Date: 23 Dec 2010
Comments
Steven and I went up to Cathie's to try cowboy mounted shooting with my 16 year
old Appy ( Caly) and his 6 year old mustang (Sage). We were pleased how Cathie
took her time to protect the horse’s ears with ear plugs and prepare them for
their adventure! While Sage was almost immediately comfortable in the
surroundings, Caly was not. While Cathie worked with Steven and Sage with dry
fire and weaving thru the balloon pattern, Caly and I worked on getting
comfortable in the new surroundings. Cathie was sensitive to Caly's issues, and
when the actual firing began, accommodated him in a nearby paddock where he
could hear and see the action, but remain safe and at a controlled distance to
get comfortable with the sudden sound of gunfire. I think that the 'every other
round' of live fire did my App a world of good, and was a great decision on her
part. While there was just a click at one target and a bang at the next, there
was no apprehension on the horse's part and our turn shooting was fairly
uneventful, once we got started! He may have even enjoyed himself! I like
Cathie's sensible, calm approach to training of any sort. Her no nonsense
approach coupled with understanding and the willingness to work through issues
with not only the horse, but the rider are wonderfully effective. I fully
believe that all the training in the world can't 'fix' a horse unless the
handler is fixed and educated as well. Cathie is one of those trainers that will
work with the horse and then the rider with the horse together for the best
possible outcome. I wanna shoot again, but first I need to git me some guns!
Cindy Mickle and Steven Drysdale Cape Cod
Date: 19 Dec 2010
Comments
Cathie, Thanks for all the help with Cisco. You made me realize that by being a
strong leader, I will help him be more confident horse, especially when those
horse eating things might come to get him. He is doing great. Will be in touch
when the weather is warmer. Thanks again. Claire Spencer.
I thank you so much Cathie for helping me with Mickey to get him on the trailer!
I cannot say enough about you. My friend Chris said you are the best! And she is
right; YOU ARE THE BEST I've ever seen with such quick results! I do want you
back to help me with my other Haflinger in the Biteless Bridle. THANK YOU
AGAIN!!! Maureen from Hollis NH
Date: 26 Oct 2010
Comments
You are truly an amazing person. Thank you for helping me and my horse buddy.
Your gentle but firm training methods are giving me great results. Barbi Mckeage
Date: 25 Oct 2010
Comments
Cathie- I love your website. I logged on to get your address so I could send you
a check. Joan Guiney Bene at Never 2 Late
Date: 19 Oct 2010
Comments
Cathie has been a tremendously helpful with my horse and has helped me get him
back on the right track. My horse started to develop behavioral problems under
saddle. Cathie came out and started working with him, groundwork sessions at
first, them under saddle. We started seeing immediate results with ground work-
the sessions are fun and helped me gain more confidence. Cathie has a natural
and gentle way of communicating with horses- from learning to stand still at the
mounting block, to riding, my horse responded so well. He's even transitioned to
Dr. Cooks Bitless Bridle, and seems very happy and relaxed at her facility. I
highly recommend Cathie for any training issues. Jennifer Guy
Date: 27 Sep 2010
Comments
Cathie, thought your methods were right on! It was a valuable learning
experience for me and my horse. I practiced your methods over the weekend and I
must say Frank is a different horse. No longer is he in my space, he moves out
of my way now instead of me getting out of his. I sat on him for a few minutes
each day and again no problems. Can't wait for you to return. Thanks again Gene
Martineau (This was a first ride under saddle)
Date: 15 Sep 2010
Comments
Hello.... Let tell you a short story! I have a beautiful horse named Yankee who
doesn't have a mean bone in his body! However, one day he started bolting into
his stall. Nothing we tried would help. When you tried to stop him from bolting
we'd get knocked to the barn floor because his strength was no match for us. Our
Vet (Dr. Koss) recommended Cathie, I had told him before hand I don't want
anyone here with chains and what nots. Cathie was very pleasant and very
concerned and treated my horse so well. She had my boy and I trained in three
hours. Thanks to her, she gave me knowledge and the confidence I need to be a
good Mom to my four legged kids! God Love Yah Cathie.....Sandie & Yankee Cathie
Hatrick-Anderson
Date: 14 Sep 2010
Comments
Cathie showed me how to give my retired show horse confidence on the trail along
with the tools to handle any misgivings he might have. He now not only goes down
the trail, he is doing it happily and enjoying himself! And best of all, he is
doing it in Dr. Cooks Bitless Bridle! This work has also translated beautifully
to the ring....my horses technical work keeps improving. The learning experience
with Cathie has been both fun and enlightening! Jackie Bonde Boarding in
Woodstock CT
Date: 06 Sep 2010
Comments
Date: 16 Aug 2010 Comments I am truly impressed and amazed with Cathie! She went
above and beyond what I had ever expected out of a trainer. She is an
exceptional horsewoman who understands the equine mind better than anyone I have
met. I had been struggling with forcing my OTTB into the trailer every time we
had to move, and we both had enough of embarrassing events of my horse not
loading. It was money very well spent; I would highly recommend her to anyone
who struggles with a problem loader. She took her time with my horse along with
me. She is very personable, explains things so I could understand it, and made
the whole task fun and stress free. Quite the opposite of what loading use to
be! Cathie gave my horse a chance to think about leading, and loading and gave
him clear commands for what she expected him to do. Best of all, Cathie
instilled confidence I had lost due to a horse injury I had suffered. Now rather
than debating how my horse handles me, I have the confidence to tell him what I
expect from him no questions asked. I can apply what she has taught me about
trailer loading to simple things like standing patiently on the cross ties,
standing at the mounting block, ground work, and riding. Her teaching will be
invaluable. I am very happy with the results after using Cathie, I can’t stress
that enough! My horse keeps me busy, and my mind off my man being deployed for
the next 9 months, and I was starting to feel trapped with my horse, watching
everyone else load up for shows, or trail rides, passing because I knew I had a
problem loader. I feel I can control my horse's fear and respect issue. I looked
very hard for the right trainer, what I enjoyed about her is she gave me several
methods to loading my horse, from walking him on, to self loading, and a
combination of both. She made a nice calm environment for both myself and my
horse could relax in. We all are so thankful of Cathie! Thanks from Hosé, Lt
Lewis (my deployed fiancé) and myself!! -Beth Golomb Newmarket NH
Date: 31 Aug 2010
Comments
Cathie is amazing! She came out twice this past year to help me with my 2 yr old
mare Nala and I have learned so much from her teachings. She taught me how to
handle Nala in a manner that she would understand and now we no longer fight
each other. I can't believe only a few days after I was able to do things such
as fly spray her and hose her down..both of which she refused before. I feel
much more confident after working with Cathie and look forward to working with
her in the near future. She's a wonderful trainer and is very personable. Thank
you Cathie! -Janiene
Date: 30 Aug 2010
Comments
Halter training for a miniature horse it is with a great deal of pleasure in
which I write this letter to recommend Cathie Hatrick Anderson to help you with
any training problems you may have with your horse. A few years ago, I brought a
miniature stallion Cutting Edge. Most people believe that miniature horses just
stand around all day and eat grass. However a stallion is still a stallion
especially if he had been never handled. Cathie came to the barn several times
to help me learn how to handle him in the ring. She started with the basics on
just being able to put a halter on him. A miniature horse’s bite is worst than a
large horse because their mouths fit very nicely into your arm. Cathie worked
her magic and by the end of the session, Edge was able to be led out of his
stall without a major uproar. During our second session Cathie helped me teach
Edge how to load. We again worked on how to stand and the proper way to walk. It
was due to Cathie’s help we did very well at our first big show. Everyone
remarked how well behaved Edge had become. I should note that more than one
person who had first met Edge, strongly recommend that I geld him. It is my
belief that for any discipline it is crucial to have a horse that has a good
foundation in ground manners. It is from this base that one will use to launch
any equestrian sport be it, riding, driving or trick training. If you would like
to contact me about Cathie my e-mail is heidimacarthur@yahoo.com..Both Edge and
I greatly appreciate all the guidance that Cathie has given us. Heidi J. Sardina
Date: 21 Aug 2010
Comments
I was very impressed with Cathie's equine knowledge & training skills. She has
made such a difference for me & my horse Babe after our first training session.
Looking forward to our next session. I highly recommend Cathie. Kathi O.
Date: 20 Aug 2010
Comments
To those new to trailering or with trailering issues: Like many of you I have
loved horses since I was a child, but my parents are more horsepower people than
horse people so instead of riding a bay I grew up riding ATV’s and snowmobiles
through the Western Mountain region of Maine. I often dreamed of one day riding
a horse of my own through that rugged and breathtaking terrain. As an adult I
moved to Massachusetts for my career, and eventually bought my first horse.
Three horses, and ten years of riding later I still hadn’t made it up to those
mountains to ride…I kept putting off my dream. Last winter while holding my
sisters hand as she took another round of Chemo in her crippling battle with
cancer I realized that I needed to stop putting off my dream and make it happen.
So, I traded in my sporty car for a truck, bought a 2-horse trailer, and sold my
occasionally spooky 6-year-old cow horse for a more mentally solid 10-year-old
horse capable of endurance rides. I put out the feelers to horse women back home
in Maine, and made a friend who rides out on a camping trip every summer with
equally minded equine gal pals on what was described as “the time of your life,
and your horses”. As I waited with baited breath for the invitation to join the
ladies on their equine camping trip I fumbled my way through trailering and got
to know my new equine partner. The first few trailer experiences went smoothly,
then my horse started to balk at getting on when we were ready to come home from
a trip…but he would eventually let me coax him on. Then he started refusing to
load while at home…but again after a bit he would give in and load. I knew I had
to do something, but with work and life I just never made the time. The
invitation to join the ladies up in Maine came on July 28, there was one spot
open on the stock trailer going up north and I could have it…it was all last
minute though I would have to be in Maine at the pick up spot on August 7 for
the 10 day trip. In preparation for my trip I decided to do a couple practice
trailer rides with my horse to make sure all went smoothly the day I was to
leave. It was four days before we were to leave when the climax of our trailer
issues happened…on this humid Sunday it took 3 hours, 5 people, 2 whips, a
twitch, another horse, a bag of carrots, and a friends trailer before my horse
would even step into a trailer… worse part the trailer he finally got on wasn’t
even mine. I was crushed, my horse was terrified, and I was convinced that all
the money I had spent to prepare for this trip was flushed down the toilet; more
over I was ready to sell my horse. Seeing how devastated I was the barn owner
where I board suggested that I call Cathie Hatrick-Anderson for help. I wasn’t
convinced that Cathie would be able to help in time for me to attend the trip of
my dreams, but even if I couldn’t make my trip this year, I knew that I had to
fix my problem with trailer loading to move forward with my horse. So, I called
and hearing the desperation in my voice Cathie made herself available the very
next day to work with me. I started the lesson as a skeptic with the most
minimal of expectations. At the end of two hours with Cathie, I was a believer!
In two hours Cathie had found the reason why my horse wouldn’t load, corrected
it, taught me how to correct it, and turned him into a SELF LOADER! Cathie’s
technique with trailer loading works! And it works quickly! After one 2 hour
lesson Jericho now loads himself on to the trailer…all I do is toss a lead rope
around his neck and say “step up” while pointing into the trailer. Trust me when
I tell you that if my horse loads this efficiently after her lesson, any horse
can learn to. Jericho came on and off 3 trailers a minimum of 10 times during
our trip north. At one junction in the trip he came off a trailer after riding
for 4 hours, and walked across a parking lot onto another trailer for a 5-hour
drive back to Massachusetts. In addition to the length of trailer rides, and the
trailer switches he also had to go from straight loads, to a slant load, to a
wide open stock trailer, and he did it all like a true professional using
Cathie’s queues. In addition to the loading queue, Cathie also taught us an
unloading queue and after all that riding most horse would have shot off the
trailer once the gait opened creating a dangerous situation, not with a Cathie
Anderson trained horse, Jericho quietly waited until I gave him the queue to
back up off the trailer every time. Cathie’s methods are quick, reliable, and
ensure the safety of the horse and rider. I would suggest her for any of your
equine training needs, and believe that all riders new or old to trailering
should spend the money and time to learn her methods. Sincerely, Annie Brackett
P.S. My trip was more magical than I ever dreamed.
Date: 16 Aug 2010
Comments
I am truly impressed and amazed with Cathie! She went above and beyond what I
had ever expected out of a trainer. She is an exceptional horsewoman who
understands the equine mind better than anyone I have met. I had been struggling
with forcing my OTTB into the trailer every time we had to move, and we both had
enough of embarrassing events of my horse not loading. It was money very well
spent, I would highly recommend her to anyone who struggles with a problem
loader. She took her time with my horse along with me. She is very personable,
explains things so I could understand it, and made the whole task fun and stress
free. Quite the opposite of what loading use to be! Cathie gave my horse a
chance to think about leading, and loading and gave him clear commands for what
she expected him to do. Best of all, Cathie instilled confidence I had lost due
to a horse injury I had suffered. Now rather than debating how my horse handles
me, I have the confidence to tell him what I expect from him no questions asked.
I can apply what she has taught me about trailer loading to simple things like
standing patiently on the cross ties, standing at the mounting block, ground
work, and riding. Her teaching will be invaluable. I am very happy with the
results after using Cathie, I can’t stress that enough! My horse keeps me busy,
and my mind off my man being deployed for the next 9 months, and I was starting
to feel trapped with my horse, watching everyone else load up for shows, or
trail rides, passing because I knew I had a problem loader. I feel I can control
my horse's fear and respect issue. I looked very hard for the right trainer,
what I enjoyed about her is she gave me several methods to loading my horse,
from walking him on, to self loading, and a combination of both. She made a nice
calm environment for both myself and my horse could relax in. We all are so
thankful of Cathie! Thanks from Hosé, Lt Lewis (my deployed fiancé) and myself!!
-Beth Golomb Newmarket NH
07 Jul 2010
Comments
After trying to work with my problem loader on my own I decided I needed some
help. I called Cathie and she came out the same day! I can't tell you how happy
I was that I made that call. After only a short time into the lesson he was self
loading. I would strongly suggest anyone thinking about calling go ahead and do
it. I was very happy I did. Amy in Medway, MA
Date: 28 Jun 2010
Comments
Hi, I saw you at The BSTRA Trailer Loading Clinic. Excellent presentation. Thank
you for the information. Ray
Date: 22 Jun 2010
Comments
Hey Cathie! Wanted to sign in, thanks for showing me more tools for working with
Lady and bringing me around watch you do your magic! It was another great
experience and can't wait to do it again! As always, you’re a wealth of horse
knowledge! Much appreciated! Lori MacKay
Date: 21 Jun 2010
Comments
Cathie came to work with my mare who has gotten worse and worse about loading to
the point that I had given up. After working in the ring for a while I was
amazed when my horse pretty much walked right on...then did again....and
again.... and again! I was actually speachless... This was only a few days ago
and since then I have practiced ground work followed by loading two other times
and she self loaded on great!! I even was able to teach my dad, who knows
NOTHING about horses but likes to help out, how to self load her on. Truly
amazing, can't even tell you the stress that has been lifted from both of us -
again, thank you so much!!!!! Mellisa Iozzo
Date: 27 May 2010
Comments
Cathie came to my farm to work with my Clydesdale cross gelding and from the
moment she stepped in the ring with him, she gently commanded his respect. She
showed me how to "speak" to him in a "language' he understood and how to ask him
for what I wanted of him. I have been working with the techniques she
demonstrated and have seen tremendous improvement in his ground manners. I was
thrilled to see her ride him with a rope halter and a bitless bridle. In just
one session I have seen improvement in my relationship with my horse. I look
forward to having her back to work further with us. She is a wonderfully
talented and knowledgeable lady. Gail Harris
Date: 06 May 2010
Comments
I've been riding in a Dr. Cook's Bitless Bridle for several years, but just
found your Bitless Bridle Clinic DVD! I couldn't be more thrilled! It was just
the information that I needed to move my horses forward with their training! I
seem to have most of the issues that you address in the clinic with either one
horse or the other, so it was great timing. I am really looking forward to
sharing it with my sponsor so that he REALLY understands about using the bitless
bridle and WHY I insist on it. Thank you so much, Cathie, for putting this on
DVD so that those of us who are unable to go to an up close and personal clinic
are able to benefit! Mair MacKinnon, N.D. Alameda, CA
Date: 05 May 2010
Comments
Cathie has been working with me and my new 4 year old for 5 weeks now. I knew he
had very little handling before I bought him and was very bossy with humans.
Cathie was recommended by a friend and as soon as the snow was gone she came
out. The first meeting was an awakening for my new guy. I knew I found the right
trainer for him. In the past 5 weeks, Cathie has shown me the training methods
and tools my horse and I need for gaining his respect and developing good ground
manners. In watching her work with him, she explains what she's doing and why
and how it refers back to living within the herd. She makes perfect horse sense.
