If you've been following this blog, you will notice the difference in this horse. His story is one that I see all to often. He's 5 years or older, never ridden, and was basically labled unfit for rider. He did show signs of mistreatment and was unsure of himself and those around him. He was very "bronc like" and would do well in a rodeo. After instructing his new owners on handling him and their dedication to his cause, I agreed to take him to further his training. After about 2 weeks of training he had a "blow-up" when his environment changed. He injured his leg and during his recovery I continued training. We kept the physical part light which provided the therapy he needed, and the mental part of his training was consentrated on. Each day we saw improvement and one day I saw him "cross over". His expression is peaceful and trusting and he seems to enjoy doing a job well. With time and patience, I believe that most all horses can reach their full potential. The question is "Can we?"
This is a little display of Remy's turns. We had to take into consideration the turns to his right would be less smooth. However, he understands and is responding to the correct cues.
I remember our instructor in College saying, "The slower you take it, the quicker you'll get there." The older I get, the slower I become,(lol) and the more sense that comment makes.
Remy is quite light and responsive with consideration of his limp. Because of the slow instructions that he received, he understands the cues and what is expected of him. Because of the patience that was shown to him he responds in a willing manner.
While I was waiting for this video to post I added the photo of a rose bush that was blanketed with our first snow in October.
Note about the video: Notice how calm Remy is. He also has a peace about his dismeanor and seems pleased with himself. This is quite a change for a horse that was extremely fearful of people, and had some serious distrust issues.
Samson loves to go on our trail rides.
This was the view from Noble.
Tacia is all smiles when she's riding. And Maddie is trying to keep " India" in line.
Paulina Maddie
Some of the territory is worth it!
Recycling the harvest into Fall decorations is one of my favorite things to do.
I think these flowers are great Fall flowers. "Impatience" and "Tuber roses" can tolerate the cooler weather.
The apples blush as the Fall weather is upon us.
As the Summer closes we are able to take more trail rides.
The harvested fields provide wide open spaces for riding.
Maddie, Sam and Tacia are getting ready for our upcoming trail ride to "Harriman Park".
Riding Captain outside the arena is work. He acts like a young stallion rearing to go. Taking clear photos is a challenge because he can barely sit still.
I think it's every girls dream to be on a horse running free!
Tacia and Noble.
Riding off into the sunset.
Eric and Sonic are progressing in leaps and bounds.
I sometimes post these photos so the students can critic their own skills.
Here Sonic got a little "humpy".
This looks better!
Sonic wants to snack on my gloves and camera. He thinks it'll slow me down. "NOT!"
This is my grandson Nathan. He, his brother and Shilowe my daughter came for a short visit.
I always manage to work even when we play. Here Trever and I are opperating a playground backhoe.
Shilowe and the boys at Temple Square in Salt Lake.
This is Aaron. He's one of Chad's employees and has experience with training horses.
Paulina is doing well in the English discipline.
"Holly" her horse is showing improvement. Many horses have to adjust to the change from the western saddle to the English.
Emily loves the feeling of loping her horse.
I am now able to ride Remy with caution. The vet indicated that an injury such as his would require eight to twelve weeks until he could be expected to perform to his full ability. I chose to continue his training due to his phycological issues. It has been a successful journey. His disposition is more calm and accepting. There is a point in training that I look for called "Crossing Over" . That is when change takes place and I know that the horse understands and is receptive of the thing that I am teaching. "Oh, I get it!" attitude. Until the phycolgical part of training is accomplished there is minimal progress. 
This is the most recent photo of Remy's injury, taken on Oct. 3rd. The wound has healed quite nicely.
This was taken approx. three weeks earlier so you can see progress. He's also improving with his movement and strength.
