By Nicole Carswell
©Voice, November 2006

Back Row – Nicole Carswell, John Parrish, George Burge, Dave Wenger, Lynne Wenger, George Purdy. Front Row – Amber Latham, Rose Sampson, Terrie Purdy.

In its most basic form, the vast numbers of Tennessee Walking Horse owners simply need more correct information. More information on bitting, shoeing, appropriate tack for the job, and confidence that what they are learning is effective technique. This is why the TWHBEA^SM has always tried to provide educators for TWH groups around the world. Education of our general TWH base is of vital importance. Every person has an individual goal, which they would like to accomplish. While each goal is set and reached, these newcomers continue to raise the bar. This is where many move from years of trail riding to the show ring experience. Some just simply prefer to remain on the trail. At least when given all opportunities, our TWH base is exposed to its options.

All the flowers of all the tomorrows are
in the seeds of today.
- Unknown

Most individuals have never had access to a professional trainer/instructor. This is one reason we formed the TWHBEA^SM Adult Riding Camp. It provides the average TWH owner, no matter which type of TWH you have, to come and get hands on advice. In the years to come, we would love to hold these camps in many locations in association with our TWH clubs around the globe!

Our first camp was held this year at my home in Morehead, Kentucky. Eight adults from three states gathered for the TWHBEA^SM ADULT RIDING CAMP. These were some of the hardest working TWH lovers I have had the pleasure to work with. For three days, we worked on gait improvement, balance and riding technique, shoeing, bitting, and overall confidence building.

The first person on my list is a true success story, George Burge of Indiana. For the last four years George has been one of our Hoosier Horse Fair enthusiasts, always there with his smiling face, lending a hand and taking advantage when the audience could ride. George, an almost retired policeman, and his horse Smokey made the trip to Kentucky this year for some direct attention. Upon arrival, Smokey performed a nice walk at a slow speed, but anything more brought out the rack. After some change in riding technique and a good shoe job from farrier Shawn Henderson, George had Smokey doing a great flat walk, running walk, and canter. He is so good, I’m sure Indiana will see George at a few shows next year! Go George!

George simply makes just one story out of the many we have to tell since camp. Dave and Lynne Wenger come to mind immediately. Dave and Lynn brought four great show horses to camp, and we were so proud of their improvement. My proudest moment came when they both rode to the barn with smiles on their faces and a new energy and determination for the TWH business!

George and Terrie Purdy were a great team who stole the horses from the kids for the week and came to have fun and find out about their horses’ potential. George’s horse had been running barrels and had speed on his mind. Will he walk? At first I said I doubt it, but after 3 days with a determined George, I learned never to think never!

John Parrish from Alabama came to ride anything with four legs. He had a history of breaking colts, and training young horses. I promptly put John on the tougher rides and worked our way up to a Park Performance horse. Every group has to have one cowboy and John you were ours. Great job!

My next two girls were a hoot. They were your textbook friends out to have an adventure together! Amber will surely succeed with her beautiful horse. She showed a determination and focus, which made me proud. She was prepared for camp, however, since her husband was involved in the publishing of my book and she nabbed a copy!

Her buddy Rose will always be the envy of the trail with her spotted racking machine. Rose was a true testament of the love between a girl and her horse.