From
Practical Horseman Magazine
"Amateur Status - What Would Have Helped
Me" by Erin Bentley Klosterman
When I (just barely) met my self-imposed deadline of
owning my first horse by age forty, I thought I was an
advanced beginner in the saddle. Only after getting
Allie did I realize how much less understanding I had on
the ground. In the months this mare and I spent trying
to figure out who was boss, I was tempted many times to
sell her—until I found dressage trainer Tonja Dausend,
based in Gilroy, California. (Editors Note: Tonja has
since moved to Valley Springs, CA.)
After a few months of Tonja’s showing me what to do
and teaching me to speak “horse,” Allie’s behavior
changed enormously. More important, so did my attitude
about dealing with her.
By emphasizing horsemanship and by tailoring a
program to my adult-amateur needs, Tonja was able to
turn my attitude, and my horse’s completely around. I’m
very glad I didn’t sell Allie—because once we worked out
who was boss, we developed a very rewarding partnership,
both on the ground and in the saddle.
Excerpted Practical Horseman,
April 2000 © 2000
Practical Horseman, A Primedia Enthusiast Group
Publication. Reprinted by permission of Practical
Horseman Magazine, P.O. Box 589 Unionville, PA 19375.
For subscriptions to Practical Horseman call
1-877-717-8929. |