Dear Lynn and Ceril:
How are you all doing? I hope you had a wonderful trip with your dad on the cruise. Everything is doing good here. Socks has produced a lot of color this season so we have happy customers, not to mention that they are really nice babies.

You are not going to believe this one, I went to a state region show and placed 1st out of 17 horses in hunter walk trot with Fawshi, she loves all the attention and perks up to the audience when we line up. It is really fun. I am placing a lot lower at the canter with her and the judge loves her but she is still too fast for them. 5th out of nine.

I just came home from a barrel clinic with Sharon and everything that we did last year at a trot, I did this year at a canter. It was a fun clinic for me and she did real well. Sharon asked me if I wanted to show or barrel as to pick one and her partner trainer agreed with me that I can do both. I think that it is going to take some time to get into the groove with Fawshi as to when I want her to be fast or slow at the canter. I have been working in short segments but she is so smart that she transitions on her own. I do change things up a lot but within one circle around the arena she figures it out but to rate her has been hard between showing and barrels at a canter. I have been working on changing bits and have not found one she loves. She loves a bezel. I did have her teeth worked on by a dentist last week. It really is fun and I know we will work it out.

I took Rosie, my black mare just to enjoy the show goings on and she was real nervous but did enjoy the day thanks to Linda, my friend that has been riding for years and gives her great confidence so it all worked well.

I had a really great time with all of you at the clinic. Thanks for all your help and knowledge that you share with me so that my dreams are coming true.

Talk to you soon.
Love,
Christine Perry

Hi,
I just wanted to thank you for getting the training DVD's sent my way. I would also like to send a message to Lynn. I was very impressed with these videos. I have been a horse owned for a number of years. My son showed youth. After he went off to school I took over the horse and soon to be horses.

I have Quarter horses mostly showing western pleasure. I have a 2 year old by One Hot Krymsun which I am in the process of training. (I have never done this before) I was interested in your program after I read an article on Rugged Lark. In that acticle a mention on how he was trained as not to break his spirit interested me. I have made numerous trips to Congress and have come home down in the jaw, worried about having this lovely filly and putting her into a system of training that broke my heart. I have seen abuse (what I consider abuse) and have been told that is the way it is. Accept it if you want your horse to compete.Well I can't except it!!

I was so pleased with the videos. I realized I was right on track with my training and I am able to pick up and now move into ground driving and I feel comfortable that I can handle this. I really didn't want to send her away and worry about what is being done to her. I will stay plugged into your system and hopefully some day get to one of your week clinics. I live in New Brunswick, Canada so a trip to Ocala in March is very appealing.

I will be sending for additional riding videos as so as I have digested these ones.

Thanks again.
Kathy Smith (this is my OHK filly)

Lynn would like to pass along this poem sent to her by Robin Rich of Wrangler...

The Heart of a Horse
When your day seems out of balance
And so many things go wrong...
When people fight around you
And the clock drags on so long...
When most folks act like children,
And fill you with remorse,
Go out into your pasture...
Wrap your arms around your horse.
His gentle breath enfolds you,
As he watches with those eyes
He may not have a PhD,
But he is, oh, so wise!
His head rests on your shoulder...
You embrace him good and tight;
He puts your world in balance,
And makes it seem all right.
Your tears will soon stop flowing,
The tension will be eased.
The nonsense has been lifted,
You are quiet and at peace.
So when you need some balance
From the stresses in your day...
The best therapy you can seek...
Is out there eating hay!

Hello Lynn and Cyril,
I hope Spring has finally sprung in Ocala! We are definitely looking forward to some sunshine in Michigan. I would like to share with you some of my accomplishments since I have been home from the Dressage II clinic in late February. First and foremost, I bought a saddle that fits Bud so I can ride English every day. You would have chuckled if you would have seen me at the saddlery with my horse in the trailer! After trying half a dozen different huntseat saddles on him and no luck, we began trying the dressage saddles. 10 dressage saddles later, we found 2 that fit Bud of which one which fit me.

