Intern for a week, new horse under saddle, jumping mustangs, and adios Hades!

For the first time, I had an 'intern' come and work with me. Laura flew in from Michigan to see what training mustangs is all about. I took her around with me to the various barns to see what it is like to work with equines all day. I think she liked it! Especially when I taught her how to 'join up'. It is a pretty cool moment to know you have made an equine friend that trusts you! Way to go Laura! Can't wait to help you get your first mustang ;)

Anthony came out to the barn and I really wanted him to see how well Auggie has been doing, so we went out for a nice trail ride. On the way back, they found a few obstacles to jump so I quickly galloped back to the barn to grab my camera. They look like naturals! 

One of the special horses that I have been working with, this is our second ride. Although he is not a mustang, he certainly responds well to the same natural horsemanship techniques used. This ride was quiet and uneventful, just the way you hope a second ride would be!

Of course I cannot stay away from my favorite friesian barn! Here is Hades and I practicing some ground manners. We have been working together for a few months and I am happy to say he has found his forever home and will be leaving us at the end of July. Good luck Hades! I know you will go far :)

Vernal Springs, Utah

I met Wylene in 2010, at my first makeover event in Norco, CA. She had her horse 'Filthy Rich' with her and did an awesome pre-show before our event. We exchanged a few words about our horses and then went on our separate ways. Fast forward to the Napa Film Festival where Anthony and I saw the "Wild Horse, Wild Ride" premier and met again. We gave each other our numbers and after seeing her in Norco again this year, I decided to ask if I could work alongside her and see how she got her nickname Extreme Wylene... 

Wylene Wilson specializes in colt starting, and solving dangerous horse behavior. Her credentials as a top trainer are evident in the work that she has done with the Mustang Heritage Foundation's Extreme Mustang Makeover events. At this time, Wylene has broken, trained and competed with wild Mustangs in five Legends Division events, the highest skill level of competition. Wylene was invited to represent the Mustang Heritage Foundation in March 2009 at the Road to the Horse show in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. She won her "Challenge" event with Filthy Rich.

In September 2009, Wylene won the Western Stampede, Extreme Mustang Makeover Championship in Fort Worth, Texas. Wylene rode Rembrandt , demonstrating a dozen flying lead changes, text book stops, and quiet hands. Her performance was based solely on correct horsemanship, and a strong bond with her horse. Wylene Wilson will became a representative of the Mustang Heritage Team in 2010.

So, I packed my boots headed out to Vernal Springs Utah in July. Wylene, Randall, Alix, and I worked together to start 13 horses. It was a lot of work, but paid off. The rides were beautiful and I learned a lot. I didn't have too much time to take pictures, since I was mostly on horseback the whole time! 

Summer Vacation

Hope you all had a wonderful 4th of July. 

 Dixie and Augusta had fun getting all dressed up for the holiday!

Both mares have been doing spectacular. Just as in the beginning, each horse has really developed their unique personality traits. Augie seems so laid back and uncomplicated, after a few rides in the round pen we went for a nice trail ride. She was fine with almost everything we encountered. When she did get nervous about walking past something 'scary' she only needed a moment to collect herself and see the tree stump wasn't going to attack her. I even got her to jump over a few logs!

Dixie has been learning how to carry herself, and as you can see, she is a quick learner!

She has a really big engine and always wants to go. Whether I ride for 10 minutes or 2 hours, she never seems to have enough! 

The picture below is my favorite of Dixie, it shows her true movement and collection. However, I on the other hand look way too far forward :( If only I could photoshop me...