Clinic Testimonials

Sent: Thursday, June 14, 2007 11:18 AM  Subject: June article

Jackie Pues, Shawano Wisconsin

Well our horsemanship and camping clinic was a great success! Cathy and Susan did an outstanding job! More than once, I heard comments about how much information was given and for so little money,  and that it was one of the best clinics some ever attended. We had people attend from all over Wisconsin and some from out of state. We had a variety of breeds, Mustang, TWH, Peruvian, RMH, KMH, Quarter horse, Racking horse, and some mix breeds.  I know I am missing some, I didn’t write them down and I apologize for that. Day one was saddle fit, checking over the horse for soreness issues and much more. Each participant’s horse was evaluated. Cathy and Susan, not only showed us, but told us what they saw and how to correct things. On day two of the clinic, we went over camping with horses and trail safety. We then had a breed demonstration and after that people were able to ride any of the horses in the arena. It was great to see so many smiling faces. Many said they always wanted to try out this breed or that style of riding, and they got the chance!  Many nice door prizes were handed out. I want to mention too, how nice a place the Crawford Center was to have this event. With weather always being a factor when having a clinic, it
worked out great. I want to say “Welcome” to all the new members that joined the club, and Thank you to all the club members, vendors and 4H people that helped pull this event together. It goes to show what can be done! Come, join us!
Check our web page for next meeting date and events.
www.newgaitedhorseclub.com

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----- Original Message ----- From: Jim To: Snugyrita@aol.com  Sent: Sunday, June 10, 2007 8:29 PM Subject: Re: clinic

 Hi Rita,

Jim usually is our email checker and he told me that you had emailed, but that darn job keeps interferrring with life!  So I am finally responding.  I thought the clinic was great.  Lots of opportunities to see different shapes and sizes  and physical features of other horses.  I really liked that we had the opportunity if we wanted to check individual horses out ourselves. 

 I rode both our horses today for the first time since the clinic. (Darn job)  Our gelding, the black one, who Kathy had inserts for to make the saddle not pinch in the shoulder so much was moving very well today.  He is so proud of himself that I couldn't get his head on the job at hand at clinic so it was hard to tell if there was a change then.  I still need to get lifts to use for our mare, the bay, so I'm quite sure that will be better too.  If nothing else I'm saving for a new saddle that will work better. Kathy let me use one of hers and Reno moved a lot better at the clinic with that change. I've thought all along that this area could be improved on, but where we board is where my main resource has been and she thought everything was OK.  Beyond that I will say I was very impressed with the few people I did get to meet from the club.  Really seems like an overall great bunch.  I hope we can get together to go for a ride.  Jim even said if you did something like this next year he wanted to take Monday off so we didn't have to head back on Sunday.  He has never been to a clinic before and his main interest in the horses is just to trail ride.  So his comment really surprised me.  He had a very good weekend too. 

 I have to say that after the little bits of here and there that we got to talk to you I really would enjoy getting to do that more often.  I was quite disappointed though that we couldn't stay longer, I would have loved the opportunity to ride one of your horses.  What a wonderful thing for you to do. 

 Well I've done what I tend to do ----   got long winded and wordy.   I love to talk and guess that the few emails that I send get that way too.  Sorry for making you read so much.  To sum it up, the clinic was informative and  had a really enjoyable atmosphere to it.

I met a number of really nice people, a big bonus.  We are both hoping that we can make it for a trail to see some people again and to meet more members. 

Thanks for giving us the opportunity to participate in the clinic and to join the club.

Lyn

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----- Original Message ----- From: KarenTo: Snugyrita@aol.com Sent: Thursday, June 07, 2007 10:06 AMSubject: RE: clinic

 Rita,

 Good-morning! I really enjoyed the clinic. Cathy and Susan took the time to answer questions to each person's satisfaction and I enjoyed learning about camping and their equipment. I was really interested in information on saddle fitting as I need one. I have had mine for 20 years and bought it from an old oil rigging guy who probably had it some 10+ years so it is old and broken down.  

