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Comments from Participants
attending Franklin's Horsemanship Clinics and Events
in the United States
Dear Franklin....
It was so great to meet you...everyone has you at the top of the list and now I do too! You have given me back my focus and direction. Today I ... came home and got Mr. Sunny Steel (Electric Horseman). I looked at him with a TOTALLY different prospective. I have a confidence that I didn't have before with him. And you gave it to me. And that is HUGE.
...There is not a horse or person that couldn't learn from you this weekend. I don't have Sunny for the winter, but will work until I leave and start again when I get home. I have decided to also work with one of my rescue horses that is always in my face and I've let him get away with it. NO MORE!!!!
Thank YOU SO much,
Ruth Ann and SunnyFranklin,
I couldn't wait to get to my computer to tell you about my experience today. I did exactly what you told me to do with Dallas. I slowly worked with him with the rope on his neck and we worked together very slowly and calmly. When he realized what we were doing and that I wasn't going to hurt him he was UNBELIEVABLE.
I have to admit I got tears in my eyes because I was so overcome with I guess joy. Before I put the halter on I led him around his pen with the rope a bit and he followed willingly and then we worked on getting the halter on. He put his nose right in after a couple of times of bringing his head to the right spot. Then he did the funniest thing. He put his head on my shoulder and put pressure on it to make me go down. I let him push me down a little (because I was thinking of the partnership/dance idea) and he did it a couple of times. But then I came back up and moved to a different spot. I didn't know if maybe he was trying to show me he was boss but it didn't feel that way. ( I think he's smart) I opened the door to his stall and we slowly walked out to the paddock. I walked him all the way in and took the rope off and let him go. He ran and jumped and bucked and rolled around. It was so great to see him and watch him doing this. He really looked like a race horse. It was muddy when you first walk in and he seemed hesitant to go in so I kind of walked him around it as much as possible. There also was a big puddle of water in there that he was trying to figure out.
Then his halter fell off. We got him this other one that wasn't so big And clanky but I guess it was a grooming halter and not too secure (OBVIOUSLY). When it came off he looked as surprised as I was. So I let him run around a bit without it. And then when he seemed like he wanted to go back inside, I went over put the rope on his neck as you described once again. Got him to bring his head low to the ground and was patting and rubbing him (he loved having his gums rubbed) and got the halter on once again. Then I led him around the paddock a few times just to be sure he wouldn't try to bolt the other way when we walked out and he was totally fine. I would have loved to walk him over to eat some grass but with that halter, I didn't want to take a chance.
Then I groomed him and had a lesson on another horse. (Auto pilot school horse) But I took good care of him too. Then went back and got Dallas' cribbing collar back on which wasn't as easy because he hates it but he was much better even as I tightened it. Finished up just in time for his dinner to arrive. (Mind you I started probably right after he finished breakfast)
Obsessed much Kim? I had the best day!
So THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU FOR A WONDERFUL DAY FOR ME A LONELY HORSE NAMED DALLAS.
Please keep the advice coming. I'm an eager student! Blessings to you!
My experience with Franklin began via the Internet and then on the phone. I was having extreme difficulties with a horse I had decided to "rescue" at my barn. He was the horse no one wanted anything to do with and everyone was afraid of.
After several emails and long phone sessions, I was able to connect with this horse on such an emotional level I was literally in tears. He and I are now attached in a spiritual way. I wanted to buy the horse but he wasn't for sale. So I bought another horse (very similar). I used some of the techniques Franklin taught me, which have helped me bond with my horse.
After spending the first day at his seminar at Maypine, I am totally overwhelmed. My horse, who has been terrified of having his hind legs lifted, was lifting them into Franklin's hand and allowed him to hold his foot..
I have learned so much just watching. Maypine is a wonderful, friendly, professionally run barn. I would recommend Franklin Levinson and Maypine Farm to everyone interested in a great equestrian experience. Thanks!
Kim Reis - Avon Lake, Ohio
My experience with Franklin was mind blowing! He taught me the simple steps it takes to get acquainted with the horse before each ride. Thank you! The time spent with Franklin will forever change how I will interact with a horse!
Thank you for everything!
Heather Kilbane - Concord, Ohio
The best part was when Jackie and I lunged Henry. The second best part was teaching me to be a better rider and the third best thing was learning how to understand the horses.
Anna Z. Age 8 - Mayfield, Ohio
Classes with Franklin Levinson are an "in touch" experience. He puts you in touch with yourself so that you can be in touch with the horse. His respect for the animal and the human clearly demonstrate the harmony that can be achieved, the trust that can be established and the beauty of the relationship that can be achieved. The lives of horses and humans are better for having made his acquaintance.
Joyce D. - Mayfield Village, Ohio
Franklin taught me to teach from the beginning. As an instructor, I tend to teach a lifetime of experience and information in a one-hour lesson. This can overwhelm the student, myself and most importantly, the horse. I watched as Franklin explained the importance of breathing, focus and patience. (Not only does he teach this, but he practices it as well)
As I take a deep breath, slow down, start at the beginning, and toss my wristwatch over the railing, I see why we're all here. Every last one of us is here for the horse. There is a little "franklinizing" in every one of my lessons.
Andrea Stuehr - Gates Mills, Ohio
Lesson Program Director, Maypine Farm