Light Hands Horsemanship IV expanded to 4 days and was a huge success. A record number of guests attended arriving from 14 states and Australia, France, Poland, Hungary, Brazil, Argentina and Canada. Even Hawaii joined us this year. Tom Spalding of Spalding-Labs and Fly Predators is the events sponsor. He is the motor...behind LHH. The sun was out and the wind blew but spirits were high and the magic of the entire event built each day. Clinicians Dr. Robert Miller, Jon Ensign, Road to the Horse winner Richard Winters, Lester Buckley, World Equestrian Games 2006 and 2010 participant Eitan Beth-Halachmy, Jack Brainard ( recent inductee into the NRHA Hall of Fame) and world renowned horseman Monty Roberts headlined the all star line up of talented teachers and presenters. Rick Lamb of the Horse Show on RFD-TV has been the official MC each year and this year he gave two lectures on The 7 Key Qualities of a Good Horseman and Great Horsemen of the Past. Author Petrine Mitchum (Movie Star Robert Mitchum's daughter) joined LHH for her second year with a presentation of her fabulous documentary "The Hollywood Horses." Cowgirl Hall of Fame inductee and famed horsewoman Sheila Varian and well known author and traditional Vaquero Ernie Morris joined the group with stories and tall tales from the Campfire. The Campfire is guaranteed to leave you in tears of laughter... hilarious! There were celebrity sightings and laughter and wisdom shared by all.

The event was hosted by Art Perry a long time breeder of Morgan Horses at it's permanent location Intrepid Farms in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley. A Santa Maria style bar b q lunch and dinner was supplied each day by the popular Los Olivos Market. No one went hungry and the food was delicious. Musician and singer Ron Miller of Santa Maria kept us entertained with his wonderful voice and humor. A select group of vendors returned to LHH and brought their high quality merchandise. From saddle makers, jewelers and artists the best were there.

Once again the talent and teaching at LHH was over the top and extremely informative. The clinicians have become increasingly united and in touch with each other and their audience. The theme of LHH is that each person is a guest, not an auditor. People are treated as guests would be at a luxury resort. The atmosphere is open and relaxed. The clinicians are dedicated to their guests and easily accessible for questions and conversations. These horsemen are more than just superior talent and strong presenters, they are great educators and truly gifted in the art of teaching. Intrepid Farms is one of Santa Ynez's most beautiful estates. You really do feel as if you are at a horse resort.

The event was opened with appetizers and music after a day of private museum tours. Rick Lamb gave a very enlightening presentation on What Makes a Good Horseman. The next day the clinics began with a presentation by Dr. Robert Miller. From there each clinician took you through a progression of training steps from the first ride to the 90 day horse, the use of Dressage to build a solid foundation in any discipline to the schooling and training techniques of the advanced horse. Jack Brainard with help from Jewels Adams gave an excellent presentation on foot falls and cadence. Jewels Adams also rode two tests from the new and increasingly popular American Cowboy Dressage Association. She then treated everyone with a wonderful freestyle to music. For information on the ACDA visit www.cowboydressage.com/westernDressage.html. The division is official and the association is in the works.

Plans are under way for a very special LHH V in 2011. Look for a little "Vaquero" to be added to the line up of talent. The same clinicians will be returning for 2011 with new topics and a continuation of those presented in the past.

No where in the country can you find this line up of horsemanship talent on such an up close and personal format. LHH stays focused and committed to their guests.. it is all about them and their horsemanship needs.

For more information and coverage of our 2009 event pick up the June issue of Cowboys and Indians Magazine. Expect to see more of LHH on YouTube and a possible series on TV in the near future. Production by Emmy Award Winners Tom Spalding and Barry Landon are underway.

Plan to attend LHH May 19-22, 2011. We are approaching our limit of guests and expect to sell out in 2011. For more information visit www.lighthandshorsemanship.com. You can visit www.spalding-labs.com for information on Fly Predators. They really do work!!

Comments from LHH 2010:

I keep thinking back at how unique it was to have all of those fabulous horsemen together in one place- a very special experience. Thank you- Lisa Hoban

Dear LHH Colleagues,

I think the wind was providential:  It meant to carry all of that horse wisdom and knowledge and experience all over the world.  I pray that this is so. -Susan Tomasini

We enjoyed the conference.  I attend and present at many conferences and must say that yours has been one of my favorites.  I liked the laid back/down to earth approach and the smaller # of people in attendance.  We also appreciated the approachability of the presenters and being able to follow up with questions.  Rick Lamb as usual did a great job as emcee keeping everything on schedule.  You did a great job organizing the clinic.

Greg and Nettie Barr
Canadian Natural Horsemanship Inc

Thank you so much for the great event in Santa Ynez. I came away inspired and refreshed, thanks again.I am back home now working horses everyday and trying out some of the more advanced techniques from Lester and Eitan.What an awesome event and what a great way for people to get involved with Natural Horsemanship in an intimate setting. I hope that I am able to return next year. Joe Turner, MT

When can we sign up for 2011!!!  It was the best horse event I've ever attended.
Thank you so much.  Molly Hogan

Thank you so much for all your hard work.  My husband and I thought the clinic was AWESOME!  In fact, my husband was so taken by it all that he signed us up for a week clinic with Richard Winters.  He had previously not been riding much and now he is all jazzed up again!  I am thinking of keeping a Quarter Horse mare I have had for years to try some cowboy dressage.  What fun!  I have further to go then she does.

The wind was worth it!  We will be sharing our experience and our pictures with our local riders at our meeting next week so I expect you to get many of them in next year's clinic!

Thanks again, Lynne and Ken Orloff

More Photos and Updates to follow so stay tuned.