I have a greater appreciation for the gaited horse and truly, having your Peruvian's out there for us to ride was the best part of it all. Unless someone let's you on a horse that gaits from the get-go, you don't understand the smoothness. I rode a Tennessee Walker and was like so-what. Now, I understand certainly what a gaiting horse feels like and most definitely love the fact that a Peruvian Paso does it naturally, no training required - that's right up my alley. :^ )

 Well, I have a full house, but am always looking so possibly when I find homes for a few of my horses, I will find a PP.

 I hope you don't mind having a non-gaited owner in the club for the time being. I have an appaloosa, maybe she does that foundation shuffle I hear about and I just don't know it. :^ )  (LOL - I doubt it)

 Take care and I look forward to future events and dropping in at your restaurant again sometime for dinner. 

 Karen Sroda

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----- Original Message ----- From: JanRemmel@aol.com To: hillview@springfield-sanborn.net Sent: Wednesday, June 06, 2007 9:39 PM Subject: Re: you

Hi Cathy!!

Thanks so much, I've already gotten a referral from Sharon, and I know the trainer's reputation for being aggressive and pushing too hard/too fast.  So hopefully I can help her and her gelding. 

I really enjoyed working at the clinic with you; I’d work with you again anytime!! 

When training season slows I would love to visit and meet your Peruvians!!  Stay in touch, and my offer to show you around 7 mile park (on  Hwy #169, between Mankato and St Peter) still stands...  Jan

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-----Original Message-----From: rita  Sent: Wednesday, June 06, 2007 12:11 AM  To: ann
Subject: clinic 

Hi Ann Hope you enjoyed the clinic. I wish I could have gotten to know you better. Hope to see you at some of the trail rides.  What did you think of the clinic?  Thanks a bunch. Rita 

----- Original Message -----  From: Ann To: Snugyrita@aol.com Sent: Wednesday, June 06, 2007 7:15 AM Subject: RE: clinic 
Dear Rita, 

I thought the clinic was fabulous.  I think I’m finally on the way to making my mare more comfortable and giving us both a better ride.  I have a lot of saddle research to do, but the change in her demeanor from using the hackamore was astounding.  Both ladies were extremely nice and knew what they were doing.  It was a tremendous value for the money, too.  I hope to see you on a trail ride in the future, once I get my tack situation settled so she’s more comfortable.  Thank you so very much. 

Ann

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From: rita Sent: Wednesday, June 06, 2007 12:18 AM To: Patti Mulcahy  Subject: clinic
Hi Patty.  How did you like the clinic ? Our last day did not go as planed, but Mother Nature does not always go as planned.  I only wish I would of had more time to meet with every one and get to know you.  Hope to see you on the trails.  Keep in touch.  Thank you    Rita 

----- Original Message ----- From: patti To: Snugyrita@aol.com Sent: Wednesday, June 06, 2007 8:29 AM Subject: RE: clinic
Hi Rita -

 We loved the clinic.  Karen was delighted to be able to get some input on fitting a saddle to her quarter horse.  And I had a great time with my Foxtrotter.  We need to work on a couple of things (like him standing still when I get on, which he does NOT do!), but Susan gave me some good tips on that and I'm working on it. 

 Karen rode three of your Pasos and she just loved them.  She wants a smaller horse and those really fit the bill for her.  She wants to sell her big Quarter Horse and go with a smaller, gaited horse.  What a great opportunity for her to ride a couple of different kinds of gaited horses (she rode the Rocky Mountain horse that was there, too).  That was so wonderful of you to bring your horses in for people to test ride - I rode one of them, too, and they are SO smooth!  I don't know when I would have gotten another chance to do that.  Thank you so much! 

And thanks for organizing that clinic and all your hard work - it was a wonderful time.  Hopefully we'll get out on some trail rides with the group in the near future.  Both Karen and I joined the club.  She was laughing and saying she is probably the only person in the club w/o a gaited horse!

