Pagosa Springs, Colorado

At dusk - the statue outside the shopping centre in Pagosa Springs. It seems so odd to have this in the home town of Pat Parelli whose training methods are built on trust and understanding rather than what this cowboy and rearing horse demonstrate.

The gently winding drive through the paddocks of the Parelli ranch is the beginning of a peacefulness. Driving at 10 miles an hour gives time for reflexion and appreciation of the surroundings which are quite stunning. On arriving at the hub of activity I saw at least 30 horses, of all ages, sizes and shapes, being worked in various areas - by people also of all ages, sizes and shapes. There is a structure and hierarchy that works and everyone seems to know where they are at present and where they are wanting to go.  What struck me was seeing good and accomplished horseman wanting to know more.

So nice to spend two days and never see horses being forced into overbent outlines!

I know little about western riding but looking at a group of riders it is so obvious which ones have natural ability and which ones were struggling.

I went to Pagosa Springs to work with a Canadian Paralympic rider Lauren Barwick. She won a gold and a silver medal at the Beijing Paralympics.

Here she is riding back from training. So nice to see dressage horses having a life outside the dressage arena.

How lucky for me that both Pat and Linda were there and I was able to meet them. Such gracious and interesting people. So positive and full of energy. Such supporters of Lauren.

Lauren with her home bred three year olds.

Bird's eye view of the Parelli ranch.

Tomorrow morning we work horses early and then I drive back to Durango and fly via Phoenix, Arizona to Los Angeles where I have a seven hour wait before flying to Melbourne and then back to Jindivick - can't wait.