Cathie is quick with corrections and gives lots of praise and sweet talk when
lessons are done right. She has coached me in working with him the same way, so
homework between sessions stays consistent. The difference in my horse is
remarkable, though still a work in progress for a long time to come, he has come
a long way in a short amount of time. Cathie just started him ground driving
which will make the transition from ground to saddle easier. I'm looking forward
to that day. Thanks Cathie for the great work. See you soon. Vicky Rule
Date: 04 May 2010
Comments
Hi Cathie, Since Saben came to you last year for training I have been enjoying
your website but most of all your method of training. You see I foaled him out
and it broke my heart to sell him as a weanling even though I have complete
confidence in Kristina's knowledge and gentleness. I own ten Andalusians now,
all ages, and my greatest misgiving is that training time is hard to come by
with all the work being done by me primarily. In 2002 I met Dr. Cook at the
Equine Affaire and was thrilled with his bitless bridle. I have loaned mine to
several people who have bought their own since. Your gentle methods are what I
have been looking for my gentle, intelligent horses. Living so far away from you
I am wondering if you ever take youngsters in to train at your facility. Keep up
the good work. Louise Spear, Black Raven Andalusians, Thorndike, Maine. e-mail:
louise@uninets.net Tel.207-568-3006
Date: 30 Apr 2010
Comments
I'd seen Cathie's ad for years and never thought I would have a need to call.
Well my daughter bought a beautiful 12 year old Quarter horse that showed no
signs of any issues until we brought her home and my daughter went to rider her.
The mare blew up as soon as my daughter hit the saddle. Needless to say I was
shocked and couldn't figure out what or why it had happened. Thankfully I
remembered Cathie's ad and called to have her come take a look. I have seen a
lot clinicians over the years and as I watched Cathie work with my daughter’s
horse I was very impressed. Her ability to explain what she was doing as she was
doing it is excellent. Not only was she very helpful with our horse, she trains
the owner as well so we have a clearer understanding of the subtleties of what
we are doing as we continue what Cathie has started. Thank you Cathie, Pete from
Uxbridge
Date: 14 Apr 2010
Comments
Today I had Cathie come to help me with my problem loader. I had addressed this
previously with a local trainer. What I learned was that just because someone
CAN get your horse on the trailer doesn’t mean that it is the RIGHT way to get a
horse on a trailer. Cathie addressed the lack of leadership that I had with my
horse and taught me how to take charge to make my mare feel safe. She also
taught me to understand my mare better. She never once raised her voice but kept
enforcing signs and signals which helped us to achieve positive results. I wish
I could put her in my backpocket, but I guess I will just use the tools she gave
me and get my horse on the trailer anyway!! Christine NH
Cathie once again came out to help me with my daughter's problem loading horse.
With an 8 year history of problems before he came to us, I knew that it wasn't
going to be an immediate cure. We have gone from taking 3+ hours to load him
with shaking and sweating to typically less than 5 minutes and minimal anxiety.
He isn't perfect; but, the improvement has been outstanding. Thanks, Cathie!
Gail S.
Date: 03 Apr 2010
Comments
Cathie happened to be at my horse's barn today working on loading issues. When
she was done I asked her if she would help me with my horse. He LOVES to get in
a trailer, but WOULD NOT go in the outdoor wash stall, which is nothing but a
concrete pad with a low rail around it. 15 minutes later he was walking in and
out of the wash stall with an attitude of, "What's the big deal?" Kris
Date: 14 Mar 2010
Comments
Cathie came out to put the first few rides on my three yr old 17H warmblood
gelding. She worked with him on the ground and got to know him and when she did
get on him it was uneventful. He was not nervous or scared at all. Everything
was done quietly and professionally. She handled my young horse very well, and
started him off on the right foot for his riding career. I will have Cathie back
to work with more of my youngsters, and for any trailer loading problems that
may come along. Thank you Cathie, Great Job! Sincerely, Mary Barrett P.S. Sorry
it took so long for me to post this.
Date: 14 Feb 2010
Comments
Cathie, we parked next to your truck last Sat. at the AGM and I am so sorry I
didn't get Becky to point you out to me. Just recommended you to my new
neighbors that I just met. They know nothing. They adopted 2 four year old
Morgan’s(not Lippetts). The gelding supposedly has been ridden. The mare no.
They are away this weekend, but he seemed anxious to contact you. His name is
Richard Johnson and girl friend's name is Lillian. I have a Quarter Horse mare
that will be 23 next month. I've had her for 13 years. She's one of those
perfect horses that does it all willingly and never spooks. For the first 10
years I rode her with a training hackamore as the people I bought her from said
she prefers it to a bit. I've never bitted her. She had a habit of complaining
by clapping her lower lip at times on trail rides. Three years ago my main goal
at the Equine Affaire was to get a Dr. Cook's bridle for her. Since it arrived
she has never clapped her lip again. I ride with Kathy Wicks and she also got
one and her "strong" mare has been very good bitless. I'm sure you are the right
person for my green neighbors and their green horses. Looking forward to meeting
you at their barn one day. Donna Johnson(no relation to Richard)
Date: 13 Feb 2010
Comments
Cathie came out to work with my QH gelding who had soured in the ring from
previous training and would balk and refuse to move forward. He was very unhappy
in the ring. After some very focused ground work with him, I was able to get on
him and ride him in the ring, and even the thought of not responding was gone.
This was accomplished in an hour session. My husband saw him go a week later and
said he looked like a different horse. I also learned some techniques to work
through any "relapses" with him, and these techniques were also geared to
keeping me safe and in control. I thought Cathie did a great job. Jennifer
Date: 04 Feb 2010
Comments
Hi Kathy! I meant to do this ages ago. Always a pleasure to have you come to NH
to do any kind of work. You have always been a tremendous encouragement to me,
giving me the confidence I need to work with my own horses. I appreciate your
common sense approach to horses, as well as your honesty. I have never seen
anyone accomplish as much with a horse in such short period of time. You are an
inspiration! Melissa Shattuck
Date: 07 Jan 2010
Comments
A boarder at North Star Farm Marshfield MA I would like to say that I really
enjoy watching Cathie work the horses at my barn. It is an all new way of
training that I am not used to. I was amazed when she got on Timmy within two
hours after just meeting him. Now she is walking and trotting and doing patterns
with trotting poles and cones it is very cool to see. Also when she worked with
Starlette and Stella on making them use their mind more and rides them too at
the walk getting them used to someone on them. What is also very cool is that
she rides them in just a rope hater and or bitless bridles. I will enjoy using
this training method in the future! Mikey
Date: 11 Dec 2009
Comments
Pete, a home raised 4 yr old. We were told he was started, but asked to treat
him if as if he had never been ridden. He was very reactive of being cinched,
but passed all my pre-flight checks before I sat on him. Based on my evaluation
on this prospective new purchase, Lisa bought him then brought him directly to
Bobcat farm for training…… Cathie 1 year ago a mean angry horse I was trying to
ride (I know, why?) reared and flipped over backwards. The horse got up and ran
home, and I was on the ground with my back broken in 5 places. I never thought I
would walk let alone ride again, and I certainly never thought I would get on a
new (read: unknown) and young quite green horse. Thanks to Cathie, and a very
short training period (a little over a month), on Sunday I was riding the cutest
boy ever, out of the safety of the round pen and onto the trail. It was only
about 50 yds this time and a slow 50 yds at that, but that was a huge
accomplishment for me! And I know if I can go 50 yds this time (through the snow
no less), I can go further :) All thanks to Cathie. I was on the phone with a
friend tonight and told her about Cathie: she is terrific: everything she does
is sensible; there hasn't been one moment that raised my eyebrows or where I
thought hmmm, I will do that differently once "Pete" is at home. Everything she
does makes sense; everything she does is competent and consistent both with her
own methods (she's not at all erratic) and with how I in my untrained and
unprofessional and limited way have come to understand horses. And everything
she has done has gotten "Pete" ready for me and gotten me ready for him. Cathie
taught him and gave me confidence. She rides really really well, and knows how
to train. Her methods are humane, sensible and super effective. She is
goal-oriented: Cathie knew I wanted to get on him and ride and I am on him in
just a month and a few days after bringing Pete to her. Perhaps most difficult
and most challenging, she has the patience and skills for training us witless
humans! And this is the way Cathie is with every horse and every human. She is a
good judge of equine and human character and capability and she adjusts her
methods and expectations accordingly. If you need a horse trained because it's
green or not so green and are having problems, time with Cathie is an excellent
investment - you will get a realistic assessment of the situation and
challenges, and a plan for your goals that will work. It is great to be in love
with a horse again - thanks to Cathie! Lisa
Date: 25 Oct 2009
Comments
Hi Cathie I just finished watching your DVD and I just wanted to tell you how
much I enjoyed it and how much I learned! You are really are amazing and after
watching the way you work with horses, I can see why so many people recommend
you! I just wish more people would do what those girls did for their horses!
It's so frustrated watching people just pull and pull and their horse’s mouths!
And then they wonder why they misbehave. You should be traveling around helping
horses with their people! I love how you seem to go right straight to business
with your training. No BS and the horses listen and respond so beautifully. You
should make more videos too...starting colts.....despooking etc. Lisa in CT
Cathie’s response..
Thanks Lisa, I do travel around New England, and I've been as far as Idaho to
train. I will travel anywhere in the country if someone sets a clinic up. I do
have many more DVD's - tons, not professional ones like "The Bitless Bridle
Clinic" that I sell. I am happy to lend out my other DVD's just e-mail me for
what you'd like, colt starting, trailer loading, halter breaking foals, round
penning without running the horse into a lather, aggressive horses etc. Just
$5.00 to borrow covers, shipping handling, and you pay shipping to return.
Date: 22 Oct 2009
Comments
Hi Cathie. I just wanted to give you an update on my horse's continued progress
and improvement in the trailer. After the countless training sessions you spent
with us, and all the patience, perseverance, and dedication you gave, my horse
continues to simply walk on the trailer without any temper tantrums or panic
attacks. The process you helped us through, teaching him to load and WAIT, has
also given me tremendous insight into how my horse learns in general. We
couldn't have done this without you!! Thank you. If anyone reading this has a
problem loader or traveler, give Cathie a call. You won't be disappointed. J.
Dillon
Date: 05 Oct 2009
Comments
The Bitless Bridle DVDs.... Hi Cathie, Well, Disc 1 got here today, and I
couldn't wait to watch it. I just have to tell you that I have watched most of
the Parelli stuff (my first introduction to "natural" horsemanship), all the
Clinton Anderson, most of the Chris Martin, most of the Chris Cox, Stacy
Westfall and Julie Goodnight. In my humble opinion (and for my learning style),
you have them ALL beat by about a 100 country miles. You are just completely
awesome. After watching what you do, and how you do it, I actually feel like I
could do it. And I also am now convinced that if I just am patient, take it
slow, and pay attention to my horse, I will have success - especially with using
a bitless bridle. Thank you very much for giving me confidence to try. If I am
successful, you will have been in large part responsible for helping me achieve
a lifelong dream. Kathie Judy from FL
Date: 16 Sep 2009
Comments
Great analogy using the dentist as an example of how horses might react to the
bitless bridle after years of painful bits. Lisa
http://www.bobcatfarm.com/bitless_bridles.htm
Date: 09 Sep 2009
Comments
Cathie, how do you do it? I mean -- miraculous transformations :) "I am
whispering, but my horse is not listening" -- just like on that bumper sticker,
but when Cathie whispers once, she says -- OK, I am with you! ...My horse is not
vicious, but she is still one of a kind.. for me, of course... Take together
several factors: -- she is an Akhal Teke who are known to be wary of strangers,
need to first build a bond with "their own person" before they would go through
fire for this person (as they say about the breed), can be quite stubborn,
especially is pushed too hard, can shut down in such a case, need gentle
handling, a word of encouragement rather than a strict correction, cannot be
bored... you name it! -- she just turned five -- the age of challenging others
-- she is a mare with her good and bad days -- she is very green, had ground
work to the extent of knowing what she is supposed to do -- not to the point
that she HAS to do it. In other words -- "make me!" attitude on her bad days (on
her good days she is an angel) -- she's only been here for less than two months
after traveling from the West Coast, losing a lot of weight, being put on
alphalpha (which makes her "hot") -- new environment, stress, and "out of sight,
out of mind" attitude -- towards what she was taught to do. -- she is my first
horse, and my horse skills are only good at the theoretical level: read it all,
understand the goals and techniques, but the body doesn't learn it fast
enough... Something is always in the way -- my whip is too long/too short, my
longe line is too light, too tangled... Or I just don't know where it is my
fault and where it is hers...:) when we first got her, she would not go into her
stall, try to run people over, even very experienced horse people had some
difficult minutes with her. When Cathie started working with her, she's already
been a greatly improved horse -- to me, but not to Cathie... I judge by my
little accomplishments with her, but Cathie's standards must be ten times
higher. It took me several weeks to get where I was at the time of our first
lesson -- Cathie only worked with us twice for a total of a few hours, and I
have a "new horse" now! :) I am especially impressed by Cathie's training
approach: she was giving her corrections, but only once or twice -- because they
worked, and the horse was definitely getting the message and beginning to work
willingly. Most importantly, the horse looked very happy and relaxed. No nagging
-- just a very clear explanation of what is good and what is not, and she gets
the message. She never had a bath and told us that she even never saw a hose.
She was dancing and wiggling and hiding behind the person holding the hose...
Got her to the point of allowing to spray almost half of her, being proud that
she allowed to do this with only moderate dancing around -- I could remain in
one spot without following her... Cathie first let her sniff the water (set to
the lowest pressure) coming out of the hose, then drink some, then enjoy the
feeling of the water on her hot body.. All on a very loose rope -- and she stood
as a lamb, no moving at all!! She would also dance when sprayed with a bug
spray, my progress was that she would also let me do it somehow. Cathie's
approach - rubbing her body with the bottle, spraying little by little... The
next day I sprayed her myself -- she could not care less. Little things, I know
-- but when you have to keep correcting, correcting, correcting and stay alert
for something else she may decide, or spend months and years on achieving
results at her pace of "acclimation" -- it is not the most productive. Cathie
does is naturally and easily -- at last, that's how it looks from the side, and
most importantly -- the horse looks happy and relaxed and stays focused. this
seemingly effortless communication with a horse and instant changes look like a
miracle. I saw such instant transformations on Cathie's Video, but seeing it
happening with your own horse looks like a miracle. I knew that all Akhal Tekes
learn very fast -- but I could not imagine that it can be SO FAST -- well, with
the help of a great teacher, miracles happen :) Irina in Upton, MA
Date: 03 Sep 2009
Comments
I had Cathie come out to work on my filly for her first haltering/leading
lesson, which resulted in Brie being the most well behaved weanling at her Irish
Draught breed show later that year (really - all the judges said so). Fast
forward three years to starting her under saddle. I'm not a professional young
horse starter by any means, but Brie was the 7th horse I'd backed start to
finish and the first one to present a serious challenge. Brie has a
very...dominant temperament and in the 3 years since Cathie had come out she'd
turned into a big, opinionated, and spoiled red mare. Everything went smoothly
until ride 3 when I added leg and asked her to move forward without a ground
person. It all started with a little buck but by ride 11 had turned into full on
bucking and rearing about 70% of the time that she was asked to go forward. By
this time I was intimidated and had no tools with which to correct her, and was
starting to feel completely helpless. Every other rearer I'd encountered had a
medical reason that once remedied solved the bad behavior. This was different.
Can I just say, if I didn't have Cathie as a resource I don't know what I would
have done. Where is there another trainer who you can call up (and trust) and
tell them that your 3 yr old with eleven rides to date has a pension for rearing
with no medical or physical reasons to justify their behavior, and you're hoping
they could help you fix it. That will 1)happily agree to come ride your horse,
2)Estimate that one or two sessions will do the trick and then she'll teach you
how to continue on your own creating an independent rider instead of one that
relies on a trainer 24/7, and 3)Actually fix the problem. After an hour of basic
ground work (where I learned more than the horse...I think) we started our u/s
training. Within 30 min with simply a rope halter, reins attached, little Miss
Brie was cured of her rearing and possessed a healthy desire to go forward when
asked. Sure, Brie tested me occasionally over the next few rides, but it was
only a half-hearted attempt and using the tools Cathie left me, I was able to
correct her and move on. I never thought I'd feel safer riding in a rope halter
instead of a bridle, but amazingly that is what happened. Eventually I wanted
more finesse but was not ready to use a bit in case my mare misbehaved again, so
I switched to Dr. Cook's Bitless Bridle. I was so impressed with the results
that I embarked on a bit-free experiment, where I would not use a bit on any
horse I rode for the next 30 days. I kept a journal of all my rides and hope to
write an article on my experience. I will just say this what the bit attempts to
accomplish in theory the Bitless Bridle accomplishes in practice. I think the
title of my article will be "Crossing over to the dark side...One rider's
journey towards enlightenment." Anyway Cathie, thank you, thank you, thank you.
More than just fix the horse, you empower the rider. Giving horse and rider the
building blocks to develop a trusting and fulfilling relationship. I look
forward to working with you again in the future. Jenna & Brie, Sharon, MA
Date: 18 Aug 2009
Comments
Cathie is presently working with our Dutch mare, who was returned to us (the
breeder) with problems. She left here at three years old as a sweet, willing and
very good girl. In three years, she has had three different H/J trainers and she
was returned with the following problems: Her big, round Warmblood feet were
long in the toe and had narrowed, requiring the winter and spring to grow out to
her natural foot. She was difficult to halter, throwing her head and rearing.
