Rock Solid Arena, LLC Under New Ownership

Rock Solid Arena, LLC has new management and new owners. ALSO - it has a new name!! It will be known as New Beginnings Arena, LLC. The new phone number is 218-746-3585. Please watch for their new website that will explain what they plan on doing here.

Rock Solid Arena, LLS,  wants to take this time and opportunity to thank everyone we have come in contact with since 2007 and the beginning of Rock Solid. It has been an honor and pleasure to work with such wonderful folks and their awesome equine. God allowed me to live my passion of training, as Pa did throughout his life time.  And now it is time to move on to the next path God has in store for us.

A huge, heart-felt thank you from both of us here at Rock Solid Arena; Doug and Ardis Beach. We wish everyone the absolute best.

God Bless and Happy Trails..

Mentoring Program At Rock Solid Arena

Winter is upon us!!

Are you ready to polish and fix those pesky equine problems before spring trails open up? The arena is warm and available for appointments to do just that. There are day openings to bring your horse and yourself and learn how to accomplish your tasks. Give us a call ahead of time to schedule.


Is Your Horse UNDER TRAINED?

It only takes a fraction of a second.... For what?    

For your horse to react to something and fly out of control due to their flight instincts. And you better not be in the way.

Just about all horse owners who have been around them know what I mean. IF your horse hasn't been desensitized and hasn't learned to look to YOU to be calmed then their instincts take over. Their minds are consumed with fear and they go into survival mode.

When you least expect it, it happens.

But there are times when bad things happen more than they should.  And that is when a horse may be..   "Under Trained"
    
The worst holes are in his foundation training.

I think the words "foundation training" have been used so much that people's eyes glaze over when it's heard.

But it is THE most important part of a horse's training.

The word FOUNDATION is a critical term.

It is literally what everything else is built on.

Even the prettiest house will crumble without a strong foundation.

So it makes sense the horse has a good foundation as well. The strong foundation of a horse begins at day one.

And if your horse isn't doing something he should, it's likely you have to sort of go backwards to solve it.

What I do, and other trainers I know, is basically start the horse over as if he doesn't know anything.

There is a method to our madness in that we can quickly discover where the horse needs work by starting at the beginning.

He may know most of what he needs for his foundation but a critical piece or two may be missing.

If you suspect your horse's foundation needs strengthened or fixed, I urge you to start as if he knows nothing.

Then progress through and fix what needs fixed as you go.

Remember....

If you're having trouble with your horse you simply may have to go back in his training to find it.

It's something you "can" do because it's not that difficult.

Besides, it's fun! It's another chance to work with and learn right along with your horse. You'll be learning valuable skills you can use on all your horses – both now and into the future.

And to fix a problem by yourself is a great feeling.

I dare you to challenge yourself to do this because you might just surprise yourself.

 
"A little knowledge can go a long way."

And in horse training that's what you must have to advance. Hoping for a change and luck won't get you there and, in fact, are probably hurting you. Not doing something to fix your problems is only enabling the
horse to continue his bad habits.

So what is it that you need?

Knowledge which then brings about Understanding. And then learning to apply that knowledge to solve your problems.

How do you get the knowledge and understanding?

Call us at 218-746-4364.  Happy Trails everyone!!

Horse Training, Mentoring Program at Rock Solid Arena

Consider this:

How long have you had your horse(s)?

Are you enjoying them? Or are they frustrating you or do you fear them?

Do you have dreams to do different things with your horse but you haven't reached a point in their training to enable you to go trail riding, enter that competition, or do what you had hoped?

Are you satisfied with their training and your ability to handle and control them?

For whatever reason you may not be fully enjoying your horses check out the Rock Solid Mentoring Program to get a handle on all your issues before Spring arrives. Call 218-746-4364 for more information and visit our website: rocksolidarena.com

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS everyone and God's Blessings to all!

 

 

 

Make Your List & Check It Twice

Make a list of the major things you'd like to accomplish with your horse before Spring riding season comes. Stuff like: problems you need to fix, making your horse safer to ride by improving his ground manners, teaching him to respect you and your space, desensitizing so he doesn't blow up at everything, ways to sharpen your riding skills, etc, etc.

The goals you set are your own but safety issues should come first - for both the security of you and your horse.  Where ever you are today with your horse, especially relating to the "problem areas", it is your decision whether you want to make things better and to do something about it. Your horse will not change if you don't do something to make the changes.

