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The Challenge | The Trainers and Students | Event Information Wednesday, August 26 Hello all, Well, the Trainers Challenge is over, Dancer did not get adopted so she came home with me, Drew and I felt that it was less stressful to have her go back to what she has been used to for the past couple months and boy was she happy to be home. It was a long ride (4 hours) and a long day. Dancer and I did not win the challenge (that was our goal), but we had a successful and fun day. While she was being her usual self really mellow and was kind of lazy that Saturday, she did place in a four classes and she had won my heart all over again. I was so proud of that little mare, she acted like she’d been to a show ring her entire life, fell asleep in between classes or while standing waiting for the judges during halter and pleasure class, we had some trouble with the trail class but what can I say, she’s used to pretty much everything that was in the trail class but apparently it looked pretty funny to her that day, she didn’t want to trot through the zig zag noodle or go over the tarp with bottles and bubble wrap on it but for the most part she did very well, they are all still learning and they are just like people, they have their good days and bad days. She also loaded and BACKED out of the trailer - I was so proud of her, after the first time of being in the trailer she would always back out, so I’m so glad she showed that off for everyone to see. The freestyle was a little interesting, I hate to admit this but I had no clue what I was going to do for a freestyle, I thought long and hard for many weeks and I just couldn’t come up with anything. So the day of the challenge I just decided to show off a little of what Dancer new, starting with the ground work, lunging for respect, moving away from pressure, swinging my carrot stick and string around her body and head to show that she didn’t mind. Then I got on did some circles and stops and a faster canter down to a stop to show the control, and last I taught her how to bow, at home she would do an awesome bow but at the challenge it was just a little bow and she needed some help from me but I was just so excited that she even attempted it and even though it was a little bow she still did great!!!!! After the competition it really hit me that Dancer was going to possibly get adopted, which she never did so I got to take her home. But when the day comes when she is adopted it will be a very very sad day, she has really bonded with me more than a couple of my barrel horses that means so much to me. These horses are just looking for someone to take the time to spend with them, love them, and care for them. Just because some of them aren’t registered or cost thousands of dollars doesn’t mean anything. When I went trail riding the past couple months with my friends I took Dancer, not my barrel horses that have been around the block and don’t care about anything , I took her because she’s fun, responsive, tuned into you, and just a wonderful horse to ride. If I had my own place and didn’t have to board I would adopt her in a second, who knows maybe before winter I might have that chance. Well, I hope everyone at the challenge had just as much fun as I did with this wonderful experience. Congrats to all that participated. Wednesday, August 19 Hello ya’ll!
I also have been introduced to “clippers” - huh, more like "monsters"! I don’t mind if you clip my legs or body but I really don’t like when you get close to my ears or bridle path. That was the scariest thing I have encountered while being here on the farm. I finally stood still but I didn’t like it. So that will need some work is what I’m told, she said that she wasn’t going to clip inside my ears because the bugs get in there easier and eat my ears but she wanted to do my bridle path, I was trying my best not to let her. My pretty little legs look so much whiter now that they got shaved! I just wanted to thank everyone at the barn for being so wonderful to me and teaching me so much! And thanks to everyone at the Rescue for letting us “special horses” have the opportunity to have training in hopes of getting a really good home! See you all Saturday and have a good day mate! Thursday, August 13 Hey ya’ll, the Challenge is getting closer and closer. I just want to let everyone know that I’m still working on the walk, trot, and canter in collection and keeping my nose tucked in. I’ve come along way with that, it was a little confusing at first but we worked together to get me to understand what was asked of me. I was told that my only little problem is I don’t like to take my “right” lead, I am definitely a left hand horse if you know what I’m saying. But each day I am worked we work on it a little at a time and sometime I take the correct “right” lead and sometimes I get confused of what is asked of me, so that’s a work in progress, other than that I am told I will make a great all around family horse. I have a nice slower little “pleasure” trot but I also can be quick too so I would be pretty good at games as well, I