Throwing her head and rearing under saddle. Fear of being hit with a whip or
hand, especially on the right side of her neck. Cathie found at the beginning
that there had been an apparent overuse of side reins. She was so agitated by
the bit that she couldn't concentrate and couldn't walk in a straight line. The
first sessions were mostly much needed ground work to gain her trust, then
gradually each time Cathie rode her, they did more riding, using the bitless
bridle only, sometimes bareback, sometimes English and sometimes Western. There
was a huge improvement in the mare's concentration and focus! Lots of time has
been spent reassuring the mare that she was not going to be punished. In fact,
when she knew she did something wrong, she ducked the hits that never came. We
see less and less of this with every session. Carefully, patiently Cathie is
overcoming most of her fears and last week she had a wonderful lesson - walk,
trot and canter. Her ears were up, she was moving forward and she enjoyed it.
Thank you Cathie for bringing her back - we will continue. Kris Uxbridge MA
Date: 16 Jul 2009
Comments
Ok, so I'm sold. It's taken me several years to give Cathie a try. I have a mare
that 2 years ago was suddenly I was unwilling to back off the trailer. I think
I've read everything ever written about the subject and tried many different
strategies. No luck. I knew that my anticipation had now made me a part of the
problem. Yet I saw asking for help as an admission that I needed professional
help. I've done everything with this mare from first ride to training her so
that at 5 year old she went on to win a national dressage competition in
Virginia with my 13year old daughter. With 5 children, 2 in college and 2 who
actively ride and event money is very tight. Going to Cathie meant giving up one
of my precious dressage or jumping lessons (which I am able to justify under the
guise of 'my therapy'... I reluctantly signed up for a clinic, all the while
grieving my regular lessons. I decided since I was making the trip I'd bring my
'alpha' weanling along for the ride...and to be perfectly honest I thought that
our 'unloading issue' would take less than our session so I could spend the rest
of the time on the weanling and her dominance issues. The trailer issue turned
out to be a 'leading issue' and we got through that...I am thankful I no longer
have to worry about what order the kids load the horses as it will result in the
end of the universe if my mare ends up in the wrong stall. The alpha weanling
put Cathie through her paces but at the end the weanling was licking and chewing
and more submissive than I thought possible(: After watching Cathie in action
and getting so much from my session I thought she might be able to help my
daughter with her horse who is going down to compete in Kentucky next week.
Kelly Parliman (Mont Vernon NH) was more than willing to have Cathie back this
week. WE loaded up the trailer for round two...brought the horse going to 'jr
Olympics’ and younger daughter's pony who rears when girthed. I also brought the
weanling for a refresher. Both girls loved their sessions (which in and of its
self is a miracle since they're at the age where anything Mom suggests is
automatically a BAD idea) the weanling was absolutely amazing! My head is still
spinning and I am filled with such a sense of hope. My kids couldn't believe how
good the weanling could be. I feel confident that this difficult weanling who I
purchased knowing that "she will be brilliant, but she will NEVER be easy" is
able to relinquish her need to control and is an eager learner. With the right
strategies she was a different horse..still brilliant, but sweet. I see good
things in our future and know that Cathie will be a valuable part of that
process. Once again..I am sold! thanks, Beth NH
Date: 15 Jul 2009
Comments
Thanks Cathie for your help once again. Although we have worked together with
other horses in the past, the new horse's long term trailer issues were more
than I felt I could deal with. You helped me get him focused on the task and
thinking. The fact that I successfully got him to and from a show with minimal
difficulty by himself was a complete victory. The problems are too long standing
to go away overnight -- but you have helped both of us make significant
progress! Thank you. Gail
Date: 13 Jul 2009
Comments
Cathie I cannot express more appreciation of your talents with helping me train
my newly acquired 5yr. old quarter horse/draft cross Violet. I have not owned a
horse for many years and I became her owner somewhat unexpectedly. I ride with
Dr. Cooks bitless bridle. My concerns were to have a well mannered animal. After
meeting with you at our first lesson, I became convinced you were the person by
which I could achieve my goals. In addition to this I was delightfully
introduced to Cowboy Mounted Shooting and discovered that Violet and I could
explore this hobby. This is so exciting for me. I am a Civil War reenactor
(field musician), so Cowboy Mounted Shooting allows me to continue with my 19th
century passion for history as well. Cathie, your are remarkable to watch
interact with a horse. Your sense of reading the animal is truly a sight to
experience. After observing the first few minutes of how you interacted with
Violet, I trusted you immediately. You have a spirit as well as a keen sense of
horsemenship.You work around a horse, rewarding appropriately, gaining respect
in return. Thank you for all your time you have given Violet and I. Training
with you makes owning a horse fun. Helen Cheney Grafton MA.
Date: 30 Jun 2009
Comments
Just have to say thanks, once again, to Cathie. After a bad accident where I
fractured my spine in 5 places, it took years to realize the depth of fear that
had taken root and how it directly affected me with my horses. Just one visit
from Cathie helped to remind me of my abilities and strength, and gave me just
enough confidence to start working with my horses again, without unreasonable
fear. Thank you Cathie for your patience, understanding, support and
encouragement. Today, my birthday, I got the gift of being able to ride my
"baby" (4 year old mare) bareback for the first time, and to ride, albeit
shortly, my "crazy" Arab (who's not really so crazy) and have no anxieties at
all. The validation of my ability and strengths was the greatest gift I could've
asked for. They were there all the time, even though they were hidden, and if it
weren't for Cathie's continued support and clear direction and advice, I would
not be where I am today. I am now hopeful and excited about getting back to
working my horses and enjoying all we share together. Thanks again! Judy Paglia
Date: 22 Jun 2009
Comments
I've been having some trouble with my three-year old and trailer loading - he
would go on, then back right back, and I couldn't get him to stay on. I'm very
out of practice with problem loaders - my older guys (30, 23 & 10) have
self-loaded for years. After trying everything I knew, and getting increasingly
frustrated, I had Cathie Hatrick Anderson out Friday to help me. This is the
first time I've worked with her, and she is TERRIFIC! She told me it would take
about two hours, and she'd teach me two ways to load. Sure enough, two hours
later the horse has gone on - and STAYED on - the trailer at least 10 times, and
I've been able to get him on by myself. Then this morning it took me about 15
minutes to load on my way out, and about five coming back. And I did it
completely on my own - YAY! Plus, my horse, while still not thrilled to get on,
stayed very calm throughout the entire loading. I trailer by myself a lot, so
being able to get him on and have him stay on while I put the butt bar up is
important. So, a BIG thumbs up for Cathie and her trailer loading coaching (for
me and the horse). Her training was worth every penny! Erin - Hampton Falls, NH
Date: 16 Jun 2009
Comments
This is how I met Cathie Hatrick Anderson. Our first three horses were two seven
month olds, Yote and Wolf, and a 5 year old appy, who was appropriately named
Kazz the Spazz. Since these were our first horses, we really had no clue what we
were doing. My horse, Yote was hard to catch, and tried to kick every time I
brought the halter out. Kazz, spooked at everything under the sun, and we could
not handle him. Wolf had no vices or problems, he was just young and needed
starting. My neighbor, who also was looking for a horse trainer at that time,
found Cathie’s website and gave the link to my mom. She looked up the site,
called Cathie, and arranged a time for her to come and help us with our horses.
When Cathie came, and introductions were made, she started to work with Yote and
I. During our hour she taught me how to catch her without her running away.
Cathie also taught me how to do the basic ground work with Yote. At the end of
the hour Yote knew how to lunge, move her front end, move her hindquarters, when
asked, and also to stand quietly while I was haltering her. Because we were new
to being horse owners , Cathie not only showed me how to work with my horse, she
also showed me how to tie a rope halter, pick up Yote’s feet, and to gently rasp
them with the fine side of the rasp to help her behave for our trimmer. Next it
was my sister’s turn with Wolf. Cathie taught her the same things as she did
with Yote and I. She also accomplished the same things with my sister’s horse,
as she did with mine, all in a two hour session. After the two babies, Kazz’s
turn was next. Cathie taught him so many things. First, she taught him how to
join up. We also had a hard time catching him, so Cathie taught us how to deal
with that. The next thing she taught us is lunging. Kazz had a hard time
understanding this new concept, but Cathie was very patient. With a lot of
persuasion, Kazz finally did get lunging. Cathie also wanted to desensitize him.
She did a lot of advance and retreat with a plastic bag tied to the end of a
whip.(Cathie rarely uses a bag on the end of a stick, she explained that most
horses would jump out of their skin, Kass would not back down but instead
preferred to run you over or just over react) but at the end of the session, she
could wave the bag and whip all over him. He just stood there with a “whatever”
look on his face. Three years, and eight horses, later, Yote can now ride under
saddle at a walk, trot, and canter. She can also ride bridleless at a walk,
trot, and does her ground work beautifully in just a neck rope with voice
commands. Cathie has inspired me to be a horse trainer, and she is also an
amazing teacher, with horses and humans. Thank you so much for what you have
done for me, Cathie! - Jenna Howard (age 14)
Date: 16 Jun 2009
Comments
We had Cathy come out to help us with our 7 yr old paint mare that would not
load good. After working with Cathy for 2hours my horse now walk on the trailer
with no problem. What was great is that Cathy did not just teach the horse but
she also taught us alot which was even better cause we were doing some things
wrong. Thank you so much Daryl and Alison Tyngsboro Ma
Date: 27 May 2009
Comments
I just had another incredible lesson with Cathie and am sitting here basking in
the warm feeling of progress. Cathie has so much knowledge in her head, for
example - I had no idea the crossties were clipped upside down. They are now
hanging correctly and I am off in search of the right hardware to install at the
proper height. In just one hour's time my filly was able to grasp the concept of
lunging and has started to accept spray bottles without trying to crawl out of
her skin to get away. I can't wait to continue this progress! I can't thank you
enough Cathy. See you next week. - Kim Denn, Millbury MA
Date: 20 May 2009
Comments
You can just use your regular bitless bridle if you must use blinders then you
can purchase a driving bridle from "The Bitless Bridle by Calling toll free 1
866 235-0938 Tell them Cathie sent you. Look under my Testimonial page for
bitless driving photos.
Date: 09 May 2009
Comments
I have been riding my 8 year old Arabian gelding in a Dr. Cook's bitless for 2
years and I will never go back to a bit. Where can I find a bitless driving
harness -- and one without a crupper? My email address is de.herringshaw@gmail.com
Date: 08 May 2009
Comments
What an awesome session with Ricky today. It was wonderful to watch him handle
all that you asked of him today including his first trot and working with leg
aids. Thanks again for all that you do helping to provide a solid foundation for
young horses. I am truly grateful for and very impressed with your skill and
ability. Kelly, Ricky and Angie, Mont Vernon, NH
Date: 04 May 2009
Comments
Thank you Cathie for helping me to teach my new young horse that I'm the boss
when I'm on the ground. I bought Raydar because he is very easy to ride in spite
of being only 3 1/2 years old. But I was almost afraid to lead him. Cathie, you
seem to know exactly what to do in all situations and best of all you could
teach me! Now every day there is improvement in at least one area of Radar’s
behavior. He is becoming so much more lovable on the ground, in the cross ties,
and in his stall. Cathie you have given me back the confidence that I needed to
deal with a young horse. I also know that if I mess it up I can get you back to
fix things again. Thank you, Karen & Raydar, Sherborn, MA
Date: 29 Apr 2009
Comments
Many continuing thanks to you Cathie for the positive training techniques you've
used with my 2 very different horses and me. You're always there for us! It's
wonderful to have found a trainer (and friend) who works with us, the owners to
help us learn how to handle so many situations. Just think, if we hadn't started
with you on trailer loading we'd miss out on so much fun trail riding and
participating in so many riding activities. All our thanks from LJ, Willie, and
MaryEllen
Date: 28 Apr 2009
Comments
Hi Cathie! I just wanted to post again about how great your training methods are
:) I really didn't think that you would be riding Hyde on your second training
session (2 weeks after the first one!), but sure enough, that's what happened. I
would recommend you to anyone! Jess & Hyde
Date: 21 Apr 2009
Comments
Hi Cathie! Just want to let everyone know you are the best! I was at a
standstill training my 3 yo Tennuvian, Paqo. You were fantastic and patient with
him and ME! Now we are out of our rut and on the road to hit the trails..
Looking forward to your coming and giving him his first real ride.. Your
compassion for horses is endless..(and their owners that have spoiled them!)
Also, you were wonderful with my rescued MFT Rythm, you fully understood her
fears and anxieties, and was still able to get on her and ride her without her
getting all upset, as I was told she needed to be headed to keep her quiet..
Obviously NOT! You’re the best.. Can’t wait till we see you again..
Renate,Paqo,Rythm Mont Vernon NH
Date: 16 Apr 2009
Comments
For anyone entertaining the thoughts of a trainer (for yourself and/or your
horse), you are totally in luck finding one of the masters! Cathie is the
consummate professional with horses in her blood! Working with Cathie was not
only an unforgettable experience as well as a privilege. Sharing her knowledge
and candor about issues that most of us either overlook or try to forget about.
Bringing these issues to the forefront and tackling them head on for the horse
as well as the rider was quite refreshing. Let's face it, nobody is perfect but
Cathie comes darn close! Many thanks for going above and beyond the call and for
your brutal honesty. We will pass on the trails again my friend. Pat Breitmaier
Date: 14 Apr 2009
Comments
Cathie worked with my Percheron/TB cross Robin this weekend. Robin had recently
begun to have issues loading on the trailer, which had never been a problem
before. In very short order Cathie helped re-establish the appropriate
boundaries and who was in charge, he was clearly responsive to her methods. It
is work all horses need, she presents exceptionally well to audiences of all
ages and does phenomenal work with horses of all types. Trish Twining
Date: 06 Apr 2009
Comments
Cathie worked with my spoiled 2 yr old filly, Splash this past weekend. I have
"not" followed Cathie's instruction given to me when she halter broke Splash, at
eight weeks old. Splash has gained many disrespectful ground manners. Cathie
worked Splash, my daughter and I on Saturday, and wow what a different horse we
went home with. I will be following all Cathie's direction from here on out,
because I now know what a good mannered 2 yr old is like to be around, a
pleasure! Thank you Cathie, see you soon for another training session. Rena
Falconi, Hopkinton MA
Date: 31 Mar 2009
Comments
I just wanted to say thanks for coming out to help me with Hyde. (Hyde is a 5 yr
old QH gelding who is just being backed this year.) He is doing a million times
better than I could have hoped for and I have you to thank for that! Your
methods are easy for horse & person to understand, no nonsense and most
importantly...effective. I NEVER would have guessed that in one session, he
would be walking around with a bareback pad and letting you hang over his back
like it was no big deal. The fact that each time since then, when I have worked
with him, he has been just as good and continues to get better is proof to me
that your methods are the way to go. Can't wait till next session! Jess Dempsey
& Hyde
Date: 25 Mar 2009
Comments
I asked Cathie to come to the barn to start my 19 month gypsy with some barn
manners. In the past few months Belle had knocked down fences with her weight,
getting loose and being difficult to catch. If she couldn't knock down the fence
she'd jump it. Belle needs a job and some manners so I called Cathie. Cathie met
Belle today and showed us "how to" start working with her in a quiet, calm but
firm way. Belle responded well to Cathie and we plan to utilize Cathie's
assistance with Belle's ongoing training.
