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Susan Wirgler

Wirgler's Horse/Human Partnership

THE RIPPLE EFFECT OF IMPROVING YOUR HORSEMANSHIP SKILLS, HELPING DURING FIRE SEASON

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THE RIPPLE EFFECT OF IMPROVING YOUR HORSEMANSHIP SKILLS, HELPING DURING FIRE SEASON

Dear Susan,
I just want to thank you for being the amazing trainer that you are.  Not only do I have sweet, sweet (but sometimes naughty) horses and good, solid relationships with each of them, but I also have a core confidence in myself and my relationships with horses that has served me very well.
As you may know, I volunteer with large animal evacuation during wildfires in a community which has had more than our share.  The training I have received from you, both in handling my horses and in understanding why horses act as they do has been of enormous help to me.  I have trailered reluctant horses, walked anxious mules and lead horses that were had been noted as "difficult" peacefully into their stalls.  I was able to safely work with horses that were frightened, nervous and unruly because you have taught me how to read them and manage their energy.
 I walked a high energy thoroughbred, a jumpy mule and a very anxious herd mate with two other people.  Between the three of us, we were able to calm and relax them by moving their feet and disengaging their hinds. I also  a small exercise session on a lead line with a stallion and schooled him firmly and honestly when he offered to bite me.  I was able to be safe and keep others safe and to gain his respect and trust. He wilingly worked with me while his stall was being cleaned.  He then calmly and respectfully went back in, although he was not thrilled, when I asked it of him.
When I returned, I was asked to work with a very nervous mare who had pacing and hurting herself to the point where she was heavily sedated the night before. She was uncomfortable in a boxstall, having been used to being outdoors. I walked her a bit and she calmed and was responsive.  I rinsed the fear sweat and filth off of her.  I calmly and gently worked with her until she allowed me to wipe her face (a little at a time with lots of breaks and kindness) as well.  When the vet came, he remarked that she was much better off than she had been the night before.  The owner told me that she was "afraid of her own shadow" and was very head shy.  I was happy that I was able to work through both of those issues and help the horse have a much better day.
The added bonus?  When I got home and finally got back out on my horse for a little ride, I had the best ride ever!  I know my confidence was much better and my mind was much clearer and ready to cue him correctly.  We had wonderful transitions into the gait, which we sustained and then into the lope.  I think it was my best ride ever!!
Thank you for helping me on my journey to horsemanship.  I am so very grateful for the ways you have helped me work not only with my own horses but also with other horses - even unsure, unhappy and anxious horses - by understanding myself, the principles of horsemanship and horse behavior.
Susan, with what I have begun to learn from you, I have better knoweledge and confidence and that has allowed me to make a real difference with the horses that I have encountered.
WIth confidence,
Lisa
lisa 08_o
Susan Wirgler
2015-09-22T07:57:20-07:00
Dear Susan, I just want to thank you for being the amazing trainer that you are.  Not only do I have sweet, sweet (but sometimes naughty) horses and good, solid relationships with each of them, but I also have a core confidence in myself and my relationships with horses that has served me very well. As you may know, I volunteer with large animal evacuation during wildfires in a community which has had more than our share.  The training I have received from you, both in handling my horses and in understanding why horses act as they do has been of enormous help to me.  I have trailered reluctant horses, walked anxious mules and lead horses that were had been noted as "difficult" peacefully into their stalls.  I was able to safely work with horses that were frightened, nervous and unruly because you have taught me how to read them and manage their energy.  I walked a high energy thoroughbred, a jumpy mule and a very anxious herd mate with two other people.  Between the three of us, we were able to calm and relax them by moving their feet and disengaging their hinds. I also  a small exercise session on a lead line with a stallion and schooled him firmly and honestly when he offered to bite me.  I was able to be safe and keep others safe and to gain his respect and trust. He wilingly worked with me while his stall was being cleaned.  He then calmly and respectfully went back in, although he was not thrilled, when I asked it of him. When I returned, I was asked to work with a very nervous mare who had pacing and hurting herself to the point where she was heavily sedated the night before. She was uncomfortable in...