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In This Issue...
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Deadline Extended for “Win a weekend for four at Yarrabin”
Thanks for everyone who has taken the time to email us about their ideas, suggestions and dreams for Australia’s number one farmstay. We recently had a snail mail out to those guests/friends who were not on our email distribution list, and many have asked for an extension to the competition. So we have extended the deadline to 1 May 2006. The prize winner will be announced in our May ezine! So, just send us an email with your thoughts, wish lists and dreams for Yarrabin – and you could win a weekend for 4 at Yarrabin! It can be anything at all – something you would like us to start at Yarrabin, some area that may need improvement, a particular type of ride you would like to see, some suggestions for Kids Camps or for our marketing, or even just a dream you may have about Yarrabin. Anyone can enter, you can enter more than once, and we won’t limit what area your wish or idea should be in. So let your minds wander!! Send us an email (to holidays@yarrabin.com) and make sure you include your contact details and age (if under 18). Anyone can enter – even if you have never been to Yarrabin!
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What’s Been Happening at Yarrabin?
 Yep – Yarrabin is a busy place!! Here’s a taste of what we have been up to since our last ezine. Harry survived his first “bull” ride at the Rockley Rodeo. Actually it was a potty calf but still pretty strong! Six seconds was the goal – Harry made it to 3.21 seconds before meeting the dirt! A great effort though, and one that will put him in good stead for the steers next year. Annie and Jessica (our daughter) competed in the Barrel Racing at the rodeo, and achieved third and fifth respectively. Congratualtions to both! The Rockley Rodeo weekend was also a reunion weekend of guests who came up in the 60s. Thanks to the Grafittis, Dawsons, Wheelers and Maureen Hall for joining us. (Another reunion planned for the same weekend next year) Jesscia, Harry AND Jack competed in the Rydal Show, and all came home with ribbons. We’ve had a “Single’s Weekend” and have another planned for this weekend. But there will be a name change in future to “Adults Only Weekends” so you don’t really have to be single to join us for some fantastic riding, lots of partying, some relaxing in the hot spa and even a trip to the O’Connell Pub. More "AO Weeknds" planned for later this year so tell your friends! Kids Camp were the highlight of January – thanks to all the kids for their enthusiasm and laughter. (OK OK we will get the passwords for the photos out this week!!) Graeme spent 3 weeks in the US topping up on his accreditation as a facilitator for Leadership & Horses, and also attending an international conference of fellow educators who have horses as their guides. Some fresh ideas, and a much wider network. Thanks for all your support – please forward this ezine widely. Hope to see you all soon (even 17 to 19 March?? Only $490 per family! Or the Active Horsemanship Workshop?) In the mean time – happy trails. Annie and Graeme Phillips
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There’s nothing cuter than a new born…and it’s even cuter when it is a little foal! We are proud to announce the birth of Ollie, a little chestnut filly with white socks, on 24 February. The mare was Amber. “Who’s that” we hear you all ask, especially if you keep track of our horses. Well, we only picked her up on the Tuesday before the birth, knowing that she was in foal within 3 weeks. Imagine our surprise (and joy!) when we found little Ollie a couple of days later. Mother and foal are doing well after some initial challenges. Please come and meet her in person (or should that be “horse?”) and share the fun of foals. March is the best month, as she will be put out to pasture with Amber at the beginning of April.
Meet our new wrangler, Rebecca Murphy (pictured with Blaze, Jessica’s new 2 year old gelding!). Rebecca joins us after some time at other horse riding places, therefore bringing a wealth of experience to our team. She is quick with a smile, an advanced rider, and has managed to learn most of the trails and horses in a short time. Rebecca replaces Cathy Frost who moved to Darwin in January. We also said farewell to Steve and Kiera, our Irish helpers, who also left in January to explore more of Australia. Tamara Allcorn (all the kids from camp will know Tamara!) has also moved – she is starting a biomedical degree in Queensland. Tears were flowing from all of our valued staff when they said the “final” farewells to us, our family and the horses. We wish them well, and thank them from the bottom of our hearts.
A late group cancellation – not good for us but potentially great for you. We are slashing prices to offer you a once only deal…. Enjoy all the riding, facilities, meals and farm animals for the weekend of 17 to 19 March for only $490 per family!! Doesn’t matter how many in you family, or how many times you ride – it is one set price. It’s a saving of at least 50% for a family of 2 adults and 2 kids. Plus you will be able to see and possibly play with our new foal. Ollie. Be quick to take this offer….email or phone today.
We tempted fate when we initially planned the Kids Camp for April…but most schools don’t break for Easter until at least 12 April. Camps MAY be more fun than school, but we don’t want to encourage kids to miss school. So the April Camp is cancelled….but there are still spaces for the 24 to 28 June Camp! There’s also plenty of other activities planned at Yarrabin. Why not try our popular “Active Horsemanship Workshop?” Not only do we guarantee that you will improve your riding, you will also have a very relaxing time…complimentary champagne and massage, hot spa, open fires…. The next workshop is Mon 27 March to Friday 31 March. There are limited spots in the April Schoool Holidays, but why not think about a weekend trip before the break – avoid the crowds but receive our first class service?? We still have a few spots left for our RIDERS WEEKEND (24 to 26 March) where you can even join us for a moonlight ride!! Or come and stay maybe mid week? Total decadence…and almost one on one riding! Call us also if we can help you get a group together. With over 16 guests you get the whole place to yourselves…PLUS WE WILL THROW IN A FREE MASSAGE for the organiser!
Many of you have heard of Ariana – from our journey bringing the Leadership & Horses program to Australia and our annual pilgrimage to her ranch near San Francisco. Ariana is not only the founder of Leadership & Horses and an international association of equine guided educators, she is an AMAZING horsewoman. She has produced DVDs and also a book, and has international recognition. With a little cajoling from Graeme during his last trip to the US in February (and maybe a few Aussie red wines!!), Ariana has agreed to come to Australia in March 2007. She will be running an Intuitive Horsemanship workshop AND a Leadership & Horses workshop. Stay tuned for dates – or email us your interest in a phenomenal riding or leadership experience. Check out her website below:
Our most popular section - a great tip every month from our guru rider and instructor, Annie. Here’s her latest tip for you which she calls “Lighten Up.” A horse’s mouth is very sensitive so you should always be aware of this and handle with care. (Even Moonlight, one of the original Yarrabin horses ridden by beginners, still has a pretty soft mouth!) Pretend the reins are made of cotton which will snap if you pull too hard. Keep your fingers “soft” and your wrists flexible…follow the horse’s natural head movement forwards and backwards with your hands. Avoid jerking the reins at all costs. Let us know how you go with this on your horse, or the ones you ride at Yarrabin!
Here’s a puzzle to test your brainpower – email us your answers. The first correct answer wins a free horse ride at Yarrabin! “Though in theory I am always behind you, I am also around to remind you. But in case it’s your way to give me too much say, I can hamper or, even worse, blind you. What am I?”