Date: 24 Mar 2009
Comments
Cathie came to my barn to teach me how to use the Dr. Cook’s new bitless bridle
for a mini. I have driven and ridden a “big horse” without a bit. The only
reason that I have not use this bridle on a mini is I do not like blinkers. The
new bridle for a mini is made so one decide if they want to have the blinkers on
their horse. I was very impressed with how well Ginger drove with her new
bridle. I would strongly recommend anyone who loves to drive to seriously
consider this bridle. Many people think that a horse is not “finished” unless
they know how to handle a bit in their mouths. I do not think that you have to
even consider using a bit with your dear mini. They drive just fine with this
bridle-Ginger did better than when I used a traditional bridle. Please feel free
to contact me with any questions about using this bridle on your horse, either
small or large. My e-mail is heidimacarthur@yahoo.com Thank you Cathie!!!! Heidi
J. Sardina
Date: 12 Mar 2009
Comments
I couldn’t have been happier or more thankful that Cathie was able to take
Halifax (my rising 4 year old Hanoverian) in for training. He had been
“mislabeled” and misunderstood and needed a calm, quiet and nurturing
environment to grow in. Cathie and Bob were so accommodating and built and
completed a stall for him in record time. Cathie came and picked him up at the
farm we were at on short notice as I was heading out on vacation. Who could ask
for more!!! Cathie worked patiently and slowly with Halifax and determined that
he was extremely bright and sensitive but a “baby” who just needed someone to
trust and show him the ropes. Cathie accomplished in a few sessions what other
trainers had failed to do over months. She is firm yet kind and is always
wanting to bring out the best in the horse. Don’t let the Western gear and laid
back attitude fool you, Cathie is all business when it comes to horses. She is
uniquely qualified and determined to find the right solution for the rider and
the horse, no matter what your discipline of riding ( western, reining,
dressage, eventing, etc.) I had invested a great deal of money in the purchase
of my “next dressage star” and while some people were writing him off, Cathie
never did. She gave me back not only a different horse but the tools to keep him
and me heading in the right direction. Also I know that if I ever have a problem
in the future I have a resource that will be there for me and my horse. There
are a small number people of integrity and genuineness in the horse business but
I feel lucky to have met one of the few. Thank you Cathie (and Bob) Lori and
Halifax
Date: 02 Feb 2009
Comments
Hi Cathie! Thanks so much for a wonderfully insightful session this past
Saturday! Luna and I learned a lot, and I would love to work with you again
later to see how we did and also to bring her further along in her training! For
those of you reading this, Cathie did a great job assessing my mare Luna without
making me feel "stupid." She (Luna) has a history of abuse and neglect, and as
such I let her walk all over me for fear of scaring her! At the same time, I was
riding her and asking a lot of her- talk about mixed signals! In retrospect,
without the solid foundations of respect and communication on the ground, I was
basically asking a preschooler to do basic algebra- even though I think it's
basic and easy, Luna didn't even know how to add/subtract yet! Now that we have
gone back to the beginning with the right tools (thanks to Cathie), I can't wait
to see what Luna and I can do! Meghan Bilz, Milford NH
Date: 15 Jan 2009
Comments
I am watching your DVD about using Bitless Bridles. I have worked my 7 year old
mare without a bit since day one. I have a client that had me change her 14 year
old gelding over from the bit to bitless. Keep up the work. I am 100% sold on
bitless. Orville Davis www.orvilledavis.com
Date: 03 Jan 2009
Comments
Have you ever just given up on trailer loading? Don't give up - just call
Cathie. We struggled with our horses for a long time. Sometimes they would load,
unload, and then not get on again to go back home. Other days we would try to
load them for hours. They were clearly unhappy and so were we. Our experiences
were not safe ones either. Cathie worked with us a couple of times and our
horses now self load willingly, ride calmly, and slowly walk out. We actually
give their tails a little tug when we're ready! My husband and I couldn't be
happier with her training and our stress free trailer loading! Thanks Cathie for
getting us through this. We are all better for it! Linda Chita - Blackstone, MA
Date: 03 Jan 2009
Comments
Hi Cathie I bought a bitless bridle a few years back, but have had trouble with
it on my horse where the sides would slip around the nose band and then the
buckle would come up to his eye. I have looked at the bitless website and it
seems that the western and the English are now sewn in to the nose band or does
this just look that way. If this is true I would like to get a western one after
I see if Cody could wear that size. I really enjoyed your photos and website
will visit more. Wish you were out west, I live in Oregon Blessed New Year to
you Gina
realimagepro@excite.com
Gina, if the noseband is slipping up toward the eye then tighten the noseband so
you can only get one finger in. You may have had an imitation bitless bridle and
not Dr. Cooks. The head stall is now sewn at the poll so the pieces do not
slide. Feel free to call with any questions (508) 479-5266
Date: 02 Jan 2009
Comments
Found your site when I was browsing for info on natural hoof care. what you say
about the bitless bridle makes sense. I am going to get one for my 9yo qh
stallion and hope it will make him more responsive because he has a very
sensitive mouth and all I can use is a small port Monty foreman pelham on the
top rings. thanks for the info. I used to live in Rutland, ma about 20 years ago
and now live in nc. Grace Asbury Westfield, NC codyjusttoo@yahoo.com
05 Dec 2008
Comments
Cathie, I can't thank you enough for helping with my young horse....After being
on the verge of selling him we are working towards a relationship built on
respect and understanding. Your methods were easy to duplicate and clear to
understand. Who knew it could be so easy....though Halifax does look at me
somewhat strangely when I bare my teeth and lunge at him ....I am definitely the
alpha mare and forging a great and productive relationship with my herd of one.
We cannot wait to have you out again. Happy Holidays and Thanks again. Lori
Harrington
Response:
Just thought I should explain your comment… When I first meet a horse, I teach
him to turn to the right while I am leading, without placing my arm under his
neck, (When a dominate horse wants to drive a horse, he has no halter no lead
rope but he can get the horse he out ranks to turn away from him) Since most
horses I work with are either totally green or disrespectful I let them know I
can turn them to the right, if I add a little biting noise with my teeth and
pinch with my fingers at their poll, this simulates what a horse would do…
something they understand, it’s gets my intentions across very quickly that I
want the horse to turn out of MY way, further proving to them that I am in
charge and they should never push into me, step on my feet, or run into me with
their shoulder. I usually do this once or twice, I do not actually bite the
horse J
Date: 05 Dec 2008
Comments
Cathie has come to my and my horse Jeb's rescue several times now. She has a
magic touch with horses who have some "hang-ups" - mine doesn't do trailers’
well. I look forward to having a tune-up session with her this spring. Til' then
- Merry Christmas to al!!! Melissa Thorndike
24 Nov 2008
Comments
I was browsing along and came across your site. I worked with a trainer in VA
doing natural horsemanship training and I sure miss it. I was very excited to
see a trainer back here in Mass! Alaina Marchand, Lowell, MA
18 Nov 2008
Comments
Cathie, Thank you so much!!! My friends and I were leaving the Equine Affaire on
Sunday 11/16/08 and my Fell Pony Gelding refused to load. He's always been very
good about trailering, but I guess he just didn't want to get on that day. We
worked for 2 hours trying everything we knew how to do. No one would help.
Several people drove right by us and just stared, but never offered help. We
asked the EA staff to assist, they couldn't due to the liability issues. Then
Cathie showed up!! She was miraculously parked right next to us and was getting
ready to leave herself. She came right over and asked if we needed help. Of
course we say YES PLEASE!!! She had him on the trailer in about 5-10 minutes. He
walked on calmly and just stood waiting to be tied. She was sent from heaven in
our time of need! Thanks so much. Lisa Kyer, Melrose NY
Date: 09 Nov 2008
Comments
Hi, I do like the ideal of not using the bit...I am going to check more into it,
if I can afford for u to work with my girl....(she is a really nice mare)...just
needs some to work her and with me. Great site, Kathy H. Fall River MA
04 Nov 2008
Comments
Hi Cathie! Thanks for putting the first ride on my mare, Johara (Jo) yesterday!
It was good to see how relaxed she was :) I rode her today at home and she was
great. I'm looking forward to catching you again soon for some more work with
her! - Sarah and Johara in New Hampshire
01 Nov 2008
Comments
I found Cathie when I went looking for a natural horsemanship trainer to help me
with my 5 year old Friesian mare. I had previously had two other trainers quit
on me saying that she was dangerous and untrainable. Cathie has given me
confidence in my mare and is continuing to help me work through our problems. I
am a Parelli student working through my level 2 with this mare, and Cathie's
methods go right along with what I am learning/using in the Parelli program.
Lisa Cosco, Marlborough, MA
09 Oct 2008
Comments
For a month over the summer, Cathie took in my temperamental Quarter horse,
Dante, for board and training. She gave him excellent care during his stay and
worked with him three times a week, both in the round pen and on the trail.
Dante is an alpha horse who likes to bully humans --- not a good situation for a
family with four children. Cathie has made tremendous progress in teaching him
that he is NOT at the top of the pecking order and needs to be respectful and
compliant around people. Cathie has amazing skill with horses -- she can get
them to do anything she wants -- and she is a good teacher for those of us with
only two legs. You learn more from watching her at work for an hour than you
will by reading horsemanship manuals for a month. At the end of Dante's stay, he
was a greatly improved horse -- and she even made us a DVD so that we can learn
and implement her strategies. Cathie cares about her clients -- both the horses
and their owners -- and knows that it's just as important (maybe more so) to
teach the human as the horse. I've taken traditional riding lessons for more
than 30 years, but I've learned more about horses, and how to handle them, from
Cathie, than I have in all those years of instruction. Jennifer Graham,
Hopkinton MA
06 Oct 2008
Comments
I watched Cathie work with a variety of horses at our farm (a dressage and
eventing barn in Eastern, MA). Whether she was working with a problem horse or
starting a green horse, she was always consistent and patient. Her timing is
impeccable and you can see the horses' confidence grow as she works with them.
When it was time to start my young filly, I asked Cathie to help. Thanks to
Cathie's techniques the filly was mounted and going under saddle easily in a few
sessions. We consider Cathie as an integral part of our training program and
recommend her highly. Lisa Samoylenko Eleazer Davis Farm
22 Sep 2008
Comments
Hi Cathie, I just wanted to thank you for your working with Thomas. It is
wonderful to see so much progress from session to session and I know that we are
both learning skills that will serve us well for many years to come. Abbey
10 Sep 2008
Comments
Cathie, I want to thank you for putting a second ride on Ricky today! It is very
exciting to see him so relaxed with a rider on him. What a relief to see that
he's a bit easier to start under saddle than his mom was. I'll look forward to
having you back at least one more time this fall. Maybe we can take mother and
son on a short trail ride?? Thanks again. Kelly
12 Aug 2008
Comments
Hi Cathy, Traci Topalis originally used you in Walpole, thanks for starting me
on the road to understanding the animals we all love. I am now residing in
Millis near little acorn farm. I have been thinking of going barefoot with my
Missouri fox trotter. Problem is having no idea who to use and am concerned
about getting someone whom knows the correct angles for his gait. My current
farrier is not interested in hearing about it and has little tolerance for the
conversation. He definitely has no experience with it either. Not the guy for the
job. I have an older thoroughbred that I believe 'needs' shoes so I've been
told. And somewhat believe. If you could help me out it would be a huge relief.
You’re the gal with the answers. Awsome website! Thanks Traci traci_topalis@hotmail.com
508-243-4741 cell
Give Susan Russel (a great barefoot trimmer) a call she has a client near you
(508) 847 9661
09 Aug 2008
Comments
Hi Cathie, Thank-you so much for working with my mare "Robin", after 2 hours
with her she was and still is a completely different horse, for the better!! My
bond with her is so much better. I would like to set up another training session
to continue with what we started. Thank-you again Theresa Jackson
31 Jul 2008
Comments
Jesse, my 5 year old Friesian gelding. I have been using the techniques that you
taught me during our lesson together and I am seeing real improvement in Jesse's
stops. He still will occasionally try to get in that "one more step" but I now
know what to do and when to do it, so we are getting better all the time. I was
really stuck before you helped me, and good brakes are important when raising
such a big guy. (Or any horse!) He is a very dominant guy and is a challenging
horse for me, so thank you for helping me be more in control, and for giving me
the tools to move forward with our riding. I hope to try to get together for
another lesson in the near future, I will be in touch. Best, Liz & Jesse
Thanks Liz, I'd love to. I'm glad I was able to help you and your friend Lisa.
It was wonderful having TWO beautiful Friesian's at Bobcat Farm! If only for an
hour training session. All the best! Cathie
22 Jul 2008
Comments
Hi Cathie! Thanks so much for coming out last week and working with Moogie! Have
had him for about 5 years, but have had some confidence issues in his brakes &
power steering - even AFTER he's spent a total of 6 mos with two diff pro
trainers... Wanted to see what "buttons" he really had, and would he be road
safe for me when I can start to ride again... It was so great watching his
little light bulb go on! And amazing to see the difference in his relaxation and
confidence with the bitless, and then his LACK OF those things with a bit in his
mouth (and we tried a few!). I ordered my bitless today, can't wait to work him
in it! Hope to hook up again soon! Thanks so much, Christine Geddes & Moogie
Temple, NH
15 Jul 2008
Comments
I found Cathie through Equinesite website, I was most interested in the fact she
promoted the bitless bridle!! I own "Echo" a 4 year old gelding Arab and "Eve"
my 3 yr old Arab mare. Cathie has done a great job with both of them and I very
impressed with the tools she uses to work with them as individuals. She also
took the time to explain to me how to train them instead of doing it herself.
Echo will be spending time with Catie to get him started under saddle and the
bitless bridle. I am so happy I found her and look forward to working with her
and my horses!! Jennifer
09 Jul 2008
Comments
Cathie-- Mike, Noah (the horse), and I think you're terrific. You are the
gentlest but gutsiest cowgirl we know! Noah has made great strides in learning
to respect people and in listening to our signals. In turn, we've also learned
to respect him and learned from you how to interpret his signals. We look
forward to working with you periodically to help get and keep us safe on the
trail and in the ring. Polly Korblith
Date: 07 Jul 2008
Comments
I'd heard so much about Cathie, from someone whose opinion I truly respect (Dara
L.), & after having a chance to view Cathie's video, I was overwhelmed by the
realization of just how much I didn't know! One day, while thinking that Cathie
could help me reach my goals with my 8 yr. old off-track Thoroughbred, I walked
out of my bank and there she was, leaning against her truck! It was truly a
serendipitous moment and after waiting for her to finish a cell phone
conversation, there I went, a complete stranger, & approached her to introduce
myself. She immediately made me feel comfortable and took an enormous amount of
time to listen to what I had to say. She didn't make me feel foolish (like other
trainers have made me feel when talking this particular topic) when I explained
that I wanted to expose my wonderful OTTB, Valie, to gunfire so that he could be
my mount for American Kennel Club Field Trialing. This is a competition for
pointing breed hunting dogs, my Brittanys and German Shorthair Pointers, and is
one that is usually done with gaited horses only. Moreover, I mentioned that I
was interested in mounted shooting too and again, she helped me feel as if
anything was possible with the correct approach and direction toward your
horse's training, for any goal you want to reach! What can I say other than I
think she's incredible, from the work I've heard that she's done with many
equine issues, to the manner in which she listens and responds as you speak to
her. I'm looking forward to making that first telephone call to her so that I
can set up a visit and maybe, one day, you'll see me doing mounted shooting on
top of my former race horse and........if anyone is going to help me reach that
goal, I'm certain that it will be Cathie!
06 Jul 2008
Comments
I finally got my act together! It's hard to believe that it's been over two
years since I first hired you to work with Angie and I. At that time she was
very much the bully, lacking confidence but very willing to grump at anyone who
crossed her path. I had done tons of ground work with the mare but had not been
successful in convincing her to accept a rider with any degree of confidence I
felt that she was much too quick for me to mount for the first time so enlisted
a former jockey to sit on her. That plan didn’t go so well as he allowed himself
to be ejected off the mare and looking back I can’t blame the mare for being
nervous about the whole situation. I was back to square one and quite frustrated
and discouraged when I discovered you through the Equinesite yellowboard. I will
never forget our first session and the benefits that surfaced. Angie started to
take an interest in humans for something other than food and began to be more
social around the barn. Your skill and consistency when working a horse is
second to none and something this mare needed to experience. Angie and I learned
a whole lot in that first session of groundwork...I actually learned how ask my
horse to stand still! The most memorable moments for me were watching you work
on mounting Angie. You allowed her to stand beside the mounting block and wait
patiently while you did what appeared to be a ballet! Up and down from both
sides and I do believe you actually sat on her in the process. I do not and
never will possess that much grace and dignity when mounting a horse! It is
amazing to have been witness to the transformation this mare has made since we
met you. Her attitude began improving after your first visit and an even bigger
improvement after your second visit which gave Angie her first real ride under
saddle. Since those first few awesome sessions it remains exciting to watch as
you guide Angie through several new adventures including her first rides along
side other horses and outside the ring. I truly value your patience involving me
in each step in the process. I am trying to make her a priority this summer with
the hope of having enough confidence and miles to trailer her to your place for
a ride before snow flies this year. Since that first session, you have been a
life saver Angie and I. I appreciate the time you spent with us. We both learn
something from every session we have with you. As an instructor, trainer and
farrier, I spend so much time with other people’s horses I forget to make time
and save energy for my own! This mare turned out to be a bigger project than I
was looking for but one that immense value. She is so smart and sensitive. I
don’t need to make any more mistakes with her and am excited to have you as a
resource to help guide her development. I have watched you work quite a few
horses now. Some I have experience with and others I’ve never met. You are fair
and consistent with every horse you meet. I have a great deal of respect for
your skill and for the work that you do! Following the example you have set, I
strive to improve my horsemanship skills and incorporate the skills I learn from
you into my pre-existing skill and knowledge base. You are definitely a
“trainer’s trainer” in addition to being a horse trainer. Thank you for all that
you do to promote skilled horsemanship in humans and to demonstrate to our
horses that humans can be fair and patient leaders. Kelly Parliman, Mont Vernon,
NH
Date: 18 Jun 2008
Comments
I heard of Cathie when a friend of mine contacted her to work with her 17.3 hand
Holsteiner gelding. I watched Cathie work with him for several sessions and was
impressed by her horsemanship while helping my friend's gelding. She had a very
clear and understandable process that it was obvious the horse understood and
which made sense to me too. I am not easily impressed having seen 100's of
trainers, clinicians and supposedly accomplished horsemen/women working with
horses over the past 20+ years and find I'm very disappointed in their methods
and outcome. Not the case with Cathie, she was so refreshing to see and watch.
