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. Shes 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 is the herd leader. He was a stallion in his previous career. He is hearty in body and spirit; he's like a tank in the mountains! Ty has survived several injuries that generally would have resulted in his demise. I've stuck by Ty through these trials; in turn he has stuck by me during mine. I only need to look in this horses eye to see the depth of the equine soul...our connection. Ty adds stability and peace to the herd.
What Ty teaches us:
This smart looking paint was a gift from a business partner of mine. Although you're not supposed to look a gift horse in the mouth, I do ensure his teeth are taken care of! Spud has competed in Cowboy Challenges and has a season of guiding in the mountains. This horse is exceptionally smart. Very protective of his herd, Spud won't hesitate to come get me when he thinks something is out of order. His exceptional sensitivity is an asset that requires care and management. This combination would be a challenge to conventional horse training; we are very glad Spud is with us.
What Spud teaches 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 a paint mare that is boarded at Amazing Horse Country. Having logged many mountain miles Bailey had been leased to several different people before finding her home here. Initially Bailey did not betray her previous experiences: she moved very stiffly, was defiant on her left side and fearful on her right. 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:
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