May 16th to July 26th…a lot has happened with Viggo in his gentling and training in the two and half months since he arrived at NLHTM! With less than 7 weeks remaining until the competition in September we are moving into the final phases of our training – at least for the short term. Viggo will continue his training at NLHTM beyond the competition for sure, but because he’s had such a solid Foundation from our training Program, he has advanced SO far already. I was riding him on the trail the other day, listening to music on my I-phone and trying to get a feel for what songs will suit his tempo and way of going to use for our freestyle performance in the finals at the Supreme Extreme Mustang Makeover in TX. As we trotted and galloped seamlessly in the wide open fields, it occurred to me how nice this horse really is. I LOVE his strides and the constant reminder with every footfall of how proud he is of his own accomplishments. Every day he has more and more confidence in his newfound relationship with me and with his owner - who more and more everyday steps deeper into his life as well. I was compelled to stop the music and call Leslie to share my feelings. I simply said “I Love Your Horse!”
It’s amazing how horses can make you feel SO good. They are truly therapeutic in many ways and on this day as I rode on the mountain with Viggo and gazed out over all the beauty of nature in the valleys around me, I was blessed by the breathtaking views and the feeling of freedom and bliss that riding adds to enjoying what nature has to offer. I enjoy so many horses in this way. But there is something special about the mustangs. They are somehow different and likely that is associated in some way with the bond that is established with us during the gentling process, but also with the closeness they share with nature as well. Somehow they realize it belongs to them and they relish in its’ beauty, I believe, as much as we do. And you can sense that unequivocally when you ride them.
Much like I would love to have about 12 or 15 different vehicles in my garage…to pull out and drive when the mood struck just for fun, it’s great having a variety of horses to work. Each one has so much to offer and each is completely unique in their own style and way of going. But, when I ride the mustangs, it’s like pulling out that haughty sports car…the one that gives you a sense of freedom on the road in a package combined with power, thrilling sensations, and just enough attitude to make you smile.
This horse, Viggo, who once felt compelled to charge me in fear 2 months ago when first being gentled, is now a trusting Partner full of life and zest in his new-found relationship with humans and he’s ready to Perform in ways that are suited to helping humans improve their lives. I look forward to the days when Leslie begins to ride him and to helping her enjoy the feelings that Viggo gives me when I ride him everyday!