Rock Solid Arena has the ideal solution to help you fix those problems - and for a very unique Christmas gift for your "horsie" friends and loved ones. Purchase a week of our Mentoring Program for horse and rider for next spring or summer. Horse and rider spend a week of learning how to fix the problems & be able to overcome training issues, including…

1.    Respect your space...

2.    Ground manners…

3.    Whoa means “Whoa!”…

4.    Control their movement to establish your leadership…

5.    Give their feet…

6.    Trailer loading…

7.    Desensitizing…

8.    Stand when mounting…

9.    How to read body language and the importance of it…

10.How to be a Kind Boss…

…plus more!

(No need to have exact dates or times; they can be made later.) 

What better way to put a smile on your horse-lover! For more information, give us a call: 218-746-4364.

ROCK SOLID ARENA OPEN RIDING

Just a reminder cowboys & cowgirls, that just because cold weather is coming, that does not mean you can't ride in the comfort of a heated arena. Training obstacles and props, bulletin board updated with ideas for obstacle courses, and more, are available. Call ahead of time to reserve your spot.

The past week found the arena busy Mentoring Jenna and her two horses, Romeo and Ace. What a wonderful job they all did. Thank you for sharing your time here. I tried to add pictures Jenna - it didn't work. Hmmm...

SO - with that, open riding, riding lessons, training openings are available. Why wait til Spring to get them going in the right direction.

Happy Fall Trails everyone.  God Bless. 

Four Girls, Four Horse's, Fun For All

Shye, Maeve, Mariah, Kaitlyn were here for a week of Mentoring with their respective horses, Shya, Angel, Blazer and Kahve. Progress was made by all. Along with the Mentoring Program came swimming, camp fires, good food, bunk house antics and sleeping on the teeter totter the last night (in the arena), (THEIR idea - not mine!).

Mariah working with her horse, Blazer, on the end of the trail. Step up and stand.

Maeve and her horse Angel, learning to go up onto the teeter totter. Shye and Shya are waiting their turn.

Kaitlyn and Kahve desensitizing to things that can "fly" on the end of a whip.

Kaitlyn and Kahve going over the mattress.

All the girls and their horses are going under the hanging tarp. "Head down" boys & girls!

I'm not sure which direction they'd decided to go......

Still not sure if they're riding, pushing, or just "hanging around"!

Okay - got it now - they're going down the road for another trail ride!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fall is fast approaching. Get out and enjoy mother nature before father time takes it away. Stay safe and happy trails to everyone from Rock Solid Arena.

AUGUST??? Already? Where'd Summer Go!

Oh My Gosh. Summer has disappeared in a flurry of horse's and folks in for the Mentoring & Training Program. August is almost full with more Mentoring. The heat has been rough but with the big fans circulating in the barn/arena, it hasn't been bad. Trail riding has been either early morning's or later evenings.

Learning to accept people riding bareback is a part of the training program.

Corrina (on Cool), Kim (on Cinnamon), Mariah (will be on Blue) ready to head out on a trail ride in the early morning before the heat is turned up!

Cinnamon learning to go up and over the three tier bridge. Such a good girl.

Cinnamon readily went under the tarp once she learned to trust and obey each command given.

  What a wonderful summer we've had here at Rock Solid Arena!! Thank You Jesus!!!!

Step up Lu, easy now and stand. She's learning to stand nicely

"all right guys - I'm the oldest so... pay attention to me. Okay? I got plans!

One of the first introductions to sitting double.  She seemed fine with it.

Jenna is learning how to deal with hard-headed issues being dealt out by her horse. With time: patience, practice, we slowly gain Progress. Just because you feel like "throwing in the lead-rope" - Please don't . Take it slow, even back up a bit to really find your horse's level jone find your head, don't make rash decisions or unjust judgement calls.


So dagge

It's not all about work during the Mentoring Program. There's alot of fun and giggles too. "Boe" figured Shye should be sharing her water jug. . .  So she did!!

Bunk house is full the next three weeks. Lots of learning going on. We'll be doing my Three "P's". Patience, Practice, Progress.... works every time.

Happy trails folks. From Rock Solid Arena, LLC.

