Ridin' The Journey: A Woman's Self-Investment

"It was definitely more than what I expected, but in a good way. I found out a lot of things about myself," says Lynda Karels, of Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota. She was a first-time participant in the recent three-day clinic in Cannon Falls, Minnesota, and for Lynda, it was worth every penny.

"I was laid off from my job of 17 years in November," notes Lynda, who still signed up for the clinic months later. "A lot of people might have wondered why I was spending money on a clinic when I didn't have a job, but the information I got out of this I will carry the rest of my life; it's invaluable to me."

Although she grew up with horses, Lynda hadn't owned any for years until she and her sister bought a Thoroughbred two years ago. Lynda was seeking answers after having trouble handling his feet, and decided to buy The Leading Edge in Ground Control training DVD. After using the groundwork lessons and seeing how effective they were, she was sold.

"I tried it and it worked! Chris has wonderful methods and as long as you're clear with what you're asking the horse to do, they work," says Lynda. Realizing that the horse actually needed more training than she was prepared for, Lynda sold him and bought a "dead broke" trail horse for her 11-year-old son, Vincent, and later, a five-year-old Quarter Horse mare for herself.

Having seen Chris at an expo in St. Paul, Lynda liked his approach.

"I realized I needed training, not the horse," she admits. Eager to train her new horse, Shadow, the right way, Lynda purchased Chris' Instructional Program I and II, along with the halter and lead, and began studying the lessons. When she heard Chris was coming to her area for a three-day clinic, she signed on.

"I hadn't trailered Shadow anywhere before, but I watched the video and used Chris' methods to get her to load."I stayed focused and patient with some help from my friends at Lone Rock Ranch in Rosemount, Minnesota. At the clinic there were 19 other horses and riders and I was nervous as to how she would react, but part way through the first day I knew she would be just fine."

Lynda found her confidence rising as Chris took the students step-by-step through each lesson. The more clearly she communicated with her mare, the better Shadow responded.

"I've seen other clinicians work and I like the fact that Chris leaves the horse's head alone and does so much with body language, not words," she says. "What I appreciated most is that he doesn't tell you what you want to hear; he tells you what you need to hear to keep you and your horse safe, and he'll tell you over and over until you get it! He would show us what he wanted and explain it, then have us try it. He took the time to go through every single step and then he'd help us where we needed it."

Although Shadow was already soft, thanks to Lynda's prior work using Chris' methods, at the clinic Lynda learned she needed to raise her mare's energy level.

"I'd never raised her energy to the level that Chris did when he rode her," notes Lynda. "You have to let them make mistakes, and then correct them, so the horse understands not to do them again. It's such a gratifying thing to train your own horse; you just have to be clear with your communication."

One of the most powerful things she took away from the clinic was learning to be a better leader for her horse.

"Horses need leaders and we have to learn to be leaders," says Lynda. "Horses get bored so you have to raise their energy and do different things with them. As long as you're that horse's leader, you can do anything with them. It's so true that when you come to the end of your knowledge, you get frustrated. You have to continue to improve your skills."

"Chris tells the truth and shares his knowledge in a way that makes you want to be a better person, not just a better horseperson," she adds. "He's a rare breed. You don't find that honesty and integrity everywhere. I thoroughly enjoyed the clinic and would do it again in a heartbeat."

Immediately after the clinic, Lynda got a job offer. Now, she's saving up to attend a six-day horsemanship clinic at Chris' ranch in Texas.

"I know Chris' methods work and are safe," says Lynda. I want to pass on what I learn to my son."

Ridin' The Journey: Western Wishes Brings Girl to Clinic

Letter to Chris Cox Horsemanship Co.

Good morning,

On Sunday, my wife and daughter, (Jenifer & Sammy) brought Emma and her family, (Lisa & Charlie) down to meet Chris at his clinic in Cannon Falls Minnesota. Emma had a rough week of chemo treatments, but was bound and determined to go. There was no way she wasn't going to come!

I can't thank Chris enough for taking the time to not only spend with Emma, but for introducing her and talking about her battle and the Western Wishes program. Chris gave Emma a hat, his book and a t-shirt. She looked at the book all the way home, and that hat didn't come off. I'm sure she slept in her new shirt too.

Please thank Chris for his graciousness, his generosity and for being such a wonderful ambassador for Western Wishes and children like Emma. It makes a difference in their lives.

Emma wanted to stay all afternoon and get to talk to Chris at the end, but as they say, Mr Rhabdo (her cancer) had different ideas and Emma fell asleep in our motor home. We decided it was best to get her home and let her rest for another difficult week of treatments and tests.

I took as many notes as I could and soaked up every word Chris said before we left; he has had such a positive impact on my approach to our horses. I feel that the Good Lord has brought us together for a purpose and I am humbled by your commitment to such a wonderful program.