She combines her experience with horses with some old principles of
horsemanship, and they work. I have a 6yrs old Arabian mare, Buffy, who I had
been working with and was ready to start under saddle. I knew that Cathie was
the right person to take Buffy on her "first ride". The whole process was what I
call a "non-event", meaning she took the time to teach the horse what the mare
would need to know and be confident about before she got on so when the time
came and she got on the mare was quiet, relaxed and totally working with Cathie
to try and do what she asked. I would recommend Cathie to anyone, whether your
horse has a "problem" or not because the benefit of learning how she
communicates with the horse would help anyone improve their daily interaction
with their horse! Tracy Antonelli Many Springs Arabians Rehoboth, Ma
14 Jun 2008
Comments
Cathie has been out to our farm to help us with several horses. We have a young
mare that is very difficult, Cathie has only worked with her twice now, and the
mare's attitude towards us has changed drastically. We also have two colts, just
born this year that Cathie has worked with. Just one session with Cathie,
working with the colts and us, and they are now leading, letting us pick their
feet up, and standing to be groomed. Cathie is currently working with one of our
seasoned show jumpers, that has been out of work for a long time, due to an
injury. When we started him back in work, he developed a nasty habit of rearing.
She has been able to teach him to respect us and trust us. She has had only one
session with him and already he is leading better, longing better, and so much
easier to handle. He seems much happier too. He now has more trust in us, and he
is more confident. Not only is Cathie teaching the horses, giving them
confidence and gaining their trust, she is also educating us, so we have the
knowledge and tools, to do the same. Thanks Cathie! Heidi Elmhaven Farm
02 Jun 2008
Comments
Cathie is helping me with some very challenging issues with my horse and pony.
She has provided effective tools for me to use and has patiently conveyed them
to me, a new owner. My young geldings are exact opposite in size and temperament
and came to me with some unknown aspects. One had several years of engrained
bolting and trust issues, the other, weaned too early, is bossy, always testing
and can respond with a dismissive attitude. I am so pleased to have found Cathie
and be working on new techniques that are working with both my horse and pony
and have provided me with a better sense of confidence. My horses are responding
and I look forward to continued training. I have learned a lot in just 3
sessions and appreciate Cathie's experience and how she interacts with my
horses. I am feeling more hopeful about progress and establishing a more
respectful, safe, and enjoyable relationship with them. Kathleen, N.H.
01 Jun 2008
Comments
Cathie recently came to my backyard barn to work with my Quarter Horse on
respect issues. She was a wonderful teacher to both me and my 13-year-old
daughter, and within an hour, had my bad-tempered horse following her around the
paddock like a well-behaved puppy. The beauty of Cathie is that she shows you
your horse's potential and gives you the tools to help unlock it. I highly
recommend her and look forward to having her back. It was the best money I've
spent on training this year. Jennifer Graham, Hopkinton MA
30 May 2008
Comments
Dear Cathie, I wonder if the fans are interested in your PSG rehab experience.
"Doc" is continuing in his path of success on cross ties (he used to piaffe),
allowing me to get on and ride. I can't quite get the connection from the hind
end you do, but pinning the ears to the leg and threatening to rear are HISTORY!
So the next time you and Doc are cantering, let's do some pirottes and changes.
We need to take some pictures of your transition to the black tack. Looking
forward to our next training session! YOUR FAN lee Metzger of Harmony Horse
Stables
28 May 2008
Comments
Cathie, I just wanted to thank you for coming to my farm today. I was so pleased
to see contact going so well for you. I am looking forward to our next
session.thanx again Anna st,jacquesterrybrookefarm
Date: 24 May 2008
Comments
Cathie has worked with several horses at our facility (dressage and eventing)
with issues ranging from bolting/fear to backing a youngster. Cathie's approach
is exactly what horses need -- consistent, calm, and firm but fair. As most
horse people know, there is no short cut or quick fix with most horse issues,
but Cathie is so knowledgeable and patient that her techniques sometimes seem
like instant breakthroughs. It is also important, as a professional and owner of
competition horses, that I don't feel like I have to reinvent the wheel or start
completely over when solving training problems that we encounter. Cathie's depth
of knowledge allows her to apply her skills within your program, reinforcing
what is positive about the horses' previous training while working to replace
the negative behaviors. Thanks Cathie for teaching all of us so much! Lisa
Samoylenko Davis Farm Bedford MA
21 May 2008
Comments
Cathie- thank you for your help and insight into my horse's rearing and jigging
issues. The bitless bridle is great!! Holly
10 May 2008
Comments
I really enjoyed the spring clinic series. My only regret was not being able to
spend the whole day! I hope that you will continue to offer some more clinics in
the future. Jean CT
08 May 2008
Comments
Dear Cathie, I was completely enthralled watching you work with Dylan yesterday,
and then with Lisa's filly for a short time. I could have stayed all day
watching how you got Dylan to respond to you and how you calmed him down. You
read him so quickly and it was great to see you encourage him to start reading
you instead of over-reacting to everything. I really look forward to working
with you on Dylan, and am also interested in learning more about the bitless
bridle. Is there any reading you can recommend to help me reinforce the lesson
you gave Dylan and me yesterday, and to deepen my knowledge of your style of
training as we work together? My e-mail is v.rizzi@comcast.net Many thanks,
Victoria
Date: 06 May 2008
Comments
Hi Cathie! I found your site through equinesite and the Bitless Bridle yahoo!
group (you can see a pic of me and my own 5 YO paint mare Luna in the gallery of
the site). I am trying my Dr. Cook's Bitless Bridle today after work! I enjoyed
Cachina's story and had to write because I think Luna looks a lot like her. If
she ends up being half as good as your mare, I'll be a happy rider indeed! Great
site- keep up the good work! ~Meghan
http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/bitlessbridle/
04 May 2008
Comments
I really enjoyed Cathie coming to Sweet Meadow Farm, she corrected all of my
problems with my horses in 1 session. She took the time to teach me, and give me
the confidence to do it on my own. Thank you Patty Michaud
02 May 2008
Comments
I was very nervous about putting the first ride on my sometimes "moody" filly.
However, Cathie came out for her second time and made it seem like this was
something I could possibly do without getting killed. Cathie put me at ease and
my filly responded beautifully. I know that I would never have gotten this far
with this particular horse had it not been for Cathie's help. Thanks Cathie!
Aimee-Middleton, Ma
Date: 28 Apr 2008
Comments
Dear Cathie, I know it was a bit out of your comfort zone to teach dressage, but
as you and I have worked my Hanoverian PSG horse "Doc", you'll agree that he
needs a happier attitude towards his job. From the "join up" to suppling under
saddle, you've made him an enthusiastic partner. Your work with the 3 yo
Oldenburg has kept us safely on track for my goals of bridleless dressage, even
if you think that's crazy, bitless isn't enough! His attitude remains over eager
to be in on the fun. As my weekly training progresses, we'll get the two yo
backed before she hits 17 hh! You are more than a trouble shooter, you are an
educator. The pressures on for you to talk me and the ponies through
competition. Looking forward to our bi-weekly training-Lee Metzger
Me teach dressage Lee? I can't teach that, you’ll have to teach me! I Love our
sessions, I think it's wonderful that we can work together to combine our
knowledge, and come up with something wonderful! I think every discipline has
something to offer to expand ones knowledge for both horse and rider. Driving
helps riding, riding helps driving. Getting it right on the ground helps under
saddle work, etc. Cathie
Date: 27 Apr 2008
Comments
April 27th 2008. My husband and I just finished our second Saturday clinic at
Bobcat Farm with our two Rocky Mountain horses. And I could not write enough
good things about what we took home with us. Not only do our horses seem so much
more relaxed and safe, I feel like I came home with a wealth of knowledge I
never got spending 3 days at Equine Affair. Whatever issues we had with each of
the horses Cathie did a phenomenal job of helping out. We just love her
horsology! Everything she does seems so easy and makes so much sense. She has a
wonderful way with dealing with horses. I think she may have some 'horse' blood
in her somewhere. But even more importantly, she has a great way of helping the
owners to understand what she is doing so we can take it home with us and use it
every day to maintain the beautiful relationship we horse owner’s dream of
achieving with our horses - and human companions. Bob and Cathie host a clinic
that is truly worth your money and time. They were also so helpful in
accommodating our horses since we brought two at once. Thanks Cathie and Bob!
Doris and Scott
14 Apr 2008
Comments
I can't say enough how Cathy has helped Don and I with our Gelding, Shadow. We
have not yet had her come to our house but we plan to soon, Trailering is a
definite training need. I believe Shadow is very well trained, it is us who
doesn't have a clue. Having a horse has always been a dream that I really didn't
think would ever happen. Then all of a sudden out of nowhere it happened and we
have 2 horses and not a clue as to what to do with them. However, we have spoken
with Cathy a few times, borrowed some DVD’s and attended our first clinic and
already we are feeling much more empowered. Shadow always had his butt in our
face whenever we tried to get near him, he was not threatening us, he was just
scared because of past abuse, but it was very intimidating to us. Cathy had us
out to her house and she worked with us using her horses, the very day we
contacted her. She was wonderful and very patient with us newbie’s. We were
actually able to go home afterwards and join up with Shadow, within 15 minutes
or so, he was facing us and the butt was back where it belonged. He very rarely
gives us butt now and when he does, thanks to Cathy, we know how to handle it.
Cathy is the most pleasant, patient person that I have met in a very long time.
She really knows her stuff. Please don't hesitate to contact her if you are
feeling intimidated by your horse or just unsure of your tactics, she really
knows her stuff. Brenda and Don
09 Apr 2008
Comments
Cathie came out to my barn to assist me with my 6 y/o Irish Draft gelding. I
have owned him for 4 months and he is an absolute dream to ride. His ground
manners, however, left much to be desired. Once our "honeymoon" period was over,
he began to display a bit of an attitude when being handled and also refused to
get on our trailer. Admittedly, while I have 25 years of riding experience and
feel comfortable being challenged under saddle, I was completely baffled and
frustrated by my inability to deal with him. During her first session, I was
amazed by her ability to command his attention! While she was firm, she never
raised her voice and was extremely patient and very humane with him. He is now
self loading on the trailer and respecting me when being handled! She made me
realize that his behavior was due to a lack of confidence and that I myself had
become very anxious in the way I was handling him. I cannot believe how much she
has helped us! Jackson and I are both much happier and more confident and have
bonded even closer. Her trainings ( for both of us!) were not only informative
but also a lot of fun. **Cathie you are a truly gifted horsewoman. I cannot
thank you enough! ~ Julie and Jackson Weymouth, MA
02 Apr 2008
Comments
We had Cathie out to do a clinic last October (2007) for our horse club MANE.
Although some of our members had either seen Cathie at a clinic or had had her
help out personally, some were skeptical as to whether or not they needed "help"
with their horses on any issue. As you can imagine, we all need help of some
kind and Cathie provided a lot of information and practical hands-on tips we
could use. Even some of the people who just came to audit said, "Gee, I should
have brought my horse. Have her come back." So we're asking her to come back
this October. — Deb Morrison, president, MANE
25 Mar 2008
Comments
I highly recommend Cathie to anyone who is having a problem with their horse.
After having him for six months, my "puppy dog" of a 5-year-old Spotted Saddle
Horse (Lakota) suddenly evolved into an "attack dog." First there were the
pinned back ears, then nipping, followed by biting and finally kicking. I
absolutely couldn't believe this was happening -- and when I tried to get after
him by yelling, etc., he simply upped the ante and started charging me. All this
escalated within the space of a month, and THANKFULLY someone told me about
Cathie and suggested I contact her. I have to say -- things had gotten so bad,
so quickly, that I didn't hold out much hope that it could be turned around. I
did think it was very possible that Lakota would respond to Cathie's method of
training, but could that ever be translated over to ME once she was gone? The
night before my session with Cathie, things had gotten so bad that Lakota stood
at the fence with ears pinned back and wouldn't let me in. Well, not without
what I'm certain would have been a swift kick. I had to throw his grain on the
ground so I could sneak in to take care of my other horse. Cathie came the next
day, and Lakota responded pretty much immediately to her methods. I knew right
away that hope was not lost. Cathie showed me exercises that I could do with
Lakota so that he would see me as the "more dominant horse" and respect my
space. It's been a couple of weeks since that one session, and the difference is
night and day. His behavior has changed drastically, and the couple of times
that he did test me a few days after that session (which I expected -- after
all, he had gotten away with so much for so long with me), I was able to respond
in a way that he understood this time, and he simply backed down. I'm grateful
to have my horse back again, so to speak. Thanks, Cathie!!
Date: 08 Mar 2008
Comments
We would like to thank Cathie for her training session today with Amazing Grace.
Not only did she address some "lack of respect" issues with Gracie, she also
trained us to shut our mouths and let our cues work for us. We learned more in 2
hours with Cathie than 2 years with someone else. Thanks for a great training
session. Ernie & Alena, Black Walnut Farms, N Kingstown, RI
28 Feb 2008
Comments
Dear Cathie - We have spoken on the phone (December 2007) regarding the Bitless
Bridle and my young Arabian gelding, "Sonny" (5 yrs old). I had an opportunity
to try Dr. Cooke's Bitless Bridle in late December. A mutual friend of ours,
Kathie Duggan, gave me one of her bridles to try. After my conversation with you
and encouragement from Kathie, I decided it was the right thing to do for Sonny.
Wow! What a difference. I am having so much fun with Sonny in the Bitless
Bridle. He is doing great under saddle. He is very responsive and I honestly
believe that he is more sensitive to my legs and seat than he was while riding
him in a bitted bridle. He is much more relaxed and seems to enjoy the work we
do together (trail riding, ring work). I have been riding Sonny in the Bitless
since late December (2007) and am so pleased with our success. Now that my
horse-friends have seen Sonny in the Bitless and how well he behaves and
responds to me, they want to try the Bitless Bridle with their young horses. :-)
Thank you again for taking the time to listen to my concerns and in helping me
make the right decision for my youngster. I truly appreciate your advice. Please
feel free to share this on your website. Kind regards, Rebecca Carney Sudbury &
Lunenburg, Massachusetts Rebecca, thanks for sharing your success story. Cathie
Date: 19 Feb 2008
Comments
I have had my horse Calvin for 5 years and in that time I have never been able
to worm him orally with the syringe. He recently cut his eyes and he has such
head aversion that we had drag-out fights with me trying to clean his wounds. I
realized our issues were getting me depressed and frustrated in our relationship
and I asked Cathie if she could help us. Within a span of 2 hours my horse
turned from belligerent to accepting as Cathie worked with us on training tools
to establish our hierarchy and to get Calvin to respond as follower than trying
to be leader. We not only got him wormed without fuss but had him leading and
obeying commands like a perfect gentleman. I am riding him in rope halter
without any fuss or disobedience. Cathie, you are amazing and the time spent
working with you has made every difference in my relationship with Calvin and I
am back to enjoying every moment I spend with my horse - working or playing.
Thank you! Mary Merloni
26 Jan 2007
Cathie to the rescue! The pony wasn’t happy with her new trailer. She had
already gone from the pony that didn’t know how to stop to the one of the nicest
kid’s ponies that we have met with Cathie’s help. I sent an email off to Cathie
to ask her advice and she came out to see if she could help the process along.
One hour later, our little mare was loading and unloading like an angel. We have
practiced the process a few more times since her visit and she is fabulous. When
my barn mates asked how Cathie had accomplished the feat, whips, crops, brooms,
etc., I let them know it was simply patience tempered with firmness. I may need
Cathie to come back out to help me with the practice rides pre-show season – I
don’t want to have any inappropriate help. Thanks Cathie!
01 Feb 2007
Thank you Cathie! I came to Cathie about a year ago feeling a bit overwhelmed by
having 1 totally green horse, two yearlings and NO experience. She came to see
us and I was impressed with her talent and her skill. She came back a second
time specifically to work with my two daughters and their yearlings, and I was
even more impressed. Not only with her horse skills but also in her patience in
working with my two inexperienced daughters. Thank you Cathie! You have helped
us to really enjoy our horses again. - Julie, Jena, and Kaitlyn Howard - Mont
Vernon NH
01 Feb 2007
Thanks for all the nice comments. Melissa Thank you for signing the guest book.
I just wanted to clarify my first ride on Sam. I was called AFTER the bucking
nightmare had happened. I know you didn't imply he bucked for me, but readers
might think I was his first rider. I have started close to 150 young horses and
I have never had a first ride buck. I usually put the first hand full of rides
on the colts I start and the owner takes it from there. (I'm sure my day is
coming) I have had to re-start a few horses like Sam and that is always allot
more dangerous for me, as the horse has now had one or two negative experiences
associated with having a rider on his back. It was not pleasant for the rider,
but it's very scary for the horse as well. I usually re-start these guys
bareback as I did with Sam the first couple of times, so they don't have the
cinch grabbing them as they move. Horses are very forgiving animals. And most of
them come along just fine. Melissa and her husband put allot of time into Sam,
training him to be a solid citizen, so I'm sure they will go on to great things!
