-
Home
-
The Barn
-
Forum
-
Blogs
-
Videos
-
Articles
-
Classifieds
-
Contact Us
Member Spotlight 2008 Archives September 2008 Member Spotlight - Blakjak
Name: Kim aka Blakjak
Current Location: Parachute, Colorado
You're Canadian, eh? Sorry, couldn't resist. Tell us more about what brought you here and specifically to Colorado.
That's okay. I get that all the time. How we came to reside, temporarily, in Colorado, really began about four years ago when I met my coach who is a John Lyons certified trainer. I saw her give a free demo at a horse show and being a fan of the Lyons methodology of training I approached her about helping me train my then two year old Appaloosa, Blackjack. She agreed and thus our friendship and working relationship began. Well, in 2007, my coach was hosting a three day rider clinic with Josh Lyons (John's son). She convinced me to participate and I was so amazed at what my horse and I accomplished and so sad at the end of the three days that I knew I needed more.
Josh and his wife Jana asked us to come to Colorado and check out their Trainer Certification program, that summer. My husband and I had a couple of week's vacation time coming up so we drove down to Colorado for ten days. I had the opportunity to meet some of the students and watch the program in progress. During one of the student meetings I remember leaning over to my husband and whispering in his ear that I would be sitting where they were in 2008. Like the loving supportive husband he is he smiled at me and agreed, more to placate me than anything else, I think. We had no truck, no trailer and only one horse (the program requires two), and even less money. The program alone costs $18,000 U.S. So, back to Canada we went with this dream firmly planted in my mind and my heart. I have a very strong faith that all opportunities should be explored and if something is meant to be it will happen. Long story short, we found a truck and trailer in the span of two weeks. We found a beautiful paint gelding as my second horse (the horse I am riding in my avatar photo). The money we needed became available. Our employers are holding our jobs for us until we return in November and here we are waking up to the most breathtaking view I have ever had the good fortune to see.
Editors Note: Josh Lyons is the son of John Lyons: "America's Most Trusted Horseman". Father and son are two of the most highly regarded horsemen in the industry. Together they've formed the Lyons Legacy.
We really like your blog. Tell us about your current horses and goals with them.
I currently own two geldings. They are with me in Colorado for certification. One is a six year old, black and white Appaloosa/Quarter Horse named Kentucky Blackjack. Jack was born with us and he will remain so until the end of his days. He is a bit "laid back" but very smart and quite dependable. There are photos of him in my photos on the site.
The second horse is actually my husband's horse named Marine Scout Sniper. Sniper is an 11 year old Tobiano Paint/Draft. He, too, is a bit lazy (lucky me in this program) however his assets far outweigh any deficits he may have. He is quick to learn and seems to be a bit of a Superman for an old guy. He's tough as nails with not so much as a girth gall since the beginning of this grueling five to six hour riding day!
As far as my goals for these two: Jack will be my demo horse, the one I will try to sell my skills through. We do not show these horses and my husband is already thrilled with the progress of his paint so I think his goals have already been met.What was your first experience with a horse?
As far back as I can remember the first time I had any real experience with horses was riding lessons as a kid. I laugh as I look back at some of the things I would try on horseback that I would not dream of trying at this age!
It's cool you share horses with your husband. Are horses a hobby or something more?
Horses have always been a hobby and for my husband they always will be. I'm here at certification to take it to the next level so that I can host rider clinics and generally help my clients (85% of whom will be the back yard horse owner) have a fun safe relationship with their horses.
What's something you can't live without when you ride?
Boy, that's a tuff one. A bit tongue in cheek here in Colorado, I would have to say lip balm and water. Sorry. If I were back home it might be different but here in this heat those two items are gold.
Do you work with a trainer on a regular basis?
As part of the program we ride and train with Josh Lyons who is, in my opinion, one of the foremost horseman of our time! At home, in Canada, I train with my coach, a JL certified trainer.
Where do you go to get additional advice or information?
Thankfully, I have found sites such as this one along with the John Lyons Forum where certified trainers are available to answer any questions. Of course, as students in the Certification Program we are all here to help each other when we can. I do make the occasional phone call back to Canada to pick the brain of my coach.
What's one of your most memorable experiences with horses?
It's difficult to pick only one memorable experience with horses. However, I would have to say each birth of one of my foals would be the most memorable. I never tire of seeing that miracle and each one is different from the next in some way. That first "conversation" between Dam and foal is magical! I need to add my experiences here in Colorado in cert. as well as we have all come further here than at any other time in our training.
If you could change one thing within the horse industry, what would that be? If I had the power to change one thing I believe it would be to change the thinking and beliefs of certain people to be more accepting and appreciative of the training that goes into a horse regardless of the style of tack being used or of the clothing worn by the rider. Too many times I have seen or heard people put down a certain style of training or trainer saying it is not applicable to their way of riding or worse yet to classify a certain breed of horse not capable of doing something based on some misguided belief that he is somehow limited. I have heard of draft horses learning to slide and I have seen Quarter Horses piaffe. We need to open our minds and appreciate these animals for what they are truly capable of and not what we limit them to be in our own minds.
Is there a special horse or horses in your life, past or present, that stand out? I have had the good fortune to be a part of the lives of many special horses. In the present, my Appy
Blackjack is most special to me. I raised him and started him and he is doing me proud in cert! In the past, I started BJ's 1/2 brother, Star, whom we had to sell last year. I cried the day he left, selfishly, for all that I would never get to experience with him and for the potential that I knew he had and would develop with someone else. One other horse that touched me deeply was the Mother of both Star and BJ. She also gave us two other foals and this mare was simply born to be a mother. She loved her babies with a passion and devotion that thrilled me! She raised smart, independent babies that took on her steady nature. I could not watch as she was loaded in the trailer the day she left, it would have broken my heart.
Other than horses, what else do you enjoy doing for fun?
With this year so wrapped up in horses it is hard to imagine or even to make time for anything else. When we get the opportunity for a break I do love to read, mainly fiction. We also enjoy going to the theater if a good film is playing.
Is there a special significance of your avatar? I chose that particular photo for my avatar as I am particularly proud of my husband's Paint, Sniper and how far he has come since our arrival in Colorado. Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks!
Anything else we should know about you?
I am a person who tries to live each day as it comes and not stress about what may happen in the future. Being in the moment is key, in my opinion, to living a happy life. Being in the moment is crucial in horse training as much as it is in life. If anyone out there wishes to watch the best horse training DVD there is (containing not a single mention of horses) I highly recommend "The Peaceful Warrior". It has shown me a new way to be with my horses and to simply be in my life.
Thanks for this opportunity to share!
Comments
Lisa
BlakJack, your as as inspiring a story as ever I read. Just goes to show that miracles happen, and wishes really do come true.
And yes, Colorado has some of the best scenery around, but I'll take Wyoming and Montana first, cos Imiz jus' a poor ol' cowpoke.
RSS feed for comments to this post