“You’ve done a good job training this horse”

These words were music to my ears this week after I finished my lesson. I’ve been working with Penny, under Joe’s weekly supervision, for slightly over a year now. The results are amazing. Our work together has included not only training me how to ride properly, but also developing Penny athletically and mentally. I love when during a lesson Joe says, “It’s getting better.” Because I know he is right, it is getting better. Penny is supple in the neck, giving in the jaw and yielding in the poll. She releases tension in these areas and gives softly when I ask. We have worked hard on that. She also responds well to seat and leg aids. She steps under from behind and carries her own weight. She is becoming so rideable. We are happy, Penny and I. We have both always liked learning. It is wonderful to have such an excellent and knowledgeable coach. Penny is willing and eager. She told Angie, the animal communicator, when she visited us last spring that she was enjoying our work with Joe, that she loved the pace of our progression and the patience in giving her time to develop properly and acquire her skills. Nothing was rushed. I was delighted when Joe said I could take credit for her improvement, that I have trained her well. I am always so willing to take blame for what goes wrong it was lovely to get some credit for what has gone right. Thanks Joe! It made my day.