​​​

WHAT THE HECK IS A "SEARCH DAY??!!?

​

"Search Days" are held the day before each Intensive clinic begins.

​

On the Search Day, Harry chooses 2 or more horses to use for the demonstrations. 

Riders and Auditors will be able to watch Harry work with these horse in the round pen. He also explains what he is doing and shows different ways to handle a situation.  ​

The definition of SD is just what it says ... Harry helps each horse find "the answer". 

Always, always, always, Harry explains what it means to "get the horse's thought"

 

Soooo ... since Harry wants us to have a relaxed and "with us" horse ... this is an overarching theme during each clinic. He shows what that looks like. We can do this without MAKING the horse do something. We want to create an interaction that allows the horse to make a CHOICE. 

​

Even though there is never much of a dustup, Harry stresses that if we allow our horses to CHOOSE to be with us, then all other goals we may have will be much kinder, smarter, and more successful. You will get to watch this at an INTENSIVE presentation/Search Day. It all purposely goes slowly so that WE have time to reflect and say "so THAT is what that means!"  We all have been exposed to so many words/phrase/sayings, but reading about the concept can rarely compare to watching and this format allows US the opportunity to feel .... hope. LOL  

 

Seriously, we want you to go home prepared to USE these ideas. At home, these NEW ideas may not look as soft and relaxed as what we've been presented with. It may go sloooowly but we can see incremental progress because OUR presentations with the horse are approached with a much different  attitude. We can try things with a better understanding of what we want the end result to look like. Think about ALL the ways we meet our horses. Are they attentive when we approach them? Can they CALMLY exit a stall or a pen? Can we even just relax with a relaxed horse? Can we go on a trail rider and not be anxious? Can we load our horses into the trailer?

​

Believe me, I have not adequately explained this process. It needs to be experienced. During the first four days, Harry works with each horse, every day. The last two days,Harry coaches the horse and rider. We get to practice what we have come to understand under Harry's  not-of-this-world keen eye. There is no time limit on the sessions. Harry want QUESTIONS! In sessions (when appropriate) and after each meal, there is more discussion and time for questions and answers. This time is invaluable and, frankly, not something students are accustomed to seeing at clinics. This is why these Search Days are so popular! 

 

 

 

 

CLINIC PREP NOTES

Here are some important notes for new folks, in particular, and reminders for veterans. We generally have a little orientation talk on the night before the clinic starts but we have quite a few auditors and many are new so I want folalthoks to feel prepared ahead of time. So, yes, this is long.

​

DIRECTIONS:

Please read the directions. You can download from our website. Please read the directions. You can download from our website. Please read the directions. You can download from our website. Please read the directions. You can download from our website.

Ahem! The issue is that many folks want to rely on their GPS which is okay, to a certain point. Once you are on Highway 66, it is very important that you do not turn off UNTIL Old Highway 66 and the train trestle.

**The exception to this is for people with trailers over 10’ high. There are alternate directions for you. They are VERY simple ... basically, you are turning one road just prior to Old Highway 66 and LOOPING AROUND ... like a horseshoe. So, on Speedwell ... it’s left and left and then right into the driveway. If you need help with this, please call me.

​

ARRIVAL & PARKING
Trailers should BACK INTO their chosen spot. You can go ahead and put your horse in turnout before unpacking the rest of your trailer so they can stretch their legs or put them in a stall and let them out later.Unload, turnout, whatever basic prep and then, please, unhook your trailer and park your truck opposite the stalls. There are no reserved stalls unless there is an unusual situation. First come, first pick.

We generally try to be available to take people and their STUFF up to the bunkhouse. We do not want vehicles up there primarily for safety reasons but, also, there just isn’t room to maneuver. Exceptions ma be made for unloading but, really, let us help by using the golf carts. The only fun we get to have is tossing peepz and bags off as we whip around corners. (See, tricky ... checking to see if you’re reading.)

Auditors – park in the vehicle parking area across from the stalls.

  

STALLS

We will have baled shavings available for $7 a bale and hay for $6 a bale. You, of course, can bring your own or run into town and get some from TSC. Payment here is by Honor System. There will be an envelope and you can run a tab to pay at the end of you week.

​

If you need hay, let Harry know and he will stop the clinic and drag one with his bicycle (again, seeing if you are paying attention. Seriously, let one of us know and we will have “the help” bring you GRASS hay from our fields.

​

Each person is responsible for mucking out their own stall. We have some carts, forks and buckets available and you dump them into “Fort Manure”. You can’t miss it. Large compost bins on the far side of the parking lot.

​

This is a very supportive environment so we all help each other out with those types of things.

Water is at the end of the stalls with a hose that should reach all of them.

​

TURNOUT
When you first arrive, you are welcome to go ahead and put your horse into one of the turnout paddocks or stall your horse and do it after you get yourself settled.

