| |
Rivendell Boys Flying High
|
|
| |
The boys from Rivendell, under
the direction of McKie Equine Communications Skills (MECS), were
flying high in January, 2007, at Gloria Austin’s Carriage Festival.
After a lapse of three years, the boys’ return was heralded as
inspirational. The display featured the boys riding young horses
through a format of movements and gymnastic skills that they
accomplished by working with Philipa and Capt. Barry McKie of
Altoona, FL. Philipa works with the boys daily after their classes
to help instill not only horsemanship skills but also a sense of
self-confidence and accomplishment. The bond between horse and
rider has been proven to be a key to extending their growth and
development. Rivendell, operated by Vision Quest, provides foster
care for boys in their early to late teens, who call the 60-acre
facility in Altoona, Fl, their home.
The boys were also
instrumental in training the horses that were part of the display.
The three paints used have only had three months of training, under
the careful eyes of Philipa and Capt. Barry.
Thanks goes to Susan Croft,
owner of Lengemann of Florida, Inc., Kathleen Shipes, and Bea
Carlson, all community business women who volunteered with helping
during the event. For further information on how you or your
business can support the riding efforts with the display team call
Capt. McKie at 352 669-4425.
|
|
| |
 |
 |
 |
|
| |
|
Backward flips off a
horse are not for the faint-of-heart |
|
Susan Croft warming up
the miniature horse, Spanky, that one of the boys drove |
Kathleen Snipes added
humor to the display |
|
| |
|
|
| |
 |
|
| |
|
|
| |
MECS Makes A Show Of
It!
|
|
| |
The
equine team members from the McKie Equine Communication Center took
12 horses to show at the Silver Sands Equestrian Center in New
Smyrna, FL, in November. Team members who tested their equine
skills were Philipa McKie, Bea Carlson, Barbara Anne McCall, Kathy
Cook, Jordan Rogers, and Marla Santman.
A full
day of grooming and primping before going to the show grounds was
only part of the preparations. The MECS team works daily to build
the communication skills between rider and horse. The team arrived
Friday evening and settled the horses in with all of the tack and
supplies. The work continues to pay off as the results of the team
were rewarding. Most of the riders choose to do at least two tests,
some for the first time. All had a wonderful time enjoying the
results of their work with two of the Nation’s outstanding
instructors: Capt. Barry McKie and Philipa McKie.
Even clients
who did not compete showed their full support by coming to the show,
cheer ing
team members on and pitching in wherever help was needed.
|
|
| |
 |
 |
|
| |
|
Winsdor, owned by Kathy and D.C. Cook,
ridden by Philipa McKie |
|
|
The Dun Man, owned by Jeanie Bell and
ridden by Philipa McKie |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Pasco Posse
|
|
| |
Members of the Pasco Posse and
their friends have been working hard to improve their riding skills
with Capt. McKie in Brooksville, FL. From Dressage to Jumping, they
are planning on expanding the areas in which they can compete. Four
sessions per day allow participants to ride in one or more sessions
based on their interests and their individual capabilities. After
each session, riders can view pictures of themselves in order to see
the “good, bad and the ugly.” All agreed that it really helps
reinforce the instruction to see what they need to do to improve as
well as hear and feel. See “Clinics” tab on the website or contact
MECS in order to participate or hold a clinic in your area. |
|
| |
 |
|
 |
|
|
Indigo Owned & Ridden
by Nancy Yankus |
|
|
Margaret
after a long day! |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Back at the Ranch
|
|
| |
MECS has a great group of gals
who meet together every week on Wednesday evenings in Altoona, FL,
to develop a display team. The team, affectionately named the M&Ms,
spent a week this last summer participating in a sensational horse
camp. They had so much fun they wanted to continue working with
Captain Barry McKie on a weekly basis. The group works on a
collective group of movements that will be choreographed into a
harmonious program to music. They plan to add a choreographed
jumping portion to the show, including jumping through a ring of
fire! Interested in participating? The team welcomes new members
at the discretion of the Captain. Call (352) 669-4425 for more
information. |
|
| |
 |
|
| |
|
Capt. Barry McKie and the M&M’s |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Would you like to join our
newsgroup? Click
here to request to be added to our newsgroup
and stay current on our upcoming events. |
|
|
