Meghan N worked alongside Deja Vu in the May Joel Conner groundwork Clinic, and has the following to say about her experience: "Deja and I had the opportunity to learn and grow together during the three days of the Joel Conner Clinic. This mare is incredibly intelligent, but it’s clear she’s experienced some letdowns in the past. Because of that, it's a bit of a challenge for her to fully let go and trust that she’s safe; but you can just feel how much she wants to place that trust in you. As a sensitive gal, Deja responds best to gentle yet clear communication, she tries so hard to get it right. Together, we worked on a range of exercises, including walking a unified circle, transitioning smoothly into a fast walk, then a trot, and back down to a walk, all based on feel. Deja has a tendency to worry about her surroundings, but during this clinic, she made significant progress by letting go of those distractions and tuning into my ask. When she did get a little bothered, she was able to come back and reconnect after some hindquarter and frontquarter work; remembering that she can find freedom and confidence in the ability to move her feet. This clinic was an incredible opportunity for growth, for both Deja and me. Watching her confidence build, moment by moment, was a powerful reminder of how much potential she holds when given the right kind of support. I gained valuable insight into the areas where she still needs reassurance, and I feel so honored to be part of her journey. I'm excited to continue walking alongside this sweet, sensitive mare as she learns to trust more deeply and step fully into her empowered self. With patience, consistency, and a lot of heart, I know she’ll blossom into the happy, confident horse she was always meant to be." Read the full report here: safehorses.org/may-joel-conner-clinic-report-deja-vu/ (fb)

POV: you're painting fences this Saturday at our Friends and Family Work Party. Your supervisors? The horses. They're not going to tell you that you missed a spot, but you might catch some jealous glances as you weed whack. Join us any time from 9 - 3 this Saturday, May 24th. We will be doing everything from weed whacking and pressure washing, to refreshing gravel paddocks, painting fences, and more. All you need to bring is closed toed shoes, long pants, sunscreen, and your favorite pair of work gloves if you have some. SAFE will have water, extra gloves, and all the tools we'll need. If you're interested, please RSVP by emailing our Barn Manager, Sara Hummel, at shummel@safehorses.org. Children must be 12 years or older to attend. Kids who are 12-15 years old will need to work with their parent or guardian, and those who are 16+ years old can work independently or with another group of current volunteers. We look forward to seeing you there! (fb)