I believe this has been the most significant, thought provoking,
thought CHANGING, clinic or instruction I've ever been involved in
during my entire horsemanship journey beginning in the mid- to
late-90's. I have been fortunate since then to have been in many,
many clinics, and audited even more. Brent's soft, humble way of
reaching in and touching the hearts and souls of both horse and human
made an impact for me that just frankly, made all other experiences
pale in comparison.
It honestly was almost as dramatic as the eye-opening awareness that I felt when I was first exposed to the concepts of natural horsemanship when I was still standing on the 'traditional horsemanship' side and felt that surge of hope and awe and sense of knowing that I was turning a corner into a whole new way with my horses and my thoughts about them. To give a short rational one word answer, the clinic was phenomenal. ~ Tami
It honestly was almost as dramatic as the eye-opening awareness that I felt when I was first exposed to the concepts of natural horsemanship when I was still standing on the 'traditional horsemanship' side and felt that surge of hope and awe and sense of knowing that I was turning a corner into a whole new way with my horses and my thoughts about them. To give a short rational one word answer, the clinic was phenomenal. ~ Tami
The time and nurturing and mentoring that were given to both Nikko
and I was truly a gift. I still have moments while working with Nikko
that overwhelms me as to the gift Brent gave us. I remember having a
conversation in Brent's barn while picking stalls that he feels he
puts his heart and soul into these horses that he works with. Well
every day I work with my horse I see Brent's heart and soul pouring
out of my horse, and I know and realize the gift and opportunity that
has been given to us from him. Because Brent was such an incredible
teacher for us both, I strive every day to not let him down which
Brent knows in turn will not let Nikko down. ~ Nancy
I do predict that Brent will become one of the country's most
respected natural horsemanship clinicians. He's got a contagious
passion and love for horses, and an AMAZING talent to read both
people and horses (he even blew my VERY skeptical friend out of the
water with the things he taught her about herself and her horse). ~
Kristi
Oh my gosh! I learned so much in those three days, and my
relationship with my horses went from good to fantastic since his
clinic. I had an experience that changed my horsemanship journey
forever. It is very difficult to put into words. It is just a whole
package of learning, feeling, emotions, amazing moments of
realization, energy, etc, etc. Brent and his wife, Kris, are
absolutely two of the most generous people you will ever meet. I know
my life has been truly enriched by knowing and learning from them.
Brent has been touched by some of the most phenomenal horsemen, and
being around him gave me the feeling that I was able to start to
reach into the depths of those masters and their amazing knowledge
and gifts with horses. Brent and Kris are a whole package, not only
are they phenomenal horse people, they are talented and dedicated
teachers who have a passion they want to share. There are few times
in our lives when we encounter people who touch you so deeply. Brent
and Kris did that for me in Iowa. ~ Lauren
I can't tell you in words what the Brent Graef clinic did for me as a
person and as a horseperson. In Brent and his training methods, I saw
"lightness" that I've never seen before. His method of teaching the
horses the basic communication movements was phenomenal, and I might
add, EASY and GRACEFUL for the horse.
The most impactful thing I took away from the clinic was the duty on our part to ask for lightness and quality right from the beginning. I was absolutely blown away by the somewhat "different" way of getting to the same "goal" of lightness and harmony with our horses. If ever you have a chance to attend or audit a Brent Graef clinic, I would highly suggest doing so. It will open up your mind to a whole new way of looking at these concepts. I honestly didn't think there could be a "better" way than what I'd learned before. But what I saw at this clinic was the same concepts combined with more "lightness" and "feel" from the beginning. And more responsibility on our part to be more "aware" of our horse and their way of going and getting more quality in communication and movement. I can't NOT somehow incorporate it into my journey. It was just too amazing to discard.... ~ Betty
The most impactful thing I took away from the clinic was the duty on our part to ask for lightness and quality right from the beginning. I was absolutely blown away by the somewhat "different" way of getting to the same "goal" of lightness and harmony with our horses. If ever you have a chance to attend or audit a Brent Graef clinic, I would highly suggest doing so. It will open up your mind to a whole new way of looking at these concepts. I honestly didn't think there could be a "better" way than what I'd learned before. But what I saw at this clinic was the same concepts combined with more "lightness" and "feel" from the beginning. And more responsibility on our part to be more "aware" of our horse and their way of going and getting more quality in communication and movement. I can't NOT somehow incorporate it into my journey. It was just too amazing to discard.... ~ Betty
I grew up in California not far from Tom Dorrance. I was lucky enough
to have spent a fair amount of time around him and the horses. I've
been a life-long student of the horse.
