|
|
|
|
The seminar of Nov 1&2 was a great success. As I had written in the Participant`s workbook as a welcome message:
`It is a great pleasure to see people gather together from far and wide in the interest of improving the lives of horses. Like new patches of flowers scattered across a field, people worldwide are opening their hearts to a new relationship with horses and with a desire to gain a deeper understanding of the simple, honest beauty that dwells within horses and ourselves. It is a privilege for me to meet such caring and pioneering spirits.`
|
|
Photo above: The forum/school members among participants at the seminar Left to Right: Cathy Scott, Monica Bretschneider, Jean Lafontaine, Vicky Reesor, Michael Bevilacqua, Stormy May, Ioanna Solomatina, Ariane Cimon-Fortier Premiere of `The Path of the Horse` by Stormy May Friday evening was the Premier of Stormy May`s film, `The Path of the Horse`. For a small town, we were still surprised to see the 80+ who filled the room to standing room only capacity. Many in the audience may have personally related to the various views covered in the film, as there were moments of awe, tears and reflective silence. The film was a big story in the area and the Municipal representative, Sasha Arleninow-Ouimet, came out to present Stormy with flowers and a gift for bringing this thought-provoking film to the people. Emma Cruse, from Annapolis, Maryland, and seminar participant was one lucky winner of a free copy of the DVD. Stephanie Duval was the winner of the draw from the public screening of the movie. See Path of the Horse from Stormy May Productions, including interview with Alexander Nevzorov. |
|
Photo above: left to right: Rawdon Municipal Counsellor Sasha Arleninow-Ouimet, Stormy May, Michael Bevilacqua Photo below: The winner of Stormy`s DVD in the draw to the public - Stephanie Duval of Rawdon, QC with Monica Bretscheider and Geronimo |
|
People were thankful that we could show the simple approach of respect, no pressure, kindness and honesty and openness with horses that had no previous NHE schooling. The practical demonstrations were at a local farm that had several old horses that had worked hard all their lives being rented out for trail rides. They were purchased from that business when it closed about a year ago. The pictures you see below are from the second day of the seminar. The first picture is a 29 yr old who is badly worn out. I let him roll in the sun-warmed sand and then just stand. Being part of the demonstration, or rather, just standing there in the warmth was a relief for Johnny. Even when nothing happens, it is still very important, because I explained that we could not possibly expect this stiff, old horse to respond well or try to do any exercises. I was still glad to get the lights to come on in his eyes, even if only briefly. Monica and I noticed that this experience caused many participants to begin asking more questions about physiology, feeding and management on the second day... |
|
|
|
|
|
 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Those horses do not know me. I am no one to them. Just another human. They still finished by willingly coming to me on the first day. Yet there was already a dramatic difference on the second day. They all felt safer and calmer and allowed a few volunteers from the participants to approach as well. These photos below are examples of how the horses showed the realization that the humans present were different. How quickly and beautiful the change in attitude can be: Photo directly below: Pistache with Victoria Poe; left to right: Elizabeth Ann Sharp, Ioanna Solomatina
|
|
|
|
Saturday evening, we had the privilege of being visited by the Algonquin spiritual leader, Dominique Rankin Twaminik. I did not want someone to put on a costume and put on a show. I wanted someone authentic, who believed and lived by his own teachings. It was a very difficult search. When I was about to give up, Monica found Mr. Rankin living only 2 hours north of us! This particular evening was optional for participants. You can find more info at Dominque Rankin
After a purification ceremony, that we all shared in, he gave a story of part of his childhood when he left home as a 12yr old boy with enough knowledge for his first initiation. To that point he had lived only in the forest and had never seen white man. He explained the philosophy of the four colors representing the people of the earth: red, yellow, black, white. All these colors mixed together gives the color of purple. The color we are all born with...
The setting was in dim light, but I enhanced the photos to give more clarity:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The evening with Twaminik, the Algonquin Spiritual Leader, helped drive home the message of the simple beauty of coexisting with nature and the inner peace we can gain and the love and knowledge we can share among each other. He will be taking the place of his own teacher, who is too old to endure the travel to France, to meet the Dalai Lama next year for a special project. He is also establishing a `Peace House` in Ottawa. He is very well known and respected and actively promotes peace and understanding.
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proud supporters of Equi-Forme and Seminar 2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weekend Seminar Topics *NHE Philosophy *What Nevzorov Haute Ecole means *Meaning behind `horse is always right` *Back to nature - importance of reconnecting with ourselves *Turning `training` upside down *The mentality shift *Change in our own behaviour *Children and horses *Lifestyle prerequisites required for NHE horses *Establishing a new relationship *Dealing with a `No` *Common problems that arise *Understanding and dealing with physical, mental and emotional history and present states *Common feeding myths/habits *What building a relationship means *Managing fear and confidence *Importance of time with the horse and interaction *How riding is detrimental to a horse *Importance of natural collection *Physical limitations even in peak health *What is the cordeo and how to use it *Importance of foresight within our work *Communication without force *What is positive reinforcement? - How we use it and some misconceptions *Importance of play *How to play *Where is discipline? *Understanding, composure and `sangra fria` *Video analysis and explanations - what Alexander does and what happens in the horse *A review of NHE elements *Importance of following a progression to avoid injury *Other health issues for a NHE horse Live demonstration and practice with horses. And more... |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Some special comments: "I suppose, among all the students I would single-out Michael Bevilacqua,
Equiforme. He is one who possesses a Man's character, at a
practically "Russian" level! Furthermore, he is a very gentle man who
perfectly understands delicate nuances.
