Quantum Savvy Student of the Month Interview- 09/2007

Di Simpson

Group - Alpha Circle Practice Group
Area: Hervey Bay. Queensland Australia.
Horse: Zana
Level Achieved: Level 1 twice, with Zana and Sassafras

Goals:

To enjoy a safe, fair, respectful and beautiful bond with my horses. To bring my horses through level 1 and onto level 2 of QS and as far as it takes us.

Horsie background:

Actually, I didn’t have a horsie background. I only started hanging out with horses about 11years ago after being introduced by a friend. I can remember going on a couple of childhood trail rides that was pretty frightening at the time. So it wasn’t until I was nearly 40 that I brought myself a horse and my journey with these beautiful animals began.

Why you started Quantum Savvy

I started with QS as I felt it offered the complete tuition; nothing missing. And filled a lot of gaps that I found was lacking in other programs. QS has a great support system to fall back on when ever needed.

About your journey:

Being so very green with horse’s years ago, I looked for something to guide me at home and found a natural horsemanship program, which I enjoyed with Zana my Arab mare and a couple of horses before her. I eventually achieved our level 1 through this program with Zana, but it did take me a long time as I was also battling an auto immune disease and a round of chemotherapy to bring it under control. The other program was a welcome distraction and it gave me a goal and focus to work towards. Although Zana and I had some great success, I felt there was a lot missing. I still felt I hadn’t gained Zana’s total trust and respect. For one reason or another I lost confidence and momentum and decided to spell her for a couple of years or more. We both needed a rest. She really did deserve that I thought, as she always tried for me, I just didn’t have enough savvy tools at the time to go on with her.

I was just about to throw in the towel, when Graham my husband urged me to try out a little horse that he had bred and was about to sell. I had nothing to do with this little fella and wasn’t very interested in him at all…….That is until I had a sit on him in the round yard one day. From then on our fate was sealed for the next year. His name was Sassafras. I had also stumbled across QS around the same time and Sassy and I found a partnership with this program like no other. Sassy thrived and so did I, with lots of support and guidance along the way. All we had to do was follow the QS program, as was layed out step by step. And sure enough we achieved our level 1. Sadly my journey with Sassafras came to an unexpected and sudden end due to a tragic paddock accident just recently on Easter Saturday. He taught me so much and my memories with him will and have given me strength to continue with the help of the QS program.

I have brought Zana my Arab back into the picture now, as I feel QS has given me the tools that I need to continue our journey together. She is in her 12th year now and mellowed a bit with age. I have had this beautiful mare since she was only 18 months old. I am having a great time re-bonding with her and ticking of those level 1 boxes…Already sent in a video for feedback. I am also very lucky to have Sassafras’s full brother, 2 year old “Ditto” waiting in the wings.

Things you have achieved with QS?

Trust and lots of patience. Level 1 with Sassafras Most Important Lessons Learned - Patience and timing, and to cherish every minute with my equine friends

Claim to fame:

Patience and timing, and to cherish every minute with my equine friends.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Just keep ticking those boxes