Enter Brent Graef. Several friends encouraged me to watch a Brent Graef clinic. These friends are as discriminating as I am when it comes to horsemanship. I had the opportunity to watch Brent in action this past summer and was thrilled with what I saw. I saw a remarkable man with extraordinary insight. His coaching style left both horse and rider with a sense of calm and confidence.
It's common knowledge that some of today's well-respected clinicians are known more for their communication skills with horses than their communication skills with humans. Brent uses as much feel with the horses as he does their human counterpart. His tender, affirming style of coaching students through their fears is refreshing.
There were some horses at that clinic who most definitely needed the help of an experienced person. It was a treat to see the way Brent was able to help those horses. Too many clinicians today keep the horse out of trouble by getting it mentally shut down or going too hard and too fast to push the horse through his troubles. Not Brent. He does it in a way that the horse finds refuge in his feel, and peace in his company. I've seen very few others use that degree of sensitivity and tact. Brent's approach is reminiscent of Tom Dorrance. I was amazed to hear Brent never met Tom. I know other clinicians who spent a substantial amount of time with Tom and, sadly, still missed the message.
After watching that clinic, I asked Brent if I could have some private one-on-one time at his home in Texas. I spent a handful of intense days with Brent this past fall. It reminded me of the precious days spent with Tom.
I haven't been able to exactly figure out what it is that gives men like Tom and Brent that mystical quality known as "IT". Maybe growing up on a small isolated ranch with more horses than humans has caused them to get closer to Mother Nature. Maybe because they were shy kids who kept to themselves and found refuge with the animals. Maybe it's just something in their blood. Most definitely that feeling of serenity, calm, coupled with pure joy and zest for life comes from "all that good clean living!" as Brent would say.
I worry about this new revolution in horsemanship as many self-promoting, gimmick selling clinicians lead students like the pied piper down a path that is a disappointing representation of what Tom tried to share. (Tom used to refer to them as "surface workers".) The "one size fits all"/ "study kit" / RFDTV style of horsemanship is cause for concern about where the future of horsemanship is headed. With all the dollars behind these mega-marketing masters of manipulation, it's not always easy for people to be "Wowed" by the simplicity of a happy, soft, willing horse. The lesser-educated horse world still wants to see a 3-ringed circus. Very sad.
You can't imagine how relieved I was to find Brent Graef. He has learned to trust his instincts. He is working to see through the horse's eyes. He knows it's not only about getting along with the horse, it's about all of us getting along with each other & getting rid of the baggage. He has extraordinary insight that comes from the heart and soul. I'm excited to see him continue to learn & grow. I'm a better person for having spent time with him.
~ Terry
Enter Brent Graef. Several friends encouraged me to watch a Brent Graef clinic. These friends are as discriminating as I am when it comes to horsemanship. I had the opportunity to watch Brent in action this past summer and was thrilled with what I saw. I saw a remarkable man with extraordinary insight. His coaching style left both horse and rider with a sense of calm and confidence.
It's common knowledge that some of today's well-respected clinicians are known more for their communication skills with horses than their communication skills with humans. Brent uses as much feel with the horses as he does their human counterpart. His tender, affirming style of coaching students through their fears is refreshing.
There were some horses at that clinic who most definitely needed the help of an experienced person. It was a treat to see the way Brent was able to help those horses. Too many clinicians today keep the horse out of trouble by getting it mentally shut down or going too hard and too fast to push the horse through his troubles. Not Brent. He does it in a way that the horse finds refuge in his feel, and peace in his company. I've seen very few others use that degree of sensitivity and tact. Brent's approach is reminiscent of Tom Dorrance. I was amazed to hear Brent never met Tom. I know other clinicians who spent a substantial amount of time with Tom and, sadly, still missed the message.
After watching that clinic, I asked Brent if I could have some private one-on-one time at his home in Texas. I spent a handful of intense days with Brent this past fall. It reminded me of the precious days spent with Tom.
I haven't been able to exactly figure out what it is that gives men like Tom and Brent that mystical quality known as "IT". Maybe growing up on a small isolated ranch with more horses than humans has caused them to get closer to Mother Nature. Maybe because they were shy kids who kept to themselves and found refuge with the animals. Maybe it's just something in their blood. Most definitely that feeling of serenity, calm, coupled with pure joy and zest for life comes from "all that good clean living!" as Brent would say.
