Her name suits her well. A regal, dark bay appendix mare, Belle reflects the beauty of the thoroughbred. Belle is truly a do anything horse. Beginning as a reiner, she has since logged many miles in the mountains both in Canada and the USA. She's guided, worked cattle, competed in Cowboy Challenge events among others, participated in many clinics and pulled a lot of toboggans! An independent horse, Belle does not lightly choose her pasture-mates and people. A relationship with this horse is interwoven with depth, meaning and spirit.
What Belle teaches us:
Ty was our herd leader. He was a stallion in his previous career. He was hearty in body and spirit; like a tank in the mountains. Ty survived several injuries that generally would have resulted in his demise. I stuck by Ty through these trials; in turn he stuck by me during mine. I only needed to look in this horses eye to see the depth of the equine soul...our connection. Ty added stability and a great peace to the herd and taught me how to do the same.
In his latter years, I looked after Ty. His medical issues began to catch up with him. More than an obligation, it filled my heart to take care of him and see him so happy. I'll miss that.
What Ty teaches us:
Watch the video.
This smart looking paint was a gift from a good friend of mine. Spud competed in Cowboy Challenges, guided in the mountains and was an exceptional friend. He loved to be with me, and I him. Spud was the most exceptionally smart, communicative, alert and senstive horse I've ever encountered. Very protective of his herd, Spud wouldn't hesitate to come get me when he thought something was out of order.
Spud will always have a special place in the hearts of all the people he touched.
What Spud taught us:
Ah, yes...Chip. Belle's foal, affectionately known as 'The Brat', Chip adds a dynamic element of entertaining playfulness to the herd. He's grown into a fine horse and is an absolute pleasure to ride. Chip takes particular pleasure in his ability to manipulate his environment; his curiosity is an incredible asset. Chip has been raised in a supportive an encouraging environment; this is now manifesting itself in his athletic ability. When we talk about pets being the mirror of their owners, well...I've been told Chip is that horse. Enough said!
What Chip teaches us:
“Ponkey the Palomino” is a rescue horse. Ponk and his buddy were destined for meat when I heard about him – the failed idea of an owner who bought them as a novelty. Ponkey has a couple of seasons of mountain riding under his belt and is a natural at using his body in steep climbs and descents. Ponkey considers the herd mares to be his own, a humorous aspect that is lost on the other herd members.
What Ponkey teaches us:
Ditch has an unfortunate history. He had been sent to a 'reputable' trainer, where he was mistreated and starved almost to death. You wouldn't know that now from looking at him – he's in fine shape...er...um...maybe a little chubby! It was obvious from the first time we met that Ditch was destined to be my horse. He is a well that we can fill up with leadership and positive life experiences. He is a real sweetheart: kind, respectful and gentle. Ditch tries hard even when he's uncertain. I'm looking forward to some great times with this guy.
What Ditch teaches us:
Zeus – the resident wildie – was a stallion captured in early 2015. He had an innate fear of people, horses and any unfamiliar or domestic object. It took him days to work up the nerve to approach a bucket of water. The early videos of Zeus on our YouTube channel clearly show his fear. This is, however, not something I consider a challenge. Instead, Zeus's particularities and profound differences from domestic horses are refreshing and exciting variables in our training regime. He is pure and true in spirit. I consider the privilege of working with Zeus to be an incredible gift.
What Zeus teaches us:
Bailey is simply a sweetheart. She's kind, respectful of everyone in the herd and will do anything for you.
This paint mare has logged many mountain miles and is a calm and trusted partner. When she came to us, she had some negative expecations of the riding and the rain but we've helped her out there. Bailey now moves with freedom and ease, her expectations in riding and groundwork are now those of support, softness and success.
What Bailey teaches us:
The most recent addition to our herd, Jerry came from a friend who brought him to a few clinics that I was teaching. I liked this little guy right from the start.
Jerry took an incredibly short time to integrate into the herd. He's kind, not pushy and very accepting of change.
In the couple weeks I've had him, Jerry has starred in a couple of our Horsemanship LIVE! Shows and been my demo horse in clinics. It's great because Jerry hasn't practiced any of what we do here, so every demonstration is a "first time". And he's nailing it!
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