Lee Smith Lessons

by Shelly Finck

I just had the great opportunity to watch Lee Smith give some private lessons the last couple days The more I see of this lady, the more respect I have for her. Get Ready. That's what rings the most in my ears. Get the horse ready and prepared with the small things, and the big things will come. She gave an analogy of a tower of boxes. If you start with a nearly empty box and start putting heavier ones on top, the tower will eventually crumble because it didn't have a solid foundation Sound familiar? She works at teaching people how to look for what things to put in their "box" so that they have it nice and firm so you can pile whatever you want on top.

I watched her help a young farrier work with a young mare that's still pretty afraid of the human. She puts up with them, but just isn't quite sure of them She was really troubled about having her back feet worked on It took them almost 2 hours, but the things they put in that horse's "box" were solid Nothing was skipped over. Lee allowed the horse to tell her what she was ready for and they progressed at the pace that suited the horse. The owner had thought her groundwork was pretty solid, but Lee showed her the fact that this horse did not really trust people She was a true case of maybe you could eventually get on her and do something with her, but one day she'd unload you in a hurry and the human would wonder what happened. She was putting up with people, not accepting them and trusting them. That trust is so vital. Lee brought many different things out to help this horse. All basic ground skills, but done with such great feel. When she had worked with the horse for a while, she got the farrier involved and helped him learn how to help these horses that are troubled about their feet. I've watched him handle tough horses on several occasions and get them to calm down and give their feet But, this one had him bested and Lee just kindly asked if he wanted some help. The morning lessons developed from there It was a pleasure to see this young mare standing with her head below wither level having her feet done. Lee was so good at really identifying what it was that was troubling her. She taught her how to "get ready" for what was going to come next.

I am just so impressed at her ability to help people where they are.

She helped three women with trot to canter transitions. Each one had a little different issue, but he underlying cause was the same. Lack of rhythm and harmony with the horse, and balance in the saddle. One was a slightly impulsive mare that didn't always pick up the desired lead. Lee helped her to see that her position in the saddle was getting in her horse's way of picking up the desired lead, Another was an older team penning horse that was a little slow to move out. His rider just needed to get in rhythm with him and and position her body so that she stayed out of the way. The third was a younger horse that was slow on trot to canter transitions and trying his little heart out. Lee helped his rider to see how her position in the saddle was getting in the way.

She was leaning more on the left stirrup and the horse would continually pick up the right lead. As soon as they got that sorted out, he was making them pretty easily without tail swishing and head tossing. She adjusted the tasks for each person until all 3 were able to pick up the desired lead with little trouble "Don't trouble your horses" she'd say So many times the horses gave exactly what the rider asked for, but the rider had one thing in mind, and the horse read something different in the presentation of seat and rhythm. All three of the riders commented on how easy it was to get the desired lead when you just stayed out of the horse's way and let them do it naturally, Lee's comment, with a large grin was "now isn't that interesting". I was just in awe at how observant she was of the small things that were standing in the way of harmony with the horse. Get harmony with your seat and it makes things so much easier for the horse.

So, go see her if you have a chance. For those of you out there in the Midwest, you're in luck. I'm hosting a clinic for her in Mitchell, SD August 26 - 27 and have rider positions available. Email me for more details.

Shelly