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“Finally.  Searching for the right training for my beloved Andalusian mares, over the years I’ve studied many training schemes – western, “natural horsemanship”, and dressage.  But here, at last, I found training for the body, mind and soul for all three of us.  “What does this horse need?” Deborah asked me.  “What structures of the psyche does he need to develop in order to be collected and composed?”  I was thunderstruck.  During the Equine Experience, I learned concepts never ever considered by me in past training, but concepts deeply rooted in sound developmental theory, the classical masters and Celtic tradition.  And by the way, the horses clearly showed me that I need to develop and strengthen some psychic structures of my own. What a week!  I still can’t wipe the smile off my face.”

Stephanie - Minnesota

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I am forever grateful for the week I spent with the McCormick’s at their beautiful ranch in San Antonio, Texas.  My mind expanded in ways I didn't know existed.  Not only did I come away with a deeper understanding of myself, I also came away with a new wealth of knowledge about horses, psychology and spirituality.  The McCormick's work holds a groundedness and unique wealth of knowledge that isn't available anywhere else in the world.  They are the equine worlds best kept secret!  If you are looking to go deeper into yourself and the psychology of horses and people - The Equine Experience at Hacienda Tres Aguilas is where it's at! 

Jennifer - Canada

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THANK YOU for your insight on how to truly connect with horses both on the ground and under saddle. Your way of working with horses surpasses every other method, exercise, and viewpoint I have ever learned about.  It truly is all encompassing rather than the methods that go through a continual loop of “cue this” “move that” or “get bigger!”  I have never felt more connected and in tune with all of horses I ride. The most amazing part is how I have been able to transform the relationship I have with my very confident and willful Quarter Horse mare. She has always been quick to ignore or “deal with” myself or any rider. Never dangerous, but never willing, and easily dulled to contact of any type. As I continue to use patience, persistence, consistency, and understanding in working with her, she has absolutely come alive. She is still not the fastest or liveliest horse in the group, but her attitude is amazing. When I give her the chance to think about what I want, and decide if, when and how to work with me, she has never disappointed. Today I had her loping beside me on a lead line, and all it took was my body language and the slightest cluck.
 
I am also thrilled to be able to pass this information on to lesson and training clients.  I can demonstrate to them the immediate difference you will see in a horse when you approach them with this mindset.  When I work their horse and they see the connection I have and how little I have to physically do, then compare it to their method of “making” the horse listen, they can’t believe the difference. I have been able to not only teach at a higher level (including the entire mindset of riding, not just position or cues) I feel I have been able to inspire people to improve their attitude and approach. One quick example I will share - I have a lesson student who I immediately saw as being a little rough and tough with horses. She is used to handling show steers, and all of her family believes in the cowboy way of handling horses. I was very skeptical that she would accept my way of working with horses. It has taken a few months, but the other day she commented on how much more patience she has with her mare, and how it is even changing how she communicates with her co-workers. I was thrilled! 

Denise - Texas

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I am a psychotherapist, who acquired horses later in life.  I began my equine education through watching many competent trainers featured on RFD-TV.  I found that doing so provided factual information and entertainment, but were not very useful when trying
to apply their recommended techniques in my round pen.  I then turned to books and found two titles by the McCormick’s, Horse Sense and the Human Heart, and Horses and the Mystical Path.  On finishing their second book I made contact with the authors and signed up for the next available Immersion Course as well as the 18-week Online Course entitled Horse Sense and the Human Heart.  Because of the McCormick’s ability through insight and training as psychologists as well as horse breeders and trainers to address my issues relative to horses and human relationships I came to the Immersion Course with specific goals in mind.

(1) I asked for help with developing confidence in horsemanship.  Deborah and Adele gave me knowledge, which has allowed me to build on my positive experience.  In the process my confidence has not only elevated it has moved in a new direction building on my life experience, which had not previously included horses.  The scaffolding for my confidence was set up in the week I spent on the McCormick ranch, Hacienda Tres Aquilas in Southwest Texas, and has continued to grow toward refinement.

(2) I shared my experience and feelings about the unfortunate loss of my favored young gelding, Bailey.  I wanted to be able to resolve my bitterness over his loss, and the way it occurred.  This goal was achieved through doing ground work with a stallion that I also rode as I progress through the week.  The connection I made with the McCormick’s horse, Corino, a gentle Peruvian, who had formerly been mishandled was the cornerstone of my healing. In a moment my heart and mind were opened, and I realized that it was indeed possible for me to make a special connection with another horse perhaps even many horses that I would love, and with the help of a new special horse I would continue to advance in my horsemanship skills to be able to meet both of our needs.  I have found that horse, and I am maintaining an open heart of expectation.

(3) Lastly, but most important I asked about the viability of working with horses at my age and time of life.  The McCormick’s helped me to open to the awareness of possibilities, and encouraged me to use techniques and states of mind acquired through years of meditation practice to help substitute for the absence of prior horse-human experiences and relationships that take years to develop.  They assured me that my meditation training would assist me in achieving my desired goals.

Julie - California

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You are leading me through your lessons to a constantly deepening understanding and capacity of observing. I am very grateful for that. I see the path you are leading your students, it is of great "finesse". I gradually had to take more and more time with the lessons as they go progressively beyond the human mind .Interesting how I evolved  along with the lessons, life often led me away yet always (led me) back to your work, then understanding it at a deeper level. Thank you for that illuminating work!"

Ursula - Germany

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The most wonderful impression we had with the Equine Experience at Tres Aquilas was having the privilege of seeing the nobility of the Iberian horse breed honored in its appropriate place historically at the Hacienda, and learning how to properly interact and
train in the method that this horse was genetically programmed for, and that all horses deserve.

With much Aloha,
Kelly and Joe - Hawaii

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Thank you for the very informative two-day clinic on how to ride the Peruvian Horse.  I found the interaction between you, the attendees and the horses greatly engaging and was very glad I travelled from California to attend.
 
The one word that resonates in my mind after this clinic is "lightness".  You showed us how we can preserve and enhance the lightness inherent in the Peruvian horse through raising our level of riding through proper seat position and application of aids.  We
saw demonstrations in collection in how to ride the horse on its haunches to improve balance. 
 
My greatest challenge will be to reduce the "noise" I generate in the saddle, and keep a proper position so that communication to my horse is pure.
 
I do hope we meet again through our love of the Peruvian Horse.
 
Warm Regards,
Nikolina - California

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This work is so exciting!!  After reading your comments, we can see that our direction of helping to empower ourselves through the connection of the horse will help us empower others.  We are thrilled that this work is taking such a dynamic direction of personal
spiritual growth. 
 
Thank you so much,
Sue and John -Virginia

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Taking riding lessons from Drs. McCormick has been one of the best experiences of my life.  I have not only learned how to correctly ride, but how to build a long term and meaningful relationship with my horses, skills that translate beautifully into my
professional and personal relationships.  As a banker I am more confident, understanding, and capable because of their expert instruction. Any time I spend at the ranch is well worth it! I feel everyone can benefit from the experience because it makes for a
greater connection with nature and oneself.  The experience does not stop when I leave, the teachings become internalized ….. a part of you, a good part, and last a lifetime.  The horses at the ranch are amazing, welcoming, and so wonderfully trained.
 
Janet - Texas

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Call for more information and prices: (830) 980-8453
or email: thomasm@gvtc.com