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Alberta Guest Ranches Reveal The Secrets Of Horse Whisperers
obert Redford's 1998 peace and serenity of the valley,
movie The Horse Whisperer fishing in the clear waters of
strengthened the belief of the North Raven, plus bird
many that there is magic in some watching opportunities in the
people's silent communication aspen groves, but they wanted to
with a horse. But according to provide even more. "We wanted
Margie Moore of the Lazy M Ranch something different, something
near Innisfail, Alberta, there is new," Margie says - a desire that
no magic involved, just plain old led to 'Traditions with a Twist.'
good communication. And here's being offered to the general
the good news - you can learn how public.
to do it yourself.
Honing in on the drum, a
Get the Whole Package universal instrument for
ceremonies and communication, the
Set in the small North Raven Moores stepped outside the box by
River valley, about two hours developing a dual experience day:
northwest of the City of Calgary, drumming and horse communication.
Lazy M started as a working The drumming segment is a group
cattle ranch in 1980. Ten years icebreaker, very social, very
later, and with no regrets, Lane fun. The work comes in the round
and Margie Moore turned the penning session, where guests
property into a guest ranch. Lazy learn how to communicate without
M now welcomes up to 20 guests words.
(double occupancy) at one time,
and the Moores also run about 50 Joining Up For Something New
horses on the lush, 600-acre
property. In round penning, participants
step into a corral with only Lane
Lane and Margie already had the and an unbridled horse for
company. Following Lane's learn to be centered, to
guidance (he won't hold your concentrate and to clearly lead
hand, but he will hold your by explaining in simple, easy
shoulders to point you in the terms what it is they want the
right direction), guests learn horse to do."
the basic rules of "talking" to a
horse. It sometimes surprises people to
learn that horses don't want you
Horses are herd animals - when to be submissive. On the other
they're in groups, there's a hand, if you walk into the pen
pecking order. Herds require a with your shoulders back and
strong leader who will be alert chest out, horses don't like
for danger, know where to go to that, either. You need to find a
get away from danger and where to balance.
find food, water and salt.
"We call it the ABC's of
"It's not a superior, 'I'm better communication," says Margie,
than you are' attitude," says "awareness, boundaries, and
Margie, "but rather a need to consistency."
know who is dominant."
In the round pen, people It's all about reading the
immediately learn that horses horse's signals, being aware of
don't care if you are an their body posture and stance, of
executive or a teen-aged student; setting rules that you expect to
they take you exactly as you are be followed (not unlike raising a
and they are great teachers, with child) and following through with
no phoniness whatsoever. consistent behaviour.
"Horses read people by where the And what if you're afraid of
core is," says Margie. "Guests horses? Margie laughs. "In one
session, Lane was in the pen with
a girl who was quite nervous. The Whether drawn in by the rhythm of
horse snorted and the girl jumped the music or on a natural high
right into Lane's arms." She after joining up, the communal,
persevered though and came away cowboy themed lunch is a joyous
with a new level of awareness and celebration.
understanding.
While the techniques of "horse
Even though each horse responds whispering" are not magic, the
differently and each person 'Traditions With a Twist'
communicates differently, the end experience at Lazy M definitely
result is the same. When you turn is, allowing guests (aged 12 and
your back, and the horse follows up) to come away with an
you, it's a pinnacle moment of awareness and appreciation of
success. It's called "joining their own communication and
up." leadership skills - and having
fun while doing it.
Discover a Magical Experience
Women and Horses
Teaming up with drummer Shannon
Powell from Olds, 'Traditions This Spring, the well-known
With a Twist' uses the drumming Homeplace Ranch near Priddis is
segment to help break down offering a unique opportunity for
barriers. You don't have to have women to connect with horses and
any musical talent to enjoy the enjoy horseback riding in a
drum. It's a relaxing activity tranquil, idyllic setting in the
that provides a sense of foothills of the Canadian
community as the group follows Rockies. 'Horses and You, a
Shannon's lead, drumming slow and Retreat for Women with a Passion
soft, harder and louder. for the Equine' is a new program
designed to help women learn to development.
communicate with horses through
energy, feelings and body Resources:
language.
Lazy M Ranch
Homeplace Ranch owner Mac MaKenny Homeplace Ranch
says participants will come away
with knowledge that they can To sign up to receive Travel
apply in their family and work Alberta Adventure Advisor
lives. newsletter with travel updates,
holiday tips and vacation deals
MaKenny notes that in in Alberta visit:
communication in general, how a http://www1.ranchcanadianrockies.
message is received relies 7% on com/adventure-advisor/
what is said, 38% on how it is
said, and 55% on the body For more information or Alberta
language of the person relaying Travel Planning visit:
the message. The last two http://www.TravelAlberta.com
elements are the most critical
with horses, too. Are you a media person who
requires more information?
Running May 1, 2 and 3, Horses Contact the Travel Alberta Media
and You is being facilitated by team at
Nancy Lowery, a recognized leader http://www1.travelalberta.com/en-
in instinctive leadership media/index.cfm?pageid=2067
About the Author:
Author, Susan Mate, writes articles on Travel and Destination for Travel Alberta Canada. For more information, please visit http://www.travelalberta.com
Published At: www.Isnare.com
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