I feel very at home riding in my new dressage saddle and Bud is responding better than ever to my seat, my position and my commitment to improving our partnership. Second, Reading Jane Savoie's book "That winning feeling," gave me much insight into my self-defeating behaviors and I have read the book through front to back twice. Last week I posted laminated words all over my tack room to help me kick my WIN mechanism into overdrive.

Before each riding session I will select one of the words on the wall and visualize myself and Bud exhibiting that trait during our riding session. Wouldn't you know it, but it really works and my self-defeating behaviors have banished! Not to mention the words are inspiring all of those around me to do the same. I have also kept my promise to video tape my sessions and later this spring I will send you a video with clips from our first riding session with subsequent clips demonstrating our improvement!

Thank you again for the wonderful week in Ocala and I very much look forward to spending more time with you in Dressage III.

Best wishes to you and your family. Have a wonderful Spring.
Ericka Utz

This note goes to Lynn, to Shirley, to Marie Frances and a couple of additional folks there that unfortunately the names slip me.

My wife and daughters and I stopped by Fox Grove Farm on Thursday, March 31. We're from Pennsylvania and were in Orlando for a family vacation. The women in my life are "Lynn Palm groupies" and this was a big deal to them to visit your place. My 12 year old daughter has a signed photo of Lynn framed on her bedroom wall.

I wanted to make sure that I took a moment to say "thank you" for the hospitality you extended that day. As you know better than I, the people in the horse crowd are generally real nice people and this was another example of it. You have a wonderful place there and I appreciate the welcome you extended to us.

We tried not to be too intrusive as I know you've got things to do. I'm trying to talk my wife into taking a course with you in Michigan this summer. If nothing else, we'll see you at the next Pennsylvania Horse Expo!

Thank you again.
Matthew J. Lynch

Lynn,
Thanks so much for getting back to us so quickly!! The show season is just starting for us and me and my daughter are going to show the paint curcuit this year, so we want our paints to look there best, thank you for the extra tip on mane pulling.

We watch all your RDF-TV programs, so please keep up the good work.
Vanessa Ducommun

Hi Lynn,
I have not shown In AQHA shows before but I've thinking about gearing towards it. I've shown open for awhile and have done well. I have avoided even thinking about AQHA shows as for the excessive slowness, even in the English horses just has not been very attractive to me UNTIL a friend showed me you riding in a HUS vedio and I was fascinated how correctly framed and on on the bit your horse was.

The QH shows that I have gone to just to audit, the HUS were riden with no contact, head way below the withers and some very behind the verticle. The riders hands were very far apart and held well below the withers??? When I inquired about this I was told thats the way you have to ride them if you want to win.

Well now I have been faithfully watching you on RFD TV and I have yet to see you ride like what I've been seeing at the shows and you've done lots of winning. I too train with dressage principles and it is obvious you have very solid principles. So it must be true that one can have a horse properly on the bit and moveing forward and still win-- you must be the proof!!I hope to join one of your clinics some day-- do you ever come to Washington State??

Regards,
Kay

Hi Lynn, I saw on your web site that your new program with the new production company was on last night. You said you were interested in feedback so I thought I would drop you a line. I was very impressed. The format, content, color, clarity and sound were excellent. I always think the content is very good and I must say that this production company appears to be head and shoulders above whomever you were using before.

You have an excellent program and this presents it in a professional and quality manner deserving of your hard work with your business. In my opinion as a marketing person, I think this will definitely produce an increase in your business. You have an excellent venue to promote your training products and schools. Congratulations to you and Cyril. I know it is a lot of hard work and expense.

Have a wonderful weekend. Please tell everyone at home hello. Happy Easter!

Best wishes,
Nancy Philpy

Hello Lynn and Cyril,
Again I want to say Thank You for the clippers and the great goodie bag!

Well, I read Jane Savioie's book on the plane ( beginning to end). It was great!! It really made me reflect on a whole lot of things about myself and be really aware of how I think. It is really amazing the things I can store in my subconscious.

You are so correct when you said she had great information for ones personal self also. I also want to say Thank You to you and Cyril for being such great teachers and being so dedicated to what you do. This clinic had a big impact on me as for reflecting on how I teach my students, work with my horses and my personl self( by the way I was able to work with Janice's horse on Mon. and he picked it up so fast and the dressage whip really helped , it didn't take much. when we finished our ride he was licking and chewing .The most relaxed I have ever seen).

