About Us
My name is Jennifer Voorhees and my little herd started with Angel, a Paint filly I purchased when she was 5 months old, in 2003.
In 2004, I stumbled across Parelli Natural Horsemanship on RFD-TV. Since watching those first few shows on RFD-TV, I have obtained several of the Parelli Home Study programs, starting with what is now referred to as the "red box" Level 1 DVDs. I have also attended several clinics with Marc Rea, a 3-Star Parelli Certified Instructor, joined the Parelli Savvy Club, and the NW Study Group.
I believe PNH, for me at least, is superior to many other instructors of natural horsemanship, mostly because he teaches equine psychology and how to read a horse's body language in addition to the techniques. He empowers you to be able to stand alone with your knowledge, so you do not need to remain dependent on him or his facility. His method of instruction is also very easy to listen to, comprehend and remember. In addition to learning the training techniques, Parelli differs from some other natural horsemanship clinicians that I've watched in that he promotes developing a partnership with your horse.
Parelli Natural Horsemanship is supported by many around the world, including:
- Dr. R. M. Miller, DVM
- Dressage Instructor, Karen Rohlf
- Dressage Instructor, Walter Zettl
- Olympic Eventing Medalists, Karen & David O'Connor
- Pentathlete Competitor, Tracy Mattes
- The Queen of England
- Western Performance Trainer, Jack Brainard
- World Champion Reiner, Craig Johnson
- …and much, much more.
However, just because I prefer Parelli Natural Horsemanship, doesn't mean I don't find value with others who use similar techniques. I do not to judge others in their preference, as long as the animals are treated humanely and "naturally", as partners, not objects. I know some people don't care for Parelli, and they follow John & Josh Lyons, Clinton Anderson, Craig Cameron, Chris Cox, Mark Rashid, Dennis Reis or one of the many other horsemen who teach many of the same principles. If you are able to learn, retain, and apply your knowledge from these clinicians, then I applaud you. I appreciate that you care enough about your horse to avoid the traditional methods of "breaking" a horse. I, too, remain open in learning from others and plan to begin learning from Karen Rohlf's Dressage Naturally home study program in the near future.
Since embarking on this journey, my herd of horses has grown. I now have Arabians, Friesians, and, most recently, Miniature Horses. Angel was sold in 2007 to a woman who also became interested in learning what Parelli could give her with horses, when she saw what was possible to achieve. There have been sad times, as when we have had to have a special horse euthanized, or even when we have to say goodbye as they leave for a new home. Yet, we have also had joyous times, such as the birth of a new foal or when we are able to achieve some goal.
My first Friesian mare was purchased May 2007, my second in June 2010, and third in July 2011. My first Friesian foal was born June 2010 and I look forward to many more. In 2011, a Friesian colt was born from my Ster mare, Zoraja. I plan to keep this colt a stallion. While I will take him to the keuring to be inspected as an adult, I do not expect him to be selected for provisional approval, though, of course, I would be thrilled if he were. I do, however, plan to make him available for crossbreeding in the future. Due to the current economy and horse market, I have ceased breeding Arabians for the time being, though I will continue to enjoy the ones I still have.
My goals as a breeder are simple, yet I believe they are important. I aim to breed horses that are, not only, aesthetically pleasing to the eye, but are improvements on their breed. I strive to breed horses with excellent conformation, a willing attitude, gentle & calm temperament, intelligence, and potential for use in a variety of areas. Above all, I breed horses that will become safe and trustworthy horses for families, not just for the show ring.
Here at Obsidian Moon Ranch we try to keep our horses in as natural a situation as possible. They are kept in a herd environment and are allowed to interact with each other, and us, in a large outdoor environment. In this way our horses are physically, mentally, & emotionally sound.
