Hi my name is Tracey Edie. I grew up in the world of pony club, progressing to local shows, then as I got older turned to Dressage and Eventing. I was using my horse riding ability to earn a living, I was well into my 30's by this stage and I thought I knew a bit about horses. I was getting along fine, I was getting what I wanted out of my horses and we were doing our jobs really well.
Then one day I heard about "Quantum Savvy". They were having an event near my place so I went to "have a look". I saw some pretty special stuff going on and thought "oh aren't they lucky to have such nice horses, that just want to get along and do as they are asked" Then I saw some of the demo stuff, you know bareback and bridleless, and I still thought "It takes a special horse and a special person to be able to do something like that."
Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would one day be striving to be doing just that.
I had a look at their level 1 lessons and thought "that looks pretty easy, I should give it a go and see how far I can get."
I started watching and reading the lessons and diligently working through my level 1. I chipped away not really knowing or completely understanding how far I was going to be able to go with these "lessons".
After 12 months we had moved to Western Australia where I didn't know anyone. So I decided to start a QS Practise Group at my agistment centre just to get some interaction with the other agistees and their horses. I was astounded at what a hit it became. Everyone had so much fun and was always eager for the next "Play Day".
The time came for us to return to QLD and I left behind two other Group Organisers who had become very dear friends as a result of QS.
Level 2 was the real turning point in my focus and understanding of real horsemanship. After nearly 30 years living breathing horses, I had a sudden awakening that there really was a better way to do things with my horse. To have a relationship with a horse who wanted to 'try' for me. To have a horse that read my every move, not because he was being cautious of me, but because he found me interesting.
The other turning point was the understanding that if every horse person had access to this information and understanding, the horsemanship world would be a safer place and a much better place for our horses.
I love everything about QS and their principles and their dream to help people be safe around horses and give everyone the chance to be excellent "horsemen".
I can honestly say I have learnt more about horses, riding and training since joining QS, then I have in my lifetime of living and breathing them. I wish I had started with this knowledge I would have been in a far better place now if I had.
With the support of my wonderful husband, we decided the best way to help spread the word was to become agents for QS. We are happy to talk to anyone and help them with as much information as we can about the programme.
Hi my name is Martin Edie. I was introduced to horse riding by my wife Tracey. I learnt to ride at the age of 17.
At first I competed in endurance rides with Tracey as my strapper. Then when she started to have coaching for her Dressage competitions I decided it would be a good idea and might help me out with my endurance riding. Well, I actually got hooked on the dressage riding and my focus turned to that, eventually going on to compete regularly.
Work commitments slowly took over and I stopped riding to concentrate on the family business. Tracey was able to maintain her passion with the horses by incorporating them into her working life, so we still had them at home even though I wasn't riding.
I was a bit confused, why after riding for most of her life, Trace insisted on studying a horsemanship course. I watched from a distance not really understanding what she was trying to achieve.
Then one day in Western Australia Tracey had organised a clinic with Shane and Meredith Ransley. Circumstances arose where a rider position became available and Tracey asked me if I would like to 'have a go'. I was a bit surprised at how much was involved and finally got an insight into what Trace had been talking about all year.
After the clinic I continued working on the QS programme and broadening my horizons with a new enthusiasm for horse riding. I completed my level 1 and started working on level 2 with Tracey's horse.
When we returned to QLD I found a lovely brown warmblood mare and at 6 years of age got her started by Shane. I have started the QS programme with her and am enjoying the learning experience. I am looking forward to learning as much as I can using QS principles. After finishing level 3, I look forward to the lightness, suppleness and a relationship with a horse, who really wants to 'try', which can be achieved by starting our 'training' with the QS Foundation Programme.
June 2010 Footnote from Tracey; Sadly during Easter of 2009 Martin lost his beautiful 'Winter' in a very unfortuante accident where she slipped in the mud landing on her shoulder and injuring it beyond repair. Martin and Winter had formed a beautiful trusting bond and it broke my heart to see him lose his gorgeous girl. In the meantime Martin has supported my horsemanship journey and I look forward to the day he finds another special horse.
