| Clinician Gord Searle Draws Enthusiastic Crowd at 4-H and NAERIC Youth Extravaganza! | | 11/10/2011 | | | (Brandon, MB – October 26, 2011) – More than 300 youth and leaders pre-registered to attend the 2011 Youth Extravaganza co-hosted by the Manitoba 4-H Program and the North American Equine Ranching Information Council (NAERIC). The Youth Extravaganza was held Friday, October 21st, during the Wheat City Stampede – a weekend full of equine activities and attractions, at the Westoba Agricultural Centre of Excellence Arena in Brandon, Manitoba.
Youth and youth group leaders in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and North Western Ontario were extended an invitation to attend this complimentary demonstration, presented by clinician Gord Searle of Strathmore, Alberta. Searle has been working with horses for close to thirty years. Several years ago, when unable to solve a horse`s behavioural issues, he began to explore the concepts of Natural Horsemanship. What he discovered was a better way to train for both horse and human. He said, "When working with horses, you have to have an open mind. Although there are similarities in the various approaches to Natural Horsemanship, there are many differences too. My approach combines the best of several theories with the benefits of long-term experience. Like people, horses are individuals, and I teach that what works for one will not work for all."
Searle said, "A Horse Trainer combines the best qualities of a man and a woman. What I mean by this is simple - in dealing with their horses. Women tend to mother, while men can be overly controlling. A good horse trainer requires the compassion and patience of a woman and the persistence of a man in order to get the job done. We have to learn to ask more of our horses, while understanding how to help them get there. There are times when you meet with resistance from a horse and you need to push through this. Other times fear is the motivator for negative behaviour and you have to back off and reassure."
"Horses are highly complex creatures. They are so sensitive that they can move a single spot on their body to dislodge a fly. Yet people frequently complain their horse lacks the capability to learn and improve. If we do not take the time to discover how a horse learns, we will never achieve the relationship we desire. We want our horses to bond with us, not fear us. To succeed, we need to open up a two-way communication between human and animal. There is so much more that you can achieve with your horse than to sit on their back and ride," said Searle.
Searle started the demonstration of his training techniques with Goliath, his black seven-year-old Tennessee Walking Horse. He then demonstrated colt handling techniques using two registered Quarter Horse weanlings supplied by Dean and Debbie Fenty of D5 Performance Horses of Miniota, Manitoba. The two weanlings were consigned to the Barrels of Cash Sale held immediately following the Youth Extravaganza. The palomino weanling stallion, DF Otto Dash was purchased by Brady and Teresa Fawns of Garland, Manitoba and the gray weanling filly, DF Take N Cash N Six was purchased by Chas Lambert of Ponoka, Alberta, during the Sale.
"I was pleased with the turnout at this year`s Youth Extravaganza, "said Searle. "The crowd was very attentive and I was gratified to see that that most of them stayed right to the end. I hope each of them will have a chance to experience the exquisite feeling when you make a training breakthrough, the elation you feel when you see the recognition in your horse`s eyes that it knows what you want. It`s a feeling of pride, love and accomplishment comparable only to the joys of being a parent."
Searle travels across Canada, hosting demonstrations, clinics and one-on-one training sessions on everything from calming aggressive behaviours to effective trailer-loading techniques. When time allows, he donates hours to local pony and 4-H clubs. Searle said," I strongly believe that if we do not spend quality time educating the younger generation, the future of the horse will suffer." For more information and a schedule of events being offered, visit: www.gordsearle.com.
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