Quantum Savvy Student of the Month Interview- 10/2007

Martin Edie

Area: Beaudesert QLD to Mandurah WA and back again
Horse: Grey Arab gelding called Pocco.
Level Achieved: One. Plus a few L2 cards too!

Goals:

I want to work through the programme to level 4 (and perhaps beyond) and apply what I have learnt to the equine competition world and hopefully inspire by example.

Life goals - To help people find their way in life. Sometimes we get so caught up in life that we don’t appreciate the simple and beautiful things which are right there before us.

Horsie background:

I started pleasure riding at age 17. In my early 20's progressed to endurance riding. In my mid twenties I started competing in dressage until my early 30's. I had a break from horses for about 5 years, although my wife was still riding so we still had horses in the paddocks. While we were working in Western Australia my wife arranged a clinic with Shane and Meredith. For those of you who have had the chance to attend one of Shane and Meredith's clinics you know that you can't help but to get involved. After watching my wife play with Quantum Savvy at home for a year, it took a clinic to get me absolutely hooked.

Why you started Quantum Savvy

I started pleasure riding at age 17. In my early 20's progressed to endurance riding. In my mid twenties I started competing in dressage until my early 30's. I had a break from horses for about 5 years, although my wife was still riding so we still had horses in the paddocks. While we were working in Western Australia my wife arranged a clinic with Shane and Meredith. For those of you who have had the chance to attend one of Shane and Meredith's clinics you know that you can't help but to get involved. After watching my wife play with Quantum Savvy at home for a year, it took a clinic to get me absolutely hooked.

About your Journey:

I think lesson 1 and 2 were the hardest. Learning about phases and timing being extremely important as the basis for the rest of the programme. Just as I thought I was getting pretty good with these, Pocco would become quicker at understanding and responding, so I had to become lighter and quicker with my phases and the cycle began again. I am having a lot of fun with level 2. Especially with the liberty. What I used to perceive as my horse being 'fresh' or even 'naughty' I now see as him expressing himself and even having options when we play. I am thankful that this opportunity has arisen and I am now refreshed and keen to learn more about horseman- ship and horse/human relationships. I am having a lot of fun with the programme and although ultimately would like to re-enter the competition world, at the moment I am very happy learning to 'enjoy' my horse, and my horse enjoy me too.

Things you have achieved with QS?

I have become more self aware. I am understanding my horse does what I ask. When I ask the wrong way he gives me exactly what I ask for, so it is me that makes the mistake, not my horse. I am enjoying the freedom to think for myself, not feeling like I have to wait for a coach to tell me what to do before I can progress. Learning that it is O.K to make mistakes and to learn from them.

Most Important Lessons Learned:

After being so used to repetition training, I have found the 'Release Focus' concept to be so much more productive with my horse. I have more communication than I ever thought possible with my horse. The programme has made it so much easier to teach both of us things. I have learnt not to nag and my horse has learnt to be more responsive and interested in me because I am doing less to achieve more and trying to make it fun for both of us.

Claim to fame:

Completed level 1 in 5 weeks, (with a little help from the Mrs.)

Anything else you’d like to add?

It is refreshing to learn something new and exhilarating . There will be a lot of people set in their ways and their negativity will make it difficult to express yourself at times. The QS programme helps you overcome your inhibitions. The instructors, mentors, forum and other students will offer the best support to help you keep going. This programme is one of the best 'hobbies' my wife and I have shared.