Quantum Savvy Student of the Month Interview- 11/2007

Petra Doerfling

Group: Lockyer Riders Practice Group
Area: Lockyer Valley, Queensland
Level: 1 and currently working in Level 2.
Horse: Stubby, who I wouldn’t trade for anything. He’s a 16yo, 15.1hh, chestnut TB.
Quantum Savvy Student Since: 2005

Horsie Background:

Started horse riding at age 12 but Mum and Dad found that it was too expensive for very little result so I had to stop. I continued riding on and off on friends horses, but eventually it all stopped for about 20 odd years. I bought my own horse in 2002 fulfilling my horse owning dream.

Why you started with Quantum Savvy:

As much as I loved Stubby, we had some serious communication problems in the beginning of our relationship. After some serious arguing with Stubby and having my confidence seriously shaken, I was ready to give this whole horse ownership a miss and abandon my dreams of one day riding a dressage test, even though I loved this horse so much. Stubby and I had put up with each other for 3 years arguing, but early 2005 we had a huge disagree- ment and my confidence took a final blow; I didn’t want to ride him any- more;I was scared just contemplating sitting on top of Stubby. So after a lot of soul searching and trying to learn to communicate more effectively with my horse, I came across Quantum Savvy whilst searching the net to find an instructor willing to teach me to communicate with my horse. I loved what I read on the QS website, the support offered, and the lay-out of the programme. I signed up for it the same day.

About Your Quantum Savvy Journey:

For me finding Quantum Savvy was the best thing that ever happened to Stubby and I. Within weeks of starting the programme we were communicating and enjoying each others company. My confidence was slowly growing again, and I swear I could hear a sigh of relief from my horse…”finally, she’s learning my language”. Our relationship just grew and blossomed. We were having fun. October 2006 we all moved to Qld. I didn’t really want to leave Canberra but the sweetener was that we were close to the QSSC. I took the opportunity to participate in the 2007 Quantum Savvy Experience, joining 2 camps. I promised myself I would pass Level 1 before I’d go to camp. With Meredith’s mentorship, I did so in April 2007, passing my last 3 assignments in just 5 weeks. The mentorship really drove home how important sending assignments in for feedback is. Participating in the camps was an amazing experience and one I am planning to repeat in 2008. Stubby and my relationship really blossomed and my confidence levels have grown. Under Shane’s caring guidance we greatly expanded our comfort zone. The camps have also helped me to formulate my horsemanship goals and given me the focus I need to achieve those goals.

Things you've achieved with Quantum Savvy:

My biggest achievements are on a personal level as Quantum Savvy has helped me to regain and grow my confidence and explore what’s outside my comfort zone. On the equine level, Stubby and I are developing great rapport and we very much enjoy our time together. 18 months ago, if you would have told me I would enjoy riding my horse bareback with just a rope hackamore at trot and enjoying it, I would not have believed it. But I did it, out on a trail ride during my time at the QSSC. What a buzz!

Most important lessons learnt;

Get assignments in even if I think it’s a not so great. The feedback is invaluable and really helps to stay focused and move forward.

Goals:

Finish Level 2 December 2007 and Level 3 September 2008 as I would like to become a Quantum Savvy instructor in 2009.

Claim to fame:

It seems there is a picture of Stubby and I in the LYD magazine just about every month.

What drives you?

My dreams, my family, my fury, fleeced and feathered friends and a love of the environment.

Anything else you’d like to add: :

Thank you Shane and Meredith for helping us all achieve and live our dreams.

We are very proud of our fabulous Practice Group Organizers at Quantum Savvy. They have such a huge desire for learning to become better communicators with their horses and helping further that learning in a group setting with other people and their horses. Each month, one group organizer is interviewed and featured on the website.