Quantum Savvy Student of the Month Interview- 02/2008

Vicki Marr

Area: Glenormiston Nth, VictoriaGlenormiston Nth, Victoria
Horse: Max, 9yo QH (with spots !)
Level Achieved: Level 1, working on Level 2.

Goals:

To be develop true rapport with Max so that we can go anywhere, do anything, and to be able to share the knowledge that I have gained with others.

Horsie background:

I don’t know where my love of horses came from, but I have always loved them. My grandfather used to tell me stories of how he would visit the Police Barracks in St Kilda Rd (Melbourne) and watch the mounted police when he was just a boy and I dreamed of being a Victoria’s first mounted policewoman! Even though my grandfather never had a horse, let alone rode, he encouraged my interest by sending me on holidays to stay with friends in Tasmania who bred Arabs and I could get my “horsey” fix. My first horse was a lovely part Arab mare from the stud but unfortunately due to a tragic accident, we didn’t have very much time together.

My love of horses never waned and some years later when we moved to Central Victoria, being surrounded by stock horse and quarter horse breeders, I bought my first quarter horse. Various horses have come into my life over time, but I have had two special ones . . . . Doc, a QH gelding I bred and showed with some success and started my natural horsemanship journey with, and now Max, a 9 year old QH who I love dearly (most of the time!).

Why you started Quantum Savvy

I was first introduced to the concept of natural horsemanship about 12 years ago and became involved with a group in our area. We had lots of fun, I learned heaps, even met Shane and Meredith (pre QS) and even then I could see that they were very special people, with so much to offer. Gary and I did the “sea change” thing in April 2001 . . . . ...new area, didn’t know anyone, no one to “play” with. I sold Doc when we moved. He was my “lifetime” horse . . . . the one I bred and would have forever. But there are horses for people and people for horses and it took me a long time to realise that he was not the horse for me. So Max, a green broke 3 year old came into my life. I continued “playing” on my own, but my goal faded (not disappeared though). In November 2005, at Equitana in Melbourne I was privileged to see Shane and Meredith demonstrate with Spyder and Geoffrey, and talking to them and seeing how their program had developed and the support offered stirred my dreams and I knew this is what I was missing and wanted to be involved . . . .

About your Journey:

When I received my first lesson pack, I was very excited. A friend also became interested; we progressed together through the lessons and for purely selfish reasons, I organised an RFT clinic in March 2006, which was fantastic, and out of the clinic, the Bellarine Practise Group was born. The Forum became addictive and the support unbelievable. Another move in Feb 2007 saw us go back to the country . . . . again a new area, didn’t know anyone, but I continued to “play” with enthusiasm and purpose knowing that I had a “family” supporting and encouraging me. A second clinic was organised in March 2007, but unfortunately Max had a “discussion” with a fence and I attended as an auditor (not the same as participating with your horse, but still learned heaps). We achieved Level 1 in October 2006 and are now enjoying progress through Level 2.

Things you have achieved with QS?

A growing understanding of myself and my relationship with Max; to be patient and more trusting. Level 1.

Most Important Lessons Learned:

Be patient, be positive . . . . stay focused!

Claim to fame:

Pat Parelli bought my horse (Doc); Better still starting two QS Practise Groups. (and Vicki is our poster girl for the LYD shirts!)

Anything else you’d like to add?

Following the QS Foundation Program for me is learning more about myself, really stretching my boundaries in all respects . . . what we achieve with our horses is a bonus.