It never fails that I have a mild "depression" at the end of the clinics/camps. You'd think I'd be used to it by now but ... the truth is that I feel a bit like my friends have gone after a great visit. That includes Harry who is truly a treasure to have as a guest and as the clinician. Though I tease him about being an "old lady", he is actually an easy keeper and willing to pitch in wherever and whenever he can. Delightful!

As usual, the folks who come here to the camps are serious about learning and serious about having fun. Some wonderful changes came through for the horses and for the understanding of the students. I am absolutely sincere when I tell you that it is not likely Vic and I would do this were it not for the eagerness and willingness on the part of the riders who come here. It is an honor and our personal joy to watch this experience unfold time and time again.

I've often told folks, "It ain't about the horses.". Well, of course it is but, at a deeper level, it is about us digging around inside to find the courage to expose ourselves to the very vulnerable process of learning something new. That always amazes me. That we keep doing this. We can be so capable in other parts of our lives yet we put ourselves in the position of not knowing and wanting to know and all that space in between is awkward and frustrating and mind-boggling and challenging and ............sheesh ..... we really are nuts or stubborn. I stick myself in that category, too, since I jump into the round pen of "How Many Things Can Harry Find that I Miss/Missed/Will Continue to Miss?!". (Answer: an infinite number.)

I know, I know -- it IS because we want to know better so we can do better. And ........ we do! As I tell Harry each time: "I'm less bad this year." Pfffttt. A wonderful benefit of folks coming back year after year is that we get to see and share in the improvements in each of us. Sometimes, it's improvement in the mechanics of flappin' that flag or hangin' onto the lead rope in one hand and the halter in the other as we wobble our feet around in some facsimile of a circle. Other times, it's the overlay of how one concept really does apply to another. I saw SO many examples of people making mental shifts. I did, too! Phew! Being here for a week really, really, REALLY makes a difference, doesn't it?

Several of us discussed how to explain what the weeks are like ...what to expect. I have tried my best to offer some semblance of a decent explanation but the truth is that you just have to experience it. Not that it's all that mysterious or anything. I think it is just because we don't often have the chance to BE horse people as much or as intently as we would like. Nor do we ever have the opportunity to SHARE the experiences (joys and challenges) in quite this way. And, to top it all off, it is a rare, rare thing to have someone of Harry's experience, dedication, and patience who is AVAILABLE in the ways he makes himself available during these "week-long deals", as he calls them. How many 10 and 12 hour days did he put in ... answering every single question ... letting us ramble on as we tried to sort out issues, big and small? Wow, wow, wow. And, come on ....... how HARD did we LAUGH??!!!

To each and every one of you ....... Vic and I thank you for being a part of this special learning place. Your help with all the little jobs, your deer-in-the-headlights looks at breakfast (How do you want your eggs?), your thoughtfulness in caring for our place ...... your enthusiasm .......... for all of it. Thank you. Thank you for being a part of ...... mendin' fences. ;-)

~linda and Vic