Linn Weeks

4:41pm Jun 3

"I just attended an AWESOME 5 day private mentoring course at Rock Solid Arena with Ardis Beach..... Kato, my Rocky Mountain horse is now free lunging and doing so many things "with me" neither of us could ever do before.... What a great week for me!! Horse and Soul I feel fabulous!!! Thank you so much Ardis Linnie Weeks East Gull Lake"

Jayda won many ribbons in the June, 2012 first horse show in Pillager, MN last weekend. Unfortunately, her  mare, Penny, came up lame after the second trip of "warm up" in the arena. That didn't stop her tho!! She had two horse's to pick from: Sailor - big boy, or Blue - Pony/Quarter. She chose the big boy Sailor and won ribbons even tho it was his, AND HER, first time in the competing arena of a horse show! GREAT JOB

Mariah is on Blue, quarter/pony cross and Maeve is on Sailor, quarter horse gelding. None of these animals (not positive about Penny and Blue) had been in a horse show - least ways not while with me. They did a fantastic job cuz they had fantastic riders. What a wonderful day.

Drifter and Jill were in for a week of the Rock Solid Mentoring Program. What good results we had. 

 
"What I love the best is she trains you to train your horse.. Drifter is very well trained, but is young and can be quite pushy and disrespectful of my space bubble.... I am learning to communicate with my horse to get him to do exactly what i want him to do...... it's always amazing when you are able to get a 1200 pound animal to put his feet exactly where you want and helps him realize i will keep him safe when we are riding so there is no need to spook at the scary rabbit or grouse:) ha!"  (via face book reply from Jill.)


Great Job Jill!!

New Horses For Training & Mentoring

"Jill?? It's stopped raining - you can come out now!"

Maeve on Sundae, Mariah on Remington. Maeve's reins were too short!! (Or she's too tall?)

Kim on Kato, Mariah on Drifter. Going for an evening stroll.

Kato is in for training prior to his owner coming for the Mentoring Program.

 Kato is a Rock Mountain Breed, gelding. He is a wonderful animal. Love his "gaits"!

Drifter is in for a "spring tune up" prior to his owner coming in for our Mentoring Program. He is doing great. Jill spent one day Mentoring so far and they make quite the team.

Sundae and Samara went home last week. Two new ones replaced them.

Never a dull moment at Rock Solid Arena.

Happy Trails everyone.  God Bless.

What a week at Rock Solid Arena

Learning to accept someone behind the saddle. Don't take it for granted that they will at first!

"OH how I hate that blue thing! Is there such a thing as a blue snake?"

Learning to do a lope without the "humpty do's" in the safety of the arena!

Santana and Tonya going for a stroll outside!

It was a very full two weeks of training and Mentoring! Everyone learned! The weather could have been warmer - think I'll have a talk with Mother Nature tonight and request sunshine this week!

And - Yippee!! Bunk house is now ready for those coming in for the Rock Solid Mentoring Program.

Happy trails everyone!

Training Continues at Rock Solid Arena

Samara is a 7 yr old pony/quarter mare. Well broke but spooks! Five days after arriving she is riding outside with things drug beside & behind, things thrown over both shoulders and sides, flies in the air above her head. She is SO much better. Stay tuned for updates. Beautiful little girl!

Sundae is being ridden every day outside during her training. Riding outside presents various distractions that helps to desensitize them. She is doing very good going up, over and through things, de-spooked, and learning to neck rein. What a gem of a pony!

Oh-Oh! When I told her to cowgirl up, I think she really took it to heart!! Good job Remington and Mariah!

If you are having problems that you'd like resolved before trail riding this summer, sign up for our Mentoring Program. You and your horse come for a week (or more if needed). Learn how to handle them, build your confidence, and their trust and respect for you. References available upon request. 

rocksolidarena.com

"Sundae" and her first ride!!

Sailor Man "feeling his oats today!"

Remington getting a pedicure by Mariah.

Tonya figured I need to brush his teeth - "Look Ma - Yuck!"

Sundae & Maeve (fifth time in the saddle - came in last Sat.), Remington & Mariah, Penny & Jayda.

It was definitely a long day! Even the dogs got tired!! Sparty (black lab) Maeve, Mariah, Jayda and Butchy Buddy Beach (little fart in front!)~

              

It was a very full day at Rock Solid Arena. It started with Maeve arriving at 7:30 AM, Mariah & Tonya at 9:45 AM, Jayda about 11:00 AM. Finished training about 5:30 PM. Barn cleaning, and lights out by 6:30 PM. What a day. Bet they all sleep good tonight. 