 Thanks so much again, Rita - it was a blast!   Patti

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Comment cards:

Liked:  Being able to come and see individual horses with unique body shapes, ie.  wide shoulder, wind puff, etc. Nice to have held in an indoor arena, liked follow up at end was nice idea to see if our questions were answered.  Improvement suggestion:  Earlier start time.  8.00 am.  Will Come back next year.

Liked:  Great on confirmation, lost of examples, Saddle fit because I saddle fit , I like to fit the horse in motion, Excellent camping demo!! Note, turn off mick's when not using them.  Too bad it rained.  THANK YOU!!

Very interesting and informative one of the most fun clinics I've taken.  I love your energy.  Rita thank you for all your hard work.

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----- Original Message ----- From: Ann To: hillview@springfield-sanborn.net Sent: Monday, June 04, 2007 7:53 AM Subject: weekend clinic

 Dear Cathy, 

Thank you so much for all the valuable information from the clinic this weekend.  While I was disappointed that I couldn’t do the trail ride on Sunday, it probably turned out for the best.  It would have been cruel to take Cinders in her current bridle and saddle, now that I know they’re not right for her.  I’m looking forward to receiving the hackamore – it made such a dramatic difference!  Thank you so much for your information and insight.

Sincerely,

Ann Niles

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----- Original Message -----
From: Terri
To: Northstar gaited horse clinic
Sent: Monday, June 04, 2007 8:48 AM
Subject: Re: clinic
Hi Rita, I just wanted to tell you how much Kelly and I enjoyed the clinic. It was the BEST I have been to (even much better than the one I was in with Ray Hunt) and learned so much! Cathy and Susan are SO knowledgeable and so helpful. They covered so many different aspects of not only gaited horses but so much more. Being that Kelly and I do a lot of horsecamping, we found it so informative. We will definitely come to more they put on. The clinic overall was very well put together and thought out. One suggestion I have is maybe having a large poster with a schedule of events with approx times. I know there was one in our packets, but we didn't have access to it all the time.  Everyone was so friendly and helpful. We are really looking forward to going on trail rides and coming to more events with the club.    I spoke with Gorge (sp?) re: Jose and if my husband will ok the fee, I may bring him for a month of training. I think he could benefit tremendously from Gorge's training. Will let you know. Looking forward to the next meeting. Thanks again. Terri Lang

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----- Original Message -----
From: James
To: <hillview@springfield-sanborn.net;
Sent: Monday, May 21, 2007 9:28 AM
Subject: Melholm Stables 

 It was just wonderful to spend some time with you this past weekend. You are a fun, energetic and professional woman. Your expertise flows out of you in a smooth, entertaining and confident way. Thank you so much for doing our clinic. I really wish we could have had a bigger crowd for you. Melody is pretty "confident"  and may have been a bit agressive on pricing for our part of the country.
 
Thanks again for coming to our clinic and continued good luck to you and your family.

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From: Robyn Gunther
Date: May 22, 2007 1:32 PM
Subject: clinic was great!!!!
To: Melody J Leiding

Jan and Melody,

 Just wanted to give both of you feedback on the clinic... It was great-- I learned SO much!   What a bargain for our $$$$$!!! I was surrounded by smart horsepeople--what a treat.  I am , in fact, switching to one of those Puriana Feeds, and have started saddling differently, all from knowledge learned at the clinic.

 I hope you do it again.  Jan, I am overdue for another lesson, too!!!!  Thanks SO MUCH!!!

 Robyn Gunther

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From: Chuck
To: Cathy & Don Tauer (Cathy & Don Tauer)
Sent: Sunday, January 28, 2007 11:02 PM
Subject: MAPFHA Annual Meeting

Cathy, 

I would like to thank you for your Horse Camping presentation at our MAPFHA (Mid America Paso Fino Horse Association) annual meeting.  I think you did an excellent job covering the topic by first leading in with the basics before ever departing for that camping trip.  As you could tell by the attendee questions and comments the topic you presented was of interest to many of those present.  Your presentation style was well received.  I enjoyed the way you were able to explain the facts mixed with some personal experiences and keeping everyone’s attention with your wit and humor.  Thank you for the presentation that was very well done.  I hope you enjoyed it as much as we did. 

