This winter several students and I went to the Rocky Mountain Horse Expo.  We saw a demonstration by Mark Bolender who does Extreme Trail Riding.  I greatly enjoyed and agreed with his training method.  "The ultimate goal of Bolender's Unique Horsemanship training method is to create a partnership with a horse, where a mutual trust is established and the horse volunteers to learn and perform in a safe manner." 

I have been playing with how to incorporate his method in various ways and as of this week I have my first obstacle being a hill and log crossing!  Bridge and water crossing here we come!!!