Thank you God for the times You give us to share the love of learning to train our horses and the wonderful companionship.  These are friendships that will last their life time!

If you'd like to come share in our Mentorship Program, give us a call at 218-746-4364 for more information. (References are available -- just look at their faces! :-)

A Few More Lessons....

"Listen here young man, I'm only gonna tell you three more times.... got it?"

"YOU WHOOOO!! Anybody listening??? I'm back here - okay?! I'll be bringing up the rear!"

"NO! It is not cold in here.... just trying on a new style of head gear while at Rock Solid!"

Do we have fun while training and during lessons at Rock Solid Arena?? Oh heck yeah! Maeve, Mariah and Jayda have practiced inside all winter so they are ready for taking the trail this spring.

Come check us out! Visitors welcome but please call ahead of time. Sometimes we're riding the back 40 (okay - so it's the back 20....).

Happy Trails and God Bless! 

Mariah and her horse Remington

Jayda and her horse Penny

Maeve in training with Cracker Jack

These three young ladies are a part of the Rock Solid Mentoring Program. They are learning how to take the leadership role with their horse's. After a winter of working in the heated arena - they are ready to go!! I am so proud of all their accomplishments. 

If you would like more information on our Mentoring Program, please feel free to call us at 218-746-4364.

Happy Trails Everyone!

 I bought a mounting block so I could reach the stirrup.... then I taught her how to "park out" which lowered her so I could reach!! I could have saved some money there! (And, no, this was not taken yesterday! I would have definitely had the lower part of my pants on!!)

Arena is ready to be used!  Four or five riders coming in this evening to rent the arena. A load of five "big boys" are coming in for overnight and the second load with five more will come in the morning for the March Family Fun Day at the arena.  Can't wait! More pictures to follow.

Happy Trails everyone.

Snow Outside, Warm Inside, Open Riding

Yup - nothing all winter and then when the posies are supposed to pop up, they get buried in 8 inches of white stuff! More is on its way today, is what I've heard.. Horse's coming in tomorrow. We're plowed out now, should be good to go for horse arrivals tomorrow.

Nice & warm and dry inside. Come join us for play time!!

Open Riding by appointment Monday through Saturday 8:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M. Training props, ground poles, Mounted Posse Desensitizing Props are available for use! Ground work and obstacle course ideas are posted! Give us a call at 218-746-4364 and schedule ahead.  Happy Trails Folks!

February Family Fun Day at Rock Solid Arena, LLC. Just a few pictures, see more on my website.

Everybody had Fun!! From the little ones, on up to the big ones, everyone shared in the relay races, picking up the "road apples" and the fantastic potluck lunch everybody brought. What a wonderful way to spend a Saturday!

The Rock Solid Mentoring Program is now taking applications. May and June are full. If you want to learn how to work with your horse so it listens and does what you ask - and is a respectful friend in the end - this is the program for you. Please call if you would like more information.  218-746-4364.

Happy Trails Everyone!

A day shared in the arena during a Family Fun Day at Rock Solid. The joy of the children, awesome food, the warm building, wonderful fellowship, a lesson here and there - What a day!

The new Rock Solid Mentoring Program has some openings yet for this summer. Give us a call for more information. Happy Trails Everyone!  

In The Fast Lane

Life today always seems to be lived in the "fast lane". Fast food, microwave cooking, high speed internet, texting. One thing you can't do "fast" is train your horse.

It just does not work. You can not rush a horse's training without "getting ahead of him"/of his brain. Horses are smart and you need to be careful with them. If you do not take the time to think about what you are going to do Before you get on a horse (let alone while you are riding him and even after you step off), you are not going to succeed. It isn't a race to get on! You need preparation, both mental and physical, to succeed.

Happy Trails Folks!

Rock Solid Mentor Program Beginning

Few things are more rewarding than setting a goal for your horse and then accomplishing that goal as a "team"! I lead you, step by step, to a successful result: A horse that loves to work and be with you. One that will trust and respect you. There will be frustrating training sessions where everything does not go as planned, but as long as you keep your focus and your patience, the two of you WILL reach your goal in the end.

When finished with our Rock Solid Mentoring program, you and your horse should be able to comfortably face most any distraction while you are maintaining control. They ARE an animal. None of them are bomb proof!! God did not make them capable of that! It's called "fight or flight". We start with very simple goals in our training sessions and move forward at a pace prescribed by you and your horse - not a timetable. Inch by inch anything's a cinch!