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Hi list,
Just read Gayle's post and couldn't keep my mouth shut. I had written her
just last evening. We came home with Rafael on Monday, and I took him out
Saturday for the first time in five (5) months. It was wonderful having my
"best friend" home again. I didn't know I would miss him so much. We have a
third horse I could have ridden, but, I just couldn't get myself to do it. I
wanted my horse, and was willing to wait it out.
I have to say that I had many people out here (in Calif.) in my area who
were quick to mention that I was a little "stupid" to take my horse so far
for lessons that were readily available in my own back yard. And, that there
were a lot of qualified trainers at my disposal.
First of all, I don't mind being stupid for a while, as long as I gain
from it. And, I don't mind the idea of, I could have shopped around for
another trainer. This was perhaps a little sound advice on their part. But I
will never be convinced that It would have given me the results that were far
beyond my expectations.
Rafael is an 8 year old gelding that Brigid purchased a little over two
years ago. He never received any kind of proper training in the first seven
years of his life. He had also survived a vicious attack from a mountain lion
in which another fjord was killed, and another badly injured. Something I'm
sure that will live with him for the rest of his life. (It would with me) So,
his back ground leaves little to be desired. When I first rode him, he would
spook for any given reason. He was very unstable and unpredictable. Brigid 'n
I were told at one point that he had to be mentally retarded. However, we
knew him, and loved him. from this we began to understand him lot better than
most would have. As green as we were, we read countless books and articles on
horse behavior and how to deal with it. But, we were way out of our league.
In spite of all this, we managed to bag a sixth place ribbon at Turlock last
year in western trail. I knew he was more than capable to do better. He and I
needed to get professional training. And not from just anyone. He had just
anyone before, and it didn't accomplish anything.
At last years Skandi Fest, I was fortunate enough to meet Gayle Ware and
watch her on her magnificent stallion Dusty. I fell in love with both.
Something in side told me, "this is the person" you need if you are serious
about you and your horses future. I had made up my mind there and then, that
Gayle would be our trainer.
As I said, I just got Rafael back home Monday after five months under the
tutorship of Gayle, and rode him the following Saturday. And what an amazing
difference. I expected something for my investment, but what I got was that
and more. Everything about Rafael had taken a turn for the best. He had lost
weight, and a lot of excess bulk. He was in super physical condition. His
endurance was more than double. He was taught to rein, something I used to
think was to "crank" my horses head left to right, and up and down. What Whoa
meant to him was, "when I'm good and ready." He now stops on a dime. (I think
I found change.) Walk was never an option, except when it was too hot and he
was tired. Climb on board, and you weren't sure if you were off to the races.
That is, if someone was there to hold the reins while you mounted, or he
would back away for ever. Canter is now a pleasure and not something he threw
at me when I didn't expect it. And, by God, he can now side pass.... Am I a
happy camper? You bet your sweet saddle I am. I got all this, and a very good
friendship with a wonderful professional and champion I will always be proud
to be a product of.
I'm not going to predict a blue ribbon this year, or even next. After
all, all the great changes were from my horse. I, on the other hand, could
only get a "crash course" on what he had learned. So, the only reason he
would fail in competition is because of my lack of training. After all, in
pool, a $1500.00 pool cue isn't worth a dime in the hands of the
inexperienced.. As for my self, I will practice, practice, practice. And when
I'm tired, I'll practice some more. After all, at 66years of age, we old
timers (beginners at that) have a difficult time remembering every single
detail. But this old dog wants to learn new tricks. God bless you all, hope
to see yea at Turlock this year, Your barn manager, Jack Long
