UPDATE 2011  - CRAIG JOHNSON CLINIC APRIL, 2011

Update;  to all you hungry horse men and horse women I had the great pleasure of being selected to ride in Craig Johnson's clinics at the Equine Affaire this year. I have to say I had the knowledge and confidence because of Evon teaching me. I went into the clinics knowing so much that he could say to as as a group to move this hip here and shoulder there and back up in a circle and I knew exactly what he wanted and had already done it.  Holly did a wonderful job and to be honored by such an accomplished horseman as Craig when he complimented us the crowd even applauded. he went on to say what a great rider I was  and how pretty holly and I looked as a team. that is all from Evon working with us. it did not happen over night but the payoff was there doing the exercises and then putting it together and Craig judging is. So I have to say this thank you to Evon and Craig for supporting me and Holly and all our endeavors now and tomorrow. God gave me good teachers and I love to learn. Until my next adventure May God bless the trails you endure. Connie

Connie and Holly (Hollywood This AQHA) Story

UPDATE 2009, Connie and Holly won the 1st place for GREEN REINER division overall for the

Western Pa Reining Horse Association

Here is a true testament to not only long hours in the saddle and dedication but to proper instruction and the right trainer to help you with your goals. Holly and I won our Green 1 class for the 2009 year in reining. It is all due to Evon helping me learn to ride correctly and help Holly. Thanks to her my goals were achieved and were not put out on a limb not to be accessed. We have our work cut out for the 2010 year but they are attainable because Evon knows where to push me and were to just let go. So all you horse people out there listen up, it can be done I am a true testament to Evon's training. Just let go and set your goals and go for it. Connie and Holly.

Also got 5th for GREEN REINER 2 division. Congratulations CONNIE, you go girl..

Rita’s Story.

Slightly abbreviated.

Rita had not ridden her Kentucky Mountain horse Dakota, since a fall in 2008. Dakota had spooked from a bizarre incident where a deer hunting stand fell out of the tree near where Rita was riding, Dakota spooked ( most horses would have) but the incident found Rita with broken wrist and a case of amnesia, among other sore parts. After her recovery, she began riding again with us at our Saturday Saddle up Clinics in 2009. She had a goal to go camping with her Husband and their horses, here is part of their fun adventure:, camping with horses.

I had a wonderful time camping and riding Dakota at Artillery Ridge Campground. We arrived late Friday the 17. About 9 pm.Blue and Dakota had a very hilly ride on Rt. 30. They were happy to see the ground and go to their coral. Saturday we woke to a beautiful sunny day. High expected about 71˚. As we were having French toast and bacon with maple syrup for breakfast under the canopy I realized Dakota had never seen tents, swing sets and many other things. .......... We came to a bridge. Blue would not go across. Dakota would not go across. Then I remember at the clinic when we did some new things I learned to just let Dakota get comfortable one step at a time. He took one step and I praised him and let him get comfortable in that spot. We got up to the bridge and he put his head low and put a foot on. I praised him again. Next thing I new we were across and on our way. Blue was just not coming over that bridge. Ron told me to ride on ahead and Blue would not like being left and that worked for him. We saw more buses and motorcycles and there were no problems. I was so happy and proud. I am learning to sit in my saddle with my heels down, my butt in the saddle and my shoulders back. I am also using my legs to guide Dakota rather than pulling on the reins so much. Then we came to a very narrow bridge that was tilted to the side. Ron said it did not look like it was made for horses. But we thought we were on the horse trail. We waited for a group of Boy Scout to cross the bridge. One man thanked us for waiting for them to cross. We had watched them for a long time coming toward the bridge because the horses would not go near the bridge. I laughed when the man thanked us and said “no problem our horses won’t go across.” Then I went into my clinic training mode. I just let Dakota get comfortable one step and a time and across we went. I was thrilled. Later we learned we had missed the horse trail and it was a bridge for hikers only. My boy had made me proud!! I am so happy for all the new things we encountered and how well Dakota and I are learning to trust each other. I am thankful for the safe ride. There were some pretty dangerous places to fall of on these trails. But I managed to keep my balance in times of Dakota’s frightening moments and we had a fun ride.