TEAMBUILDING
Your Horse and You

Would you and your horse like to operate as a team?
Effective teamwork requires effective communication

Here are some samples of communication issues between you and your horse:
Does your farrier have a tired back when he is done with your horse?
Does your horse stop without rein pressure when you "quit riding"?
Does your horse come to be caught or do you have to go get him?
Does your horse stand quietly when you are admiring the view?
Will your horse load in a trailer without you leading him in?
Can you worm your horse without worming yourself?
Are you having problems with flying lead changes?
Does your horse move when you are getting on?
Does your horse get strong on a line of jumps?
Do you lead your horse - or does he lead you?
Does your horse lead and back up softly?
Does your horse pull back when tied?
Does your colt need a first ride?
Does your horse respect you?

WE CAN HELP!

Any one of these symptoms indicate you could use some help with your horse.
One on one coaching or will design custom clinics for your group at your site.

When we bought our first paint stallion he had an "attitude".  It wasn't a good attitude, and in fact, he was
becoming dangerous.  We successfully took him back out on the show circuit and introduced him to cattle work
and pleasure trail riding - not the arena stuff.  We can take visitors into his pen and we are hand breeding mares
using only a rope halter.  Ken is helping him to develop respect, NOT FEAR, for the human using only basic
groundwork skills.

The horse is a herd animal.  They have a keen understanding of leadership and respect. In any team, there is a
leader, if you are not the leader, then your horse will be.  We can help you understand what it means to be a
leader, not a dominator.

As you become the leader of your team, you will develop effective communication with your horse.  A "Horse
Whisperer"?  Nope - the horse is a sensitive creature - he doesn't need you to whisper to him.  The only part of
our body that is as sensitive as the skin of a horse is our fingertips.  Horses are so sensitive to body language,
your mere thoughts cause you to move in a way your horse can understand.  Don't believe me - come and see.  
Your job is to DO LESS each time until it looks like you are doing nothing.

Is your colt ready to start?  Do you have control of his hindquarters from the ground?  If not, then you are
taking your chances.  If you don't have control of his hindquarters, then you don't have control of his mind.  We
can help you to connect your reins to his feet through his mind

Ken or Kerri-Lee 780-449-0749 or e-mail horses@rafterdiamondk.com
Rafter Diamond K
Livestock
located south of Sherwood Park Alberta
which is near Edmonton Alberta
Ken & RDK Painted Cash doing a
demo at
Edmonton Klondike Days
And another demo for a 4-H group
2009 IN-HOUSE CLINIC SCHEDULE
(Driving directions at the bottom of the page)

March 8, 2009
Horsemanship from the Judge's Eye
LAVERN SCHMIDT
Professional coach, trainer and judge
Many of us have met Lavern on the reining or open show circuit.  He frequently gives valuable pointers after the classes.
If you would like to get to the front of the line, be at Rafter Diamond K Livestock the second Sunday in March.
Lavern will be working with us primarily on Western pleasure and equitation,
unless we have 3 or 4 english riders who can form one of the groups.
You may register more than one horse and ride in more than one group.
There will be 3 groups of 4 or 5 riders and each group will ride once in the morning and once in the afternoon.
Cost is $80.00, bring your own lunch
Your space(s) will be reserved based on receipt of your cheque.
Spectators $25.00


April 3 - 5, 2009
DAVE ELLIOTT
Master Bitmaker, Horseman and student of osteopathy
Dave has worked with Dr Deb Bennett, a world renowned paleontologist
from California, to understand the total anatomy of the horse and how a bit fits and works to assist us
to achieve true collection (not just headset) and unity with our horses.
He has also spent many, many hours assisting riders of pretty much any discipline with their horsemanship.  His lectures and
horsemanship assistance are in demand across North America.
Dave is also now a student of osteopathy with Janek Vluggen.  Dave is one of a few
selected non-veterinarians who have been approved to take this program.
These combined learnings allow him to see and work with the whole horse,
not just the mechanics of bits or riding.

Friday evening starts at 6:30 pm at Looma Hall, doors open 6:00 pm
Cost $25 plus GST
Attendance Friday is compulsory for anyone planning on participating on the weekend.
You may come for Friday only.