I feel really fortunate to have you as mentors and the opportunities to ride with you two. Again Thank You for paving a path for those of us out there wanting to become better so "we can become the riders our horses deserve."

Take care and I hope you are feeling better.
Michele Ulrech

Hi folks!
Greetings from the snowy country! Spring has decided to be late this year and the training /riding has been hit and miss as wind chills have still been below zero. Oh well- won't be long and we'll be complaining about the heat and mosquitoes! We really have only 2 seasons here in N/Dakota- shovel and swat! Don't ya know!!

Lynn-can't ride at the clinic as the last we heard from our son is that his leave begins April 13th!!! Can't wait for him to be home for awhile!! They have been doing alot of moving around on different missions - Ick!!!!

Attached is pic of latest purchase (colt I told you about earlier) Don't they look like Mare and foal?Nope- two geldings that have budded up! Amos is coming 4 year old and Elliott is a mild going yearling!!Still has lots of winter hair!!

I still hope to stop in during the upcoming clinic in Fargo but not sure when, as we live 3 hours away! Also I have signed up for Dressage level 2 in August! Hope to catch up with you folks soon!

Best to all!
Jon M. Jensen

Dear Lynn,

Thank you so much for all that Cyrill and you have coached me on. I finally have the monkey off my back. I went to my first show and did really well. I took Fawshi and Socks and placed 2 firsts 2 second 1 fourth in equitation and 1 fith. I did place 1 in 6 on my first show with Socks. Both Fawshi and Socks were so nice to be around for the whole experience and I am so glad that I finally did it.

I was amazed at how relaxed I was during the whole process, and I think it is largely to do to the fact that I used all my knowledge that I got through all my work in your schools and video.My mother and friend Linda came and they were my help for the day and boy is that needed. Everyone was so nice and the judge actually came up to me to tell me how much she loved my horse and I. I had you all on my mind all day, everything that I learned and it worked. I did pick up the book the winning feeling and read a few chapters and I felt like magic.

Michelle would be proud of how well Fawshi did being that she started her, I know that she is with you all this week so if you could give her the great news. I have great pictures and video. It is truly amazing how much you had prepared me for our first show and I feel confident to continue on with showing. I can't wait for what is next.
Have a great week, see you on Sunday.

Love,
Christine

Today your new RFD-TV series began and I just love the new format! I really like the lesson Lynn provided for us (felt like we were right there with you Lynn!), and what made it so very special was how you used the classes to promote your program. I absolutely loved seeing my Palm Partnership friends (and even their husbands!), and even a glimpse of myself, with Lynn. That is a very special treat for us.

Thank you so much again, for all your wonderful help, and especially for caring so much about us.

With best regards to all,
Lorretta Hopkins

Was watching the program about slowing your horse down and the last half of that program is your programs in Ocala and Michigan. Could not believe my eyes when I saw Amos and myself in the ad. I was so very tickled. Went out to the barn and told Amos he was a star. He had been on TV. Nothing like this has ever happened to us before. Thanks a bunch. I need to watch more of that program as Amos is still a little quick on his right lead. Need to pay more attention to keeping my eyes forward.

Once again thanks for having us at your home and on TV.
Ann & Amos

To All,
Just wanted to drop you a line to express how much my wife and I enjoyed your demonstrations at the expo in Harrisburg. We came back home excited to begin new experiences with our equine friends.

We also are going to plan to attend one of your programs at your Michigan facility next year.

Again thanks so much and keep well,
Tom & Wendy Winter PA
P.S. Our Cinda Kate is waiting to win a breeding session we told her all about Rugged Painted Lark!!!

Hi Lynn!
I am so excited!!!! I've been practicing ground work that we did last week with Jet, and WOW, what an improvement already! I am concentrating on "going soft and slow" with my aids, and Jet really appreciates that :-) I have replaced his bit already and I'm working on replacing the saddle. Thanks for letting me experience what the correct tack would do for us!

