It is hard to believe that is has almost been two years since I competed in the Extreme Mustang Makeover in Murfreesboro, Tennessee in 2009, with Durango.  The Mustang Challenge was yet another mile stone in my journey as a horse trainer; an inspirational one at that.  The most rewarding aspect of the challenge was not only placing as a top ten finalist in the competition, but more importantly, it was bringing home the horse that has impacted the trainer I have become today.  I have to thank Suzanne for making that adoption possible, and will always be appreciative. The Mustang Makeover, for Durango and I, opened the door to many new experiences and opportunities.  He may be a small horse, but he has a big heart!  He loves working and showing off his tricks at NLH events.  Looking back at the Mustang Challenge in 2009, Durango has taught me many things since then, about myself, about Durango, and about other horses.  One thing that I have come to realize is; not every horse is the same, therefore the training approach is not necessarily the same for each individual horse.  Our training techniques should be tailored to the horses needs.  Although the general/ basic training techniques may appear the same, slight modifications are made on an individual basis.  Sometimes it may be just taking more time, changing training tools, or using a different method.

Another aspect of training that I would like to talk about is communication.  We all someday come across the horse that tests every skill and technique you know.  This horse will show you where your weakness in training is!  This is not bad; it is good!  The only way to become better is to improve upon your weaknesses.  Understanding the horse’s communication toward you is most important, not only does it help you help the horse through problems, it will keep you safe.  As you get to know your horse, it will tell you when it’s excited, afraid, confused, angry, injured, and ill.  If we just take the time to listen, with our ears and our eyes, horses always tell us the truth about themselves, and of us.  The horse that you formed a relationship with will reflect the strengths in us, and the weaknesses too.  I’m pretty sure you could learn something new from every horse you encounter.  Whether you are horse trainer, a manager, an owner of a facility, or just a horse lover, in order to communicate better with your horse you need to learn their language.

My latest learning experience is a new mustang venture “The Supreme Extreme Mustang Makeover.â€