like to be out on the trails and road ride, I’ll be in the front, middle, or back where ever you want me to be. I am being taught how to be a great, quiet, and dependable horse for any type of rider. I have had a novice rider on me and we did great together, I’m a pretty laid back type of horse. Have a good day mate! Note from Melissa: Hello all, I would like to stress that if anyone is interested in Dancer please feel free to contact me with any questions or to make an appointment to come try her out. The challenge is about a week away!!!! She is an awesome horse that will make me proud to have put training into her. You will NOT be disappointed if you adopt her. I would also like to tell everyone that I’d be willing to take Dancer back to my place and teach you how to ride her and how to further her training. Thank you!!! Monday, August 10 Hi ya’ll, I’ve been keeping busy riding and learning new things on a daily basis it seems like. On Saturday I went on about a 4 hour trail ride with my human’s friends from the cities. Their cabin is about 4 miles from where I’m staying so we rode over there to meet them. I was doing so good until one of the roads had a couple for sale signs at the end of it, so I had to stop and take a long look at them before I could be on my way. So we started on our way again, saw a couple deer running a distance in front of us. I walking across a road that had black top on it - I guess that’s what it was called. Then we went up and down a hill, across a few ditches, and their cabin is right on the lake, I’d never seen such a big mud puddle. When we got there, they were almost done tacking up and we went on our trail right, on more roads, through brush and trees, saw some more deer, birds flew up in front of us. They were both so impressed with me and how I acted like I’ve been doing this for years. Well we got back to the cabin and it looked like it was going to start raining shortly, so we headed home. Nothing got my attention on our way home, we stopped at the hunting shack where my human’s dad was mowing the lawn, which was a little different, I didn’t understand why he kept driving in circles, and don’t you think he’d get dizzy. Well that’s about all, just been riding in the arena, practicing a few things, getting used to obstacles, we’ve been working on a special treat for the crowd, I’m hoping I don’t get nervous and forget how to do it but I’ll try, you’ll all me amazed! It’s a secret though so you’ll have to come and watch. Well have a good day mate! Saturday, August 1
On Friday I loaded into the trailer and took a ride to the local County Fair where there was a stall with my name on it. I unloaded like a perfect little angel, got settled into my stall for the evening did a lot of people watching. On Saturday I walked around a lot behind my human's barrel mare “Tymer” and just got used to all the noise, people, and horses running around. I just looked at everything and tried keeping up with Tymer, she’s got such a huge walk and trot my short little legs have a hard time keeping up. I had tons of people looking at me and petting me, some in wheel chairs, some running around me and jumping trying to pet my head, that was kind of weird when they were jumping in front of me, so I just put my head down so it was easier for the both of us. Saturday night was the Draft Horse Pull so I got to stand next to a horse that was 17.2 hands tall, wow, was I short compared to him. I think he liked me he kept trying to nuzzle my neck. Sunday was a bit more exciting, they had a horse show all day. In the morning I was taking out to the trailer tied and saddled up, then taken back to my stall and tied in the stall with my pretty saddle on just so I didn’t lay down on it, I stood and fell asleep while more people looked in my stall and pet my head. Then later on I went out to the arena and did some work, I wasn’t too sure of the bleachers but I just walked up next to the rail looked and sniffed at them and went about my business, there were a few other horses in the arena with me that were running around crazy getting ready for the game show. Then we took a walk outside the arena, into the big crowd of horses and people waiting for their turn. My human was so proud of me that I didn’t spook and anything or get nervous at all. I just like to look and sniff everything, I’m a thinker!!! So the day was getting long and we had to pack up and head out, I was loaded first, walked right on got tied up, then Tymer was loaded and then “Short Stack” the mini donkey came in last. We headed home from there, got home and settled back into my lovely pasture of green grass. Well that’s all for now, have a good day mate!
Hey ya’ll, I’m back again! I just wanted to tell everyone how exciting my weekend was, I got to go down the road for a ride after my schooling session. My human’s mother and her friend came along with their horses as well, it was nice having the company because it’s my first time and all being out of the arena and yard. We started out along the roadside in the ditch, cars were passing by, trucks with boats, and even a few semi trucks.
