October Joel Conner Clinic Report: Sienna

Lise A worked alongside Sienna in the groundwork portion of the October Joel Conner clinic, and has the following to say about their time together:

“I had the absolute pleasure of having Sienna as my ride or die for the weekend.
I wasn’t riding her, but we did the groundwork portion of the clinic with Joel Conner. It was three hours for three days. I logged about 8000 steps (4 miles) each day. Ummmm, does that mean since Sienna has 4 feet vs 2, she logged 16,000 steps, or 8 miles, each day??

Anyway — we walked together for a long bit each day, and over the three days, I learned about myself and Sienna, thanks to my trusty steed and Joel.

The things I learned about Sienna:

1. She knows a lot more than she lets on. And she is very capable of moving and doing the things asked of her when she is approached with the right feel.
2. She backs up and use her hind correctly and with purpose — it’s all about the ask.
3. Her edge is her willingness to bend to the left. I wondered if she might be stiff or out of balance in that direction. But in the end, I think it may be that she needs continued help to grow her confidence in changing eyes.
4. Oh and did I mention given a chance that girl knows how to take a nap — anywhere at anytime!!!Some folks may think Sienna is dull or has a long face ….
But, what I learned was:

1. At 17 Sienna is confident, kind and stable and fabulous for ground work.
2. She did not fill in for me and make it easy. But, she gave me her heart. I was given the space by her to try different approaches and she was amenable. If I changed my angle to her or attended to my feel and then tried again a different way, she was always game.
3. Lastly, in reflection, I was reminded again that this journey of horsemanship takes determination and heart. And just like any horse in training, I have had times when I have felt like things are flowing and my skills are growing and I’m moving forward. And there have been times of incredible stickiness when I felt like nothing was moving in the right direction and spiraled into questioning my ability to be of service to the horse.

However, with that stickiness and desert-like feel combined with continued determination and encouragement from others, I found that there came an unexpected oasis. It turns out that showing up during the drought, for the love of the horses and the work, will pay off.

The reward as of this moment is that after what felt like months flailing in the desert, things are starting to flow again.

This is my life at its best.

And there is nothing like the privilege of working with a horse in a setting where guidance is given at a high level with nothing but the horse’s best interest in mind.

Sienna has an amazing heart and a lot of try (with a flair of opinions on the side).

I have the deepest gratitude for her and how she showed up each day to make me a better horsewoman.

And thank you to SAFE, Terry, and Joel for continuing to help me become better at helping the horses so that they become more confident in their journey to finding their forever home.”