Your program is phenomenal!It is a great blend of riding/ground work/lecture. Of course, the video is invaluable.....(I still have the images of proper and improper positioning, and that helps me as I ride.) I really appreciated the lectures on Fri when it rained....and the evaluation gave me some homework to take home and practice.....well, I just can't say enough great things about my experience there.

Of course, it was most effective because of the warm, friendly, and very hospitable atmosphere created by everyone there!!!

Eleanor and I have already started making plans to attend your Level III in August. Surely you'll see some improvement!!! I'm finally following my dreams...

Thanks!
Dot Stevenson

Hi Lynn & Cyril,
Just a note to "Thank You" for the great clinic last summer. I learned so much and have worked very hard on my leg position. I now realize how balance and position are so crucial in staying as one with your horse.

I've dreamed of competing since I was a little girl,& things have finally fallen into place where I have the opportunity to do so. I competed in two reining classes and my goal was to score.

To help calm my nerves I told myself before I went in the arena, "If I can ride in front of Lynn Palm and Cyril, the worlds best instructors than I can surely ride here in front of theses people!" It worked!

My first class was in green rider,pattern six, I scored a 65! Second class was in rookie, pattern five, and I scored a 66. I was thrilled. Getting a score in both classes was more than I could've hoped for.

There is no doubt in my mind that without your help at the clinic I never would've done that well. I'm counting the days (twelve) until I'll be seeing you again and am all fired up for another terrific week of learning & fun. Thank you both so so much !

Sincerely,
Jill Giesler

Lynn, Cyril, Karin, Marie, Amy, Betty, Heidi, Walter, Curtis, Restless, and Trisha,
Just a quick note to the entire TEAM at Fox Grove that Desert Storm and I greatly appreciate all your input and obvious evotion to teaching and creativity to making your program so hospitable and supportive.

The extra-curricular activities, food, atmosphere, and laid-back quality time you all give to participants make you stand out above the other schools. We have so much to work on at home now!

My boyfriend was so impressed that he thinks we should make your school an annual event. So before I begin to sound like a magazine food critic, I would like to commend you as a team on every level with the degree of professionalism you all displayed despite what a difficult week you had. Wills will never ever be forgotten in all our hearts.

N. Baker

Hi Lynn and Marie.....I just wanted to thank you guys for a great time at the MD Expo. First off Lynn, I want you to know that it is such an honor that you had asked to use our horses. I hope that both Skippa Starbuck (Buck) and Zip Zip Ahoy (Tyson) were both suitable for what you wanted and needed. I was very pleased with both horses.

Its a shame that we couldn't get Tyson in the arena more to work him because I think the more you would have done with him, the more you would have seen how talented this horse is and how great of a horse he is going to be down the road. I am just glad that you gave both of these horses the time you did. It was amazing to see you and Marie out there with them! Sorry Marie if any of your muscles are still sore from riding Buck:-) We will never torture you with a snaffle on him again!!

I also wanted to tell you that your "speaking" seminars were great. I really enjoyed more of the "show ring" talk and the views from a judges point of view. When you do these seminars, it really shows how much competing is your true love. And that is nice to see and hear! I wish more judges and trainers had the love for the industry that you have.

Talk to you soon....
Debbie

My first show is this weekend in Winona, MN. I received the Res Novice Amatuer All Around for MN. last weekend at the MQHA banquet. Jay Cain received the Res Select All Around. So we had lots to celebrate !!

This winter I've added patterns doing patterns with my horse. My goal this next year is to go for Champion. Thanks for all your support and encouragement over the last few years !!

Love ya !!
Sandy Jagger

Suzette and Kailee,

Congratulations. We saw your names in the Horse Connection magazine as year end, high point award winners in the show division of the Parker Trail Riders.

You are both consistant, Kailee winning High Point 13 & under in both English and Western, and Suzette winning reserve High Point 35-49 in both English and Western, too.

Keep up the good work! Jenny Stone and Sarah Gores (Lynn Palm Clinic hosts)

Hello!

