K….I might actually have my Rango back already!!!  Had to use the whip to keep him moving on the ground wrk, plus urge him on to speed up in the arena. He was pacing, but who cares….I wasn’t pullin and he was swinging his little head back and forth all happy. I used my seat…legs…good stops. I luv my Rango..so I guess ur helping me over the phone was the ultimate house call. Lol

Melanie L 2017

This goes out to my friend/ horse trainer/ vacation salvager….Susan Wirgler!!!
Here’s the short story…hubby and I now live in Western Montana and don’t get to see Susan anymore, but we keep in touch.
So Lionel and I planned for 6 months a horse camping trip to Bumble Bee, AZ…which I highly recommend. Took 3 days to get here..a day to organize..Then start riding….Both of our horses are excellent, calm, solid, rides…never any worries. Poor Lionel got bucked off and hurt on his first ride….my guy, Rango was definitely different than the last time I rode him in Dec. Next day I did a little ground work and went for a ride with some people that are also camping here. Well….I swear…I was riding Rango’s evil twin brother!!! I even got off and walked him….he was just the opposite of my laid back , sweet, go what ever speed I ask you, guy. I was freaking out….so I called Susan and she was able to talk me through it and tell me how to fix it, because she has known me and my horse for about 5 years. I followed her advice on doubling down on the ground work in order to “drain their tank”. And within a couple of rides he was back to his little Rangonator self. I can’t thank Susan enough. My confidence level is boosted cause I was able accept and meet the challenge. Next, I’ll start working on Lionel’s horse and apply the same technique. It’s like magic.
It’s so beautiful here and warm and sunny. I’m gonna get to see some really cool scenery here. And play with some old friends and meet new peeps. Lionel can’t ride for 2 months, but then he’ll be back on those Montana trails.
Thanks again SUSAN!!

Mel and Lionel 2017

I cannot say enough about how much I respect and admire Susan Wirgler.  She is, simply, amazing!  As a new horse owner I needed help gaining respect and trust from my horse, Fabio.  Fabio was 16 when I found him.  He knew a LOT more than I did.  Susan taught me groundwork skills in a clear and concise way, without excessive force or fear, to communicate with Fabio so he understood what I was asking of him.  It took time, patience and lots of practice but we improved.  My horse/human relationship with Fabio flourished.  I learned from Susan that the more I improved my communication skills and understood horse behavior the more Fabio understood and complied with what I was asking him to do.  Susan is extremely knowledgeable, caring, fair and kind to the horses and people she works with.  Whatever the issue the human is having with their horse (or their horse is having with their human) Susan finds a way to work things out.  Thank you Susan for all your help and understanding.  Fabio and I are forever grateful.  Ronna Esbensen 2016