There are three large paddocks. As you face the stalls, there is a large field to your left. At the bottom of the hill are two paddocks that also have a shared run-in shed. Water troughs are available at the top of the hills. The third paddock is adjacent to these first two but on the other side of the gravel drive. There is a large copse of trees, bushes, and assorted whatever that serves as good shade for the horses. Note!!! The gate handles on the top gates are ELECTRIFIED! Please note that the fences will likely NOT be electrified. remove halters when turning out.

​

Generally, there are no issues with turnout. Everyone works out what they need on a rotation basis. Some people end up turning horses out together. That is entirely up to you.

​

No turnout in the arenas, please, unless with express permission and that is only for certain circumstances.

​

Also, all horses must be stalled if you leave the property and also overnight.

  

RELEASE FORMS
Your registration had a mini-release form on it but there may be bigger versions for you to sign the first day you are here. Riders and auditors.

​

MEALS
The night prior to the your start date, we have a meal get-together. In the past, we have had a full dinner but we are going to try something a little different for the upcoming clinic. Some kind of light meal that doesn’t require everyone there at the same time. Later arrivals will be able to grab something if they’s like. At this meal, there will be some discussion about the upcoming week and Harry will likely sing and tap dance like he did last year. (Again with the poke!) We don’t have a large group that night because auditors come in the next day so we thought we’d give this a whirl. Anyhow ... usually its about 5:30 ISH in the Pavilion.

​

During the clinic:

Breakfast at 8:00 Lunch at noon-ISH Dinners that we have 6-ISH

Obviously, times can vary based upon the needs of the horses and the students.

Come to the far end of the Cookshack. (This means on the Bunkhouse side by the bathrooms.) Pick up your tray and utensils and serve yourself. Schlep down the steps to the Pavilion and definitely ONLY sit in the same spot for the entire clinic. NOT!!! Come on ... be brave. Move around. ;-)

​

Drinks --- the water here is from a well. There are TWO filtration systems on it and you should not be overwhelmed by any sulfur or iron smells but I cannot guarantee that people who are used to chlorinated water won’t notice.

​

There will be several pitchers available with separate filters in them. You are also welcome to bring your own.

​

There is a coffee makerr as well as the coffee, tea, and filters.

​

There are porcelain cups for your coffee or tea. You can rinse them out each day or put them in the dishbin which will be on the bench in the Pavilion.

​

There will also be some regular cups. In the interest of conservation, please use the black marker provided and write your name on your cup. (You can even take it home with you at the end of the clinic! Bwahahahaha.)

  

Yes, we do put the plastic aside to recycle. And, no, we haven’t found that our dump actually recycles them. Sigh.

​

On the nights when dinner is not provided, you can go into Rogersville (about 6 miles). This is a small town ... keep your expectations in line. If you would like an adult beverage with your meal, ask me for the current options. There is a fridge in the Pavilion for your use. Extra food, snacks, drinks, creamer, etc. There is also a small fridge in the Bunkhouse.

​

BATHROOMS & EXTRA SHOWER

There are two bathrooms on the far side of the Cookshack. Please use the “Busy” bar and then close the door when you leave.

​

There is a shower on the backside of the Cookshack. People staying in their horse trailers are the ones usually using it but it is available for anyone.

​

FORMAT
The clinic is set up a bit differently here than you might be used to. While you will decide the sequence of horses/riders each day, there is NO set time period for each session. Having said that, we will ALL be supportive and grown up and be mindful of the other students waiting for their own session. AHEM!!!!

​

After each meal at the Pavilion, discussions will begin. This is for general discussion, any questions about anything you saw during the sessions or any questions you’ve had in general about your personal horse situations. I suggest that you have a summary planned beforehand so you can get right to the help you need, not ... “Mavis was born on April Fool’s Day in two thousand aught twenty and she was a good horse until one day ... and then ... “ you get the picture. BUT, DO ASK QUESTIONS!!!!

​

LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

One of our foremost goals has been to bring you to clinics where you will TAKE SOMETHING HOME WITH YOU THAT YOU CAN USE! That’s why we wanted to small groups and the individualized attention.

​

We have worked very hard at encouraging a supportive learning environment. We are all trying to learn and we have been very fortunate that this has become a “safe place” to educate ourselves and to have fun.

    

So ...

Turn your cell phones off or on vibrate. If you get a call, take it away from the activity and keep it personal. That means ... don’t talk too loudly. ;-)

​

Smoking is allowed only by the fire pit. This includes vaping.

​

If you have questions ... GREAT. Do, please, try to think about the TIMING of your questions, particularly during a horse/rider session. Hold any questions that are not appropriate to what is going on at the time and ask during our (ample) discussion periods.

​

Photography is encouraged; videotaping is not permitted.

​

CLOTHING
Surprisingly, it might be cool in the mornings so bring a jacket. It seems we are finished with the monsoons we had in May but ... Other than that, bring the usual and also any and all tack you would like to use or to have evaluated.

​

DEPARTURE
We will have a closing dinner and closing discussion on the last night. Some people decide to get on the road after that. Most leave the following morning by 9:00. There is no breakfast that morning.

​

If I have overlooked something, please feel to bring it to my attention.