Date: 7/10/2008
Comments:
The bit! Awesome!!!! After 10 minutes, Smokey settled down
and gave well as he learned vertical flexion rewarded him.
It was almost instant. (after months and months of work and
not being able to acquire vertical flexion) I spent 2 hours
with him and he was side passing and half passing beautifully!
He even remembered how to neck rein better than he was with
the O-Ring and snaffle.
Take care and thanks again.
-Bob
Justin Case Horsemanship
Crossville, TN 38555
931.787.9073
Date: 7/1/08
Comments:
Hi there...
Hey I have a question... I used that bit on Saturday and I loved it... do you have any more right now? I would like to get some more. Let me know what your stock is.
Thanks
Susie
Susie Dobbs
Beyond Rodeo
Date: 6/30/08
Comments:
Jimmy & Kim,
I hope I can get through this w/o bawling. Here I go: this past Saturday
we went to a show. Kenna & Sonny had their best day ever! Although they
didn't finish at the top...actually closer to the bottom...they made some
HUGE personal growth!! They were in their horsemanship class, a storm was
a brewing, the wind was blowing, dark clouds overhead and a horse that just
knew something wasn't right.
They start making their way around the arena...all the sudden a huge gust
of wind unleases a black tarp that runs half the outside of the
arena....all the other horses in the class start jumping around and a few
kids bail ship...but coming up from behind comes a lovely red dun with the
cutest kid of them all calmly jogging his way around the scary horses and
the big black horse eatting tarp blowing and flapping and making all sorts
of noise! Sonny didn't even flinch! You could see he had an ear back
waiting to take direction from the person the trusts the most...his little
rider!! I was SO proud of them!! Then they call the class, move it into
the indoor where Sonny had never been before, there is an ikky rail of
twine and the gate is orange snow fencing...not his favorite thing. They
came around the arena, he turned his head toward the fencing, Kenna
encourages him to keep moving just the same way and he goes by it just like
a champ!! Trusting only in his girls ability to keep him from danger!!!
It was AMAZING!!!
Training through trust and Trust through training...our new motto! Kenna
came out of that class with a red and a grin from ear to ear! All she had
to say was " he trusts me Mom..he really trusts me!"
Without the help you gave her, she would have NO doubt been unseated and
embarrassed....instead she was happy with their own achievements!
Attached is a picture of them!
Thanks for all you have done for them!!!
Your friends,
Kelly, Kenna & Sonny too!!!
Madison, WI
Date: 4/28/2008
Comments:
I am amazed at the amount of confidence that one hour has given her! Seriously, over loud noisy grain bags, over tarps, over a huge piece of cardboard. She just needed somebody to explain it to her in a different method and she took off!
Ok, so Kenna has spent 2.5 years trying to get her horse to do these things
"willingly". With the methods she learned from Jimmy...he was over the
feed bags giving us the look like "that was all you wanted me to do..why
didn't you just say so??" It took all of 5-10 minutes!!!
Let Jimmy know he is Kenna's new idol!!!!
Kelly
Midwest Horse Fair
Madison, WI
Date: 4/23/2008
Comments:
She was working her horse again last night and he went over feed bags.
She informed me " I did just want Jimmy showed me and it worked" !!
Trail has always been a struggle for her...I think now that she has a great foundation to work from...we will see her giving it more and making greater strides. Several people have told her that her horse will never be able to do trail...well we beg to differ now!! We got the "Jimmy Driver" book...we are unstoppable!!!
So, when do you think you will get near Wisconsin again??
Kelly
Midwest Horse Fair
Madison, WI
Date: 3/25/08
Comment:
RE: Jimmy Driver Comfort Snaffle Bit
Thanks for the update. I've been using one for about six months with good results.
Frank
Fellsmere, FL
Date: 2/25/2008
Comment:
Dear Jimmy, I caught you on RFD-TV Beyond Rodeo yesterday and wanted to get
a price on the complete bridle, reins and bit. Keep up the good work you
are awesome I wish RFD would give you your own show. My husband and I can't
wait to see you in Wisconsin.
Thanks, Alice
Alice K. Jackson-Strzelinski
Homewood, IL
Date: 11/17/07
Comment:
I told Kim, that when I tried the new bit I would let her know what I think about it.
