Chappell Hill, TX.  March 11-14, 2010.  4 days.  10 young unstarted Nokota stud colts.  8 participants.  2 professional trainers.  6 states represented.  With a myriad of people, horses, personalities and experience in the mix, it was sure to be an incredible adventure.  And indeed it was!  Spirits were high, talk was animated, and energy was spent at the end of each day; though the next morning always brought back the bright smiles and eager anticipation of what this new day may hold.

Leo, Frank and Shelly (Hauge) Kuntz arrived from their Nokota ranches in North Dakota early in the week with ten young Nokota colts, still wearing their heavy winter coats and wondering what they may have been roped into, so to speak.  And while they were more than willing to exit their 24-hour rolling stockade, they did so with calm class and much curiosity about this tropical paradise into which they'd been transported.  Acclimation to their surroundings was almost instant and the rolling commenced immediately.  They were quietly grazing in nearby paddocks within minutes of their arrival.  No rodeos, no nonsense.  These are, after all, Nokotas and their nature is one of respectful exploration and once satisfied, then calm acceptance.

 
The clinic began first thing Thursday morning with the participants mingling with the herd and becoming a part of it.  People moved calmly and quietly among the horses as all became accustomed to the look, feel, and smell of one another.  As an observer, there was a beautiful peace about the whole process.  The horses were relaxed and the participants displayed self-control while offering a spirit of friendship.
 
The "starting" process evolved quickly after that, and horses were worked both individually and in small groups in the round pens.  They adapted quickly, though sometimes initially reluctantly, to the role of following the lead of the participant.  The final day found the horses all mounted and several saddled and ridden as well.  It was mystical to watch and a joy just to be there.

 
Jack Lieser and Aaron England, both professional horse trainers from TX, are top-notch horsemen and instructors in the art of colt-starting.  Their calm voices and detailed tutelage gave the participants inspiration and encouragement to continue working with their horses and ultimately end each day on a high note, for there is no better reward for either horse or trainer than a serious sense of accomplishment.

 
This event was the first of it's kind - pairing young, untouched Nokotas with inquisitive students who wanted to learn more about the breed as well as build their own horse skills.  On the heels of this outstanding success, you can be assured there will be more such clinics.