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Testimonials |
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New to Horses
I wanted to write and tell you how
transformative
your program of natural horsemanship has been for me and my 13 year old
daughter. We are relatively new to horses, and in December we decided
to take the leap and buy a horse. By tremendous good fortune we wound
up at Deb Cooper's ranch in Watsonville California. If this had not
happened I am sure we would be "kicking to go and yanking to whoa."
Instead, we have learned so much, and are forming partnerships with our
animals instead of acting like predators.
When I got my horse, he reared when tied, bucked, avoided the cinch,
jigged on the trail, and bucked at the beginning of every ride. He no
longer does these things, and it is unbelievable to me that a novice
rider could be taught to troubleshoot all of those problems in such a
brief time. Yesterday I got him out after not riding for two days and
he had "gotten up on the wrong side of the corral". He flattened
his ears when I was grooming him - a behavior I had never seen. I began
to play the games with him. He bucked in the circle game so I took him
over a few jumps, played sideways and backward, and a lot of friendly.
He immediately calmed down as if to say "Phew, I'm glad you are going
to be the leader today." We then could enjoy a calm ride. Today I
visited my "normal" friend, a horsewoman with 20 years of experience,
and I inwardly flinched as she aggressively lunged her horse - of
course he was scared and could not stand still as she mounted, and once
onboard he could not maintain his gait.
Deb is a gifted teacher who is generous with her experience, expertise
and time. One evening she was giving a lesson to my daughter and both
the horse and rider were having a difficult time with the task. Deb
explained and demonstrated and patiently waited - even as it grew
dark-- she would not leave the arena until she was sure that my
daughter was able to successfully complete and attain the goal. Deb
absolutely sparkles up when she sees the lights going on for students
and for the horses. She is brilliant with young colts and is especially
moved when an abused and suspicious horse finally learns to try and
trust, giving human beings a second chance. Students are welcome to
watch the training of horses and observe clinics of any level. Everyone
at the ranch is working through the levels so there is a cohesive
cooperative atmosphere.
Regards,
Karen Cohen
and Daughter, Sonya