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Horses are wonderful people. I have been riding horses since I was 6 years old and got my first horse when I was 10. I did barrel racing until I was about 19. Then came college and working and no time for horses. I knew one day I would have a horse again. But I never dreamed it would be a horse like Harley, or that I'd find such a gifted trainer, or learn just how much I didn't know. Funny how life works out. I just knew I needed to get another horse before I was too old to get into the saddle.


This is the story of Harley.


Chapter Four - Progress

Harley and I continued training with Jane once a week. Her methods of not fighting him, letting him find his safe place, and being patient, reassuring and encouraging worked. We taught him that he had nothing to fear, and that there was nothing to fight against. He responded a great deal to vocal encouragement and tried his hardest at every lesson. He no longer tried to run back to the gate, began to slow his trot, and was much happier and more relaxed.  Jane had us climb hills regularly to build up his physique.  His condition improved and he began to put on muscle. His squishy hindquarters turned into a big solid jet engine and the muscles in his neck began developing nicely. His back and legs were also becoming stronger and more muscular. Here is Harley in early December 2009.