What we do here at Rocking T Ranch follows the horsemanship of Bill & Tom Dorrance. We learn this through great clinicians such as Ray Hunt, Buck Brannaman, Joe Wolter and Leslie Desmond. When I start working with a horse or pony, I try to work with it where it is, with it's mind, body & spirit. Tom Dorrance speaks of these three parts of the horse in his wonderful book "True Unity". It's important to have these working for you when you are with the horse.
I try to teach my students how to change the way they present things to the horse. I teach the horse with time and patience to respect our space and to follow a feel. I also help the horse and human to deal with fear. If we give the horse 100% then in return he will give150%. This is why I teach True Horsemanship, we owe it to the horse.
We offer hourly teachingat our ranch and on the road.. You can trailer here and we can work on issues in the round corral, arena or out on the trail. We prefer to teach this way. The horse and rider get more out of the time spent.
If you or someone you know would be interested in hosting a John Sanford Clinic, please contact us at 540-672-2986 or e-mail rocking-t-ranch@earthlink.net
We will be happy to answer any questions and will send you a packet filled with all the information you will need from guidelines, fee's and safety information. John's clinics focus on improving rider/horse communication as well as learning to recognize those "small tries" in your horse. John also stresses safety and encourages parents to be available to assist children. All age riders and horses are welcome, as well as horses with issues of concern. Stallions are welcome at the discretion of the farm owner.
You will come away with a greater understanding and a closeness to your horse that will be with you always.
We look forward to hearing from you.
John Sanford Clinics 2007
Contact us now about hosting a clinic
We look forward to helping you and
your horses
Most clinics are 3 - 4 days
We offer:
Basic Horsemanship
Horsemanship
Cow working
and
Private instruction
The horse doesn't know what winning is, but if the human creates a contest with the horse, through his self-preservation the horse will try to survive. Try to fix it so your horse can succeed, and you'll both win.
2006 Clinic Schedule
Date Location Classes Sponsor Sponsor Contact
February 19 Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA Horsemanship Demo at Education Sunday Seminar SWVADA 540-345-4761
August 19 Caroline County Fair, Ladysmith, VA 3 Horsemanship Demos Caroline County Fair Board
H= Horsemanship BH= Basic Horsemanship CW= cattle work P= Private
Ray Hunt has recited this poem to us at his clinics,
and it really says alot about Ray and
life.
Good luck to you with the person looking back in the glass
The Guy in the Glass
by Dale Wimbrow, (c) 1934
When you get what you want in your struggle for self,
And the world makes you king for a day,
Then go to the mirror and look at yourself,
And see what that guy has to say.
For it isn't your father, or mother, or wife,
Whose judgement upon you must pass.
The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life
Is the guy staring back from the glass.
He's the fellow to please, never mind all the rest,
For he's with you clear up to the end,
And you've passed your most dangerous, difficult test
If the guy in the glass is your friend.
You may be like Jack Horner and "chisel" a plum,
And think you're a wonderful guy,
But the man in the glass says you're only a bum
If you can't look him straight in the eye.
You can fool the whole world down the pathway of years,
And get pats on the back as you pass,
But your final reward will be heartaches and tears
If you've cheated the guy in the glass.
The Foal is like a blank canvas. They only know what we teach them. Whether intentionally or not. So be careful not teach them something you don't want them to know. If you are new to handling foals, you may want to get someone to help you who has some experience.
"Cody" backing with a soft feel and both feet united
This from John's book Beyond Green Broke
Fix it so the horse can find it.
The right thing should be easy, the wrong thing difficult, but not impossible.
Allow him to work at it.
There are few things with the horse that I feel are etched in stone, but here they are.
The horse will always be a horse
He will always do what makes sense to him
He will follow the path of least resistance
He will try to survive. No matter what.
He will always seek comfort. Physical or mental.
Pal learning on the highline
John and "Cody" showing how to make 1st Introduction to the flag
This is from John's book Beyond Green Broke
John at Campbell Springs clinic, demonstrating following a feel with a retired race horse
Getting the horse ready to bridle. Playing where the grass goes in.
