Cameron B worked with Sienna in the May Joel Conner clinic, and wrote the following about the experience:
“Working with Sienna during our second Joel Conner Groundwork Clinic was both rewarding and eye-opening. As a natural herd leader, Sienna brings a confident, assertive energy to every interaction. She is remarkably intelligent—often testing the boundaries and seeing how little she can get away with. Yet she’s equally willing to work hard when provided with clear direction and life from me.
We focused this clinic on expanding our bandwidth, inviting more or less from her by presenting the good deal and releasing pressure accurately. I worked on refining my feel and communication, and it was truly exciting to see Sienna begin responding to the subtlest shifts in my shoulder placement alone, adjusting her pace in the unified circle without any need to build pressure in my ask. By the end of the clinic, she was moving thoughtfully from a slow walk to a trot, and every variation in between, all in response to the offering of the good deal.
We also addressed her tenancy to give a false hind-quarter yield, working to help her release her blind side and step through with greater authenticity. As the clinic progressed, she became more confident and honest in her movement. The transition from hind-quarters to front-quarters also improved. She’d previously tended to crowd, she now moved with more fluidity and respect as I refined my timing and feel.
Lastly, her bend on both sides showed meaningful progress. While she had been protective of her right side and reluctant to bend left, focused, consistent work helped her offer a more balanced bend and softer feel.
This clinic deepened my appreciation for Sienna’s intelligence, her willingness, and the dedication required for this level of horsemanship. Sienna continues to teach me that with clarity and presence, she is willing to meet me every step of the way. I am extremely grateful for the lessons she’s shared and look forward to continuing to build both our partnership and my horsemanship skills.”