Thank you also for the products you brought along and donated for our door prize.  That was very gracious of you.

 Chuck Hauser - VP

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----- Original Message -----
From: <jackie.a.pues@gulfstream.com
Sent: Tuesday, June 13, 2006 7:21 AM
Subject: Clinic held at Peruvian Acres 

 Hi all,

 We just got back from our week in the woods camping trip and I wanted to share my experience at the clinic held at Peruvian Acres in Shawano. A special thank you to Rita and John Mondus, your generosity is greatly appreciated!

The day started out with the importance of your horses teeth and a few other items of interest. Then the people that brought horses were able to bring their horse in for "inspection" and we all took turns to talk about each horses confirmation, gait and stance. Each horse was examined and we were told where tight spots or sore areas were on our horses. We were also taught saddle fit and the importance of giving your saddle blanket a snuggie. Cathy has some awesome saddles, which have flex panels, you wouldn't believe how nice they fit ANY horse and with out any pressure points. (Yes you can refit most saddles with these panels, which I am thinking about doing).

 Sunday morning a mock camp was set up and you wouldn't believe all the handy gadgets that were there, (Cathy sells them on her web page Hillview Farms) we were able to tie knots and learn how to properly picket horses. This clinic was very much hands on. I was not able to attend the ride, which was held after lunch, but I am sure that was quite an experience. Cathy and her assistant Susan are avid campers/ trail riders and are very knowledgeable and so willing to share what they know.  

All in all, this is by far the best clinic I have ever attended. I know this is just touching on what the clinic was all about, but wanted to share some of my experience and let you know if you ever get the chance to go to a clinic given by Cathy, try very hard to attend!

 Jackie

 Hand written letters and comment card notes:

  Dear Cathy, 

I wanted to thank you for taking time away from your family to share your wealth of knowledge!! I sincerely appreciate professionals like yourself.  Life with horses is a continual learning process and I am so grateful to those who dedicate their lives to the safety and enrichment of those beloved equine partners we take with us on our journey through life.   

I truly value the education you continue to provide and am happy to be able to better myself and the care I provide for the animals we cherish.  I learned SO much!!

Deep Gratitude. Dana Fennie
… I have to tell you, I was really impressed!  So often you attend a seminar like yours so eager to learn only to end up being bombarded by training aids and “gimmicks” they are trying to sell.  You respectfully presented the products you have to offer, showed us their benefits and preceded to teach us how to modify our own saddles in the meantime without pressuring anyone to by your line.  I applaud your for that; it left us feeling like we weren’t complete idiots for having inferior tack (It’s not just having inferior tack, it’s the point of having tack that’s hurting our horses!!) and it allowed us the opportunity to modify what we have while we save up to buy the best for our horses.  To me that is truly admirable and I wanted to thank you again for your helpfulness, sincere honesty and above all, your willingness to share!

 Thank You!!!

Dana

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 Super Info!  For me the tricks and gadges to make camping a pleasure are worth it’s weight in gold.

Thanks for Sharing,

 Brenda Aschrodee

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Like all of the hands on work. 

* saddle fitting!!!

Therapist evaluation

Variety of topics.

Would have liked to learn some more massage techniques.

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 I thought you were a GREAT clinician / I really enjoyed the whole clinic.  I really like how hands on your were with us, even if we didn’t have a horse.

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Hands down – I never have been to a better clinic.  And I am a clinic-holic.  The others could learn a thing or two from you!

 Keep it up!

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I loved the sense of humor.  Keep it up. And I think it is fine if you swear.

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Keep up the good work.  I enjoyed it all.  There is nothing that you could improve on.

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I enjoyed it all.  Mostly the camping info.  No complaints!  I would like to see more gait instruction.

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LOVED IT – thank you for sharing.