Carolyn, I’m not intending to big up Parelli – I’m so glad I went with you instead – only to show what a person can do with horses. I hope it is not problem that I alerted everyone to Silke’s work.

YOU GO, GIRL!

Have loved horses my entire life…and in my mid-fifties finally decided to stop wishing about what “should have been” and instead figured out how to bring them into my life…so I worked at a friend’s barn, trading muckouts for rides, then worked at a riding stable, doing their office computer work, and their muckouts for 16 horses, in return for an occasional trail ride. Several years back I talked a friend into letting me practice some natural horsemanship ideas with her “yard ornament” horse. I am proud to say that he now has manners, is not afraid of people, can be ridden with rope halter and leadrope, and no longer tries to fend people away by hitting them with his head–thanks to consistent and purposeful work wth him. I still drive 100 miles one way twice a month to be (and work ) with this horse.

Finally got to take a few riding lessons at age 57, then a brain tumor waylaid me for a while this past year.

There are new physical issues due to the radiation for the tumor, but I am again working with Keenah (grade quarterhorse-15 yrs), and have begun working with another Belgian/Quarter mix named Misfire, age 15 years. Riding them bareback, lots of groundwork, beginning to apply the watering hole concepts, spending lots of “be together” time. My balance is better ON the back of a horse than on the ground!!

I refuse to listen to those confused folks who say that I am too old to do this type of work with horses; people can say what they want, but my time spent learning about (and with) horses is what keeps me alive, happy, and sane.

I won’t post so much next time, but I just had to write all this, at least once.

I feel that in so many ways my life is just beginning–and it is–the life I’ve always wanted (with horses) is happening. Differently than how I dreamed as a little girl, but just as good, just as fulfilling, because I’ve worked so hard to make it happen in spite of lots of things. The work, (figuring out how to create a horse-filled life) has made it so much sweeter actually. My closet smells like horses, I have a barn jacket that I get to wear at a real HORSE barn, and I LOVE all of it!!!!

And, finally, I have to say… finding a site like yours is like finding a drink of water in the desert! Another place to find things to help my horses, and myself. You are bookmarked!!!!

Thanks to you, and thanks for what your ideas will do for horses–mine and others

Tricia Myler
Georgia

I am here to gain knowledge of your methods and learn better ways to communicate with my horse.

J.Bacon