Most of us learn our biggest life lessons through school, family, or our friends. Robbie Maus learned hers from horses. Since age three, Maus has turned to horses for comfort, and it's always worked. So she decided last year that others should try it, too.

It began last year when she moved to Sparks, where she works in a salon styling hair. "Even though I said I wouldn't get a horse until I had my own place, the first thing I did was get a wild horse!" she laughs. She had experience training horses, but none had prepared her for this new horse, Bella.

After bringing Bella home, it became pretty clear that she wasn't going to make things easy. "She was a total maniac!" recalls Maus. "There were times when I thought to myself, oh my God, what have I done?"

Maus soon learned about a natural horsemanship seminar that was taking place in town, and she decided to give it a try. Within three days, not only had Bella's behavior almost completely transformed, but Maus had learned quite a lot about herself, too. It was this personal transformation that most interested her, and made her want to share that experience with others.

The idea of natural horsemanship was developed as a training method by Pat Parelli. The Parelli method is based on the idea that horses are naturally prey animals, and humans are natural predators. Therefore it's not natural for humans and horses to get together. In order to work closely with a horse, you first have to understand how it thinks.

"Humans are direct. If we want a cup of coffee, we get one," Maus says. "But when horses want something, they don't approach directly. They'll walk a few steps, then stop and assess the situation. So when humans walk right up to them, horses see that as predatory and it freaks them out. In order to be effective with horses, you have to practice life skills like leadership, patience, perseverance, and communication to help the horse be confident with you. That's where the benefits are."

Maus started thinking about some of her salon clients, particularly the teens, who often just seemed lost. How great it would be, she thought, to get those teens together with horses. She shared that idea with others, and was put in touch with Melinda Blackwell, a teacher working at a local charter school, who, having had similar experiences with horses, also strongly believed in using horses to reach teens. So together, in May 2005, Maus and Blackwell officially formed their nonprofit organization, Horses for the Spirit.

The mission of Horses for the Spirit is two-fold. First, as President and the Director of Equine Management, Maus works with clients to develop natural horsemanship, and through it, essential life skills.

Second, therapists certified by the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) facilitate patient therapy using horses. As Maus explains, many people who have trouble verbally expressing their thoughts and feelings will project them onto horses, so that the horse serves as a mirror. She illustrates this through one family's example.

"Outwardly, the family appeared functional and loving, and the therapist was having a hard time getting to the root of the problem," she explains. "So the therapist brought them to work with horses. The family was instructed to work together to get the horse to complete a jump in an arena--but they weren't allowed to touch the horse. It wouldn't do what they wanted, and the mom got frustrated, and started getting abusive with the kids. Her true character started coming out. So the therapy is used to get people to project things onto the horse."

Horses for the Spirit mainly focuses on at-risk teens, although Maus says anyone can benefit from working with horses. Groups have included women and students from a local charter school, and currently, they're working with a group from a therapeutic foster home. No matter who the group is, though, Maus sees horses doing extraordinary things for them.

"I don't know whether it's the size of the horses, or that horses just don't readily accept you, but you have to earn their respect, and that changes people. They really come out of their shells, and they just become like little kids out there. It brings them joy."

Maus' own Bella is now a regularly featured part of the program, along with several other horses. The staff, along with Maus and Blackwell, have earned Parelli and EAGALA certifications, and the board includes a therapist, a nurse, and a certified professional coach. But they're always looking for volunteers with a passion for horses or kids, to help with fundraising, marketing, grant-writing, administrative work, or even helping with the horses. And of course, donations are always welcome.

Jessica Santina is a Sparks-based freelance writer and an English instructor at the University of Nevada. Jessica is a passionate believer in rescuing animals from the pound. That's how she found her cat, Peanut, who "advises" Jessica on all her articles for PetFolio.

“I thought about how good Pilates was for me,” Loving said, “and discussed combining the natural benefits of riding and Pilates for clients willing to learn both”

Loving approached the owners of Pilates Studio of Reno where she trained. They brainstormed a unique way to offer physical training commensurate with horsemanship. Clover Leaf Equestrian Center now hosts a combined fitness and equestrian training series for just about anyone who wants to learn the basics of riding and horse care while building up core strength vital to the proper use of English tack.

A quick Internet search will show you how Pilates has gained rapid approval as an exercise and weight loss regimen since it was first introduced. Pilates focuses on particular muscle groups and builds strength while it improves balance. Loving soon realized that the exercises added strength to her abdominal, lower back, and leg muscles, all necessary for riding and controlling a horse in an English saddle. The need to develop these areas of the body concern all riders but especially those competing with hunters and jumpers, Loving’s specialties.

Loving’s personal mount is a large Irish draught horse, Inver Steel, whom she nicknamed “Lucas.” Controlling such a well-muscled beast requires commensurate physical abilities on the part of the rider. An out-of-shape person will have problems controlling the mount and will soon understand the need for the sort of physique a discipline like Pilates provides.