Good luck down the road! Cathie
07 Feb 2007
Hello Cathie. I just want to thank you for coming out and helping me with me
mare Liz. Before you worked with her on her standing while mounting and lugeing
we had some trouble with her. At first it took me around 10 minutes to mount
her. so cathie came down. Cathie first worked on lungeing. At first lizzy was
not responding to her and rearing and fighting against cathie. But after a while
of cathie correcting her she started to luge nicely. She also stops on command
when we say " Lizzy .... HO" Cathie also showed us how to mount her. How to go
about correcting her when she moves off, and how to do it ourselves. Now lizzy
is great to mount. She sometimes tries to walk off but that just her being a
horse and we correct lizzy and she stands very very nicely. We also had a
problem with lizzy backing up rapidly while I was riding her. I first suspected
it was her being stubborn and trying to act up and get me off of her. But when
Cathie rode her without a bit she went very very well. So now I am riding liz in
just her halter and she is responding very nicely. I can walk, trot, and canter
her perfectly with her responding to my aids and slowing down on command. She is
just a new horse! Thank you so much for coming out Cathie and I look forward to
having you come out again Miriam and Liz
11 Feb 2007
Hi Cathy, I just wanted to let you know how pleased I am
with the progress of Vanderbilt, my five year old off the track
TB gelding. When I called you desperate for help in early
December I had an aggressive, out of control, unridable 1100lb
terror in my barn. Yesterday, I was able to quietly ground drive
him, (the first time for both of us!) and he performed like a
champ. I can't wait for the spring because I'm confident that I
will be back in the saddle again, enjoying my horse instead of
being bullied by him! I've really enjoyed learning the new
skills you have shown me that have been so effective with Van. I
would love to continue the ground driving work and maybe even
teach him to drive. Thanks again, Alison Leary Mooradian
21 Feb 2007
Cathie, It's amazing how much Lily and I learned in just 2 hours!! Lily is SO
much more respectful and I feel much more confident in working with her. She's
no longer the pushy dominant mare I introduced you to a couple weeks ago. You
helped me find the good natured horse I knew she was and I can't thank you
enough! I hope to have you back in another month or so to help prepare us for
the farrier. -Shana, West Greenwich, RI
06 Mar 2007
Well, on your first visit, it became quite apparent that you have a gift for
communicating with horses! I think your techniques are fantastic. I wish that
some of the more "traditional" type of horse people I have met could open up
their eyes and see that Natural Horsemanship style techniques can help horses
and riders of ALL disciplines, NOT just Western! I'm looking forward to working
with you again!
13 Mar 2007
I wanted to write an let you know how much I enjoyed the bitless bridle video.
It was like auditing a clinic..lots of good information in it and working with
real horses with real problems versus the clinicians already trained demo horse!
I do believe I’m going to try one on Ben. You’ll recall Ben is a 13year old
gelding (that thinks he’s a stallion when he’s around mares). He will ride in
the hackamore, but tosses his head a lot. A habit I think he developed to avoid
any bit or control. Thanks again for putting the video together! Ann (TX)
19 Mar 2007
Thank you for helping to train my stallion not to bit every time that you
attempt to put a halter on him. I believe that it is very important to have a
well mannered horse especially if the horse is not stabled at your home. Edge is
very well behaved now and we have been working very hard on proper ground
manners. Thanks for teaching me on how to be a better owner. Heidi Sardina
30 Mar 2007
Cathie is great! She worked with my 17.2 draft and our very hot OTTB with ground
manners, respect, join up, etc. She is an excellent instructor as she makes sure
you are confident in the technique(s) so you can continue to work with your
horses after she is gone. Dara Lambert Upton MA
08 Apr 2007
Kathy has trained both my horse and me! Of the two of us, I, the owner, am the
one who needed more "training". My horse was a more experienced horse than I was
an owner and rider. I knew that my horse knew that he was more experienced in
"horse business", and this contributed to a feeling of either insecurity or even
a slight element of fear in the back of my mind. Kathy put a frame around the
picture of a mannerly horse. Through her I understood the outer limits of what
my horse might do to avoid reasonable discipline. It was at that point that I
stopped being fearful and became respectful. At the same time my horse started
not only respecting me but also being more responsive and affectionate and well
mannered. I really needed a behavior coach, and Kathy certainly has been that
and more. Life with my horse continuously improves, we're having more and more
fun together, are much better able to communicate, and my riding has improved
enormously. At the same time, my aids are lighter, I'm able to use my seat for
communication and control and the reins are almost unnecessary. I frequently
ride my horse with a Parelli halter now, and he loves it. Each lesson with Kathy
is fun and informative, and I know that I'm on the right road to forging a great
alliance with my horse. Thanks so much. Jean Marquand
16 Apr 2007
Thanks for your straightforward, well balanced, effective work with my gelding
and I! I really 'clicked' with you and it's great to learn new techniques after
almost 2 decades! I just wish you lived a little closer...
16 Apr 2007
Thanks for your straightforward, well balanced, effective work with my gelding
and I! I really 'clicked' with you and it's great to learn new techniques after
almost 2 decades! I just wish you lived a little closer...
19 Apr 2007
I just want to thank Cathie for start me on training of my six week old filly
and her mother. Cathie's method of swooshing(turning the mare to the right) my
new mare, who is very pushy, is terrific, each time you use it, it takes less
time to get her to pay attention. I still have more sessions with Cathie planned
for both the filly and the mare to make sure that they are excellent riding
horses in the future for my family. R. Falconi
23 Apr 2007
Cathie did a great job working with my nervous Clydesdale who has a history of a
hard life and abuse. The session consisted of groundwork and calm and methodical
building up to ground driving. I really enjoyed her calm and patient demeanor
with my horse. She got immediate response and positive results from the horse
and you could visibly notice his gradual relaxation and confidence being built
by her. Her training methods are very appropriate for any horse and I highly
recommend her to anyone who is experiencing difficulty with their horse, wants a
colt started or just wants to become a better horseman. I can't stress the words
CALM, POSITIVE and EFFECTIVE enough; my overall impression was a low stress
learning experience for me and my horse. Michelle Ziemba
26 Apr 2007
Hi Cathie, Just thought I'd drop a note to say how much I appreciated your help
with my paint gelding last fall. He had some respect issues and he's much
improved thanks to your training both me and him. Thanks also for turning me on
to the Bitless Bridle and educating me about the affects of any bit on the
horse’s mouth and breathing. This was a real eye opener for me! After our
session, I went right out and purchased a beta headstall and have had extremely
good results. My horse is so much more relaxed and lowers his head so patiently
when being bridled (always fought opening his mouth before). It was funny, for a
few months he would open his mouth when I took it off (as if to release the
bit). Anyway, I highly recommend Cathie to train anyone's horse because she is
fair to the animal and no firmer than she needs to be in getting the desired
result. She is also very down-to-earth (which is not always easy to find in the
horse world) and easy to talk to. Above all, it’s clear to see..she KNOWS
horses. My horse has a good "bag of tricks" and she has a sixth sense in
counter-acting every evasive thing my horse did, almost before he did it!
Lastly, she took extra time with me where I was feeling overwhelmed and lacking
confidence and since I am getting back into horses after a 12 year lay-off, this
was most appreciated.
26 Apr 2007
Dear Cathie I asked you out to my horse Rosie whom I have owned for 12 years
just to clean her up a little and get ideas for working with her. Rosie was not
happy about this idea and let Cathie know right away!! It was a side of her I
had never seen before and short lived as she finally decided life would be
easier if she went along rather then against Cathie lol. Tried the bitless
bridle and was very impressed that Rosie made the switch so easily. Regretfully
the winter came and now I hope to remember half of what was taught to me that
day. Thanks so much! Judy Zickl-Wrentham, horse in Easton
29 Apr 2007
Hi Cathie, Thanks for helping Orion get over his fear of blacksmiths and for
recommending Sharon our new barefoot trimmer. He loves her and is doing very
well. Thanks for your patience and encouragement. We are looking forward to
seeing you when you come to the Cape again. Judy, Harwich, Mass
01 May 2007
Hi Cathie; I want to thank you for your time yesterday with myself and my horse.
Your work is amazing!!!! You know I will be calling you to come back when we are
ready for the next step. :-) Sharon Berlin, MA
04 May 2007
I had a training session with Cathie today because I was having some problems
getting my horse to listen to me. He also tossed his head when under saddle,
despite having tack checked, his teeth checked, etc. I had some confidence
issues and was letting him get away with things. Cathie showed me some ground
work and how to reprimand my horse for any unwanted behavior and also to show
him the right behavior. He was quick to learn under her guidance and as a
result, we were able to fit him in the Bitless Bridle today as well. After
Cathie rode him for a few laps, it was my turn. I could not believe the
difference in my horse. He was much calmer, the head tossing was gone, and I got
a lot of "licking and chewing" from him instead of the high head and rushing
around that I usually got. I can't wait to get back on him tomorrow and work
some more with the Bitless Bridle and the ground work she showed us. Thanks
again, Cathie. I am looking forward to our next session! Julie Annese and
"Rock-A-Doodle"
07 May 2007
Cathie, I can't thank you enough for coming out to our farm for Smokey's
Trailering issues. After two days of trying to load Smokey I knew it was time
for professional help. A neighbor recommended you to us. Thanks to you I feel
that I have the savvy, patience and confidence to load a problem horse. We were
able to load our horses and bring them to the cape for a vacation. We have
trailered several more times without any issues. I wouldn't hesitate to call you
for any other issues. Thanks Brian & Ellen September Farm
07 May 2007
I would recommend Cathie to anyone who just wants to improve anything big or
small with their horse. I had a young mare who was suspicious of the world when
I first got her. I went looking for ways to bond with her and started doing a
lot of ground work from books on my own because I did not know about Cathie. By
the time I heard about Cathie my mare and I were pretty far along with things.
There were just a few sticking points. The first was the trailer. I am always
alone when I need her to load so I had been teaching her to self load and she
was doing it.....eventually. It usually took between 1-3 minutes, not bad BUT
not good enough. Cathie came and in a very clear way had herself loading without
standing on the ramp or backing out of the trailer. It has been 2 years and she
was perfect by the time Cathie left and has been ever since. The next time I
called Cathie it was because she was inconsistent about letting me clip her
muzzle. In no time Cathie had it sorted out and we've never had an issue again.
I am grateful there is someone to call for help who is clear and gentle to help
with both the big and little things to make our horses perfect for us. Wendy D.
10 May 2007
Hi Cathy, Just wanted to say thanks for your help over the years. The techniques
that you taught me are tools I use every day. My horses are so much safer,
trusting, and reliable because of our ability to communicate better. If I had
only known these techniques 20 years ago, I would have spent more time riding
and less time trying to catch my horse. We truly appreciate your help. Cori
Oehley Cart Road Farm. Upton, Ma.
11 May 2007
May 11, 2007 Cathie, I want to thank you for your help on the ground work with
my horse. We have been working on the methods you taught us and after 2 weeks he
is like a different horse. What a pleasure to groom, lounge and walk in hand. It
has made him a better guy under saddle as well. I look forward to your next
visit. Thanks, Pat Gurrier & Limo
15 May 2007
My signing of this guestbook is long overdue. I have known Cathie for several
years now. She helped us with an off track TB last year-and was able to teach my
teenage daughter how to communicate with this horse who knew nothing. Through
her teaching, my daughter and this horse were well on their way to developing
what I still believe would have been a wonderful partnership. Tragically, he
died of atorsion on October 1, 2006. We have a new partner now-a 4 year old
paint gelding. Cathie also worked with this horse who presented a whole
different set of challenges to be overcome. What I think I have come to admire
most about Cathie, is her honesty and in this case, her ability to communicate
when these challenges were beyond the scope of her expertise. Only a competent
professional who can be comfortable saying something like this to a client. In
this case-Cathie gave us an honest assement of our horse and recommended seeking
a trainer who could take him in and work with him on a daily basis in a
controlled setting. Happily-we were able to find a trainer who did indeed work
with our horse. Cathie was supportive of this situation and I am pleased to
report that the horse is now here in Upton, being ridden by my daughter and
myself. He has unlimited potential, and it is Cathie who was there when we were
struggling, to point us on the road to success. Thank you Cathie! Jeanne
Cunningham JSCunningham@charter.net
16 May 2007
Thank you Jeanne, and everyone else, I just wanted to address the part where you
said the horse was beyond my scope. This does not read correctly to me. (In the
situation he was stabled at, getting handled incorrectly 99% of the time, I was
unable to help you) He was an aggressive horse that constantly reared bit, and
kicked a barn worker. After two visits I stated I was unable to help you if he
remained at a boarding facility. If he had been boarded at your house (Or if I
had him at mine) there would have been no problem. As it was, 1st visit I was
able to get him to stop biting, longe nicley and rearing went from 40 times in
first visit to about three in second. Biting stopped all together. ( He
continued to challenge you because of your fear (Which is totally
understandable) I am in no way saying that I have not met a few that I could do
nothing with - quite like your horse but much worse. As always it is not the
fault of the horse, but well intentioned owners. I recollect 3 horses I couldn't
do anything with. They had been recently purchased from the clients that hired
me, they had been allowed to back down many many people/trainers, and In my
opinion needed a proper facility in which to work, which was not available to
me, as I do on site training I am always honest and do not give false
expectations to owners. You found a trainer with a nice facility and I am so
happy you have made it work for that horse. As we both know one cannot expect a
boarding facility to put up with a dangerous horse. The barn workers should not
be expected to handle such an animal, and it is not fair to the horse that gets
over corrected out of fear from the people handling him. Thank you for your kind
words!
16 May 2007
Hey there, just wanted to leave a note to thank Cathie for the amazing work that
she does. She helped me with a loading problem on my 4 year old Dutch who would
take at least an hour to load. Very stressful! After Cathie worked with us for 1
session he was quite the gentleman about getting right on. And the best part
was, she took the time to walk me through the steps of what she was doing and
why. It was very informational for the both of us. Much thanks, Danielle and
Vuleno
17 May 2007
Hi Cathie, Thanks for coming out yesterday to work with Noble. This is the
fourth horse I have had Cathie work with. Noble is a Morgan stallion who is 8
years old that I rescued from PA in February. I don't know much about his past
except for the fact that he was starved and man handled for most of his life.
Well he was gelded last week and he is really sweet and loves his new mommy. I
decided to have Cathie come out and start him from the beginning with me, just
as she did with me with my 3 year old morab, Adar, three years ago. By the way
Adar will be 6 this fall and is amazing thanks to Cathie's help. Well I'm
looking forward to two weeks from now when Cathie comes back out for her second
visit with me and Noble. Besides my morab and Noble, Cathie has also helped me
with my draft/qh cross and my arab stallion who is also a gelding now too!!!! Oh
yeah and most of my horses are barefoot and bitless!!! Happy trails, Cheryl in
Sutton at Rose Ranch
18 May 2007
This is a first, I am adding comments from a client that is not on the internet,
Russ Lawson has been racing Standardbreds since the 70's He wrote this on paper,
this is what he had to say. "Working with Standardbred driving horses, the
process of breaking to the cart and jogging them has become much easier and
safer, since asking Cathie to help several years ago. The way she interacts with
them, they just seem to relax and start trusting you, so that the days of
runaways or throwing tantrums and breaking carts and equipment are gone. She
recently worked her magic on two colts and they are jogging every day and
behaving very well. I have also asked her to retrain horses to saddle that have
retired from racing or never showed potential as race horses, with excellent
results. Thank you Cathie, Russ"
20 May 2007
Hi Cathie: Well my sister and I finally tried the Bitless Bridle on my Appy,
Ben..he took right to it. No headshaking or any of that. I think he's going to
do great in it! Your Bitless Bridle Clinic DVD inspired me to try it. We are
riding in a paddock until we're sure he responds to all aides, but I think it's
going to make all the difference in the world to him and me. You'll recall Ben
is my 10 year old that has a history of past abuse and would not accept a bit in
his mouth. I was led to believe he had never been bitted, but the BO said from
the old scarring in the corners of his mouth he probably did ride in a bit at
one time and had enough pressure on the corners to lacerate them. Thanks for the
encouragement in going bitless.
01 Jun 2007
I have attended several different horse clinics over the past several years in
anticipation of finally getting my own horse. One of those sessions was Cathie's
a Bitless Bridle Clinic at Breezy Hill Farm in Holliston. I was very impressed
with her demonstration of how the bit affects the horse's mouth and that there
is another way to communicate - bitless. Wanting a horse for 50 years, in 2007 I
finally got the horse I have been waiting for. He is a 16-year-old Morgan. I
asked Cathie to come and evaluate him for me. Cathie went through several
different exercises to see what training he has had and she filled our session
with insightful information about what he knows and what he can do. Buddy Boy
and I spent a few more months getting to know each other and now I'm ordering a
Dr. Cooks biltless Bridle - largely in part because of the wonderful
presentation and personal evaluation from Cathie. I want to thank you Cathie for
introducing me to this product and for your down-to-earth knowledge of horses
and their behavior. Barbara Fletcher
07 Jun 2007
Cathie! I just can't begin to say "thank you" for furthering my education as
regards to trailer loading my reluctant 28 year old Standardbred mare, Rosie.
