Presenting "The Ride" 2009

Presently there are two special groups forming in the state of Arkansas. These riders participate in an ongoing, intense study of horsemanship we are calling "The Ride". The groups meet formally once (or twice) each month for 4 hours and practice between sessions. "The Ride" is for those with high expectations of themselves, and their horses. Great expectations can only be realized through a serious committment and willingness to perform the work required.

In Mule's words, "I want to assemble groups of people that are serious about taking their horsemanship to the next level. I want people that have a mentality of "I don't care how long this takes. I am staying hooked til I get where I want to be." I intend to take these people to the point where they are going to be some of the best horsemen and women around. They are going to get the answers to questions they may have never known to ask. The riders in these groups will be part of an elite group of horsemen that are studying a horse from the inside out (literally)."

One group is currently located in the NW, and one in the Central Arkansas. There are still openings in the NWA group. If you would like to join "The Ride" in NWA, or start one in your area, just drop us a line at horsemanship@mulespeakshorse.com

Remarks on Equine Extravaganza from Tess Logic

The Equine Extravaganza in VA last weekend was so successful! We were surprised at the great attendance. We expected a good turnout with lower gas prices in the area but we had a steady stream of attendees all three days and had the best Sunday in the history of the event! YAY!

Brock Griffith of NC won the trainer challenge! YAY Brock! He drew a nice roan colt ... funny to call a 17H sport horse a colt! All of these horses from VA Sport Horses seemed to have a LOT more life in them than the ones in the NC challenge. Brock made consistant steady progress with his colt ... he bucked the saddle on day one and was still rounded in the back on day two. Some saw the "want to" in the horse on day three, but he never bucked and Brock finished the obstacle course with time to spare and threw in some extras at the end.

Scott Purdum's horse was full of bucks! Scott really had a challenge and thou he did not win the competition he proved his ability to the crowd beyond the shadow of a doubt and endeared himself to all there. After an extremely frustrating start, in which his horse ... aptly named "Arrive Alive" was very weary of seeing him out of both eyes. On one side or the other, this cute bay colt was a happy camper. But when Scott positioned himself where he could be seen on either side ... the bucking began! It took more time for this colt to come around but on day three - Scott executed a beautiful ride and was so pleased with the horse's trust and acceptance during the obstacle course he became emotional!

Charles Pelham drew a spotted colt that liked to kick! Sort of disrespectful and pushy from the get go - Charles got his colt rode but he never seemed to like it much. Charles, is a great guy and very funny and knowledgeable.

Mule Thornbrugh looked to be in the lead after day one. On day two his colt bucked like a rank bronc and put Mule on the ground. Undeterred, Mule climbed back on rode through a good minute or more of bucking and we thought his colt was over it. Day three came and Mule was looking a good. Time for the obstacle course and be it the freedom of having the whole arena, or the crowds near the gate ... or has Mule put it "the good Lord saving him a whole lot of healing". His horse bucked and bawled and was not going to be ridden in the short 10 minutes Mule had to complete the course. In the end, he walked him thru graciously and showed the crowd he was a class act! Mule was great - all that bucking brought the folks back on Sunday. It's like Nascar - everybody likes a wreck!

Tess Logic, Owner and Editor of Horse South Magazine
http://horsesouth.blogspot.com/

Equestrianmag Article

Patti Comments About Camp

"Mule's Women's Horsemanship Immersion Camp was not only a valuable learning experience but a whole lot of fun! I would encourage my friends to come and tell them that they would discover new things about their horses and themselves. Mule gives each rider devoted attention to their needs. I would swear that Mule has eyes in the back of his head – he’s doesn’t miss anything going on around him. A camp like Mule’s is a great opportunity to find holes in your horse that you never knew existed. You will leave with a much braver and confident horse and rider. The delicious meals on the deck were a great time to debrief and “breathe”. I came to the camp not knowing what to expect and left with a huge grin on my face. I brought with me a problematic horse that I fell in love with, who tested me in ways that I’ve not encountered with any other horse. The final day of the camp ended with my horse and me traveling thru the trail obstacle course without a hitch. If I had been wearing a shirt with buttons, someone could have been injured with the way I swelled with pride for my horse TeeJay and me. Mule has a knack for helping you find answers and your inner strengths without causing you to feel insecure or vulnerable." Patti Watson