“We’re offering the exercise training and riding lesson combo in conjunction with Pilates Studio of Reno. The participant gets two hours of physical training in the Pilates Reformers group plus two hours training with us at Clover Leaf each week, Loving said.

“Our Pilates group provides social benefits, too,” Loving added, “since students meet people with similar interests and objectives, and achieving a goal as a class unifies the group.”

Clover Leaf Equestrian Center also offers other levels of equestrian training. Clover Leaf Academy is designed for beginning horse lovers from seven years of age and up. Academy students learn all the basics and are introduced to English tack. The only equipment required at the time of enrollment is a pair of genuine riding boots. Advanced students who wish to enter competitions, work with hunters and jumpers, and show horses in futurities work directly with Loving. The center hosts several YMCA horse camps each year. Boarding for horses is also available on the picturesque 10-acre spread.

“The Pilates and beginners’ training course is designed to serve both beginning riders who need to build up physical strength and stamina while they’re learning about horses,” Loving said, “but it also provides physical training for adults who are just becoming interested in horses, yet may have led a more relaxed lifestyle.”

Sophia Seschick, part-owner of Pilates Studio of Reno, explained, “We already have a number of students who ride horses, and they often tell us how much Pilates helps their riding, especially in the development of inner-thigh strength.”

Pilates Studio of Reno is located at 18148 Wedge Parkway in Reno in the new Galena Shopping Center. For more information call Sophia or Helen at 775-336-4420.

Achieving optimal performance with your equine athlete and maintaining health consists of a well-rounded team that involves not only advanced therapy equipment utilized by a certified therapist, but also proper veterinary care, a balanced nutritional program, correct dentistry, as well as appropriate training and conditioning that involves correct stretching techniques. Traditional therapy practices have involved the RICE remedy (rest, ice, compression, and elevation), however now there are more advanced modalities that will accelerate the healing environment in the body and strengthen damaged areas, such as the Electro-Acuscope Therapy System and Game Ready Equine.

Maintenance and preventative programs are also important and necessary in order to maintain your horse’s health and prevent injuries. Consistent programs allow the sessions to cumulate over time, instead of waiting until there’s an issue to address that can set back the training. There are different types of programs depending on the level of training and competition schedule, past injuries or conditions, and how each horse takes to the program. Individual programs can be created, and are strongly suggested for not only those achieving and pursuing higher levels of performance, but also for those who are interested in general well-being work.

What is the Electro-Acuscope Therapy System?

The Electro-Acuscope Therapy system is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved micro-current instrument created in the 1970s. This advanced instrument has a biofeedback system with therapeutic functions that provide auditory and numerical readouts that indicate locations of damaged or unhealthy tissue. The Acuscope delivers treatments in micro-amps, which is the level of current required to gently encourage nerve and muscle fibers to return to normal conduction and electrical impulses. Acuscope treatments have a cumulative, long-term healing effect versus other milli-amperage current devices that only provide temporary relief. The Acuscope has been used to treat the most serious injuries and acute life-threatening conditions. The system has been successfully used for sore/pulled muscles, tendon/ligament injuries, neurological conditions, hoof afflictions, puncture wounds, arthritis, and many more.

What is Game Ready Equine?

Game Ready Equine is an FDA regulated cold compression therapy system. Temperature and pressure (cyclical compression) is applied in dry, controlled, flexible wraps that adjust depending on the environment. The system targets the body’s vascular and lymphatic systems increasing blood flow and reducing inflammation. Unlike other cold therapies, Game Ready Equine introduces the other half of the equation, which is necessary to reduce swelling and provide a consistent, effective cold therapy--compression. This system is used for inflammatory conditions and soft tissue injuries such as contusions, bowed tendons, tendonitis, suspensory desmitis, carpitis, pre/post surgery, and other arthritic conditions.

While several different modalities are available to the equine world these are the two that I support, suggest, and recommend. Research everything you use on your horse, and make sure your therapist is certified and willing to work with your veterinarian. These modalities, along with the work that I do, are not substitutions for proper veterinary care, however, they can enhance your veterinarian’s work and accelerate healing.

Don’t wait until you have an issue to address, begin a consistent maintenance and preventative program that will help your athlete excel to the next level. Keep your horse healthy and supple, feed appropriately according to the company’s recommendations on feed tags, stay up-to-date on your dentistry and veterinary follow-ups, and you’ll be on your way to a successful season!

Contact Molly Wells at Equinessence for more information on the Electro-Acuscope/Myoscope Therapy System, Game Ready Equine, upcoming training courses and seminars, sales, and more by calling her at 775-287-5772, or e-mail at mollywells@equinessence.com, or go online to www.equinessence.com

Have your children grown up and moved away from home? Do you miss the noise and fun created by a four year old? Boy, do I have a solution for you…

It is said that owning a parrot is like having a perpetual four year old in your home. They love attention (scream and yell if they don’t), love you unconditionally (parrots bond quickly), and best of all--a parrot’s colorful feathering will bring beauty uncompromised into your life.

