Will-Skill Clinics and Seminars

Testimonials

"Behaviorist Casey Sugarman was on site for a fascinating two-day clinic. The program began with an unmounted session with the goals of understanding the causes of frustration and anxiety in the “animal student,” learning to use minimal equipment respectfully and effectively, and increasing the level of safety and influence when working with horses. For the mounted part, each individual session was built upon what Sugarman observed and felt was needed to improve each individual partnership. The results were often both surprising and poignant."
-Vienna Farm, Gorham, ME

"Casey Sugarman's visit was one of the most profound educational experiences I have had in many years, demonstrating an approach to developing safe, rewarding and ethical partnerships with horses (and other creatures) which is stunningly effective.

Casey's work is pan-specific based on years of experience teaching aquatic animals such as fish, lobsters, squid and sea lions to volunteer for unpleasant medical procedures as well as the challenge of dealing with her own wild and abused alpha mare. Utilizing components of various disciplines including neurophysiology, operant conditioning and traditional horsemanship, Casey has developed a technique that is respectful, intimate, and empathetic without being anthropomorphic, sentimental, or dogmatic.

Like horse whispers and modern cowboy trainers, her work includes careful observation, but it differs in that she seeks to elicit creative choice rather than manipulate the student in order to achieve a predetermined outcome. Because of this, outcome is not limited by the teacher's perception of the student's capabilities, and because of that, her process is more potent and accurate than other training methods I have observed. A "conversation" takes place between student and teacher, brain to brain, as rapid and fluid as thought, through which her students teach themselves instead of being taught. Students are voluntary participants in their own education, stimulated and supported by a teacher who understands the power of creative decision making. 'Innovative Shaping' gets you to passage by uncorking a fountain, instead of by reving the engine with the parking brake on...

Casey's human students learn to stop focusing on result and instead learn to recognize and reward intent, which sounds much easier than it is. By releasing the need to be the alpha boss, would-be teachers learn to embrace creativity and discovery, developing partnerships based on cooperative will rather than hierarchy. This isn't easy, but it is fun, and students of any species can trust Casey to provide a calm, safe learning experience. Through focused, interactive, open-ended communication, fear is replaced by curiosity, resentment transmutes into desire for connection and phobia morphs into calm exploration. With results like these, who cares about being the boss?"
-Candace K. Platz, D.V.M, Maine Equine Associates, Auburn ME
U. S. Dressage Federation Instructor/Trainer, Torrey Hill Stables, Trustee, Riding to the Top Therapeutic Riding Center

"I honestly don't think I've ever been this positively affected by a clinic/clinician before. Words describing the one day clinic were, "incredible", "amazing", "phenomenal." Casey brought "round pen reasoning" out of the box and shoved it right over a cliff. But, instead of crashing as one would do when shoved over a cliff, I feel as if I've been able to grow wings and soar. Casey has opened doors for me to explore while at the same time helping horses to discover their own wings. Casey teaches how to "teach". "Teaching" has endless possibilities whereas "Training" has boxes. The sides of the boxes are finite and, sometimes, smothering. In" teaching", the sides of the boxes are blown out and the humans and equine students can bound to infinite levels of positive discoveries. With Casey's insight, horses are able to become 'students' and learn - rather than being conditioned responders. My thinking has changed from that of "trainer/trainee" to "teacher/student" with each horse I see. My very core is shifting. I so look forward to learning more and more."
-Gwen Santagate, Penzance Natural Hooftrim, Douglas, MA

"As with most clinics, you have these great moments with the clinician, blah blah blah, you go home. It's great for the first 24 hours and then it's back to the same old issues. I was pretty emotionally exhausted by the end of the clinic, but per Casey's instructions, I was not allowed to practice what I had learned for at least 3 days. By Friday I couldn't wait to see where we were. We started ground work and he was just where I left him. Curious and soft and eager to find out what was next! WHAT? Whose Horse is THIS? Just made me stand there in the paddock and cry.

Here was my next test, 7th day from the clinic. Keep in mind our issues were with spooky, nerves, etc. while trail riding, showing, anything outside of the back yard got us in trouble. Well, don't you know he was perfect! I rode him on roads, in the woods, did a little jumping, crossing loud wooden bridges, water crossings, thick mud, all on a relaxed long rein. LONG REIN! I have NEVER been able to give him a long rein on a trail before! He'd take off, buck, and be a fright- but this time… nope. We just went along like we had done this for days. He was with ME, and I could feel it. I found a glimpse of the unicorn I have wanted so desperately since I was a little girl. Every time I come out he is looking at me as if to ask, 'What fun do we get to have today? ' It's nice... really nice. Thank you Casey, thank you."
-Shannon Dalton, Poland, ME

"I was sick and tired of my horse's stonewalling, evasiveness, refusals, and lack of attention. No book I read or seminar I attended had made even a whisker of difference. I had just about given up hope on developing a positive, forward-looking partnership. Then I attended a clinic by Casey Sugarman. I was having so much fun and was so engaged that I hardly noticed the day passing, but by the end of the clinic, the stone wall had crumbled, the undesirable behaviors had vanished, and confidence, focus, and even an eagerness to work had taken their place. What amazed me more, though, was that the techniques I learned stayed with me - they are as simple, reliable, and effective as they were that day, no matter what situation I'm in. Who knew success - and, for that matter, complete transformation - could be so easy and so much fun?"
-Vanessa Wright Capone Tyngsboro, MA

"I almost don't know where to begin to thank you for the time and energy you gave to our group of Caring Canines visiting therapy dog volunteers. There was not a dull moment and your material was presented in palatable and highly comprehensible manner. Your great sense of humor and quick delivery only enhanced the presentation.

I've attended dozens of meetings and been to countless classes over the years that deal with behavior modification, operant conditioning, lesson plans, task analyses, psychopharmacological involvement, learning patterns, mental retardation, etc. Your material contains a fresh new outlook and your delivery keeps your audience engaged and enticed.

Even the most experienced behaviorist would find your material
empowering. It's like a breath of fresh air. It was an evening full of excellent information and alot of laughter. On behalf of the Caring Canines contingent...Thank you!"
-Dorsey Arnold-Director, Caring Canines, Boston, MA