Then we came to a big field that we took to get to the other big fields, but connecting the two was a ditch that had some water in it. Well I wanted to just walk through it but realized it was pretty deep, so I backed up a few stepps and took a little jump over it. Yeah they were all impressed because I was the first one through it and I jump without hesitating and the mom’s horse didn’t want to go over it at all. Hee hee hee - who's the pro now?
So that was my great weekend, were going to be road riding and getting into heavy brushed trails this coming week. You you all liked the pictures of me out and about looking my best!!! Talk to ya’ll later. Tuesday, July 14 Hey ya’ll, it’s been a pretty eventful weekend. On Saturday I got my pretty little feet trimmed. My human said that I stood like a perfect lady, I gave up my feet right away when I was asked, I didn’t lean on her ( Melissa- my human, is also a farrier) I was so relaxed, almost fell asleep while she was doing that. She also told me and her friend that I have good feet, but have to stay on a normal schedule because they like to flare, so if they aren’t trimmed every 6 to 8 weeks they will flare out and start cracking. So we will definitely keep that in that back of our minds. I am starting to learn “collection” and head set, boy is that weird when you’re not used to it. I tried shaking my head to get the bridle and “draw reins” off, but of course that wasn’t working so I just tucked my head in like she wanted and went about our training. I was told that I looked so much prettier with my nose tucked in rather than stuck out in the air. I’m getting really good with the collection at the trot, still working on the collection with the canter, little tricky, I break into a trot once in a while when I’m confused but I’m getting better and better every day. I was supposed to go to a local play day this past Sunday, but unfortunately my human had to make hay all weekend so we didn’t get to go. I’m always up for something new, but I’ve been told we are possibly going to the county fair at the end of the month. Not to compete just to get out and about with different horses and a different scene other than the arena and trails I’m used to out at the farm. Thursday, July 9
Monday, June 22
Since our last update I had mentioned I was a little naughty. Well, I am SO over that!!!! I’ve been doing awesome, loading and unloading from the trailer like a pro. I'm carrying my human while doing walk, trot, and canter. Learning how to turn and do circles with the pressure of my human’s leg, that’s still a little tricky, but I think I’m finally getting the hang of it. Oh, and it was great - my human’s parents are truck drivers and the dad was coming in the driveway one day and drove right by me and it was really big and noisy, but I stood my ground and just watched it as it came towards me. I didn’t even flinch or flicker an ear, my human was so proud of me!!!! Well, that's if for now; I'll talk to ya’ll later. -Dancer Sunday, May 31 It’s me again, I just wanted to say hey to everyone and let them know that today was the 3rd day I had my human on my back. We did so much riding today, I’m learning so fast and I’m doing really good. I’m even cantering now!!! How exciting. That’s it for now, ya’ll take care. Friday, May 29
Then that’s when she sat on me. Flexed my head to both sides a bunch of times to make sure I saw she was on both sides of me, she touched me all over, I was fine with that except when she touched the top of my head I didn’t care for that, I kept trying to duck my head away from her but she would just keep touch it and I finally just got used to it. By the end of our session I was walking and trotting with her on my back!!! Wednesday, May 27 Hey there!!!
