Eight of us trailered our horses to Coats, KS for a week long Practical Horsemanship clinic with professional trainer Kerry Kuhn. We'd first met Kerry during a "Best of America by Horseback" trailride the previous summer. Kerry's "arena" is the entire 3,000 acre J J Ranch set on the beautiful southwestern Kansas plains. Because we were such a small group, we had lots of individual instruction. Kerry not only knows equus, but also has a keen sense for "reading" humans, too. He was quick to judge our ability, mental attitude and willingness to meet his expectations. He is extremely patient and motivating. During the week, we all experienced certain skills that posed a personal challenge; however, under Kerry's tutelage all came away with a tremendous feeling of accomplishment. As the week drew to a close, we were awarded a special thrill. We were taken to a reinforced wooden arena where we all got to try our hand at moving a buffalo! It was fun and a definite "first" for me. The week flew by, and we all came away with a tremendous sense off accomplishment. And, YES, we all hope for a return engagement!

     There were a couple of unexpected highlights which made the week even more memorable. One evening we traveled to the Sagebrush Gallery of Western Art in nearby Medicine Lodge, KS where Kerry's dad Earl Kuhn creates his beautiful western watercolors. It was a thrill not only getting to see Earl's artwork, but also meet him and Kerry's mother--two very warm and gracious individuals. The week was also made more special by getting acquainted with Kerry's charming (and pretty!) wife Misti, son Kauy and baby Kody. All of these people made us feel welcome and right at home.