OH MY GOODNESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I did some ground work with Easy, infact I just finished, and I had to come in and tell Kim, and everyone else about my use and experience with Jimmy & Kim's new bit.
I LOVE IT!!!! I couldn't believe the difference in responses, what ever I asked. It took her a couple of minutes to get used to the bit being in her mouth but, I am very impressed!!!!
Easy, hasn't had a bit in her mouth for eight(8) months and she used to always play with the bit when I rode her or even just worked her. Welllllll, she played with it at first but, then stopped. Its like there was no bit in her mouth at all until I touched it and wow the response was instant!!!
I had to get out of her way a couple of times at first cause I wasn't ready for her responses being so fast. When I asked her for a trot, it was poety in motion, she held her head where it was suppose to be and trotted so nicely I wondered if someone had been doing lessons with my horse and hadn't told me. Her trot was so smooth and collected I wished I was on her.
Alas, she needs to loose some weight. I could barely do the cinch up so, no getting on her plus, she hasn't been ridden since Feb. this year. I am not sure what I would get from her. Although, I did do some pretend getting on her and she was okay with that.
Jimmy and Kim, thank you!! I will try the new bit on my TB Dan, tomorrow if the weather stays nice. I may even ride him to give it a try. I usually use a Thom Thumb, on him so, we shall see.
Cathy, Dan and Easy
Canada
Date: 2/25/07
Comments:
After training with Jimmy Driver on the weekend at Training through Trust –Trust through Training. I was impressed with the attitude and performance change in my horse (Nugget). During the clinic Jimmy taught me how to trust Nugget, and myself. A few techniques that I was educated on were how I could have more control over Nugget with a bit. She had never worn a bit until this weekend. Jimmy explained the control difference with a full cheek snaffle compared to the hackamore Nugget was used to. Nugget also had to exercise her ability to approach me at the mounting block. This technique is very important to the Ol’lady, because we travel throughout the Tennessee area to our favorite riding trails. I was also taught how to gain control of Nugget by disengaging her hips while still keeping her flexible. While Nugget and I were practicing she was also instructed on how not to enter into my space. Now I can enjoy being around her, without being pushed around, I also mastered how to load and unload Nugget without any help. This was always an experience because she wanted to do things her own way, mostly because she is a little spoiled; now it’s easy and more effective. At the end of very successful weekend Nugget gladly stepped into the horse trailer without any second thoughts.
This weekend was not only about training out horses, but us as well. I gained confidence in myself and so Nugget and I have built a more trusting partnership, while riding together.
THANK YOU JIMMY DIRVER FOR EVERYTHING
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY
UNTIL NEXT TIME
Rose Blevins & Nugget Jasper, TN
Date: 6/10/07
Comments:
Hi Kim and Jimmy,
We have arrived home safely, and the horses were very glad to be home and see the ones we left here. Benjamin and I both really enjoyed the weekend. Benj, who can go all day and not say 10 words, jabbered all the way home about what he'd learned and asked a lot of questions that showed he'd been processing things on a deeper level than I had thought. He's already excited about trying to make it next week end.
Candy Shaffer, AL
Date: 2/20/07
Comments:
Kim and Jimmy, I was just a spectator at your clinic at Roane County College last weekend, and was very amazed by Jimmy’s patience with the horses AND riders. I watched as my daughters’ attitude and confidence in her mare increased as the clinic went on. She now has a different outlook on the things she CAN accomplish with her horse instead of focusing on what her horse Can’t do. She and I are both signed up for your next clinic in August and we can hardly wait! Her confidence in her horse and herself was boosted 100%! Kim makes the experience very enjoyable, she treats you like she has known you for years! Very nice people…great clinic!!!! I would recommend this clinic for the novice rider or the experienced rider! We will see you soon!
Carla Welch and Mary Beth, Knoxville, TN
Date: 11/2/06
Comments:
I just wanted to say that the farrier came today and he could not believe how well mannered Rainey was. Of course we credited it all to you.
