A Rescue Happy Ending!

Susan came to the rescue for my rescue horse Whiskey, a buckskin who had not been touched for seven years. He had bad feet and he was bridle shy and liked to buck. We thought this horse was too much for us to handle and we knew we needed help, so we called in the "big guns" -- Susan! I thought she would be too busy to help, since she came so highly recommended, but to my surprise she came several times to visit and work with Whiskey. She evaluated him and helped us understand that he was not ready to be ridden. His first response to her was getting afraid — he stiffened his neck and did not want to bend or accept the bit. But she helped prepare him with groundwork that allowed him to bend and relax. We were able to finally fit him for a saddle and breast collar. She worked with him on one-rein stop and safe mounting, and went out riding on the trail with us, providing many useful desensitizing tips. She was available until we felt totally prepared to take Whiskey out on trail rides. He is now relaxed and happy and we couldn't have done it without Susan's expert help! She is truly a gifted trainer and a great teacher who focuses on the dynamics of a positive horse/human partnership. — Monica Harger, Camino, CA