I have been a movie star as well, my human has been video taping most of my sessions to see my progress. Today we worked on more lunging for respect, giving to pressure, staying out of my human’s “bubble” backing with the slightest pressure, doing all and more while wearing a saddle and headstall. I’m a natural when it comes to wearing my gear, had no problem with any of it, saddled like I was saddled a million times, the bit was a little hard and different but nothing to stress out about. I over heard my human talking to a friend saying I will be carrying her on my back in the next day or two… now worries mate! I’m a big girl. Thursday, May 14 Hi it’s me… Dancer!!! Today is May 14th and it was my first full day of being at my new home. I was brought here Wednesday (13th) night. Today I got to meet my new pasture buddies, Vegas and Casino. They are barrel racing horses and a lot bigger than I am but I sure can run circles around them. I was able to settle into my new pasture for a couple days and was taken into the arena on the 17th to start my schooling. I was totally against it at first I tried everything I could think of to not cooperate with my human but by the end of our session I was lunging with respect, moving away from pressure on my hind quarter and four quarter. I didn’t realize I could move certain parts of my body that way. It was so nice to flex to each side and get all the kinks out of my neck. I’ll be wearing a saddle tomorrow, kind of nervous but excited at the same time. > Back to the Trainers and Students
About Melissa Crep: Hi my name is Melissa Crep, I am 24 years old. I have been around horses my entire life, I was put on my first horse when I was two years old, and have been riding them ever since. I started taking riding lessons for Dressage when I was eight years old on my little stocky quarter horse gelding. Which by the way he hated Dressage but he did it anyway just to please me. We also joined 4-H about the same time and competed in all the events. We were awesome at the games, lots of blue ribbons. I was training my horses and my mother's horses when I was 12 years old. I started training other people's horses (the start of my business) when I was 17 years old. I have had great success with the methods I use when training horses, I practice natural horsemanship (Clinton Anderson), along with some Dressage techniques, as well as some of my own tricks of the trade. The methods I use in my training program are a blend of Natural Horsemanship. and Classical Dressage. I feel it's better for the horses mental as well as their physical status to use the Natural Horsemanship methods in their training. Not every methods works for every horse, so that is why I train with a little of everything, I like working with the horse not against them. I specialize in forming a good foundation on young horses as well as horses that have missed essential elements in their training. Also barrel racing, gaming, tune ups, western, lower levels of dressage and English. I start by working every horse that comes in for training on ground work, lunging for respect, and giving to pressure, if a horse is unable to do this on the ground it's that much harder for them to do it under saddle. I decided to further my knowledge and experience with horses, so I went to Horseshoeing School. I have been out of school for three years now; I started my class in March of 2006 and finished in May of 2006. I went to the MN School of Horseshoeing in Ramsey, MN. It was a great experience and I learned so much from the program. Feel free to visit my website for more information on my business and updates on Dancer. I will have a page for the Trainer's challenge on my website. www.northcountryhaven.com
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Well, this will be my last update before the “Big Challenge” and I hope I’m ready. I have been working on the bridge, tarps, plastic bags, ground poles, and jumps. I am told I have to get used to the scary stuff so I am more dependable, I was not a fan of the plastic bag but eventually I was wearing it on my halter while lunging and doing some exercises. 
Hey ya’ll, I had such a fun and exciting weekend! 
Saturday, July 18
Everything was just so interesting - I wasn’t nervous at all I just kept looking at everything around me all the bushes, vehicles, watching what the other horses were doing. You would think it was their first time too, but it wasn’t that they were pros compared to me, but they were being naughty. The friends horse kept trying to ride in the ditches and bushes while she was trying to stay on the road to give me enough room in the ditches since I don’t have the pretty little shoes on like her horse did. He wasn’t listening to her very well but I just went about my business walking and looking and taking in all I could. 
So anyway we all got across and stopped for a few pictures in the field and I started taking too much interest in everything else and not paying enough attention to my human so we did a few exercises to get my mind thinking again - I was focused after that! So we started to head back and took a different way with a little ditch but had no water in it, I just stepped over it and looked behind me and the mom’s horse bucked on her because he didn’t want to step over it. Sheesh, rookies I tell you. 
Hello all! 
Hello again, well today was a very eventful day. At first it was like any other day, lunging for respect, giving to pressure, moving away from pressure with the stirrups, lunging over the tarp and ground poles, jumping over the barrels. After all that I thought I was done, nope I was wrong… that’s when my human started climbing all over me and making lots of notice with the stirrups and slapping the saddle, pulling on everything, I’m not to sure what she was up to but I stood there looking at her like she lost her mind. I’d turn and sniff her and the stirrup to see if everything was ok then I’d just stand there and let her go about her business. 
Dancer again, reporting back to you with a whole new attitude towards my human. Did you know that once you learn respect everything seems to go so much smoother and things aren’t as scary when you trust your human! I’ve been walking and trotting over ground poles, jumping barrels, and trotting over this big tarp on the ground. I acted like a pro when it came to the tarp, my human was so impressed.