God Bless you all and thank you again from the bottom of our hearts.

Enjoy the Ride,
Rex Kent

Ridin' The Journey: Husband and Wife Soakin' Up Horsemanship

Different Strokes
Attorney John Lavelle and his wife, Lora, have had a very different history when it comes to horses. They have, however, found a common interest that has made their relationships with their horses stronger and provided an activity for the couple to share.

"I was very fortunate to have been raised with horses since I was a young child, and my father was very passionate about them," says John.
"I started out with a pony and then began riding and showing Tennessee Walking Horses at eleven-years-old. I wanted to be a trainer when I grew up, spent summers riding in Wyoming and had a great interest in the western lifestyle. I went to college in Tennessee for Equine Science but realized that it would be better if I had a job where I could afford to have horses instead of making my income from them. Then I mainly pleasure rode and showed occasionally until I bought my current farm and began breeding, training and selling horses part-time," he says.

Lora, on the-other-hand, was not introduced to horses until she met her husband.

"I didn't have any experience with horses until about 16 years ago when I married John. I got serious about ten years ago and have since attended several clinics and expos to better my horsemanship," says Lora.

After stumbling upon a Chris Cox DVD and then later Chris Cox Horsemanship on RFD-TV, the couple grew a strong interest in the Australian raised clinician's horsemanship methods. Although their introduction to Chris' technique was fairly accidental, their interest in him was only amplified after seeing Chris perform and meeting him in person at Equine Affaire in Ohio a few years ago.

"We spoke with Chris and were even more impressed. One of the things that distinguishes Chris from other clinicians is that he's not only a top hand with horses but he doesn't do a 'dog and pony show'," says Lora.

Building Confidence Through Knowledge
In addition to Chris' ability with horses, there were additional things that attracted John to Chris, including his extensive knowledge and experience.

"I've always been interested in stock horses and working cattle. Chris is one of the few clinicians that focuses on working cattle and has show experience. I was really excited about what he could teach me," says John.

As a school teacher, Lora knows the importance of communication and realized that, "Chris has the ability to connect with people. He can break things down into small steps and teach them to a lay person. There are teachers in school that really know the material but can't teach it very well. Then there are teachers that can really connect with their students. It is truly a gift," says Lora.

After watching Chris' TV show, seeing him at an expo and attending one of his tour stops, they decided to attend a 6-day clinic at Chris' Diamond Double C Ranch in Mineral Wells, Texas. It was from that point on that Lora says they were "hooked".

The Lavelles have followed Chris' horsemanship program and completed it through its highest level, Horsemanship V. It is during these 6-day horsemanship clinics at Chris' ranch that John says he has noticed the consistency in Chris' training translate through to his horses.

"I really enjoy watching him work his own finished horses. They are all so soft and willing. His enthusiasm is contagious and I hope to be able to have the same consistency that he has," says John.

His enthusiasm and consistency are not the only endearing qualities for the Lavelles. Lora states that Chris is one of the most positive and motivational people she knows.

Impressed with Chris' true interest in helping people, John says, "He'll devote just as much time to a novice as he will a non-pro or pro. He treats everyone the same, no matter who they are. I admire him for that."

The Road Ahead
Although the Lavelles have completed Chris' entire horsemanship program, they say that the road doesn't end there. Hosting a 3-day clinic (for the second year in a row) at their Ohio farm is just part of their plan for continued education.

The 3-day Chris Cox clinic covers basic horsemanship techniques and allows each rider to be evaluated and instructed on an individual basis. Chris shares his personal experiences and knowledge with each participant, assuring their progress towards better relationships with their horses.

"Chris starts working where you are and moves you up a notch. It's an intensified version of the 6-day clinic mushroomed into 3 full days. It's a crash course that's wonderful if you want to accelerate your horsemanship," says John.

In addition to using 3-day clinics as refresher courses, the Lavelles see many trips to Texas in their future. Despite having just completed Horsemanship V this past month, they are planning a potential trip to attend Horsemanship IV in November.

"It's like learning a foreign language. You have to immerse yourself first and then go back and listen to the tapes over and over. It's unbelievable the things that come back to you or that you didn't catch the last time. The more time you have to 'soak' the better," says Lora.

The Lavelles will be hosting a 3-Day Clinic at their farm in New Marshfield, OH August 21-23. Participant slots and spectator tickets are still available - call 888-81-HORSE for more info.

Ridin' The Journey: Trainer Gets Fresh Look

Rusty Wright of Shady Dale, GA began his relationship with horses shortly after graduating from college. Wright began riding colts for a local trainer and soaking up as much training knowledge as he could. After his apprenticeship, he began professionally starting colts and has been training on his own for nearly 8 years now.