I was reading your article from Lynn Palm and her seat bone exercise and I asked my trainer if we could try it. She said yes, and I tried it at a walk and at a trot. At first, it made me feel a little unsecure, but after awhile, I felt calm and relaxed. The best part is that it worked! I was able to go back into normal postion with my legs and I took up a sitting trot. I feel that it helped with my seat alot.

Thanks Youngrider,
Francesca

I recently received an email from my daughter re the passing of Rugged Lark
and wanted to extend my condolances. Although I've never met you
personally, I can tell from watching your shows on RFDTV that you have that
special gift of communication and understanding when it comes to our equine
friends. And once in a lifetime that special one comes along......and you
were fortunate enough to share your life with a VERY special individual.

My thoughts and prayer are with you and I have faith that the New Year holds
lots of promise for you and yours.

Take care,
Judy Beard

Hi Lynn!

I just wanted to write you a quick update -- I've been riding my 3-year-old (4 now, actually) and keeping in mind not to drill and just accepting little improvements and it has been going really well. He seems happier and I even feel happier. I also ordered the Jane Savoie book fromyour website and have just finished it. It was so very good. So with what you said and that book I feel that I'm on a really good path right now and that any challenge I might have I know I can work out. I continue to work on things -- watch your videos, etc. It's been a lot of fun. The one thing Jane mentions in her book is to have a mental image of someone you want to ride like....when I ride I think of how you ride.

Jane

Dear Lynn,
I have a quarter horse that was given to me 1 1/2 years ago. I am a dressage rider and am originally from Germany, where I began riding on nice warmbloods. However, my financial resources are pretty limited and I don't believe that I will ever be able to afford a warmblood. I also have a TB, (a very difficult one, I might add) and while I like TB, I have also come to realize, that their personality and mine don't match. Anyway, to make a long story short, I am having soooo much fun with my quarter horse and and am so much in love with him :)!

He has such a wonderful and kind personality. When he came to me, he had some dressage training and had also been ridden western. I had to retrain him, because he had been ridden incorrectly in dressage with his head on his chest, his neck rolled up, sucking back. After much work, we have almost overcome this, except every once in a while, he will suck back, but most of the time he goes nicely with a back that is up and swinging. He gets nicer with every ride and I would consider him solid training level, schooling 1st level. It is important to me to not only ride dressage in the ring, so I implement trail rides and cavaletti work as well in my training program with him.

The reason for my contacting you today is that I would like to learn more about quarter horses. I would like to find out how suitable they are for dressage, maybe eventing. I don't know much about them, in part, because (I am sorry to admit) I used to arrogantly think they were only suitable for western riding.

I don't really know where to start to research though. I am facing much prejudice with dressage people I know, but I have made up my mind that if I were to get another horse, I probably would like it to be a quarter horse or QH/TB cross maybe. From what I understand there are different types of QH, bred for different western disciplines (which I don't know anything about it, such as reining, etc.). I also believe that any horse, if ridden correctly, has much potential that is often never discovered, because the horse is ridden incorrectly.

I know you have worked with QH all your life (or most of it), and I know you ride western and dressage. I was wondering if you could make some suggestions in what to look for in a QH or where I could find out more about them. All I can find during my research is mostly western riding information and QH. I saw you at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center in November and really appreciated what you said about having fun with our horses.
Thank you for your time,
Andrea Wilsie

-- Lynn's Reply:

Hi Andrea,

Thanks for your letter and story. I am very happy to read that you are going to give QH's their best in the Dressage Discipline.

You have discovered the mind of a quarter horse. They are wonderful. You have to make sure the QH is not too lazy, however with development of the dossal minded horse you can get them forward and "think forward"

Like any horse for the Dressage Discipline, I like to see a horse that is well balanced in his conformation. The neck has to tie in high and built uphill with a permanent wither. the movement, you want lots of knee and hock action. The uphill build and knee and hock action is what you will have to search for in the QH. They are out there, but they can be build downhill or move like a hunter, low to the ground.

I wish you all the luck to find a nice horse. You will have to come to train with me when you do! Please keep in touch, as if I can be of any help, I will be happy to help you using a QH in Dressage!

Lynn Palm