I have been lurking around here for awhile now. I realized it was time for me to join when I felt the urge to respond to some of the great discussions going on here. I need also need a place where I can discuss relationship and training issues openly, without holding back.
I just turned 57 and have been involved seriously with horses to some degree since I was 13. My background includes pony club, low level combined training, eventing and dressage, involvement with a hunt club, handled polo ponies, developed young horses, exposed to western riding disciplines including cows, horse packing into the Canadian wilderness. I was a riding instructor at a couple of stables and also had my own business for several years and was barn manager for a prominent horse woman.
I got involved with Parelli in 2000 and stopped short of completing L3 due to my desire to get rid of the bit and experiment with collection at liberty and while riding bridleless. Nevzorov techniques showed me what was truly possible and here I am now playing with horses who are having more fun and becoming more athletic everyday.
My horsey family includes a now 7yr Arab gelding "Cam", known as "Cam the Wonder Horse" mainly because my friends and I wonder either what is going on with him or what he is going to teach us next. I've had Cam since he was a yearling stud colt and he is the most intuitive, intelligent and expressive being I have ever known. "Breeze" is my 6yr Arabigan (7/8 Arab x 1/8 Morgan) mare born in my lap who is an amazing challenge and a wonderful teacher. "Arabella" is a 10.2hh 8yr Welsh Mtn. pony mare I adopted a year ago and who keeps us all entertained. She has taken charge of informing me of my tardiness at feeding time or any horsey situations that need to be addressed.
Thanks to all for getting this forum going and I hope to get involved in some of the discussions soon.