Kind and talented, this man will undoubtedly capture your admiration and your horse’s respect.
He asks the horse for a perfect, polished slide stop, hands quiet, the horse willingly responsive to the hackamore. He strokes the horse’s neck, steps off, and leads the horse over to the golf cart. A whistle brings a gaggle of dogs from various points around the ranch. They all load up and somehow balance themselves on the cart. Off they head for the barn: horse, trainer, dogs.
He’s soft spoken. But as you lean forward to listen to Charles Wilhelm talk about horses, it becomes apparent that he’s full of wisdom and knowledge. And it’s the kind of knowledge that makes sense, that seems kind and just. When he states that “it’s never, ever the horse’s fault,” you become even more interested. Perhaps this is finally the teacher/trainer you’ve been looking for: Honest, no gimmicks, straightforward, humane, successful. Throw in funny, warm and caring, and it’s looking like a winning recipe.
The proof, of course, is watching Charles with a horse. Strains of the country-western song come to mind: “Don’t call him a cowboy ‘til you see him ride.”
Well, there’s no disappointment here. The horse is attentive, interested, willing. And by the end of the session, the horse has “gotten” the lesson and is much more relaxed than when the session began. The horse has learned to no longer exhibit any anxiety, fear, or confusion. Charles’s 35+ years of focusing on training, teaching, and riding shine through. As he works with the horse, he confidently talks about exactly what he’s doing and why.
And here’s a plus: What Charles accomplishes with a horse is something you can accomplish too. His Ultimate Foundation Training program, DVDs, clinics, demonstrations, books, and his virtual training plan (yup, virtual training!) will lead you step-by-step toward success with your horse. Charles’s system includes a unique combination of traditional, classical and natural horsemanship that he’s developed into a methodology that is applicable to every riding discipline and is appropriate for people of all skill levels, from beginners to trainers to competitors.
Where do you start with the Wilhelm program?
Start by visiting Charles’s Web site at www.charleswilhelm.com. Also come by and visit Charles and his lovely wife Anne at the Western States Horse Expo in Sacramento, June 12-14 or at the Western States Wild Horse and Burro Expo in Reno, Nevada, August 21-23. You can also talk to other people who have had great success with Charles’s program. Of course, you can also drop by see Charles and Anne at their gracious ranch in Castro Valley, California (it’s always an open invitation!).
Be sure to check out the Wilhelm educational products and the wealth of information included in the DVDs and books. The topics run the gamut of horse issues: Ground manners, leading, loading, colt starting, riding exercises, solving behavioral issues, de-spooking, round pen logic, solving trail problems. All these topics relate back to the basics found in the Ultimate Foundation Training program that Charles has developed — and continues to examine and refine.
“In all my years of training and competition,” reflects Charles, “I have concluded that there are no problem horses — only uneducated horses and uneducated people. You can’t train just the horse; the person has to learn right alongside the animal.”
Charles believes that the basics are critical. “The most enjoyable horses are those with good manners that have been patiently built through a solid training foundation,” he says. “Once the foundation is established, the horse becomes a quick, willing student eager to learn and please. Horses have different characteristics and personalities; each one learns at a different level and length of time. And they have good days and bad days, just like us,” he explains. “Most problems arise by skipping over the basics of the horse’s education. You may want to do 10th grade work, but the horse is at the 4th grade level. With that approach, you get a confused, nervous horse that rears, bucks or displays other unwanted behavior that are products of skipping ahead.”
After reviewing the DVD materials and books, plan to attend a clinic at Charles’s ranch. Whether you’re a novice or a professional, Charles will cater to your requirements. Beginners need not worry about being beginners; there’s no judgment or criticism — it’s a supportive, caring environment. So if your goal is simple, like getting your horse to stand still while you mount, or more advanced like reining skills, Charles has sensible, understandable answers. Fun is also part of the clinic equation; no doubt you’ll wind up laughing along the way.
An exceptional clinic environment Charles has developed over the years is “Horse Camp for Women.” This gathering focuses on providing a comprehensive foundation of knowledge and skills to the beginner rider and features a variety of experts, with Charles heralding the hands-on work and instruction for riding and training. Here’s a bonus: You don’t need a horse to attend! If you want to ride but don’t have a horse, Charles has the solution for that too — for a small additional fee he will provide the appropriate horse for you. Of course you may bring your own steed.
And if you spot Charles at an expo, walk right up to talk with him — his sparkling blue eyes will welcome any question you have. He’ll make you feel right at home. Wilhelm Training: good for the horse, good for the human.
Charles Wilhelm’s Clinics and Expos
• June 12 – 14, 2009
Western States Horse Expo, Sacramento, CA
Visit with Charles and Anne at their booth!
• July 11 – 12, 2009
Solving Trail Problems and Crossing Objects Clinic
Wilhelm Ranch, 6496 Crow Canyon Road
Castro Valley, California
www.charleswilhelm.com
• July 27 – July 31, 2009
Horse Camp for Women!
Wilhelm Ranch, 6496 Crow Canyon Road
Castro Valley, California
877.886.9001 • www.charleswilhelm.com
• August 8 – 9, 2009
Ranch Horse Versatility
Wilhelm Ranch, 6496 Crow Canyon Road
Castro Valley, California
877.886.9001 • www.charleswilhelm.com
• August 21 – 23, 2009
Western States Wild Horse and Burro Expo
Reno, Nevada
• September 26 – 27, 2009
Introduction to Team Penning and Sorting
Wilhelm Ranch, 6496 Crow Canyon Road
Castro Valley, California
www.charleswilhelm.com
• October 17, 2009
Responsive Riding Clinic
Wilhelm Ranch, 6496 Crow Canyon Road
Castro Valley, California
www.charleswilhelm.com