In the photo above Patti and TeeJay were supposed to be sorting a calf from the herd, but I suspected they were pretending to chase buffalo! Patti and TeeJay were magfnicent to watch together. ~ LH

Trainer's Challenge in Richmond, Virginia

After winning the Arkansas State Trainer’s Challenge in Benton, Arkansas this September, I was invited to the East Coast Championship in Richmond, Virgina. The Richmond Motor Speedway was an enormous venue for the 2008 Virginia Equine Extravaganza. The exhibitors were scattered over 10 acres and four buildings for many thousands of visitors to filter through.

I finished second of four in the challenge to a great guy and pretty handy horseman, Brock Griffith from North Carolina. If I had to place second, I would have wanted him to finish first. I had a real good time, met some great people and was in the company of some great horsemen. Spending a few moments of private conversation with John Lyons is a good way to start a trainer’s challenge! I was honored to be invited and I felt I conducted myself honorably with my horse while I was there. Good time weekend!



Photos used with permission by Brock Griffith

Ranch Roping Clinic to be held in Berryville, AR

We are all looking forward to traveling to Flake Arena in Berryville, Arkansas this weekend for a ranch roping clinic on Saturday and doing some actual cattle work on Sunday. The Flake family run cattle on about 300 acres of beautiful pasture and have hosted numerous horsemanship clinics and trail rides for us in the past. They are superb hosts and everyone always has a great time.

In this photo a group of riders cross a creek on the Flake property during a trail ride held this past spring.

Mule to Compete in Richmond, Virginia

On Septmeber 21 in Benton, AR a trainers challenge was held at the Arkansas Horse Fest. "Mule" Thornbrugh of the Double Diamond T Ranch in Winslow, AR succeeded in winning the event.

The challenge, patterned aft RFD's Road to the Horse, paired three horse trainers with three untouched horses. The trainers were given three one hour segments in which to work with their horse over the course of three days. Each segment was monitored by judges and the crowd, and scored according to how well each trainer progressed with their horse using only natural horsemanship techniques.


The trainers were Mule Thornbrugh of Winslow, Charles Pelham of Etlan, VA and Moses Woodson of TN. Each trainer is an established clinician with his own brand of horsemanship.

Mule will now go on to the Equine Extravaganza National Finals in Richmond, VA October 31 through November 2 to challenge the winners of the trainer challenges recently held in North Carolina and Illinois and to see who will join East Coast Trainer Challenge Hall of Famers Tommy Garland and Ed Dabney.


www.equineextravaganza.com/trainer_challenge.htm

Krisi Comments About Camp

I attended the first fall Women's Horsemanship Immersion Camp this year. It was a very eye opening experience for me and my horse(s). If you want to learn more about yourself and your horse and become a better rider and horse partner, it would be well worth the time and money. With this being basically a one-on-one clinic you truly get what you and your horse need. You’re not at a clinic where you are lost among many and you hope to pick up a couple of things.

Mule reads the rider and the horse pretty accurately and then provides tools to take home for your specific needs. I had basically bought a car without an owner’s manual and Mule showed me how to use all of the “buttons”. I still have a ways to go but I now have “right – left” to keep me on track with Tracker!
THANKS!
Krisi Barker

In the photo above, Krisi and her horse perform an excercise bridleless at a walk, trot and canter while other participants look on.

