,,I’ve been boarding at Silver Lining Stable for 10 years. My first horse was a wonderful Oldenburg who had done high level Dressage and jumping. I adored him but I was totally not up to his level!! We all enjoyed his retirement with us!
Then came Comet, my current horse. He’s an off the track thoroughbred who has more go than whoa. Erin helped me through my “learning to ride” all over again!! I had ridden as a teenager but never really learned the correct way of asking for a specific movement from the horse, and “listening” to receive the answer, not to mention what to do if the answer wasn’t forthcoming. Erin was great at teaching me the nuances of this back and forth. I was a slow learner. But with patient coaching and encouragement, things got better and better.
She has taught me an unbelievable amount about horses, how they think, and how to care for them. She seems to be able to solve any problem related to horse health, behavior and riding. If her first suggestion doesn’t work, she has many more from which to choose. I have many examples of problems she has fixed for me, which I can best summarize by the following:
1. Every time you are with your horse, you are training him(or her) by what you allow or do not allow them to do.
2. If your horse is not doing what you are “asking” him (or her) to do, please don’t assume he is being a jerk. Perhaps he doesn’t understand you or you are not asking correctly.
3. Some days you are bound to have a lousy ride. Take a deep breath and let it go. Don’t be angry at your horse.
4. You and your horse are both teacher and student… you are learning from each other.
5. Your horse can sense your moods!!
So much to learn. So little time!