Sweetie-Pie and Sheba

Dear Susan, When I rescued this 13 year old bay mare, she was starved, scarred both physically and mentally, and had a halter embedded in her facial bones. She was so petrified of people, that it took weeks for her to begin to trust me enough to allow me to cut the halter off.  I couldn't get near her rear end, let alone her feet, which had never been trimmed.  Her favorite defense mechanism was to rear up, twist around and bolt.  For 6 months, she shuddered and trembled at my touch.  She was over-reactive to the slightest movement and sound, and the vet wasn't sure we'd be able to save her.   Originally, her name was Mustang Sally, but she proved to be so sweet and willing to try, I ended up calling her Sweetie-Pie. Our first year together was intense!  After hundreds of hours of handling and simple ground work exercises, she finally came around enough for me to get a saddle on her, and get my foot in the stirrup.  We were ready to find a trainer!  A mutual acquaintance of ours suggested you because you handle so many mustangs and have the patience and understanding to delve through the layers of a horse's damaged psyche.  She was right.  Sweetie spent a lot of time learning patience and focus, and although she was a challenge, you turned her into a first rate trail horse who has learned to use the thinking side of her brain.  Sweetie has proven herself to be an exceptional horse and you did a beautiful job of training her.  She is soft-mouthed, quick to respond and eager to please. The time that you've spent with us since her training and the exercises you've recommended keep us both soft, supple and moving forward.  I cannot tell you how beneficial it has been for you to continue working with the two of us. AND THEN THERE IS SHEBA TOO! Well, it's been about 4 weeks since I brought my little grey mare home and wow, have I been having fun with her. Sheba is everything I'd hoped she'd be under saddle. We spend 2 days a week doing the groundwork exercises you showed me and at least 2 days a week out trail riding. She is responsive to cues, willing to go where I lead and just a pleasure to ride. My 13 year old daughter rides her as well as my sister-in-law, (who is scared to death of horses, but loves to ride my Sheba). I have to say that having you provide group classes and offering at-home visits has made a very big difference in how Sheba is progressing and in my confidence level.

 

Can't wait to see what you can do with her brother next year! Happy Riding, -Melani