Kansas State University - Royal Purple Yearbook (Manhattan, KS)

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Lessons teach basics of horsemanship BY MICHELLE POULIN RIDE IN STYLE TO ANNE Lenhert, part-time chemistry professor, a horse was an amazing animal. She saw beauty in its shape, pride in its step and intelligence in its eyes. Lenhert found a way to make horses part of her daily routine. When not in the lab, she was at her ranch teaching students horsemanship skills. Lenhert grew up in Virginia where horses were part of her life. I was riding before I could walk, she said smiling. I rode as a young girl, and then in college, too. There were lessons and clinics all the way. Through years of lessons, and more hours of practice, Lenhert grew to love and respect horses. For 10 years, she taught two horsemanship styles: English and western. Both included vaulting and driving for all levels. I get all kinds of Lenhert said. Some have never even sat on a horse, while others are ready for competition. The first day of lessons, students were separated by experience. Lenhert worked with each and often this meant by appointment. Lenhert began with the basics. Each student learned to bridle the horse, brush it, and care for it (Continued on page 32) DURING A LESSON, Janel Poorman, junior in apparel and textile practices a jump on Tia. (Photo by Brian W. Kratzer) AT THE END OF the drive to the High Horse Stables, a final reminder of Anne Lenhert ' s equestrian dedication stands on the shoulder of Carnahan Creek Road. (Photo by Brian W. Kratzer) BEGINNING Cheryn Shamet, senior in marketing, straps ankle guards to Kitten. Kitten requires the guards because she often hits them together which can cause injury. (Photo by Brian W. Kratzer)

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RIDING (Continued from page 31) before and after riding. I teach my students the basics before they ever get on a horse. Not many realize how much work goes into riding. A lot of care must be taken before riding, Lenhert said. Not all cowboy movies are true. You can ' t just jump on a horse and go. One of Lenhert ' s jobs was finding a horse to match each student. Because each horse has its own personality, the horse and rider must blend for the lessons to be I have some horses that are saints. They try not to take advantage of the rider on them, Lenhert said. Others have a mind of their own. You have to learn to ride a horse, and it ' s like learning to play an instrument. It takes time and practice, to make any progress. It ' s even harder with a horse because you have an entirely separate mind to deal with. A rider must learn to cooperate and communicate with the horse, she advised. Lenhert said every time on a horse should bring new experiences, good or bad. The more time horse and rider are together, the greater the trust. Riding is an art, Lenhert said. When rider and horse are together as one, that is beauty like nothing you will ever see again. A GLANCE IS between Pettorini and Shamet while Lenhert jokes with the two toward the end of their lessons. (Photo by Brian W. Kratzer)