The Medicine Wheel Model of Natural Horsemanship - Phillip Whiteman, Jr.

June 3-4, 2006
Borderlands Ranch, Black Hills, South Dakota

With methods as old as time, he talks with horses. Without saying a word he communicates with their spirit. Phillip Whiteman, Jr., a Northern Cheyenne Indian from Lame Deer, Montana, comes from a strong traditional and spiritual background. His father was a Chief of the Northern Cheyenne Council and his mother, the late Florence Whiteman, was a Cheyenne Warrior Woman of the Elk Scraper Society. Phillip belongs to the Kit Fox Warrior Society and the Omaha Dancing Society. He believes strongly in his spiritual ways and he tries to incorporate them into every aspect of his life. Phillip’s personal and professional objective is to promote cultural integrity throughout Indian country and the world.

As well as a national presenter, performer and traditional storyteller, he is an Indian World Champion and PRCA Saddle Bronc Rider, and a renowned horseman. Long before the horse whisperers of today, Plains Indians have been known for their master horsemanship abilities. His father, grandfather and ancestors have all been horsemen and have passed down to him his equine knowledge. With Whiteman’s strong understanding of his culture and traditions, his connection to horses, and his gift of communicating with people, he developed the “Medicine Wheel Model to Natural Horsemanship”, a Native American approach to working with and training horses. . He uses a cultural concept to address the dimensions of the horse and how it can help us in all areas - emotionally, spiritually, physically and mentally.

The Medicine Wheel model is based on the premise that everything is part of a circle; within that circle all things are equal, including horse and human. This is why Whiteman does not believe in the prey/predator approach to working with horses. He teaches that everything is one, everything has a spirit, and even horses and you must interact with their spirit in a non-threatening and non-confrontational manner. “Society teaches us that we have to dominate and overpower the horse to teach it,” Phillip states, “but my traditions and culture, and my understanding of the horse teach me that by working with the horse’s spirit, and believing that we are one, the horse will do what I ask of it.” According to Whiteman, horses mirror their trainer and how they are treated. If we are stressed, tense and confrontational, that is what our horse will mirror back to us.

The two-day workshop will be held at Borderlands Ranch, 23120 South Rochford Road, Hill City, SD. The ranch is one hour from Rapid City and one-half hour from Hill City. Limited bunkhouse lodging is available at the ranch. Participants may camp if they wish.

Saturday: 8:30 –9:00 Registration Sunday: 6:30-8:00 Breakfast
9:00-11:30 Session I 8:30-10:30 Session IV
11:30-1:00 Lunch 10:30-11:00 Break
1:00-3:00 Session II 11:00-12:30 Session V
3:00-3:30 Break 12:30-2:00 Lunch
3:30-5:30 Session III 2:00-4:00 Session VI
5:30-7:00 Supper 4:00 Closure
7:00 - Campfire and Storytelling

The workshop fee includes four meals including lunch on Saturday and Sunday, supper on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday. Lodging is $15 per night – bring your sleeping bag.

Fee: Single registration: $325 before April 15; $350 after April 15
2 or more registering together: $300 each before April 15; $325 each after April 15
Youth under 18, seniors over 55: $250 before April 15; $275 after April 15
Register by calling 605.574.4746 or emailing Linda@Borderlandsranch.org.

Click Here for printable registration form.