Dee Dee W. Todd CIC
Wade&Egbert Insurance Partners, www.wade-egbert.com
Comments:
Dear Jimmy,
Our family had a GREAT time at your riding clinic in Oak Ridge. We have been riding for many years but we still learned a lot; and our horses were so much better behaved by the time we finished the third day. Our children are already planning for your next clinic! And special thanks to Marsha, Kent and the rest of the East TN Riding Club for their hospitality. Thanks again to you and Kim for the best weekend we’ve had in a long time!
Your newest fans,
Brad, Karen, Brandon & Ashley.
Dr. Karen Oldham and family, Lebanon, TN
Date: 10/21/06
Comments:
Dear Jimmy and Kim,
I can't thank you guys enough for all the help and information I got during the 3 day clinic at East TN Riding Club. Fancy is like a new horse since bringing her there and my confidence in her and as a rider has increased tenfold. I wanted to let you know that when I hauled her home I was nervous about unloading her by myself, but she did perfect! Even after I removed the butt bar and lowered the ramp, she didn't offer to back out until I gave her the command to back, and then she did so very slowly and deliberately and straight. I couldn't have asked for any better. Also, through your methods I learned just how soft and responsive a horse she is. I used to think she was too sensitive and "flightily" for me, but now I'm learning how to capitalize on that sensitivity and channel her energy into positive things, like disengaging the hips, dropping her head, moving the shoulders over, etc. (Not to mention having her walk through mud puddles) Thanks again to both of you and Jill too. I feel I got way more than my money's worth attending that riding clinic.
With sincere appreciation,
Patti Patterson, Greenback, TN
Date: 10/16/06
Comments:
I am amazed. You all do such a wonderful job!
Dee Dee W. Todd CIC
Wade&Egbert Insurance Partners, www.wade-egbert.com
Date: 9/22/06
Comments:
Hey Kim and Jimmy,
Flit has had a big change in attitude and no longer has the slightly pushy
attitude that he did before your great work with him last summer. In fact,
he seems to want to please.
Thanks,
Judy Freidman
Date: 2/21/06
Comments:
Hey Kim and Jimmy,
We just wanted to check in with you guys and see how things were going. You
guys must be busy?
The paint horse we used in the Newberry Clinic has got back from training,
and you would not think it is the same horse.
E-mail when you get a chance and let us know what you guys
are up to. Hollie and I would love to come visit you, or maybe when ya'll are
down in north Augusta we can get together.
Hope to here from you soon!
Todd & Holly Wingard
Date:4/27/05
Comments:
Jimmy and Kim,
Just wanted to say that I enjoyed your clinic and can't wait to go to another one. Mary and I are talking about having it here at my place next time. Jake, the quarter gelding that I brought to the clinic, is about ready for his first Dressage test...and part of that is due to your clinic.
Thank you,
Gidget Hansen, Blue Stem Ranch, Stephenville, TX
Date:8/14/05
Comments:
Dr. Jimmy and Kim
I wanted take a minute to tell you thanks for the clinic. The response I got
was great! Everyone has called since then to let me know that they were very
impressed with you and your skills. They also wanted to know when was the
next one. So, I guess we need to schedule another one. Hollie and I feel
like we have made new friends. So thanks for your kindness, and for Jimmy's
great skill with horses. Oh by the way, the paint fillie we used in the
symposium is still doing great. You guys are always welcome in Newberry!!!!
Thanks again!
Todd & Holly Wingard
Date:10/04/2004
Comments:
Hey Jimmy, Thanks for such a great clinic at Castilian Springs and all the help with Bongo. I learned so much and am so glad that you were able to help me get Bongo to soften up his neck...not sure if Bongo is glad or not, but he definately seems to be continually improving as I am working with him using all the exercises that you taught us during the clinic. I really love the headstall, reins and slobber straps that I purchased and also thanks for the demonstration of the EZ-All wash on Bongo. I can't wait to see how EZ-all works on our Spots.
Margo and I also enjoyed yours and Kim's company during and after the clinic and hopefully maybe we can all get together again sometime in the future. If you need someone to assist setting up roundpens at that clinic that you spoke of, then please do not hesitate to call. I may have to contact you again in the future to fill in other holes I have in my horse training knowledge as I feel confident that you can help me.
