Anna’s Problem Solving Course, also known as Simple Solutions, is generally held every other year and caters to those of our students who are going on to become ROTH certified trainers. This course focuses on horses who often have severe behavioral problems, some of whom are on their last chance before they would have been discarded by other rescues. But ROTH partnered with ROTH Certified Instructor/Trainer, Katie Dixon, at her rescue in Bend, OR, Renegade Equine, to give these horses a chance to once again reenter the world of humans who love horses and who want the best for them. They are seen, heard, met where they are, and as the master teachers, they are given an opportunity to shine! Please enjoy these highlights and borrowed benefits from our students on this year’s course.
From ROTH Trainer in Training, Sharon Tiraschi
My highlight was when Siri (Syrah) was able to have her feet trimmed by the farrier on the last day! That was my goal for the week, and while far from perfect (as I’m wont to desire), it was a big milestone. Siri had been unable to have her feet trimmed without sedation prior to this appointment, and so it felt like a really big deal! It was also fabulous to come together as a team with the farrier, Siri’s main support volunteer, Katie, and Anna to help Siri have a successful experience; everyone had a part in helping and supporting, and this is what horsemanship should like in my opinion – TEAMWORK. Honestly, every little step with Siri was a highlight as we were able to open up her world with exposure to new people, multiple people, and new environments (round pen, arena, and simply outside of her paddock). When you think about all of the pieces that truly come together when we’re working with these beautiful souls, there’s a lot of achievement! I also have to mention that on our last night, I went to say goodbye before we left Katie’s one final time, and Siri came trotting over to the fence when I called her name. It might seem small, but for me it was huge and my heart exploded. All week, I’d had to work and I’d had to prove myself worthy of being allowed to approach and halter. Perhaps this is my special moment 😀
My borrowed benefit was watching and working with Carmen and Chevayo. First, I was honored to be able to work with Carmen, see her process, and learn from her talking through each step she was taking; this was outstanding! She helped a lot of things click for me via observation and listening. Second, to see the transformation of Chevayo throughout the week, and to see him become softer, lighter, and more confident was simply beautiful. From needing an anchor and supporting ‘path clearers’ on the first day, to being able to lead solo on the last day, from experiencing sheer anxiety in the round pen on the first day, to being able to participate and engage calmly and confidently on the last day, and to see him engage with essential oils in a profound way to address his mental, emotional, and spiritual needs – all of these things and more just demonstrate the value of the work Anna is teaching us to do. Through kindness, compassion, conversation, patience, and presence, we can really help these horses settle, grow, trust, and shine. I LOVE THIS TRIBE!!!
From ROTH Trainer in Training, Phil Juenke:
My highlight was to be able to adjust and catch up on the plans with Grace and to be able to learn the ability of how Dynamite can do so much for humans but also any equine.
My borrowed benefit was from Miranda and Blue; watching them get to know each other so well, to see that true connection between horse and human.
From ROTH Trainer in Training, Carmen Brander
My highlight from the Simple Solutions course were the two horses I was allocated for the week. I feel that it is never just “by chance” that I am asked to team up with certain horses, but rather something so much bigger. Their names were Shaman and Chevayo, both came to Renegade labeled as “three-strike” horses and both taught me some remarkable lessons. They made me look inward and dig deep in finding my confidence as they tested my skills in finding alternative ways to assist their learning.
My borrowed benefit was learning more about alternative therapies. I was able to team up with fellow ROTH Trainer in Training, Sharon Tiraschi, and learn more about the benefits horses gain from standing on (in this case) a gymnastic mat. Shaman took to this mat right away. Relaxing, lowering his head and breathing deeply as he soaked in the benefits of the mat for his muscles and alignment. We were able to incorporate oils allowing him to choose those that he saw fit in that moment. This showed me a different side to him while also allowing me to gain new knowledge in alternative therapies.
My special moment was on the last day of the clinic with Chevayo. We worked really hard throughout the week to gain confidence in leading and finding ways to help him relax throughout our sessions. It all seemed as though it came together for us and clicked on the last day. Chevayo required an anchor while leading, this ensured that proper safety measures were taken to get from point A to point B. All of my colleagues that anchored gave me an extra ounce of confidence, knowing that I had them to talk things through with and having them right there if needed. On the last day, Anna pulled my anchor away. Although “simply” leading and leading by myself may not seem monumental to the outside eye, it was for Chevayo and me. We had our “Aha moment” where all of our hard work, aligned as we quietly and confidently walked back to his paddock – as a team, just him and I.
From ROTH Student Gina Burgess
My special moment was when Izzy, who was not fond of being caught, saw me enter his field and on his own started walking half across the field to meet me!
A borrowed benefit: was that although we were learning the same “solutions”, we all brought something different to the relationship with our horses. Some of the group were good with oils, while others may have been good at energy work, body work, being a buddy etc. And although we may not have done things exactly the same, it was okay and it worked because we were all coming from our hearts and a place of truth within the framework of the skills we were learning.
Highlights:
Being new to the group and to Anna, being selected as a “buddy” by a fellow member versus assigned. Anna explained how important it was to select someone we could trust…no one knew me except for the couple of days we had spent together. So I did not expect to be selected. I didn’t realize I was holding my breathe until after I was selected and I felt myself exhale!
Listening to everyone share, plan and process in our circle meetings. Such powerful moments and wonderful opportunites to learn.
Watching Anna, Katie and the others work with their horses
Getting to actually do the work with our primary horse and then each of the other horses while working with different group members as well was an invaluable experience.
Having a buddy, Katie and/or Anna there to support your every step provided the confidence to keep forging ahead.
![19b1c38593b56dccb6afd2bf_1220x686[1]](https://reachouttohorses.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/19b1c38593b56dccb6afd2bf_1220x6861.jpg?w=470)
ROTH ~ Blog 