Quantum Savvy Student of the Month Interview- 09/2007

Debbie Nemtsas

Area:Mildura / Victoria Australia
Horse: Cody, 5 ½ year old black and white paint and George, 4 year old black and white miniature horse but I really think he’s a mini Shetland.
Level Achieved: Completed Level 1 and also the first couple of assignments in Level 2.

Goals:

To complete Level 2 and be a better leader for Cody and complete Level 1 ground skills with George to allow him to have more confidence. If I had a younger, lighter, confident friend or relative I would do the riding skills with George.

Horsie background:

I got my first horse when at14 years old, a bay part Arab Quarterhorse which I rode around town and my sister’s then property along the river. I was never into pony club, never had any formal riding training and since joining QS I’m glad. Prior to owning my first horse I spent a lot of time at a place where you could hire horses.

Why you started Quantum Savvy

I made the mistake of buying a young horse sight unseen. I brought Cody home and he appeared very quiet, friendly on the ground but as soon as I hopped on he would buck. I’m not a real experienced rider even though I had had horses on and off since I was 14 years old. After about a dozen failed attempts and pain I sent him to be re-started and although I could then ride Cody, he occasionally would buck when I asked for more. He was good for the trainer but not for me. The trainer couldn’t understand why and never helped Cody especially when he still seemed tense and wouldn’t stand still when I got on etc. I know Cody received a few lashings from this guy with marks I saw and I’ve regretted it ever since. Anyway that was 2 years ago now and after seeing that notice on Horseland’s wall of a QS clinic I haven’t looked back. Cody is much more relaxed and although I’m improving and still trying to be a better leader for Cody we have both been a lot better for it thanks to QS.

About your Journey:

It’s been eventful especially when we first started, with lots of ups and downs but many more ups than downs. We started in 2005 with inspirational support from then GO Amanda Lowe who was very encouraging throughout the programme. It’s been an insight to see how Cody and other horses respond to the programme, how quickly he relaxed and began listening. Even though Cody was initially very quiet to begin with I feel now we have a great rapport and communication between us. We still have a long way to go; my con- fidence has improved significantly but its amazing knowing how far we have come already. I’ve met like minded individuals on the same path with different goals but all endeavoring to build better rapport with their horse. I’ve lacked motivation in some instances, have been real busy with other commitments at other times but will never give up and will always remain true to Cody in wanting to prove to him I am a great leader.

Things you have achieved with QS?

Passed Level 1, passed first couple of assignments in Level 2, became a better leader for Cody and George knowing I can still greatly improve.

Most Important Lessons Learned:

Be persistent, never give up especially with confronting opposition, be consistent in becoming a better more confident leader, to ignore the fear of failure, don’t be afraid to ask for advice, don’t worry what others think and knowing horses and humans can really communicate. I’ve realized every horse is different, some things are easier for some horses than others and all horses/ handlers have their own issues to work through, knowing no horse/handler is perfect.

Claim to fame:

Passing Level 1, attending Level 2 QSE camp, on the Level 2 100 things to do with your horse DVD and photos in past LYD magazines.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Just want to thank Shane and Meredith for developing their programme, Mel our wonderful instructor for her friendship, wisdom and knowledge, other QS members/local groups for their support and my gorgeous horse Cody for always teaching/encouraging me to become a better leader for him.