Nottingham...

A unique sanctuary of True Horsemanship

in East Lansing, Michigan

Thoughts from Cheryl

One of the main reasons I began a career in horses and eventually bought Nottingham is because I love horses. I cannot imagine a more heart-warming sound than the deep-throated nicker of my horses when I approach their stalls. On the other hand, I am filled with both joy and laughter as my miniature donkey, Geneva, sees me and releases a deafening bray. I love to watch as the horses run onto the grass field, leaping and playing and then finally settling into the important task of grazing. I love watching the strong bonds of friendship that form between horses and I mourn with them when these bonds are broken. I love free-lunging my horses and watching their natural grace and beauty as they move on their own. I love grooming my horses and feeling a sense of peace that surrounds both of us. I love riding outside, surrounded in the splendor of the natural world. I love the rides where my horse and I move as one in perfect harmony of our minds, bodies, and spirits. Although I love to ride horses when I am too old to ride them I will still be happy and content to simply be in their presence.

I have never understood the people who treat their horses as nothing more than a possession or as a means to a goal. Despite the ribbons and other achievements they might accomplish, they never obtain the true gifts that horses offer us. In treating our horses as a partner, a friend, and a loved one, we open ourselves up to accomplishing the impossible. On top of a horse, we can jump higher than we ever dreamed, run faster than we thought possible, and dance with a partner beneath us who moves off our subtle cues and our quietest thoughts.

Over the thirty years of teaching, I have been fortunate to learn under some of the greatest horse masters I have ever known. Although many of my instructors were amazing horsemen and women, many of the teachers were the horses themselves. Only horses could teach me the meaning of a soft-elastic connection to the bit, or the feeling of thoroughness of power coming over a round and supple top line. Only horses could teach what it meant to be strong for a stride and then soft and supportive in the next stride. The lessons I have learned from horses over the years goes beyond the time I have spent on their backs. Through their example, I have learned about patience, forgiveness, courage, compassion, steadfastness, gentleness, and even humor. In the future, I am sure I will continue to learn from these amazing creatures. I will also continue in my commitment to care for horses with love and respect while educating the people in their lives.

Want to hear Cheryl be the "horse expert" on 1320 WILS Radio Pet Show?! Listen on Saturday mornings! Missed her debut interview? check out the recording and then the end of the interview here.

Great Job everyone for such an awesome Spring/Summer show.....practice, practice, practice all summer so you can show off your skills again this fall :)

Pony Camp 2010 is HERE!! Click the link at the top of the page or go to our Events section to get your application now! (the glitch in the application page has been fixed and you can print off your own copies to send in) No reservations can be made over the phone, and all applications must have a deposit in order to save your spot :)