He is very talented concerning horse education, thanks to his strength and
gentleness, two ingredients of character.
I really value Michael and I am very sorry that he is so far from Russia."
A.Nevzorov
On the QC Seminar: Michael Bevilacqua’s Nevzorov Haute Ecole seminar was a bright light shining into the future of horse-human relationships. Michael artfully demonstrated how to begin a true relationship with a horse, teaching us how to allow that relationship to grow without any force into a partnership that goes beyond the boundaries of our respective species. Few people in this world have this gift of being able to pass on the larger perspective that we need in order to evolve in consciousness... `...I think what struck me the most was your simple authenticity. You weren’t trying to put on a show, entertain people or even particularly change their minds, you were just sharing what you love and that was evident... Stormy May - CA Je voulais juste te dire à nouveau à quel point j'ai apprécié le séminaire ! J'y ai trouvé les réponses à de nombreuses questions philosophiques, conceptuelles et techniques. L'événement était un point tournant pour moi qui a confirmé plusieurs de mes choix. Un gros merci à Monica et à toi !
Je trouvais aussi important de te dire à quel point je suis étonnée et enthousiasmée par les suivis que tu fais, par le matériel que tu nous envoies et les nouvelles réflexions que tu nous fournies. J'ai participé à bien des cliniques et jamais jusqu'à maintenant un "clinicien" n'a pris le temps ou n'avait le soucis de faire de tels suivis !! Merci énormément pour ton temps ! Chacune de tes interventions post-séminaire sont très très appréciées !!
Merci d'avoir ouvert toutes grandes les portes du "possible" !
Arianne Cimon-Fortier - QC
I just wanted to write and thank you again for the seminar. I was deeply impressed by everything you said and showed us. I think I learned enough that I can start to work & play with our camels and horses. I consider the trip coming all the way there very worthwhile. Thank you also for introducing us to Dominique Rankin Twaminik. Wow. What a man. His whole manner seemed aligned to what it is to be with horses, so good in that way too. Stuart Camps - CA The NHE clinic last weekend in Canada was an eye opener. Its one thing to read the words and descriptions of NHE on the forum, but to see NHE in action is so much more instructive. Because of the required change in human thought patterns and demeanor in the presence of horses, the demonstration of patience and ease with the horses is so necessary for anyone who has cared for horses by traditional methods. Michael and Monica, thank you for your time and efforts to make NHE real. Elizabeth Sharp - CO ---
Eva Knodt on the AZ workshop:
I deeply enjoyed this clinic. I've felt a great (and lingering) peace, and at the same time, a reluctance to put into words the powerful effect it had on on me. The great simplicity of it all. The deceptions of habitual perception. The limitations of the written word, and the power of silence. Thank you again, Michael, for sharing your insights. You have a great gift as a teacher. Elaine Polny on the ON workshop: Michael Bevilacqua is a wonderful teacher. His ability to connect directly to the horses "being" was obvious and inspiring. I witnessed him sharing special moments with my horses in such a way that I knew only a person with true honesty and the highest level of integrity and expertise would be able to accomplish. Alene Sibley, Cape Cod, MA The something that clicked for me was the day I read your first article in Natural Horse, and I will always thank you for shining the truth my way. I`m just hoping you will someday feel inspired to write a book . You are a powerful voice in this world. Shannon Gravelle, QC I just want to thank you for everything. I am amazed and loving every moment
of it. I had so many people ask me about you. I loved having you come to the barn and I really do thank you from the bottom of my heart. Stacy Sauce, LA Thank you so much for everything you're doing to improve the lives of horses and to demonstrate to people that better relationship are possible and preferable and even necessary for our own growth. Carole Graham, AZ As my dear native American friend/teacher said to me, "The most difficult journey you will ever make is from your head to your heart."
You are a wise soul, just let that come forth. Katelyn Kent, CO I didn’t know what to expect from the workshop. I don’t think anyone did. We were all excited just to meet Michael. This was our chance to become just a bit more connected to Alexander and NHE. This was a great opportunity for all of us to live a piece of the lifestyle we chose as individuals with a group of like minded people. When he spoke, everyone felt as if he was speaking directly to them. What started out as nervous energy, quickly melted away and was replaced by an atmosphere where students felt comfortable enough to open their minds to learning. Michael in his humble way shared his gift with us. Everyone had come to realize that the depth and breadth of NHE was a lot more than they had expected when they signed up for the workshop weeks earlier. He showed his Mastery with no ego and no expectation. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
