Read what the “The Standard” had to say about David and the Silversand clinics run in February 2011. The following pages were printed in the Warrnambool Standard.

On The Land _ February 24th 2011, Page 1

On The Land _ March 3rd 2011, Page 1

On The Land September 29th 2011, Page 6

David runs regular clinics in Warrnambool every year.

Please contact Sacha Gasperini for bookings sacha07@aapt.net.au & find her on Facebook

-

October 2011

Thank you, thank you, thank you, Dave.

Your first clinic I attended back in February 2010 was amazing, mind blowing, it woke me up and opened my eyes to the truth about my 6 year old OTT aka Oscar. To this day I still remember your words “ this is the type of horse that will kill you” as harsh as they were they inspired me. I remember giving up and coming back for the second day saying” I give up I’ll sell him” and you said “after 6 month you will have a different horse” well you were right. After subsequent clinics with you I have felt the need to aim higher and expect more from Mr Oscar. I have attended 5 clinics with you and the horse I have today is one that is very different to the braced “ready to explode horse I had back in 2010. I would never had imagined after that first clinic I would be riding bareback in a rope halter, or even considering riding on the beach.

More importantly Dave the reason I am writing today is to thank you for the knowledge you have shared with me since beginning my Silversand journey.

On Sunday we had a gathering planned with other clinic attendees. So I wandered out into the paddock to collect Mr Oscar. I found the horse that I greeted was to my shock my old racehorse, braced and ready to explode. He was reactive, emotional, and completely introverted, pushy and very excitable (too much spring grass I suspect).  I was even at the point where I thought I am not even going to put this horse onto the float as he was “crazy” definitely not my horse (actually checked brands to make sure).

So this is where my story begins. I used all my knowledge that you have so kindly given me and I took Mr Oscar to the round yard and worked with him on the ground getting him to “listen to me”. We did lots of hindquarter yields, change of direction, backing up and change in tempo. I was really focused on getting into his brain. Well after 10 minutes, I had him (so proud of myself), he was relaxed and “with me step for step”. I then loaded him into the float and took him to the gathering and we had a great day. It was just amazing the mind set change I could achieve in 10 minutes.

I am so grateful for all your direction, knowledge and friendship. After a 20 year break from riding taking on an OTT wasn’t such a brilliant idea in hind sight,  but now it is the most rewarding thing I have ever done. After 18 months I have a connection with Oscar that I have never experienced in all my years riding.

Sacha Gasperini October 2011

-

Andrea Fuller

David Mellor of Silversand Horsemanship started working with my horse and I in December 2010. Gem is my first horse back into riding after many years away from horses completely and I felt I needed someone to get us going together. I had seen David at the Bendigo Equine Expo and was impressed by his knowledge and calmness around horses.  We first worked on the ground gaining control of the horses’ feet and then most importantly his lack of impulsion.  I am now convinced ground work makes a huge difference to the control and maneuverability you have once riding. We then worked on getting Gem off the forehand and more in self carriage. The horses become so much more flexible and light as we do forward, backwards and lateral work both on the ground and ridden.  David makes the lessons interesting with lots of very different tasks and asks more of the horse and rider as he sees you improving.  He is very supportive but also puts pressure on when appropriate to show the riders they can achieve what they possibly didn’t think they could!! David’s methods and approach is suitable for ANY riding discipline as it is put to the horse in a way they understand, and then we can see how the horse learns and how much they read our body language and emotions.  Gem and I have a long way to go and is still very much a work in progress, but it is lovely to see him responding calmly and not over-reacting and really starting to be “with” me on the ground and ridden. Andrea & Gem

-

October 2011

After moving away from my original instructors, I was despairing at the lack of support available for beginner adults [I was 45 yrs when I got my first horse]. On the point of giving up, I chanced upon David Mellor through a recommendation.

That was 3 years ago and I haven’t looked back! Although my original horse was unsuitable to ride, through David, I learnt heaps from her and she was very soft to work with on the ground. I  have a horse now that I am confident to ride out alone with in the bush. I have ongoing support from David about all matters equine. It is a relief to have someone at the end of the phone, email or during a lesson, who knows my horse and my personal capabilities.

I have also had the pleasure of doing several clinics with Steve. His gentle, humorous and effective way of communicating with horse and rider are inspiring.

I have no hesitation in recommending Silversand Horsemanship to anyone who wishes to further [or begin!] there knowledge about getting the best working relationship they can with their horse.

Sally Foran

-

Sandra Whitlock 09 January 2011