen and learn them and there is no doubt that you will be successful at whatever you're trying to get accomplished. Post reply Do you find this valuable?
foalhandler	10. RE: Tough Skin Oct 27 2009, 3:33 PM EDT one thing we all learned from CC in the building riders confidence clinic is that the issues were not all horse related and CC worked HARD with everyone to deal and work thru all the garbage we brought. Tough love.....sometimes, but what rewards we all reaped not only with our horses but with ourselves. Second clinic, was he tougher, maybe, but this clinic was about improving our skills. The graduates from BRCC were still carrying a bit of garbage when we returned but after the first day he had us in his back pocket and we put our trust in him. I'll never forget when I saw the round pen go up I started to have a panic attack as I knew what this meant...cantering with no halter, bridle, hands out in front of you. I did that last time ...do I need to do it again. That would be YES... So, I raised my hand to get it over with and the minute my leg went over the horse all fear left and it was awesome and CC hollered "Now that's what I'm talking about" I let out a yeehaw and it was a new beganning for me. It's the teacher that's tough, the man, as any of you who might of had the chance to spent some time with him found out, is kind, gentle, and just wants you to have the journey with your horse that he knows is possible. Perfect no, he's human. An awesome horseman YES ! That's my story and I'm stickin to it! Ride The Journey...Cathie Post reply 1 out of 1 found this valuable. Do you find this valuable? Do you?
Natural101	11. RE: Tough Skin Oct 27 2009, 3:45 PM EDT Well Said Cathie!!!!!!! :-) Post reply Do you find this valuable?
Nancyhudson	12. RE: Tough Skin Oct 27 2009, 8:33 PM EDT Wow! Glad to see everyone is out there reading this stuff. I can say I have been friends with Chris for a few years. Finally had the chance to make it to the Ranch for theCCHorsemanshipI. It's one of the best things I've ever done. I stuck to my plans and made one of my dreams come true. I learned alot about myself at the clinic not just about the horsemanship. It is truly a wonderful journey and I hope I live long enough to get to go back there and finish all five courses. The friends made there are some of the best. I thank all those that participated. My best to all. Nancy Post reply Do you find this valuable?
Nancyhudson	13. RE: Tough Skin Oct 27 2009, 10:11 PM EDT "Hey bare hunter!, Love your comments, but I love you! Let me tell you what has happen to me since we came back from Chris's clinic. It has all come full circle & I now have a friend, that is a cutter, riding with me every day! I am having so much fun! Ove the past year I have had several lessons from a few different people before I went to Chris.. Now after having been to Chris, I now have met the wonderful young lady that is riding with me everyday. She is a cutter & she is teaching me to really ride & now to cut. What is so amazing is when we are in the arena I can still hear all of my teacher's voices on different things I have learned. I always hear Chris's voice & what we were taught is now coming around. I just wish you were here to experience all o f this with me. Yes, Chris is tough, we have all established that, but just always remember "you paid to go learn" remember when you were in school & the teacher you did not like the best, probably made you a much better student. I know it did me because I was not going to be wrong! There is a time to cowgirl or cowboy up & the time to do it is when you are with the toughest teacher ever! Chris I love you & can't wait to come back soon! sassie from South Texas" Hey Kay, Sure glad you are having fun riding. I'm so proud of you. Stay safe and enjoy the journey, Nancy Post reply 1 out of 1 found this valuable. Do you find this valuable? Do you?
mnhorselady	14. RE: Tough Skin Oct 27 2009, 11:13 PM EDT I haven't had the pleasure on being a participant in CC's clinics ( I would love to) but I did see him live at MN Horse Expo about 2 years ago. I have to say, its about time that a clinician doesn't sugarcoat anything. Being truthful & honest to people is the best way to go. You go to him for advice, tips, help, etc & he tells you like it is. If you don't like it & are offended by what he tells you, why did you go? If I went to him about getting advice about more training for my 6 month old gelding & I mentioned it's my first time taking on a baby, holy crap...(talk about giving CC a heart attack.) But, seeking advice & help is a huge key in saying "I need help." Post reply Do you find this valuable?