I worry about this new revolution in horsemanship as many self-promoting, gimmick selling clinicians lead students like the pied piper down a path that is a disappointing representation of what Tom tried to share. (Tom used to refer to them as "surface workers".) The "one size fits all"/ "study kit" / RFDTV style of horsemanship is cause for concern about where the future of horsemanship is headed. With all the dollars behind these mega-marketing masters of manipulation, it's not always easy for people to be "Wowed" by the simplicity of a happy, soft, willing horse. The lesser-educated horse world still wants to see a 3-ringed circus. Very sad.
You can't imagine how relieved I was to find Brent Graef. He has learned to trust his instincts. He is working to see through the horse's eyes. He knows it's not only about getting along with the horse, it's about all of us getting along with each other & getting rid of the baggage. He has extraordinary insight that comes from the heart and soul. I'm excited to see him continue to learn & grow. I'm a better person for having spent time with him.
~ Terry
It's taken me quite a while to sit down & write this for several
reasons--the biggest being it's SO difficult to put into words what
happens at the Young Horse Handling (YHH) clinic. The stuff that you
see--the stuff that happens on the outside, is the easy part. But what
changes on the inside of both horse & human is so special &
intimate that it feels almost sacred.
My teacher for the week was a lovely buckskin filly that I named Feather. She was already as light as one, and I wanted a constant reminder to not lose that lightness. She was full of curiosity and had the most beautiful soft dark eyes.
On the outside, I learned what it means to really get in time with a horse's feet--and how vitally important that is to the horse. It makes communication so much easier and they really appreciate it. I learned what it means to blend with my horse--to really cause my idea to become their idea, but understand their idea FIRST. Maybe that phrase needs to be reordered to say that once you understand your horse's idea, then you can cause your idea to become his. I understood better how to use an obstacle as nothing more than a tool to improve my relationship with my filly rather than something to "do". (not that I didn't still get greedy at times, however, and ask too much too soon.)I also have a new understanding of lightness. Those pure untouched fillies were SOOOOOOOO light! And I could be SO light--even just using a thought-- and get the response I requested. I learned so much about energy, intent and FEEL!
On the inside, the changes are immense and truly indescribable. I feel like I am looking at the world thru different eyes now---and with a different heart. When Brent roped her feet he "narrated" by saying he was asking Feather to give him her whole life—and then he'd give it back. That was about the point where I realized that Feather needed me to give her my whole heart, and she would give it back. That was a real turning point for me where I realized she needed me to DO less and BE more.
I will never forget this experience as it has changed me forever. Thank you SOOOOOOO much to Brent and Kris who provide this amazing opportunity. They are so warm and generous with their time and their hearts. They are excellent teachers who model their horsemanship in every aspect of their life.
Thanks to Russ & Lynda for the use of their great ranch and for the delicious goodies Lynda kept baking as well as the photos of our class. And to my classmates-- Y'all were a hoot! I don't think I've laughed that hard for that many days in a row in a long time. I look forward to seeing you again sometime and I hope it's sooner rather than later.
~Kathy
My teacher for the week was a lovely buckskin filly that I named Feather. She was already as light as one, and I wanted a constant reminder to not lose that lightness. She was full of curiosity and had the most beautiful soft dark eyes.
On the outside, I learned what it means to really get in time with a horse's feet--and how vitally important that is to the horse. It makes communication so much easier and they really appreciate it. I learned what it means to blend with my horse--to really cause my idea to become their idea, but understand their idea FIRST. Maybe that phrase needs to be reordered to say that once you understand your horse's idea, then you can cause your idea to become his. I understood better how to use an obstacle as nothing more than a tool to improve my relationship with my filly rather than something to "do". (not that I didn't still get greedy at times, however, and ask too much too soon.)I also have a new understanding of lightness. Those pure untouched fillies were SOOOOOOOO light! And I could be SO light--even just using a thought-- and get the response I requested. I learned so much about energy, intent and FEEL!
On the inside, the changes are immense and truly indescribable. I feel like I am looking at the world thru different eyes now---and with a different heart. When Brent roped her feet he "narrated" by saying he was asking Feather to give him her whole life—and then he'd give it back. That was about the point where I realized that Feather needed me to give her my whole heart, and she would give it back. That was a real turning point for me where I realized she needed me to DO less and BE more.
I will never forget this experience as it has changed me forever. Thank you SOOOOOOO much to Brent and Kris who provide this amazing opportunity. They are so warm and generous with their time and their hearts. They are excellent teachers who model their horsemanship in every aspect of their life.
Thanks to Russ & Lynda for the use of their great ranch and for the delicious goodies Lynda kept baking as well as the photos of our class. And to my classmates-- Y'all were a hoot! I don't think I've laughed that hard for that many days in a row in a long time. I look forward to seeing you again sometime and I hope it's sooner rather than later.
~Kathy