Veterinary school seminar helps horse owners handle their steeds

As four horses and riders circle the arena of the Stock Pavilion, each lap is met with encouragement or a gentle suggestion.

“Lift that sternum. … Looks good. … Step into those heels a little bit more. … That’s right,” says Julie Goodnight, featured clinician at the 15th annual Seminar for the Serious Horse Owner on Feb. 14.

The School of Veterinary Medicine seminar offered about 400 horse enthusiasts of varying abilities an opportunity to improve their riding and horse handling skills. While attendees watched and took notes from their seats, Goodnight demonstrated in the arena below.

As part of the afternoon segment, Goodnight taught riders how to position and balance themselves in the saddle. A member of the pack, Chet Thomas, caught Goodnight’s eye as he rode by.

“Relax your shoulders, Chet,” Goodnight suggests.

An associate professor at the SVM, Thomas learned to ride by reading books and taking an occasional lesson. Now, he and his horse, Dillon, compete at dressage events in the summers.

“I started from zero,” Thomas says. “At first I looked like a chicken on his back, literally flapping my arms.”

For Thomas, the seminar was a learning experience. “I took away a lot of things, like the idea that I was using my hands too strongly,” he says. “I thought the material presented was really helpful.”

An equine professional for 25 years, Goodnight conducts horsemanship clinics around the country, and owns and operates a training stable in Poncha Springs, Colo.

Her presentation was part of the SVM’s continuing education program for veterinarians, and veterinary technicians. According to Judy Dvorak, the SVM’s outreach program manager, the horse seminar is unique in that it is for the layperson.

“It brings an awareness of the SVM to the equine public,” Dvorak says. “I think Julie was an amazing teacher. She talked about things so matter-of-factly that everyone could relate.”

In the morning, Goodnight focused on horse behavior, explaining how the horse and human minds differ, and she demonstrated safe horse-handling techniques.

Using Spice, a 4-year-old horse with very little training, Goodnight demonstrated what she calls “kindergarten for the horse,” showing how to control a horse from the ground, and how to teach a horse to stand and walk quietly.

The horse, owned by Karen Meinholz, continuing education program assistant at the SVM, was very nervous and unsure of herself when she entered the Stock Pavilion. But in less than an hour, Goodnight had transformed Spice into a calm, cooperative horse, with the pair receiving applause when Spice responded as Goodnight asked her to.

In the afternoon, Goodnight focused on riding skills. While circling the arena on a gray horse named Buck, she explained the importance of balanced position and demonstrated how a rider can use his or her seat, legs, hands and voice to better communicate with and control the horse. Describing riding as “a partnership between the horse and rider” and “a balance in motion,” Goodnight offered recommendations to each of the four participating riders.

Throughout the day, Goodnight showed the audience members exercises they could use at home to improve their handling and riding skills.

After seeing the progress Goodnight made with Spice, Meinholz was eager to try Goodnight’s suggestions.

“I’ve learned a lot of things that I can now use at home,” she says.