By Emily Dutton, DVM
I had been out of riding for a few years when I purchased my Quarter Horse mare Cookie in 2015. We were having great fun that year until she bucked me off going over a stream. It turns out riding a horse isn’t just like riding a bicycle and I don’t bounce anymore.
I found the Method in the spring of 2016 and worked heavily with my mare on the Fundamentals. I was impressed by her improvement and found her to be a great partner. But I was still unsure about trail rides and about putting anyone else on her.
She was really put to the test this last weekend. We had a late spring, so I only rode her a couple times. Then, my daughter and I took her to the spring 4-H clinic this last weekend.
My daughter, Makenzie, is 13 and is a beginning rider. She’s never been to a clinic or show or out of the arena at home. The two of them impressed me so much during the clinic. Cookie was so cool and relaxed! And for the first time, Makenzie stopped holding onto the saddle horn. She started smiling. And she made Cookie walk through every puddle at the fairgrounds (it was a rainy weekend). I couldn’t get Makenzie to get off!
I cannot stop gushing about how well the two of them did. They are going to make an awesome team this summer. Thanks to the Method, for showing my Cookie and Makenzie the confidence they needed.
So many hearts to Clinton Anderson and the Method. I couldn’t have done it without you!
