It is sometimes quite challenging to get everyone scheduled, and I normally fill up when I go to Omaha and Lincoln once a month. So please check with me to reserve your private time as early as possible.
A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your time. Unless you are very sick or there is a real emergency, you will be expected to keep your scheduled time or forfeit your deposit.
Changes to the schedule must be made at least 5 days in advance. Call Sherry 308-730-2150
There have been quite a few people choose to come spend a few days with me at my house for
intense private lessons. With our new bunkhouse you can stay right here with us. Or if we are already full there are a couple of other cottages to rent within 5 miles. We would be happy to make arrangements for you.
Private Lessons vs. Camps or Clinics?
We
understand private lessons are sometimes desired, so we do offer them
to dedicated students willing to take them on a regular basis.
However,I recommend a clinic or camp over the lessons at least once a
year, because a 2 hour private lesson will go by so quickly.
There
is no way you will get the solid foundation from one private lesson
which you will get at a clinic or camp. I prefer to give private
lessons after someone has already attended a couple of clinics. The
value you get for your money with a clinic or camp is much greater than
a 2 hour private lesson, unless you will commit to the lessons on a
regular basis.
You will also learn from the other people at a
clinic or camp which is invaluable. We will have a chance to cover so
much more about principles and natural horsemanship philosophy. etc.
etc. etc. There is no way I can cover all of this in a 2 hour lesson.
Private Lesson day format at home base arenas: This is a sample and can remain flexible according to individual needs
From Emma's Mom: Emma spent an afternoon at Sherry's house, riding Cisco
Dearest Sherry,
I just want to let you know what a
tremendous impact you had on Emma the other day and thought you'd like
to know the great things she's told me about her day with you.
When
we were leaving she was in tears... tears of joy Sherry. She said to
me; "Mom, she made such a difference in my life..." and the entire way
home she told me all the neat things you'd shown her, the interesting
ways you explained things to her and how you kept explaining things she
didn't understand until she did grasp the idea! That was huge in her
eyes Sherry - that you cared enough to keep explaining instead of
becoming frustrated and getting angry or upset.
She was
overjoyed having learned so many new things and the vital corrections
you made in her riding. You notice when she does something right and
encourage her, rooting for her to do well and seeing when she's made
those changes! That is something she's not had before and was used only
to hearing the mistakes she was making without positive correction or
encouragement when she did do something right.
That's why I
was so excited to get her started with you Sherry - I saw not only how
you worked at the 4-H meeting but also how she responded to your
encouragement and enthusiasm! I knew you would be kind, understanding
and gentle yet firm but also that you would cheer and acknowledge when
she'd grasped something new or corrected the things she needed to
change. Seeing the good in her and rooting her on to do better made her
a very happy little girl. She needs that and it's exactly what you
give! Thank you!
I wish I could remember all the things she
said so I could repeat them back for you - your heart would melt - you
made that big an impact on Emma Saturday and she's very eager for more.
Again Sherry, thank you!!! The remainder of Emma's weekend was spent
telling anybody who'd listen about her time spent with you Saturday
afternoon and even Popcorn Days paled in comparison to the fun, neat
times she had with you Sherry.
Emma hasn't had many adults in
her life that take an interest in her or her well being and though I
have actively sought to bring her together with people that do care and
want to be a participant, make a difference in a child's life for the
better, unfortunately we've ended up with folks that talked a good
story but in the end made things more difficult and hard - if that
makes sense?
You obviously are not only great at horsemanship
and care about teaching people how to correctly go about riding and
owning a horse but also took the time to show Emma you cared about her
- that's what made the difference!
Emma just kept repeating,
tearily, on the way home how you'd "made such a difference in [her]
entire life" and for a mom to hear that is the best thing in the
world!!
Well Sherry I won't keep you but wanted to take a
moment to thank you and share some of the wonderful things I'd heard
from Emma with you, and hope it's put a big smile on your face. She had
a fantastic weekend thanks to you!
We look forward to seeing you Wednesday at 10:00 Sherry.
God bless,
Marguerite
From Judy: after her 4th lesson with Sherry
I took Kahlil to 5 star today. The ground work was
amazing. Our circles were round, we played our impulsion game and he
was very responsive. He went down the wall while I drove him on a side
pass. Turns on the forehand, etc. Under saddle, I only used my legs on
him to guide him. He moved from walk to canter, trot to canter, canter
to stand still - all with my energy!!!!!!!!! We were in synch like we
have never been. Transition to canter is still a little rough but WHAT
A DIFFERENCE!!!! I LOVE THIS HORSE!!! AND YOU!!!!!! He is just what I
was hoping he would be. Soft. Got some nice rhythm going at the trot.
He is relaxing. His head was totally relaxing at the trot. That one
lesson and we have come a very long way!!!! I am so excited. You are
the best!!!!
I worked on that exercise of making the tight turns and
push coming out. It was great. We rode in a big field and I worked on
trotting and rhythm and controlling the speed with my life and again -
it was fantastic. I don't think I used a rein except to urge him on a
little. I didn't ride very long. He was so good that I didn't want to
ride him until he was tired. It was beautiful!!!!!
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!!!! I think he is ready for the next step!!!!
From Jim:After his very first lesson with Sherry
I just wanted to tell you that I really enjoyed our lesson on Sunday. Why?