Final Women's Horsemanship Immersion Camp for 2008

The final camp for this year will be held November 6 - 9. This will be the third camp held in 2008 at the Double Diamond T Ranch. The previous two camps were tremendously successful, it has been a joy to observe the women (and their horses) grow, discover and achieve what they had never imagined. I loved seeing how thrilled Terri was driving calves through a 'gate' in the middle of the large arena. Maggie who cried a few times over her horse loading in the trailer while she sat in the cab of the truck... Krisi tossing her horses bridle off in the roundpen and riding in complete trust of her horse at a lope with no reins, and Phyllis who was utterly elated upon completing the trail challenge independently through the forest with her horse (in the pouring rain, no less), and Jamie who inspired the award "Most Buckaroo at Heart". Those are but a few of many, many touching and inspiring moments which have occurred during our first two camps this year.

We were a little nervous upon discovering there were no cabins available at Devil's Den for this last camp and wondered how to handle this important detail. A small miracle occurred when we discovered Sunflower Lodge has a beautiful Bed and Breakfast cabin ONLY 3 MILES FROM THE RANCH! What a find! The cabin features a whirlpool and fireplace, lovely gardens and splendid views. The cabin accomodates 4, which will cost participants only 30.00 per night when divided. Lovely!

A special event will be held on the last day of this camp, as women who have attended previous camps will be joining us on Sunday for the chance to participate in the 2008 Women's Extreme Horsemanship Skills Assessment at the ranch. The challenge will focus on using skills acquired during camp and will be a great opportunity for fun and accomplishment. There will be awards, chilli and a camp fire. We're looking forward to seeing you there!

~Laurie

The photo above features camp participant Alice Singleton and her young Paint working that curly haired calf in the cattle work session of the first fall camp.

Lessons at Stone Chapel Farm & Arena

Last Thursday Mule talked about being 'definite' with your requests of your horse, definite with your cues, keeping in mind we cue with our voice, hands, seat, weight, etc. If you are asking to lope a circle, know in your mind how wide a circle, at what speed you want your horse to lope, how many times you plan to circle, etc. Don't just go out there with vague inclinations and see what happens and what kind of circle you get and at what speed. Mule's point was, "You can't expect to refine if you don't define". I loved this.

He also talked about where your gaze falls while you are working your horse. I've heard many times to 'look where you plan to go and your horse will follow' but he made the illustration of how you might be kind of looking at the ground (yes, in the direction you plan to go but...) only a few feet away from where you are cantering, or trotting, and then you wonder why your horse only canters a few steps and then breaks his gait to slow or even trot, then you have to ask again for the canter. He compared it to someone getting in the car and stepping on the gas and going a mile and then stopping to say "now where?" Going another a mile and then stopping to say "now where?" I found it to be a great illustration.

Another point he made was when you are looking at the ground that you will cock your head, simply by the power of physics. It may even only be slight. But as a result, you will raise your shoulder, as a result, one side of your seat will be heavier than the other, as a result, you are putting pressure on one side of your horse giving him a new signal, as a result, you are off balance and not square in your saddle and your leg pressure becomes off, as a result you start standing in at least one stirrup. In the end, your horse is not doing what you set out to do, he is doing what your body is asking but what he is doing is far from what you intended to cue, and you can't figure out why your horse won't listen, but what you have done is to absolutely cue your horse to do exactly what he is doing. Either that, or you have begun to teach your horse that your cues mean nothing because they mean everything and they never mean the same thing.

That last sentence I put in from my own observations. It's cool beans.

~ Laurie

Weekly lessons are held at Stone Chapel Farm & Arena
Thursday @ 7pm
Lessons are $50.00 per night
Visit http://www.doublediamondt.com/ for details, check the schedule page!

2008 Spring Women's Horsemanship Immersion Camp

The first Women's Horsemanship Immersion Camp concluded yesterday afternoon. All participants had a wonderful time, faced many challenges and left feeling a new level of confidence and success. Participants worked cattle, rode bridle-less at a walk/trot/canter, achieved getting their horses 'hooked on' from the ground, and competed in an obstacle race through a trail deep into the forest. We are already looking forward to the next camp coming this fall! Congratulations to all our ladies who participated for a job well done - your successes were truly inspiring!

