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Go Green!

NSHA Greener Than Grass Class has a growth spurt

Written by Lori Sanders fellow “Greenie”

 

"I love it! Even though I went off course, I had a great time. Next time I'll know what to do.” said Natalie Franks after her first stock horse show ever. Natalie along with fifty-one other riders participated in a series of Beginners Basics Clinics that culminated at the NSHA Stock Horse Classic’s Greener Than Grass Class in Tulare, California on March 1, 2009.

 

Bobbi VanBebber traveled all the way from the Soledad area to ride in the clinics and show her horse, Nu Hot Britches "Wow we did it!  We made it through the show, got a score and another notch on our belt.  I don't have show experience, but it seemed very organized and well run.  The horses were comfortable, there was good shopping and food and the judges were the best. “It was a good thing” to quote Martha Stewart. The clinics got us there.  I really don't know if we would have had the guts to go if not for them.  I think we have improved a bunch...and now we have a better idea of what we need to do.  Every one of our teachers was great and seemed to really care that we "got it"

 

The National Stock Horse Association was excited to present clinics focusing basic stock horse principles. The goal was to educate participants on the history, training and showing of stock horses. They featured the BEST instructors in the industry, including John Ward  the 2008 NRCHA Futurity Champion, Russell Dilday the 2008 and 2009 World’s Greatest Horseman and 2008 World’s Richest Horseman Champion, Jake Gorrel AQHA Junior Working Cow Horse World Champion, Mark Matson, Open Hackamore World Champion, Tommy Thomson 2008 Limited Open NRCHA Futurity Champion and Ted Robinson the winningest rider in reined cow horse history!

 

There were LOW STRESS reining and cattle boxing lessons, as well as, information, and videos on how the maneuvers are completed and scored. This was a beginner guide to understanding everything from how to track a cow to scoring the event. Terry Kennedy states, “I had so much fun at the show, I loved every minute of it.  I learned a great deal at the clinics and am looking so forward to the next one.” Andrea Whiteside concurs, “I did WAY better than I thought I would in my class. There is NO WAY I would have gone out there without the clinics! I can’t wait for the next one…I am sooo excited to be able to show my horse. I honestly didn’t think I had the guts to do it”

 

Laura Rene Johnson realized “That there is still a lot more to learn!  I've actually learned a lot and the goal to make a reasonable, competent run is attainable.”  Blair Mitchell knows her horse is a little “green” for showing but “I have done all the work myself. We stayed on pattern and completed the boxing. It was a relief to get through this show. I could hear the people in the stands rooting for me. Now I am going to take a few lessons and get ready for the next one. This is where I want to focus. There is so much to learn”

 

Participants range in age from fifteen through sixty-five and came from all walks of life. Riders include teachers, retirees, office managers, business owners, homemakers high school and college students. One of the groups most unique members, Izzy Paskowitz, is a retired professional surfer who now runs Surfer’s Healing surf camp for autistic children. Izzy observed, “I am a thrill seeker. Even though I have ridden twenty to thirty foot waves, this cow horse stuff gets my heart pumping. There is nothing that compares to this. Plus the people are super supportive. It is totally worth the drive from Southern California for the people alone.”

 

“You can feel the excitement,” notes Mark Matson one of the clinics many instructors, “I love helping people who are passionate about the sport. They are trying to learn new things. Sometimes it is difficult, but it is my job to make the process as fun and easy as possible.”  The support of the instructors could be felt throughout the clinic and the show. All the instructors were available during the clinics to address individual rider and horse needs. The instructors also helped on the day of the show by staying after their events had been completed to help “their” riders with warm up activities, words of encouragement, pattern instruction and cheers from the gate. “It really is an ‘all for one and one for all’ environment. The people really want each other to do well. It is a great little community” remarked Karen Reed after her run.

 

The Greener than Grass Class is not new to the NSHA but sheer numbers of people who want to ride and support one another is amazing. Mark VanBlankenstein is one of the few charter members from last season. He feels “it was a big success. From the trainers, to the non-pros to the good turn out from the local community, everyone seemed to be relaxed and having fun! I am proud to be a part of the NSHA!!
 
 It was great to see the turn out in the Green as Grass class! In just a year since the introduction of the entry level class, the participation has gone from just a couple entries to 30+ and the enthusiasm is very exciting. Having shown in the same class last year, I can relate to the excitement and the fears the newcomers are now experiencing for the first time. I am very excited about what the future will bring to the sport and industry, with more people getting involved first hand, not just watching but actually participating, it is sure to grow the size, quality and fun of the shows in the years to come!
 
 The Greener than Grass revolution started ‘Grass Roots’ style, but is growing exponentially and I am sure not only the NSHA will see the rewards of a fruitful harvest, but the industry will as well.” 

 

 For more information about FUTURE BEGINNERS BASICS CLINICS email National Stock Horse Association  at info@nationalstockhorse.com These clinics are designed for any rider interested in the NSHA and showing at the basic level. Participants should have a sound horse, western saddle and be ready to have a good time!