She had always been pushed and shoved on to trailers and naturally put on quite
a show of resistance to the idea of going onto the stock trailer that folk were
asking her to load to. I figured with heaps of patience that I could succeed so
that Rosie would be willing and happy to load without physically pushing her in
my haste to load. I so appreciated the way you handled my horse and related to
her. I have watched you work other horses previously and am always intrigued how
well you speak their language. I worked with Rosie today using the new found
knowledge and Rosie came right on and then backed herself off. All in all I know
I now have a foundation to keep building upon and I'm excited about it. I will
now never hesitate to contact you should I become "stuck" again. Diana Mongeon/Stonebridge
Farm
15 Jun 2007
Hi Cathie, Wanted to say thank you for what you did with Ron and his 3 year old
arab, Nagid, yesterday. I just couldn't watch him try to ride him for the first
time with no direction and me and him would end up fighting. LOL. Thanks for
letting me borrow your side pull. I'm gonna send you a private email too, but
can't wait to see that pic of you on Nagid. Take care, and once again thanks for
the most excellent job again with one of my horses. Cheryl
16 Jun 2007
Hi Cathie, Just wanted to thank you again for coming up here yesterday to help
me with Forrest. While I know it will take a lot more work and practice for both
he and myself to get it right, I left our session feeling more optimistic about
the future for success! For those reading who are contemplating hiring Cathie to
work with their horse, don't hesitate, she's worth her weight in gold. Cathie
not only helps teach the horse respect in a way that does not cause fear and
pain. She also teaches the handler how to recognize different patterns and learn
how to change the pattern and then the behavior changes. Her patience and
understanding of both the horse AND the handler make the training sessions
successful and stress free. I am very timid and can be fearful at times and she
gave me the confidence and the tools so that I now feel I can work with this
horse and we have a great chance of changing his behavior (ie bolting and
respect) I would not hesitate to call her again if I were to get stuck and need
more help. Thanks again Cathie! Kim and "Forrest" in NH
20 June 2007
Hello- Cathie worked with my horse after he bucked me off and broke my collar
bone. He is girthy and starts broncing/bucking when you get on. She worked with
him twice, and was able to walk him with saddle the second time. He has still
got a long way to go before he is over his fear, but Cathie's methods seem to be
working well. Thanks. Jenn Boblitt
24 Jun 2007
Hi Cathie, Just can't thank you enough for your help in getting Uliet on the
trailer. Your insight and patience is priceless! Good luck with all that you do
and I'll see you for more trailer training. Jennifer & Ed Dillon
25
Jun 2007
This spring Cathie came to help me with my minature stallion Cutting Edge.
Believe me, a mini can still really hurt when they choose to kick or bite. After
two sessions, Cathie taught me how to train him. Today Edge is very happy at a
new farm with his four girlfriends. The breeder cannot believe how good his
manners are compared to her stallions. The only suggestion I have is to have
someone video tape Cathie so you can watch the session over to relearn her
excellent techniques. Worth every penny!!!
Date:
28 Jul 2004
Time:
20:14:48
Remote User:
Comments
05 May 2004 Hello Cathie, we wanted to let you know what a wonderful job you are
doing working with our two boys. I love your methods and it has definitely
taught me how to understand what my horses are thinking and feeling. You are a
very kind and caring person. See you soon! Tammy and Mark, West Brookfield MA.
Date:
28 Jul 2004
Time:
21:30:07
Remote User:
Comments
07 May 2004 Cathie, Thanks so much for coming out and working with my gal Oreo
again. We both get so much out of your visits. Your time, patience and knowledge
is truly appreciated. Tina and Oreo.
Date:
28 Jul 2004
Time:
21:36:36
Remote User:
Comments
14 May 2004 Cathie has made a huge difference in the behavior of my horses - and
me! She taught my untrained and unsocial zed stallion to respect me and to
calmly walk past his "girlfriend" while in harness; she has helped me to start
two 3-year old's under saddle; now she has me working with my month old filly on
leading, taking baths, and having her feet picked up, I would gladly talk with
anyone about how she has applied her methods and the difference she has made for
me - Pamela Campbell, Gilmerton Farm, Littleton, MA.
Date:
28 Jul 2004
Time:
21:42:36
Remote User:
Comments
16 May 2004 I attended a diving clinic 5/15 at Cathie's farm and left absolutely
thrilled with her hands on work with my 2 yr old. To this point, Celtic had
minimal ground driving experience and comfort with the harness. Cathie not only
made me feel more confident but her methods with this filly worked immediately.
Celtic was listening, more responsive and certainly more respectful! Thanks,
Cathie for your guidance.
Date:
29 Jul 2004
Time:
08:21:23
Remote User:
Comments
18 May 2004 Cathie has helped me with my 4-year-old mare since she was a
yearling. She taught her how to longe, drive, and backed her when she was two.
Because of Cathie's patient, common sense approach, my filly's reaction to
bridle and saddle was "ho hum, another silly thing for me to wear." Her first
backing for Cathie and for me was a calm pony ride. Everyone who works with this
horse compliments me on how well-mannered she is especially for a youngster.
Last winter, when she was almost four and getting very opinionated, Cathie came
and gave us both a lesson in respect and my mare has been a dream ever since. I
wholeheartedly recommend Cathie's training methods. Ruth Lawler
Date:
29 Jul 2004
Time:
08:30:26
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Comments
20 May 2004 Cathie, Thank you for today with my first time on Jiggs, everything
went so smooth and calm. I was really nervous and you gave me a lot of
confidence and I am so grateful. Tammy Dupree, West Brookfield, MA.
Date:
29 Jul 2004
Time:
08:49:40
Remote User:
Comments
23 May 2004 Cathie, I just wanted to thank you again for today's loading session
with Valiant. You truly have shown me that you have a gift with horses,
unparallel to any other trainer I have ever worked with. Even though Valiant
tested both of our patience repeatedly, where others would have brought out the
whips to instill fear, your persistence helped in beginning to undo all of
Valiant's mistrust and bad behavior regarding loading. I have never seen my
horse so relaxed and happy after trailering. I can't wait to work with you again
soon! Vanessa Conde and Valiant
Date:
29 Jul 2004
Time:
08:54:28
Remote User:
Comments
24 May 2004 Hello Cathie, I just wanted to let you and all the world know how
happy I was with your training. In an hour and a half, you had more accomplished
with my Chincoteague mare than another woman had in 4 months.... and it cost me
alot less too! LOL. Baily is doing great, he's not as hyped up anymore. Thanks
for all your help. I would recommend you to anyone. Tracy LaCombe, Amherst, N.H.
Date:
29 Jul 2004
Time:
09:00:14
Remote User:
Comments
04 Jun 2004 Hi Cathie, only made it to your first clinic this year but I'd like
to see another trailering clinic. I look forward to having you work with both of
my horses again this year for driving, basic manners and just all around quality
control of my training. The fiancé also really enjoyed working with you and
learning how to drive. You're the only trainer I know who doesn't mind tackling
a green horse, green person and rough New England weather all at the same time.
Date: 29 Jul 2004
After much work with Buddy, he had started to get
aggressive and ring sour bucking and rearing, and when we took him off the
property he was a total lunatic. With your hands on and patience, plus your
directions, this guy has come a long way. He had never been on a trail before
and you brought him right out there and he did wonderful, plus you worked with
my daughter and showed her how to get the respect she deserved. It took about 4
or 5 training sessions and with her expertise she taught me what to do on a
daily basis and took a horse who had a rearing problem to the point now where he
can be shown western pleasure or English and win. She's exceptional. Thanks
Cathie!!!! Brenda Danko
Update
Cathie, Just a short note to let you know Buddy, went to his
first real show this past weekend June 5,6,7th and I'll tell you
I was just thrilled to death that he didn't explode. Never mind
not exploding he even got 3 ribbons two 2nds and one 3rd and one
8th. He placed in every class. I want to thank you for working
along side us to make him a whole horse. I can't believe that in
the short period you worked with him, it changed his whole
attitude completely. I think it only took six to eight sessions
and we now have a different horse, thanks. Brenda Danko,
Millstone Acres Farm
Date:
29 Jul 2004
Time:
18:12:43
Remote User:
Comments
13 Jun 2004 Hey!! Thank you so much for coming out to our farm and working with
Monty. It really helped my daughter to see you work with him and the right way
to do it. It also helped that you included her in the training because she would
be the one continuing with it. We also found your video very helpful to keep us
on track and help us move forward. Thank you again, AM
Date:
29 Jul 2004
Time:
18:24:14
Remote User:
Comments
23 Jun 2004 Cathie is one of the best trainers I have learned from. She has done
many great things with my 2 Belgian stallions, and has taught me so much. She
includes you in all of her teachings so it's very hands on, and very
educational. I have seen her work with many horses and she has always had some
form of success with them learning how to be respectful, to the horse being safe
to ride out on the trail. I have known Cathie for 4 years, and I could never
re-pay her for all the knowledge she has given me. All I can say is thank you.
Cyndi Dwinnell Stone Arbor Farm Upton, MA.
Date:
29 Jul 2004
Time:
18:37:37
Remote User:
Comments
23 Jun 2004 Cathie is amazing. We had a two year old filly that needed to be
taught to lead and round pen trained. In the first lesson Cathie had her leading
and proceeded to help her to lift her feet to be picked. By the time the filly
had her feet done by the farrier it was a breeze. We then acquired a mini horse
and bought a cart, by the first lesson she had the mini horse driving and then
we started to learn to drive. This has all been quite an adventure. I feel
privileged to have met her. I know people who go out of state for training and
Cathie comes right to us. Enjoy yourself and have a wonderful experience. Thank
you Cathie. Mary Ann Nowak. Dream Come True Farm, Millis MA.
Date:
29 Jul 2004
Time:
18:44:00
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Comments
28 Jul 2004 Hi Cathie I think your training methods are terrific and would (and
have) recommend you to anyone who is having a problem. I love how you work with
horse and owner and share your knowledge with both. You have done great with my
stallion Captain and I look forward to you helping out with our first foal who
is expected any time now. Jen Peltier Pine Ridge Farm Charlton, MA.
Date:
30 Jul 2004
Time:
08:05:24
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Comments
07 Jul 2004 After 20 years away from horses I purchased an 8 year old gorgeous
Tennessee Walker mare and happily brought her home to Massachusetts. When she
got here she started to kick, bite, charge and generally make everyone who came
near her fear for their life. The vet indicated that there had only been two
horses she was afraid of in her life and mine was one! Joy! I hired a local
Natural Horsemanship trainer who toiled for eight months with no results (The
last few visits she refused to even enter her paddock as she said she didn't
feel safe.)She said something was "genetically wrong or electrically" wrong with
my mare, and to consider getting rid of her. I did think about it, but I had a
gut instinct that the horse was good and just could not do it. Then I came
across Cathie's business card in a local feed store and thought I would give it
one more shot. Well, it is no overstatement to say that Cathie worked absolute
miracles with my mare, and in just two sessions she was walking nicely, lunging
nicely, bathing nicely and generally being a wonderful girl. Plus, Cathie gave
me confidence in myself and showed me techniques to communicate effectively with
her, something that was equally valuable. The vet visited again recently (they
were drawing straws to see who was brave enough to come out to our barn!) When
she saw how my mare stood calmly to be examined she was dumbfounded and
indicated that she could not believe that it was the same horse! I am so pleased
with the work that Cathie does. She is the real deal in a world of trainers who
pretend to know horses. Thanks Cathie! Nikki Borman
Date:
30 Jul 2004
Time:
16:55:11
Remote User:
Comments
HI Cathie, Just a note to let you know that Aengus and I appreciate all your
time and all your support, but most of all your patience. I know that our
training (both mine and Aengus') will take some time, but you know, the little
progress that you help us make each time, is all that it takes to make this all
worthwhile. For all of your guests, Aengus is a 9yo Tennesse Walker that I
recently bought and shipped from Tennessee. Aengus was emaciated, passive and
although he had a nice eye, you could see he was overworked, under loved and
pretty tired of life as it stood. Over the past couple months, Aengus has put on
weight nicely, but along with his health, came what seemed to be an opening of
all his past internal wounds, leaving him wanting to flee as soon as he felt
work was coming on, as he seemed to believe he would be worked to death and he
would try desperately to flee this situation. We know he is not a mean spirited
horse that wants you off of him, but rather, that he has been overworked his
entire life and knows nothing but to hit it running and hope that he isn't going
to pay dearly for it. Cathie taught me how to spend a lot of quiet time with
Aengus, teaching him to walk on the lunge, not charge, and Cathie has done
amazingly well while driving Aengus. He improves ever so slightly every time she
drives him, lunges him and then spends time on the saddle, relaxing him, taking
slow starts, stops, backing up, and nice steady pressure on a rein to relax his
head. Cathie, in all of this is also trying to let Aengus understand that he
will not be asked for his life every time we go out. He literally has to reverse
nine years of hard time, so Cathie, Aengus and I will be partners for some time
to come. I will be sure to post all our progress, and enjoy hearing how others
have gained from this training. Thanks again Cathie, talk with you soon, Ruth
OConnell and Aengus, August Farm, Holliston MA
Date:
02 Aug 2004
Time:
15:21:17
Remote User:
Comments
Cathie did a pre-purchase evaluation for me and I was very impressed with the
way she handled herself and the horse. She was super to deal with as I'm
inexperienced and needed her guiding knowledge. I was able to determine that the
horse would be ideal for a family horse because Cathie was so thorough and
honest. She is highly recommended "in my book" and I'll definitely have her
evaluate any future horse purchases so I'll have peace of mind and also so I'll
understand any training issues that would need to be worked on before purchase.
Debbie from Maine
Date:
14 Aug 2004
Time:
08:08:52
Remote User:
Comments
Hello to all, I just had to write to let everyone know of the progress Aengus
and I have been able to share, as a result of Cathie's training. Cathie spent
several hours with Aengus while I was away with my family, and I came home to a
new horse! As you may recall, we are working this 9yo TWH very slowly,
everything needs to be worked slowly and quietly, in an effort to master the
walk and important groundwork tasks (he ususally bolts for freedom). When I met
with Cathie yesterday, she showed me their progress - Aengus was lunged at a
walk with a lead, then Cathie removed the lead, Aengus joined up, and they
walked, backed up and made all turns in a open arena, Aengus never leaving
Cathie's side, without a lead! Cathie was helping Aengus understand that there
is no need to try and flee, no need to feel he will be worked to death, and then
understand that he is safe where he is, no matter where that place is. Because
of Cathie's training, Aengus did the same for me, after I was sure to follow
Ctahie's leads. I have never been happier and I have so much fun with Aengus
doing these things, that I do not think about grabbing a saddle and riding,
because this work is so necessary and fulfilling for me and Aengus, nothing
could be more important. I walked away yesterday feeling like this work is the
work that every horse owner should excel at before thinking about a saddle, and
I know most don't. They don't know what they're missing! Thanks again Cathie,
will keep you all prosted. Ruth and Aengus, August Farm, Holliston, MA.
Date:
17 Aug 2004
Time:
14:51:01
Remote User:
Comments
Hey Cathie, I love the picture of you and Cachina on the homepage, very pretty,
nice turnout for both of you! We look forward to attending more of your clinics
and to taking more driving lessons for us and the young horses. I am amazed at
your ability to work with my fiance who is a novice horse-person, AND my very
young horse together while being very clear, calm, and never getting flustered.
We'll try to think of some more challenges to throw at you since we haven't been
able to stump you yet :-). We took my two year old horse on his first big outing
this weekend and he was the star of the event. All of his foundation training
came from your clinics or farm visits and it really helped him at the weekend
long clinic.
Date:
18 Aug 2004
Time:
19:04:38
Remote User:
Comments
Cathie, Just wanted to say thank you for giving me the tools I needed to handle
Po. We both have come a long way. Carolyn Kingston, NH
Date:
20 Aug 2004
Time:
08:46:43
Remote User:
Comments
Hi Cathie, Thanks you so much for working with Krystle and I on trailer loading.
Your methods make so much sense and it was great to see them in action! It was
amazing to see Krystle, who had given me so much trouble by not wanting to load,
walk on comfortably and calm after just minutes of ground work! You gave me the
confidence to communicate properly with her! I will wholeheartedly reccommend
you to everyone and use you again in a heartbeat! Thanks again! Angie Thayer and
Krystle
Date:
21 Aug 2004
Time:
11:44:19
Remote User:
Comments
Just a quick update on the progress that Aengus and I have come to know due to
Cathie. The last time the three of us spent together, after some nice quiet
lunging, Cathie driving Aengus, Ctahie teaching me how to drive Aengus, I
actually rode Aengus in saddle, with a bitless bridle! I was not even
considering a ride previous to this, and had not planned for it that day, but I
am so happy we did. I am even more happy that I am able to continue with the
bitless bridle, as that is very important to me, and something I want to be sure
I use in the future. I have all the confidence in the world that we can, so it
is only positive news for this note! Ruth and Aengus, August Farms, Holliston MA
Date:
24 Aug 2004
Time:
11:24:24
Remote User:
Comments
To anyone with problem loaders, or, as in our case, problem un-loaders, Cathie
has what it takes to solve your problems. My daughter's 6 year old Welsh pony
would balk at loading everytime. However, the real problems would occur at
unloading. She would rocket off the trailer as soon as the tailgate was lowered.
We even had the butt bar lowered, but she just went under that. I finally called
Cathie when I was knocked backwards when the pony rammed against the tailgate
when I had just unlatched it. Cathie arrived and within a very short time had
established the basic groundwork needed to move forward to trailering. With lots
of firm patience and some innate horse-sense, our problem steadily diminished.