UA Horse Festival

Sadly, due to the enormous amount of rain dumped on NWA over the festival weekend, Mule was unable to hold his scheduled clinic. All outdoor activities were forced to be canceled. However, we thoroughly enjoyed watching a couple of 'our girls' perform in the cutting clinic held Friday evening at the festival. Congratulations on a great job Jamie!

Spring Schedule

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Spring is here - Let's Ride! Below are upcoming Horsemanship opportunities for you and your horse in April and May.

Register early to ensure your spot!

Click on the titles for flyers:

APRIL 19
Advancing Horsemanship Clinic
Stone Chapel Farm & Arena, Fayetteville, AR
$100.00 per horse/rider limited to 10. Auditors welcome $25.00.

APRIL 22, 29 MAY 6,13,20,27

Horsemanship Series I
Stone Chapel Farm, Fayetteville, AR
6 week series on Tuesday evenings. Meets 7pm weekly $300.00, limited to 6. This is a 3 part series meeting weekly in Fayetteville, a wonderful chance to take your horsemanship to unlimited levels.

MAY 2-4

Rockin Z Ranch, Alpena, AR Horsemanship Clinic with afternoon trail rides. Gorgeous 900 acre ranch! $200.00 per horse/rider, includes 3 chuckwagon meals and 2 breakfasts, snacks and drinks. See http://www.rockinzranch.com/

MAY 29 - JUNE 1

Women's Horsemanship Immersion Camp Cabin at Devil's Den Reserved for bunk house lodging, 7 miles from the ranch (cabin fees fees separate). You won't want to miss this great opportunity for a one of a kind experience for you and your horse.
Double Diamond T Ranch, Winslow, AR
Limit 12, 500.00 per horse/rider

View more events on our schedule page at http://www.doublediamondt.com/

Horse Festival Schedule

Mule will be conducting a one hour clinic at the UA Horse Festival at 3:15 in the outdoor arena, Saturday, March 29. The topic will be "Philosophies of Colt Starting". Be sure and stop by and say hello!

4-H Meeting at the Mulberry Fairgrounds

Just wanted to thank you again for coming to work with my 4-H group today. You have a BIG fan in Tom. I wish our other few families could make it, maybe next time. Jerri (tie dye) said she was going to try what she learned on her horse tomorrow. They (my girls & the 2 w/them) worked on what you showed them. They had a good grasp on it by the time we saddled up.

I hope we can get you to come back soon, everyone liked your teaching style. I'm sure you will see a bunch of my group at the Horse Festival.

Thanks again,
Love ya man
Tina

Many Thanks!!!

Mule,

I can't thank you enough for the outstanding job you did with my mare, Brandy. She went from being an intimidating brat to an outstanding partner. She is solid on trails, moves like a dream, and has a much nicer and willing disposition! All because of you!!!! I look forward to progressing more in my horsemanship this year, and developing an even closer relationship with Brandy. You are gifted in both your training and teaching.

Sincerely,

Jamie

Invitation from Mule

Hello Friends,

Now that we have a venue to "talk" back and forth, I encourage you to comment or ask questions that I may be able to help you with.

To get this dialogue started, why don't you tell me what it is you'd like to discuss.... We could have a weekly topic of your choosing. Any suggestions??

Any horse related topic is acceptable with the exception of gossip....

I look forward to hearing from you!

Your Friend,

Mule Thornbrugh

Horse Festival 2008

Spring is almost here and we'll be kicking off our 2008 schedule by attending the University of Arkansas' 9th Annual Horse Festival. The Double Diamond T will have a booth with saddles, tack and custom made leather working gear available, schedules and fliers for this year's events. We'll be giving away a few $50.00 gift certificates so stop by and enter your name to be included in the drawing.

Mule will also be doing a colt starting demonstration in the outdoor arena under the topic "Philosophies of Colt Starting". Be sure and stop by! We'll post the time as soon as we get the schedule.

You can read more about the festival at http://www.horsefestival.org/