Debbie Bibb "Building The Horse of A Lifetime"™

Well, this year has certainly been off to an interesting start weather-wise. After an exceptionally cold November and December last year, we've now had days of almost 50 degrees and only in the teens in January and February. The weather here in the Colorado Rockies definitely keeps you on your toes (frozen toes, depending on the day)!

We have a great year in store for you and your horse with plenty of opportunities for learning and enhancing your skills. It's sure to be another great year in your journey of Building The Horse Of A Lifetime™!

Rocky Mountain Horse Expo:

Mark your calendars for the Rocky Mountain Horse Expo in Denver March 9-11. Join me at 11:30 each morning in the Events Center Arena as I present "Obstacles at Speed". You'll learn how to progress your horse's training to go from walking calmly over obstacles to a trot and then a canter or hand gallop - all while maintaining good control and horsemanship skills. It's a lot of fun!

If you're looking to get started with obstacles or solve any problems you're having with obstacles, come join me in the afternoons (2:00 Friday and Saturday, 3:00 Sunday) for "Crossing Obstacles - 3 Easy Steps" in the Hall of Education Arena. You'll learn my sure-fire method for teaching your horse to cross any obstacle you encounter along the trail or any obstacle course. If you think it won't work for your horse, here's your chance: I will be taking three horse and rider teams for this demonstration each day. It's a great way to learn how to cross obstacles while building your horse's confidence and trust in you. Plus, you'll have a chance to let your horse experience the other horses, people and the indoor facilities at the Expo. If you'd like to ride with me, download this form and return it to the Expo Management as soon as possible. These demonstrations are first come, first served so don't wait!

While you're there, don't forget to drop by my booth in the Expo Hall. We will have a drawing for a free two-day clinic of your choice. Drop your name in and say hello. We'll also have a variety of training tools, Building The Horse Of A Lifetime™ apparel and other educational products. We will be taking clinic reservations there as well. Did I mention the free chocolate?

We're looking for volunteers each day of the Expo. Duties include helping prep horses and obstacles for the demos as well as meeting and greeting people at our booth and providing them with information on our program. Volunteers typically work the booth for one demonstration and then help with the other demonstration. All volunteers will receive a free t-shirt, Expo pass for the day as well as a parking pass for the day. Call or email me (719)748-8543 or info@debbiebibb.com if you are interested.

On another note, Mark and I will be riding our horses Hank and Classy as part of Larry Killam's "Opportunities on the Trail" Cowboy Worship Service at 8am Sunday in the Hall of Education Arena. Larry does a great job of relating our horse lives to the Bible through his Horsegate Ministry. Come join us for a great message!

2012 Clinics:

Our 2012 schedule is now posted online and sign-up is now open! We're excited to introduce our new clinic "Trail Equitation - The Art of the Trail™". Front Range Equine Rescue will be hosting this clinic at their Spring Hill Facility in Larkspur. Equitation is called the "Art of Horseback Riding". Here, I'll show you how to advance your equitation skills specifically for the trail. Your trail riding will take on a whole new level!

We are also offering our Essential Skills for Every Trail Horse to get you pointed in the right direction if you're new to trail riding or have a new-to-you or younger horse.

Don't forget our widely popular Creating the Ultimate Trail Horse Clinic which takes you through a wide variety of preparatory skills for your trail ride and focuses on OBSTACLES - the noodle jungle, the versatile and ever-changing bridge, the water crossing, as well as the big ball will all be back! This will be our 11th year for this clinic.

We're also excited to be heading back to the historic M Lazy C Ranch for our fourth annual Advanced Trail Riding Clinic. We will be spending most of our time on the trail, problem-solving as we ride down the trail. There will be one-on-one time with me for each rider as we ride to address your specific issues. I'll also have some mini-lessons during breaks throughout the weekend. Three days on the trail with great scenery, great accommodations and dinners. It's a weekend that can't be beat!

We will also be heading out to Deer Creek Stables in Washington, Penn., later this year for a Horsemanship Clinic. If you or someone you know would like to host a clinic, please contact me. Contrary to popular belief, we do not need an indoor arena to hold a clinic. We're used to working with whatever Mother Nature throws at us and have classroom lessons at the ready in case we need to duck for shelter during adverse weather. Any of the clinics listed in our clinic section are available as are customized clinics to meet your group's needs. We also offer a discount for non-profit groups such as horse rescues, saddle clubs and youth groups.

Today's Horse Trader Magazine:

I have been writing a variety of training articles for Today's Horse Trader since last summer. The February issue concluded my four-part Fitness for the Trail series that started last November. It's a great reference for some ideas to get in shape for the upcoming trail riding season. Also, March will feature "Crossing Obstacles - 3 Easy Steps" to go along with my demonstration at the Rocky Mountain Horse Expo in March.

Facebook:

Can you believe I have made the jump to Facebook? Check out my page! Become a fan to become eligible for special offers. I also feature a Weekend Training Tip every Friday to help you advance your horsemanship. Come check it out! www.facebook.com/debbie.bibb2

Today's Horse Trader Magazine:

We're looking forward to seeing some of our friends again when riding season gets going and are looking forward to making new ones. Hope to see you soon!

May You Ride The Horse Of A Lifetime!