Consider sharing your home with a bird. Purchasing or adopting a parrot will give you many years of pleasure and company, as the lifespan of a Macaw or Cockatoo is about 85 years in captivity. Most common are the really large parrots—the Cockatoos, such as the Moluccan and Umbrellas, and the Macaws, such as the Blue and Gold, Greenwing, and Scarlets--all have an uncanny ability to talk as they mature. Mid-size birds such as the Double Yellow Head, Mexican Red Head Amazon parrots, and especially African Greys can answer simple questions, speak several dialects, and mimic the sounds of your household.

Curiosity is a natural behavior in parrots--you won’t have to teach them to be curious--it’s a first-survival skill that parrots instinctively have. A new toy is something to be viewed with suspicion, evaluated, and finally appreciated. Watching a parrot bobbing and weaving, twisting and turning on its perch while evaluating a new toy or food can keep you entertained for hours.

Parrots are designed to be compost makers. They chew, shred, and mulch, then fling, toss, and drop (just like a four-year-old child). Before you choose to become a parrot owner you need to know that parrots are a huge responsibility, they make messes, take up space, are noisy, demanding, and expensive.

If an object looks interesting, they will meander ever so cleverly towards it and usually chew it to shreds, even if the price tags are still attached. They may shriek every evening at sunset and every day at sunrise, regardless of your yoga and meditation priorities.

The creation of a lifelong bond with another creature is an adventure, constantly a learning experience of time, talent, and tithe. These are portentous words, full of wisdom. They are keys directly applicable to the impermeable bond parrot owners forge with their feathery companions.

Northern Nevada is home to the Reno Area Avian Enthusiasts, RAAVE for short. Our club has almost 200 members, each member has at least one bird, but almost all have two or more in their home. Birds are like potato chips, you can never have just one! We commit ourselves to provide enriched environments and consistent stimulation, and manage our finances with provisions for our birds’ care and entertainment, and must provide for their inheritance since they will usually outlive us mere mortals.

Prospective owners must research and educate themselves in order to choose a parrot that will best fit their situation. RAAVE encourages you to attend our monthly meetings, held the 3rd Saturday of every month at the Sparks Library, and ask questions, see owners with their birds, and hear speakers from all over the world. This October, Liz Wilson, internationally known author and lecturer on parrot behavior will describe the various species in the avian world at Truckee Meadows Community College’s auditorium, a special location to accommodate the crowd.

Joy Birenbaum is editor of RAAVE’s monthly newsletter, Cageliner, full of interesting articles about birds and RAAVE’s upcoming plans and news. RAAVE birds go everywhere--parades, libraries, shows and fairs, and retirement homes. You’re invited to attend their monthly meetings or contact them to find out more by calling 775-78-RAAVE or 775-787-2283, or visit their Web site at www.raave.com

After years of cats and cat traumas, litter-box litter, destruction of personal property, and heart-wrenching illnesses, I had finished with the species. Don’t get me wrong; I love cats, but now one dog was it, thanks very much. I explained all this to my unwelcome intruder, peeled him from around my ankles, and shut the door.

The next morning was the same song and dance, and this time I couldn’t ignore him. He was hungry and I fed him (cottage cheese--no cat food here). On day three we were at crisis level--it was woefully apparent that he wasn’t going away and that the situation demanded resolution. So we had a chat. I would feed and house him (outside), and provide vet care. He could live as he liked around the property, but on no condition would he ever be allowed into the house. And so, of course, three nights later he was sleeping across my neck and one end of my sunroom was being demolished in order to install a cat door (so far a no-litter-box rule is still in place).

Next, extensive vet treatment was required:  all the usual tests and shots, and the male readjustment. Plus, he had a severe sinus infection (three rounds of antibiotics for that), ear mites, a festering puncture wound, and dental problems. I could be forgiven for entertaining suspicions that he had only shown up at my door for the medical plan; once the bill had ticked over into four digits he’d be off. But it has, and he hasn’t.

As for his name, although T.S. Eliot considered the subject “a difficult matter,” it wasn’t. All five of them came easily. Since I’ve always had a penchant for dark-haired charmers who make me laugh (my first love was one such), his official designation is “Jack”--on records, the microchip, etc., and during the usual pattern of our days. When he is nipping at me in play, with his magnificent half-inch-long canines, he is “Vlad, the Impaler.” Assuming an insouciant air of sophistication on the patio at cocktail time, he is obviously “Dino.” And stalking prey with determined Plantagenet aggression, he’s nothing short of “The Black Prince” himself. But playing kissy-face over morning coffee he is precious “Little Boy Cat,” creature of my heart.

Whenever he leaves the house I live in fear and trepidation. He still roams the neighborhood too much and has little suspicion of dogs, frequently lurking in the shrubbery hoping to entice passing rottweilers into a game of tag. But I cannot deny him this freedom:  chasing wind-blown leaves, dancing through fresh snow, catnapping under sun-soaked foliage, joining the patio gatherings on warm summer evenings. Good-bye to all that would be construed as punishment, and he wouldn’t understand. And as for all those cat problems above-mentioned? Aside from the health issues, he has been the “Perfect Gentleman.”