William Jones
Date: 7/19/2004
Comments:
Just a few comments on the clinic at Ardmore Oklahoma this past weekend. Wonderful experience! I really learned a lot of new things and found some of those pesky HOLES in my training. Jimmy is a very patient and knowledgeable instructor. The attendance was small, and I'm sure disappointing to Jimmy (where were all you Okies and Texans???), but he went right on and we got lots of one on one help. Jimmy and Kim are both wonderful people, very professional, and if you get the chance --- be sure and step up and say HI ! And if you get the chance to attend a clinic --- by all means do so !!! You will enjoy and you and your horse will both benefit !!!!!
Jan Ward, Purcell, Oklahoma
Date: 3/8/2004
Comments:
Howdy! My name is Becky Eller. I was Jimmy's first apprenticeship student last year. (If you get his newsletters, you've probably seen my picture a couple of times.) I just wanted to tell Jimmy "thanks" for a great learning experience, and to tell anyone out there who is thinking about taking his apprenticeship program that it is well worth the money spent. I would take it over again in a heartbeat. The lessons I learned in those 8 weeks have already proven invaluable in just the small amount of work I've been able to do with my own horses. My goal is to eventually make my living as a horse trainer, but even if I just wanted better communication with my own horses, I still would have considered it time (and money) well spent.Jimmy is great with both horses and people. He treats every person, and their horse with equal respect. (If anyone interested in his program would like to hear more about it, you can contact me through Jimmy.) Thanks again, Jimmy, for everything!!
Becky, Chief and Cholla, Washburn, TN
Date: 11/30/2003
Comments:
To follow up on Balka. Jimmy started Balka in 2002. Balka is now with a trainer for detailed training. The trainer states he is the best horse he has worked with and gives the credit to his starting by Jimmy. I have ridden Balka without upset. Yes he has had a temper tantrum but by disengaging his hips he calms down and goes back to work.
Glenn Bluhm, Mapleview Friesians, Reed City, MI
Date: 11/29/2003
Comments:
Jimmy, I love the reins and slobber straps I bought from you. I like the idea of training my Stallion to step sideways for me to mount! We'll see how that goes. Hope I get to attend one of your clinics.
Teeka & Spanish Music
Date: 7/9/2003
Comments:
I learned how to get my horses to really pay attention. Jimmy is so patient - firm but kind with horses. Jimmy was calm and explained everything he was doing.
Elizabeth Lemke, Esq. retired
Date: 7/9/2003
Comments:
Before you came out, my husband had repeatedly informed me that there was no way that our mare was getting in our trailer and/or even if you managed to get her in we would never be able to get her to load again. (I, however, always had faith!) Well, as you know, we loaded her up that same afternoon to take her to the stud farm without any problems. When we got her a week later, her and my husband worked like a couple of old hands loading. He told me he "knew there wouldn't be a problem". I can't decide if I'm more thrilled that my mare will load or that my husband has this whole new attitude! I love the way you "trained" them both! I liked the wonderful involvement in teaching us and the horse to work together. You focused on our goal and how to best achieve it. I loved your great positive attitude and good teaching technique.
Valerie Mathias, Manchester, TN
Date: 5/11/2003
Comments:
Our horse was a head thrower when attempting to introduce the bit. Jimmy had him head down and no fight to put in and take out the bit. Jimmy has good communication skills with horses and with us. He is very good at being encouraging.
Mary Thompson
Date: 6/14/2002
Comments:
Dear Mr. Driver: I want to thank you for initiating my 2 year old stallion to training. The two days that you worked with him will forever stand out in my mind as excellent training carried out with exceptional patience. I'm sure that others present were totally surprised that the horse on Sunday afternoon was nothing like the animal facing you Saturday morning. Obviously everyone, myself included, was totally amazed when you were sitting in the saddle, having him working lightly on the bit and turning his hip without a single rebellious act. Those in attendance that had seen this untrained stallion on my farm prior to the training surely expected something resembling a rodeo event. You may use my name and this letter as a UNSOLICITED TESTIMONIAL of a satisfied customer of John Lyons training methods very professionally conducted by you. I will readily circulate your name among my Friesian friends.
Yours Sincerely,
Glenn W. Bluhm
Mapleview Friesians
23684 Mececla Rd.
Reed City, MI 49677 |
