HORSEMANSHIP CLINIC FOR FIRE-AFFECTED KIDS
By Wendy Elks

The following is a corrected, approved version of the article by Wendy Elks, which we failed to include in the current magazine. Our apologies to Carlos and Wendy for this oversight.

Horsemanship trainer Carlos Tabernaberri was having a rare weekend at home on his Whittlesea property Whispering Acres when the Black Saturday bushfires tore through the area. Carlos had time to evacuate five horses in training, and, when it was too dangerous to travel, turned his own remaining two onto the sand arena. The fire raged across the next hill and Carlos watched in horror as a house went up in flames, despite the Elvis helicopter bombarding it with water from neighbouring dams, including Whispering Acres. Tragically, two other houses and six horses on the hillside also perished.

His own property spared, Carlos wanted to do something to help his local community, and last August, 10 children from the fire–affected areas attended a free, day-long horsemanship clinic at Whispering Acres. Each child had an awful tale of loss and tragedy to tell, with most having lost friends, family or horses to the fires. One horse at the clinic was still recovering from burns.

But bad memories were forgotten as Carlos kicked off the day with a demonstration on his steel grey Apaloosa/TB cross, Sai, who wowed audiences at Equitana with his supreme indifference to chain saws and cap guns. Following this was a two-hour session of groundwork and bareback riding aimed at learning how the horse sees its world, and establishing trust and communication through understanding and kindness.

Argentinean-born Carlos follows the Spanish Classical principles, but he is a self-taught man who considers horses to be his teachers, not humans, who too often resort to cruelty. He maintains that tradition doesn’t make pain and force right, and consequently he never uses bits, whips, spurs or punishment in his training.

After lunch the young riders were treated to another demonstration, with Carlos riding more advanced movements on a lovely chestnut mare. He talked about passage, and how to prepare for it by transitions. Following this was a session with the young riders in the saddle, practicing elements such as transitions, and flexion.

Carlos commented that as the day progressed the shy smiles of the morning gave way to real smiles from the heart, as each rider experienced moments of true harmony and communication with their horse. Most horse owners – and a growing number of psychologists – are aware of the healing power of being around horses, but this can be lost when lack of trust and problems in communication lead to frustration, force, and sometimes danger for horse and rider. Carlos’ philosophy of ‘help ever, hurt never’ ensures that working and playing with horses is a positive experience for everyone.

The day was significant on several levels, as kids who have been through so much, forgot their worries, and witnessed a magical kind of horsemanship based on fun, understanding and mutual respect. For young horse enthusiasts who’ve not been able to ride, or who no longer have a pony club to go to, it was a wonderful day of ‘normal’ life having fun with horses – something that had been a thing of the past. It was a gift these young riders of the future can take away with them, keep for a lifetime; and, in turn pass on to many horses.