SATURDAY
Riders will be divided into two groups to spend time trying out Dave's large selection of bits.
Although Dave is a bitmaker, he is here primarily to educate, not sell bits.
This day is not structured, it is designed to allow you time to experiment and ask questions.
Spectators are encouraged to get in with the riders too to see what is happening.
Be courteous and "play safe"!!!
First group should be in the arena by 9:00 am.  Second group will start after lunch.

Saturday evening we are hoping Dave will be able to demonstrate how Osteopathy
can help your horse.

SUNDAY
Riders will again be divided into two groups and Dave will spend some time helping us with our horsemanship.  How the groups are
divided will depend on the needs of the group.

Rider cost $300 plus GST for the entire weekend
To reserve your spot, please send a non-refundable deposit of $75 and your contact information to:
Rafter Diamond K Livestock
Box 11, Site 475, RR #4
Sherwood Park, AB  T8A 3K4

Spectators - $25 day rate, $65 for the entire weekend, plus GST
Please reserve your spot by sending us an e-mail so we know how many
to prepare for.  Bringing your own chairs is recommended.

You can haul in daily or leave your horses here for the weekend.
We have some outdoor stalls, outdoor pens and portable panels.
Hay or cubes and water are provided.
Water is available, but please bring your own water buckets.
Cost for overnight board is $10 per night

PLEASE DRESS APPROPRIATELY FOR THE WEATHER
OUR ARENA IS NOT HEATED!

_______________________________________________________

HORSEMANSHIP with KEN SCHMULAND
WEEKEND CLINIC DATES for 2009
June 26 - 28, 2009
Possibly August long weekend
(let us know if you are interested)
October 23 - 25, 2009

Clinics are held at our location
50542 Rge Road 225, County of Leduc
Max 12 riders preferred, 1/2 will be working with horses at a time.
$200 for the weekend for riders.  $25 per day for spectators (Friday is free).
$5 off spectator fee for 4-H with member card.
$10 per night for horse board unless you tie to your trailer.
Please add GST

Start time is Friday evening at 6:30 pm without horses for an orientation/expectations session.  Spectators are encouraged to attend
this session also.  Saturday and Sunday will start at 9 am and finish about 4:30 pm or so.  Each group will ride three times on one day
and two times on the other day.  Sessions are about 1.5 hours.

To reserve your spot, please send your contact information, a brief description of your riding experience, and a non-refundable deposit
cheque in the amount of $50 to the address on our Home page.  Your deposit will be refunded only if we change/cancel the clinic.
You will be required to sign waivers upon your arrival.

Coffee, tea, juice, hot chocolate, water, morning/afternoon snacks and lunch will be provided Saturday and Sunday.
Let us know if you have any food restrictions or allergies.
Evening meals and accommodations are your responsibility.
RV parking will be available if the weather has been good.
Plug ins not guaranteed, we will do our best to run extension cords.

Although we have a covered riding space, if the weather is poor, you will need rubber boots to get around if you don't want to wreck
your riding footwear.  Please bring a chair and appropriate clothing as the arena is not heated and has no doors.

There is a small Bed & Breakfast around the corner from us on Township road 510
Website is www.chipmunkrv.com - it is in french, but they speak english as well.  Their e-mail is info@chipmunkrv.com

Edmonton, Sherwood Park, Nisku and Leduc are all within easy commuting distance


DIRECTIONS:

From Edmonton: Pick your favourite way to Hwy 21.  Go south to township road 510.  Turn left and go east 2 miles to range
road 225.  Turn right and go south 1/2 mile to 50542 Range Road 225. You will see our sign, horses etc.  Turn right and park
as appropriate.

From Devon/Leduc/Nisku/Beaumont:  Go east on Hwy 60/Secondary 626 and across Hwy 21 to Range Road 225.  Turn left
and go north 1.5 miles to 50542 range road 225.  You will see the horses, etc.  Turn left and park as appropriate.
AT HOME CLINIC SCHEDULE
BELOW including Dave Elliott clinic,
April 2009
Working with an ear-shy horse
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