KayHays	15. RE: Tough Skin Oct 28 2009, 7:28 PM EDT Yes honey, go to Chris, you will learn more than you ever thought your would. I purchased his colt & young horse dvd & they are great. He uses the same method with them as he does with his older horses. I have a 7 month old filly & I had her loading in my trailer when she was 2 months old. Not by Chris's method I was just sitting in the horse trailer, had both doors open & I think Kasie was just curious like a little child. So I took my time & before I knew it she was in the trailer. So get Chris's dvd's & get to work. Now on a more serious note for all of us. We have all expressed our likes & dislikes relating to our experience at the clinics, let me tell you that all clinics you go to you are going to experience the same thing. So for now own, I would like to hear more about our positive experiences we are having & troubles we are having & just maybe we can help each other out. I have had enough about the bad things of Chris because if you know anything about a cowman, cow sense horse, then you know Chris is the best & then there are a few others just below him. Everything is coming full circle for me & I hope it is for you all as well. Remember we are all human, so from now own, I am going to share my good experience with you. As of the last few weeks my Gallo is learning to spin & spin he can do & he & I are learning to cut cattle & it is a great high. Love to all of you, hang in there & Happy Trails to all of you God Bless Post reply Do you find this valuable?
Nancyhudson	16. RE: Tough Skin Oct 29 2009, 8:47 PM EDT Well said Kay, We are all trying to learn from the best teacher around. The DVD's are a valuble tool. I also recomend his book "Ride The Jounrey". You can never learn too much. Love ya girl! Nancy Post reply Do you find this valuable?
bamuntz	17. RE: Tough Skin Nov 3 2009, 2:01 AM EST \| Post edited: Nov 3 2009, 2:01 AM EST I've not been to a CC clinic or a BRC, however I would suspect that the same thing that he does with the horse is the same thing he does with a person. Pressure until the human gets the right response and then leaves you alone to soak. I've had the pleasure of knowing a person who could "tell you to go to hell", in such a manner that you looked forward to the trip. Why? Because you realized they were speaking truth to you. A great teacher will pressure you and you will get better. A poor teacher well we've all seen those. Not many of us have had great teachers. I would also suspect that Chris truly desires for each of his students to be as great as he is. If he seems tough, maybe that is an indication of where you are on the Journey's map. I am looking forward to my first CC clinic. I have a green 13 yr mare that I've only ridden a few times because she lives a thousand miles away from me. However I have found myself rushing her, because I dont have the time to spend with her, ALL to my detriment! She was telling me that she was not ready- I was not listening and I end up getting hurt. (not bad this time). I do not have the God given abilities that Chris has to be able to do a road to the horse style start on her. Keep in mind Chris is a PROFESSIONAL and he does this all day long as his JOB. He'd better be great!! Shall I say we laymen have much, we can learn. Keep showing up for class!! Post reply 1 out of 1 found this valuable. Do you find this valuable? Do you?
Naildrivingman	18. RE: Tough Skin Nov 5 2009, 5:38 PM EST \| Post edited: Nov 5 2009, 5:38 PM EST I think the saying, "That which doesn't kill you makes you stronger." is very appropriate for this topic. One thing that I need to consider and remember is that I have an ego and so does everybody. Ego can be a good thing in that one is confident, but ego can equally be bad in that it can generate vanity. When an ego is bruised, it takes some healing. I just took a quick spin on my horse after nearly two weeks of rain. My horse didn't miss a beat, nor act up, in fact he was happy to see me. I chalk this up to CC, this board and the blessings from above. Chris Post reply Do you find this valuable?
foalhandler	19. RE: Tough Skin Nov 5 2009, 9:25 PM EST \| Post edited: Nov 5 2009, 9:25 PM EST "I think the saying, "That which doesn't kill you makes you stronger." is very appropriate for this topic. One thing that I need to consider and remember is that I have an ego and so does everybody. Ego can be a good thing in that one is confident, but ego can equally be bad in that it can generate vanity. When an ego is bruised, it takes some healing. I just took a quick spin on my horse after nearly two weeks of rain. My horse didn't miss a beat, nor act up, in fact he was happy to see me. I chalk this up to CC, this board and the blessings from above. Chris" Chris, so good to get your response to all the above and as usual, You are amazing! For once, I'm at a loss for words....God Bless and PLEASE continue your wonderful journey with the horse, Cathie Post reply Do you find this valuable?

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