PART 2 OF MY CLINIC WITH FREDERIC PIGNON

I know that many of you have been filled with anticipation, so let’s get on with the story …….

It was now Saturday and once again my session with Frederic was scheduled for 3pm.  As the time approached, I went to groom and collect Shadow for our second session.  Shadow whinnied as soon as he saw me.  I luxuriously took my time grooming him.  I wanted him to look his best but more importantly, I wanted to connect and spend time with him.  Regardless of the task at hand, the time I spend with Shadow is always special.  

Frederic's 2:00 pm lesson lasted longer than 1 hour.  Shadow and I were waiting patiently outside the round pen as 3:00 pm came and went.  I understand all too well that you can't rush when training a horse, so Shadow and I waited calmly.  When we did enter the round pen, Frederic took Shadow and started speaking to the crowd.  Frederic began by telling the group that he had said some things about Shadow the previous day that "were not so nice". At that very moment, while Frederic’s attention was on the crowd, Shadow began doing the Spanish Walk all on his own. The crowd laughed when Shadow’s personality bubbled forth entertaining us all.  Frederic expressed that Shadow was a very clever horse!   I already knew Shadow was a clever boy.  The truth of the matter is that ALL horses are clever if allowed freedom of expression without restraints, tack, or force.  One of the things that I like and enjoy so much about Frederic Pignon is that even though he uses a round pen, he doesn't ask horses to submit.  His approach is a refreshing sight to see.  

As Frederic continued, he began some introductory work with Shadow (1) to bend his leg for a nice bow and (2) to rear with a “whoa” before the lift.  The clarity of Frederic's instructions were beautifully received by both Shadow and me.  It was no coincidence that when Frederic turned to speak to the crowd for a second time, SHADOW DREW FREDERIC’S ATTENTION BACK BY DOING THE SPANISH WALK AGAIN!   Shadow worked the crowd as he vied for Frederic’s attention.  What a showman!  We were watching "The Shadow Show".   Shadow's performance was raw, unrehearsed and ingeniously orchestrated.  He is such a confident horse because he has always been allowed to be "who he is".  

Next, Frederic watched as I worked with Shadow.  Our lesson was fantastic.  Frederic helped with both my timing and precision.  He commented that there was nothing to add to the relationship that Shadow and I share.  Frederic said that when he returns next year, he knows we will be ready to go further in our training so he gave us lots of homework to keep us busy until then. I was literally moved to tears.  Shadow had a tough day on Friday but he persevered and saved the day.  Through his perseverance, Shadow made winners of us all!

From my two sessions with Frederic Pignon, I gained many valuable insights; some of which have nothing to do with training horses.  I know that Frederic can only be himself.  I can only be Linda Salinas and Shadow can only be Shadow.  It’s clear that Frederic is walking his truth.  My experience with him affirmed that I am walking my truth also.  The Carolyn Resnick Waterhole Rituals have paved the way for the relationship and connection I share with my horses.  When a relationship begins at liberty, your horse performs from the bond and connection you share (which Shadow so readily demonstrated in our second session with Frederic).  I truly love and admire the work of both Frederic Pignon and Carolyn Resnick who  continues to be a primary influence in my life.  I don’t want to get caught up in making comparisons or judgements.  Such thinking would be divisive and we would miss the important lesson Shadow demonstrated to all.  What is Shadow's lesson you ask? 

"When someone says something about you, whether true or not, take the high road.  Your actions will shine brightly to reveal the truth of who you are".  

It is easier to be a “copycat” than to be an original.  As " an original", you can still learn from others and allow them to inspire you.  Shadow, Carolyn, Frederic, many people and many horses as well have all provided the inspiration to discover my uniqueness.  I am fortunate to have found my passion in life.  I would like to help you find your passion as well through the training of horses.  My weekend with Frederic served to affirm that I am walking my truth (as is God’s intention for each and every one of us).  I know of no better journey to discovery than the one we embark upon with our equine friends.  

"BEYOND OUR IDEAS OF RIGHT-DOING AND WRONG-DOING, THERE IS A FIELD, I'LL MEET YOU THERE.  WHERE THE SOUL LIES DOWN IN THAT GRASS, THE WORLD IS TOO FULL TO TALK ABOUT.   IDEAS, LANGUAGE, EVEN THE PHRASE "EACH OTHER" DOESN'T MAKE SENSE ANY MORE".       RUMI

I hope that my blogs assist in revealing the profound lessons that horses so readily teach us.  Horses have the power to find the truth in each of us.  Are you ready? Feel free to join us anytime...Shadow & I are waiting.

Hope you have a great week!

Next weeks blog.....Another powerful message from the horses.  Until then, 

Linda, Shadow, and the rest of the herd