The Wonderful World of Horses
When
is a horse something other than just a horse? When he's yours of
course and then he becomes very special indeed. Tom Hickey, right, is
pictured saying goodbye to his friend "Flicka," a very
special filly foaled at Tom's 
place
in Dripping Springs, Texas. Tom, wanting his friend to have a better
than average chance in the horse world had given her to a "Texas
Horse Whisperer,"
Flicka
was delivered to my daughter, Joy, to start her training. She was,
according to the "Whisperer," to be trained as an athlete
but he wanted her to be gentle. Tom stopped by several times to watch
Joy work with Flicka and was pleased with her progress. Joy was the
first to ride Flicka and with some help from Javier Bazan, left, was
able to have the horse ready
for the next trainer the "Whisperer" had selected. Before
being taken to the Houston area she had learned to "get
along" with the farrier; get in and out of a trailer; walk up
and put her head into a halter; accommodate other riders in the round
pen, working area and large pasture; reining and be ground tied. In
March of '98 her name was changed to "Union" from Flicka
and was taken to a John Lyon's certified instructor for more
specialized training so she could join "The Whisperer" in
demonstrating his training method.
We
have lost touch with Flicka and have not heard how she is doing. It
was fascinating to watch, on video, her progress move from the
totally undisciplined equine into well mannered, well behaved horse.
I also learned that I had not given my daughter credit in her ability
to train this thousand pound creature. She has often been called
"Liza Doolittle, because of her affinity for animals and by the
way they respond to her. Without magical techiques, but by using only
her quiet natural approach, soft hands, cool head and a genuine
gentle touch, she was able to communicate to this horse what she
wanted. And she got it.
Flicka's
training captured on videotape is but one example of how training,
coupled with a well structured narrative is important not only to the
client but is an irrefutable documentation of the quality of that
training. After a horse is delivered it is then up to the owner to
make proper use of the training you have done. And it's recorded on
videotape for posterity.
Archival
videotape can also become a powerful public relations and sales tool
but unfortunately, most of the video shot is all too often recorded
on separate video cassette tapes. Unfortunately such videotape is
not, as a rule, suitable for sales demonstration or public relations
purposes. Unless it is edited with good narration or titles and
music, such videotape is not much more than a nice record that can be
played back on a VCR. I do offer an editing service you might want to consider.
Equine
video is very special to me. I first started videotaping equine
events in 1993 when our youngest daughter became involved with the horse
world. It was only a matter of time until there were shows and
competitions to be taped so she could learn from them and learn she
did. Her learning curve went vertical in a very short period of time.
I learned from the shows that there was much more to videotaping
horses than just aiming the camera and pressing the record button. I
started to notice the different techniques of different riders and
would focus in on them and my daughter as well. She had a new tool
for improving her riding abilities and competing... me! Her mother
and I loved it then and still do.
My
learning curve was also rising. I learned, for instance, about
Identification Video after she bought her first horse. I also learned
that, fortunately, that good quality video, carefully edited, can
make the difference between winning and losing in the event of a
lawsuit(see Ranch Residents) Not only can tough questions be answered
before they're asked, but the visual testimony of videotape can
deliver a powerful and emotional statement.
If
you offer any type of riding instruction you must visit our page on
"Subsidy 
Video"
and then you might consider having your own instructional videotape
made, which you can sell to your students. If you are seriously
promoting your stables, our Subsidy Video Program allows you a very
good opportunity to not only cover the cost of production, but you
could possibly end up making a profit as well. All our Subsidy
Videotapes come with music added, narration and a colorful, custom
designed cover in a very handsome Library Presentation Album type
case. All tapes are labelled on the spine as well as the face. It
makes a powerful, professional statement for your stables that can
only enhance your credibility and prestige. Home
page Editing
If
you would like your story told on your own web site or on videotape
contact me by email