That is the first time I felt that I was being shown how to get Jack to respond as opposed to react.
You showed patience with both Jack and I.
I got so much out of the lesson, in both an active and passive way.
And of course, Marilyn was sooooo gracious to allow me to use her arena!
I assume that next time we will reinforce and expand a bit. Looking forward to it!
Jim
Oh, Sherry! All I can say is thank you so much
for working with Kali yesterday at your place! It was an absolutely
wonderful experience for her as well as for me. The first thing she
asked me this morning when she got up was if we were going to ride
Cisco today and see Sherry. My dad watched the video and was absolutely
in awe with how patient and kind you were. I couldn't stop talking
about the lesson and how great you were! You have an amazing gift and
I'm so grateful that I found you to be a part of my daughter's life
with the love and understanding of horses. We're looking forward to the
next lesson!
Teri
I wanted to tell you that I got on my horse
for the first time from the ground (the big quarter horse mare) using
the mounting that you taught me. It is a lot less painful on my hips
and I have been able to be a lot more comfortable getting on and off
the horse.
This is the first time since I got hurt that I have been
able to do that without pain. I never would have realized that changing
position would make such a major difference. thank you. Jenny
We had a great time visiting you during the rodeo.Thank you for allowing us to come and visit you and your horses. What a
wonderful spot you have. Ally is still talking about the whole thing.
Especially riding with you What a blessing you are for her. She just
wants to absorb everything you do and say. You have such a good way
with her.
You impressed me at Chance Ridge with your skill with
the horses. But you blew me away when I watched how you worked with
Ally. I don't know if you remember but Sunday afternoon of the two day
clinic she was trying sooooo hard to impress me and she was also
getting very tired. Her frustration was growing and you kept
encouraging her to try again. Then she froze and started crying. You
instantly responded calmly and reassured her. Then you physically moved
away giving her some space. When that didn't settle her down you had
everyone just walk around with their horses. You handled her perfectly.
She was calm and ready to try again after that and was successful at
the skill.
There are people who know a lot about horses that are not good at
working with people. You my dear are both, a wonderful horsewomen and a
wonderful teacher.
Vicki
Hey Sherry! We just had our 4h horseshow yesterday.
With your help I got 5 trophies. They were trail, poles, barrels,
pleasure, and raining. Thanks for helping me slow Sue down, that helped
me a ton. I am looking forward to going to another one of your
workshops with Duke. Anyways, I guess I will talk to you soon.
-Jeremiah-
Matt and I are so grateful for the time that we had with you!
You taught me how to communicate in a clear manner that Matt is able to
respond to and know what I am asking. He is doing so well and is eager
to please. I can tell that he is just as proud when he "get's it" as I
am. He is responding to the lightest of touch and starts doing circles
as soon as I position and point!
I am very excited to continue this journey with Matt, as I am
committed to developing an amazing and "natural" partnership with him. Audra
I enjoyed our time together IMMENSELY and your teaching reaches farther than you may think..I am amazed at how when one is all caught up in the "busy-ness" of the
modern world, one becomes quite out of touch with themselves. Even
removed from their true passions in life.
The time with you and
my horse put me back in touch with something valuable I lost years ago.
I am now searching for ways to bring nature and quality contact with
horses back in my life. The summer is not a big problem, I have two
months available there. I am usually hauling Wyki all over the place
for her showing. The rest of the year I work from just before sunup to
after sundown, leaving me hardly any time for the things that really
matter at home. I admire how you have successfully made your passion
your work. Thank you for helping me to begin discovering the passions
that were lost somewhere in this crazy world.
Julie
Paul
and I both loved the private lesson with you. Having the same teacher and
same methods helps us work more closely together with our horses. The
ground work gave me some much needed confidence. Every time we work with
you we come away refreshed, less frustrated, and more confident in our horses
and ourselves. Pete is kind of a mystery to us and we need your guidance
to bring out the best in him. We both think he could be a super horse
(more willing) but don’t know how to get him there. You are the one that
is going to help us with that. You are very genuine, upfront, and most of
all you really care about the horse. Horses aren’t just a way for you to
make more money, you really care about the animal’s welfare and for that Paul
and I put our trust in you. I’m so glad we found you! I’m excited to get direction as I think I finally know what it is I want out of
riding.
Thanks
so much.
Steph
From
Michele:
Setting goals of getting in shape again to be a better rider.
Sherry, thank you again for the private lesson on Sat. It was
totally eye-opening. Total clarity. How refreshing and
innovative! You are always evolving to find creative ways to teach your
students and your enthusiasm is contagious.
I
was so inspired by the Horse YOGA lesson that I have purchased a Beginner Yoga
DVD. It is instructed by Rodney Yee. I even got Doug to participate
with me! We did the poses instruction and then did a 15 minute evening
instruction and we plan on doing the A.M. instruction each morning. We
both feel so much better and even Doug said that he didn’t realize he had as
much tightness in certain areas of his body.
I
also started this week walking on my cobwebbed treadmill for 20 min. 3X.
I figure I can’t expect Shelby
to be the athlete and not me. Never thought a horse would motivate me so
much, or an instructor. Thanks for the inspiration!!!
Michele
“We
shall take great care not to annoy the horse and spoil his friendly charm for
it is like the scent of a blossom – once lost it will never return.”
Pluvinel