By the time Cathie left, the pony would stand calmly on the trailer until we
told her to back off. We trailer alot and and I don't lose sleep anymore
worrying about how it's going to go. We used a professional shipper recently and
our pony was the most sensible out of five being loaded. Thanks Cathie. This
lesson even translated into easier ground handling all around. Sherborn MA
Date:
01 Sep 2004
Time:
13:02:37
Remote User:
Comments
Cathie came to help me and my horse get over some trailering difficulties. She
was prompt and efficient, and took the time to understand our problems. As she
worked with us, she was patient and explained her methods clearly. The session
was successful, and time very well spent. I now feel more comfortable asking the
horse to get on the trailer and she is more comfortable now that she understands
what I'm asking, and I'm staying calm about it! I would call Cathie again if we
had any other issues. Holly W. - Northbridge, MA
Date:
07 Sep 2004
Time:
10:27:14
Remote User:
Comments
Hi Cathie, I attended my first show with Krystle since you helped us with our
problems loading. It went very well - she loaded great and I was even able to
put her back on the trailer during a break to have some hay for lunch without
worrying that it would take so long to put her on that the break would be over!
She walked right on all three times I loaded her on Saturday! It was such a
relief to not have to worry all day about her getting on the trailer! She even
got a few blue ribbons and was the pleasure horse champion of the day! Thanks
again. Angie Thayer and Krystle
Date:
13 Sep 2004
Time:
12:51:08
Remote User:
Comments
In May 2004, I attended one of Cathie's "Kindergarten for Colts" clinics with my
2 year old paint filly. I was really impressed with Cathie's knowledge as well
as her consideration to my horse. She explained in detail everything she was
going to do and took her time to make sure my horse understood what was expected
of her at every step by using praise and quick correction. At no time was she
ever harsh with my filly, just firm. At the end of the session, at my request,
she backed her and my filly was so unconcerned that she didn't even bat an eye.
I consider the clinic money well spent and look forward to Cathie's help in the
future.
Date:
21 Oct 2004
Time:
12:05:00
Remote User:
Comments
Dear Cathie, I wanted to let you know that Cupid has been loading in and out of
trailers like an old pro since our session with you! I practiced with him
several times over the past week and he never hesitates now. He even self-loaded
for my daughter on Saturday! I have complete confidence that he will walk right
in when we actually have to go somewhere! Thanks so much for everything, Meg and
Abbey Randa and Cupid
Date:
11 Nov 2004
Time:
09:43:11
Remote User:
Comments
I first met Cathie in the spring of 2004. I went to watch her work with two warm
blood geldings that were just being started. What I saw amazed me and made me
want to see more. I recommended her to my friend who had adopted two PMU foals
in 2003. My friend had never had babies and now with yearlings was wondering if
she needed to do more or if she was doing anything wrong. Cathie worked with the
yearlings and what a difference it made! My friend gained so much knowledge that
now she feels confident that she wont "screw them up". She plans on having
Cathie to come back in the next few months to work with them again. I took all
this knowledge back to the barn I board my Mare at. Im in Concord New Hampshire
and felt that some of us could gain better relationships with our horses if we
could get Cathie to come do a clinic at our facility. We finally were able to
have a clinic on Oct 30th 2004. We put it together in a very short time frame
and what a pleasant surprise when so many people came to watch! We had a great
turn out and every one wanted more. We are now planning/working on having Cathie
come to Concord NH once a month if possible to hold training lessons. She is
truely amazing with what she does. Lynda Bloomberg {Emma-Jean's Tailswisher}
Date:
30 Nov 2004
Time:
08:55:48
Remote User:
Comments
"When You Make the Decision to Train A Horse, You Are Setting The Wheels In
Motion Which Will Affect Your Horse For The Rest Of It's Life"..... Since I
wanted the best for my Hannah there was no question that you were the one who
would be the first to ride her. I was immediately impressed with your soft
approach and unintimidating manner. It was as if you were speaking to Hannah and
she understood. The ease at which you were able to climb up onto Hannah's back
and slip into the saddle was so reassuring to me. It was clear that Hannah
trusted you and wanted to please you in every way. I think you enjoyed riding
Hannah as much as she enjoyed being ridden. Since then, I've never had a problem
with Hannah nor any of my horses. I continue to follow your training methods and
have been rewarded each and every time. Thank You Again Cathie for your
Inspiration and for taking such good care of my baby! Diane and Cabot Raymond,
Raymond Creek Farm, Rehoboth, MA.
Date:
06 Dec 2004
Time:
10:57:15
Remote User:
Comments
Thank you Diane, I just put the first ride on Hannah. She was so uncomplicated
because of all of the great work you had put into bringing her up correctly.
It's amazing what love patience and discipline can do. I noticed that in the
first few moments of your handling her. I wish all PMU's could be so lucky to
wind up in homes like yours. Young horses need so much more training than new
owners realize, so they don't become spoiled dangerous or neglected because of
bad behaviors.
Date:
20 Dec 2004
Time:
09:27:13
Remote User:
Comments
Cathie is helping me with my thoroughbred Sebastian and she is doing great with
him and me. (confidence) The reason why I was so attracted to Cathie was her
mention of the bitlss bridle on her website. This is the first time I found
someone who knew about it. I've ridden with the bitless bridle for about three
years. If any of you ever decide to try it, I gaurantee that your horse's
behavior will change for the better. Try it out in a ring, or longe your horse
in it just to see how he goes. You will have so much more control and a much
calmer and happier horse. Cathie also introduced me to the rope halter for trail
and I love that too. Susan Scott Belchertown MA.
Date:
21 Dec 2004
Time:
03:27:05
Remote User:
Comments
Keep up the good work Cathie! Barefoot and Bitless - what more could a horse ask
for? Dr Cook's Bitless Bridle is now available in the UK at
www.bitlessbridle.co.uk (also info on barefoot in the UK)
Date:
28 Jan 2005
Time:
11:10:52
Remote User:
Comments
Cathy, Hi it's Cheryl, I just wanted to say thank you for the wonderful job you
are doing with Adar (3 yr old morab gelding) and helping me to understand what
you are teaching him and myself. I believe we will have a long relationship,
there is so much I want to teach him. Can't wait till our next session, and I'll
keep on practicing in the meantime. Cheryl from Sutton
Date:
08 Feb 2005
Time:
12:13:42
Remote User:
Comments
Hi, Well I just had my third session with Cathy yesterday. She is working with
my 3 year old Morab gelding, Adar. Let me tell you a little bit about the horse
first. Adar came to me the beginning of December (2004) from a Morab breeding
farm in Franklin, Vermont (Half Moon Farm). He was only halter broke and would
walk on a lead line, but not the proper way, he was constantly stepping on my
feet. Adar spent all of his life in a herd with 30 other Morabs and Arabians out
in a pasture. He was very use to people and loving but he was not handled alot.
Unfortunately Half Moon Farm is ran by two great people who take excellent care
of their horses but they both work full time so they do not have alot of time to
spend on training. I would recommend anyone looking for a Morab to check them
out. Yes, sorry I got carried away there back to Cathy and Adar's sessions. I'll
have to go sort of emergency with 15 year old dog will continue this later and
refer to this post when I finish. I have alot of good stuff to tell all of you.
Cheryl in Sutton
Date:
08 Feb 2005
Time:
13:51:45
Remote User:
Comments
Cheryl and Adar....Hey I'm back, had to help my mom's sick dog out. So anyways
here we go...I contacted Kathy in the beginning of January, mid way through the
month we had our first session. Let me paint a picture. The stable we are at is
down the road and across the street to the indoor where we train at. Cathy
pulled up in her truck to the stable and I was out waiting with Adar. He was not
at ease and had never crossed the road yet. The first thing Cathy had me do was
lead him around and she watched how he walked on a lead. Immediately it was
obvious we needed work in this area first. She worked him in the driveway for 10
minutes and he immediately got the just of it. We then continued down the road
and to the indoor. We continued to work him with walking on the lead and Cathy
helped me to learn the correct positioning of my body (I'm 29 and have not been
involved with horses since I was 20, however my family did have horses and I
showed from the age of 4 to 17). Once Adar had that down pat, Cathy then turned
him loose in the indoor and did an advance and retreat exercise with him until
he learned not to take his eyes off of her. Next he had his first experience on
a lunge line, from the way Cathy introduced him to it and her techniques he
picked it up right away. She also put a pad on him and let him get use to it
falling off his body from both sides and so forth. From then our session ended
and I practiced what we went over all week. Adar was wonderful for me all week.
What a difference one session made. It gave me confidence and him confidence in
me and our whole relationship changed from there. Anyone can ask Cathy how much
of a mama's boy he turned into in such a short amount of time The following week
we had our second session, this session Cathy introduced him to driving lines
and the trot command, she also showed me an exercise to do with him involving
the mounting block and jumping on and off it, putting weight on his body and so
forth. Everything went well. In the meantime before our third session, which was
yesterday, we purchased a 12 year old quarter horse so we began to take him to
the indoor with Adar everyday. Day 1 he was more interested in checking out what
Diesel was doing, however the second and third time he was focused on me and I
just continued to do everything Cathy had taught us till our next session. I
also have Adar walking next to me without a lead turning around barrels and so
forth. Unfortunately we missed a week due to the blizzard, but our 3rd session
was amazing. So 3rd session, the first ride! Here we go. I'm going bitless with
Adar and I'm going to purchase on of Dr. Cooks bitless bridles, yesterday Cathy
brought one to try on Adar. He was great for her, but then once we fitted it she
wanted him to just have a bit in his mouth for the idea. He was great. Next came
putting the saddle on Adar. Piece of cake, he is so comfortable around Cathy and
has gained so much trust in her in such a little amount of time. So the saddle,
Adar stood there with his ears forward and never flinched, same reaction when
she tightened the cinch up. She then gave him time to get the feel for it, next
she put the driving lines back on him attached to the bitless bridle he was
great. She had him snaking through barrels, doing circles, etc... Next she
brought him in and took him over to the mounting block where she started putting
weight in both stirrups to get him use to his first rider on his back, from
there she went back to the driving lines and showed me how to do it, it was fun
and it does make a difference in teaching him how to learn to steer. After I was
done driving, Cathy brought Adar back over to the step box and mounted him. He
was great and happy. I'm having one more session with Cathy next week before I
ride him. I do not want to go about things the wrong way and cause any problems,
she is also going to work with me on loading. He is perfect now, Adar is not the
one that needs the 4th session, I do. Well that is all for now. Cathy will be
coming back to work with me late spring. We are going to teach Adar to drive,
I'm also going to have her work with my new Quarter Horse with a couple of
problem areas he has. I recommend anyone to Cathy, she is wonderful. Cheryl
Date:
02 Mar 2005
Time:
07:46:48
Remote User:
Comments
Hi Cathie, C.T.'s past is a mystery, we do know that he is protective of
himself, especially with respect to his head. He is also claustrophobic. One
session with you was all it took to get him to trailer again. Typically, he is
very slow to trust people. Apollo is coming along nicely, I have to say he was
definitely the more difficult of the two to load (very nervous personality... a
worrier). But after the 2 sessions with you, I learned how to help him over his
fears, and now I understand how important it is to be patient and confident!
Each time Tina and I loaded him, it was easier and quicker. Diane a boarder at
August Farm
Date:
04 Mar 2005
Time:
11:58:51
Remote User:
Comments
Hi Cathie, love your website. Those two sections are very well written. (colt
starting, problem horses). People really do think a bit=control. But, as I have
heard, they then think that any device on the horses head is supposed to equal
control. That's the part people need to get....it's the trust and training (and
consistency of both) that equates to the "control" not the mechanical device. At
one of your clinics (a few clinics back) a woman in the audience asked "what is
it about the hand-tied halter (or the bitless bridle) that "makes" the horse
stop?" She was trying to get it but the light bulb hadn't gone off yet. I could
see she was still looking for a device to create the control when really all the
device does is create a way to communicate (hopefully more effectively) while
the rider teaches that "control" and responsiveness. S.F.
Date:
13 Mar 2005
Time:
08:57:23
Remote User:
Comments
Well, Cathie, it was a refreshing day when you came to my farm to work with my
Mustang, Comanche. He immediately took to you which is the first sign I always
look for. After that, using your personal knowledge and experience with Mustangs
it all went like clockwork. I was extremely impressed with your COMFORTABLE
working knowledge of the Mustang. Comanche and I both liked your methods as
there was none of the typical intimidation, ego, or arrogance that so often
follows a trainer. Glad we found you, Cathie, you're great! I believe working
with you will make my dream come true - trail riding with my much-adored
Mustang. Jane Ingersoll-Mahoney
Date:
14 Mar 2005
Time:
17:50:22
Remote User:
Comments
hey there it's Cheryl with Adar, just wanted to say I'm so fortunate to have had
someone like Cathie work with Adar from day one, learning to walk on a lead.
From our first session in January, to the past one we just had last week
(session #5) we (Cathie and myself) have been on him a total of 10 times. My
last session with Cathie she really focused on showing me the proper way to ask
him to stop while on him, drop his head while on him, and steering; however this
is after we (Adar and myself) showed off for her. Cathie said she was impressed.
Lots of hard work, patience, and love is paying off. Boy those CORRECTIONS make
a difference for both of us. I just have to learn to talk quieter and softer too
Adar. I guess that is part of being a Yankee! Sunday I worked with Adar on the
ground and then on him, besides my last session with Cathy it was the longest
period I had been on him yet. HE DID EVERYTHING I ASKED! Cathie will be coming
back to work us to the next level when I'm ready for her. I always wait for her
to show me the right way, so she doesn't have to undo anything I do the wrong
way with him. I also had the oppurtunity to watch Cathie work my friends horse.
Her horse was a school horse it's whole life, she purchased him a year ago and
he had a little popping problem from time to time, the horse wasn't ridden all
winter and when she went to ride him about a month ago he reared straight up.
She then had some more experienced riders try him and he did the same thing, the
last day someone tried to ride him for her, before I suggested she call Cathie
it was an awful experience. This horse was straight up in the air and looked
like the devil, I won't even repeat the comment the rider had when she
dismounted him. So Cathy came out, what a difference, she started with basic
ground work and then finally mounted him, he popped once, she corrected him and
then he didn't do it again the rest of the session. She did all of this in an
hour session. AMAZING, I love to watch her work! Well my friend is very happy
with what Cathie was capable of doing with her horse. I hope my friend realizes
she has to do her part and practice, practice, practice, all Cathie is teaching
her. Her horse deserves a second chance because he is great in every other way!
Happy spring riding to all! Cheryl and Adar
Date:
24 Mar 2005
Time:
09:26:01
Remote User:
Comments
Hi Cathie I just wanted to get a quick note off to you today to let you know how
very much I appreciate your talent, your calm and confident techniques and the
natural way you have communicated with my horses since you started working with
them a month ago. Raising these babies is a bigger job than I anticipated and
despite my valiant efforts to read and learn about the "best" training tools and
techniques – I simply could not have done what you have already accomplished in
three sessions with my two fillies. You came highly recommended to me by friends
and from a very respectable barn in Sherborn. I hope to pass the "good news" on
about you as well. Please feel free to give my name and contact information to
any one inquiring about your services. I will let them know the tremendous value
you can bring to any training issue, whether it is a behavior problem that needs
to be fixed or a developmental training program that needs to be rendered. With
sincere gratitude, Lisa Buchholz/Saddle Ridge Norfolk, MA
Date:
21 Apr 2005
Time:
08:15:30
Remote User:
Comments
cathy, it was great watching you with my pony. on and going in minutes.
amazing!!!!!!!! we can all learn something from you. keep up the good work. gene
Date:
28 Apr 2005
Time:
08:22:06
Remote User:
Comments
Cathie worked with my Arab gelding and had him driving for the first time, with
the bitless, after a handful of sessions! I still feel like I need to practice
the art of driving, but my horse has it down... thanks to Cathie! Beth Weidman
Date:
28 Apr 2005
Time:
11:32:04
Remote User:
Comments
In the winter of 2002, I was involved with a horrible riding accident in which I
not only broke my kneecap- in three places, but also destroyed my right femur,
(a spiral and comminuted fracture)At Beth Israel I almost died due to blood
loss. After numerous operations, today I can walk without too much pain. My
husband understood how upset I was not to have horses in my life. However, he
still does not want me to ride again. He suggested that I continue my love of
horses with a mini. I purchased a cute miniature horse from Karen Smith (Laneway
Farm). Granted I love her Little Bit to pieces but I went from riding with
professional trainers to owning a horse smaller than the goat. Last year, the
barn owner placed on my stall Kathy’s brochure. Saturdays are usually the day
that I spend with my husband so I really thought about attending a clinic. On
that Saturday, I sat on the benches, and with everyone talking about their
horses, I just keep my mouth shut. When one lady finally asked me what I owned,
my friend informed her that I had a mini. She turned to me and said that was too
bad that I did not own a real horse. The reason that I have given you the reader
some background on me is that you understand my feelings when I attended my
first clinic. However it was the best decision I have made about horses for a
long time. If you read about Kathy, you will hear about the wonderful way she
has with horses. My professional job is a 8th grade teacher and a mentor for
Boston College School of Education
http://www2.bc.edu/~kafka/SeismoEd/BC_ESP_People.html I believe that
Kathy’s true gift is not only how well she works with the horses but rather the
time she will spend with the owners to understand how to change their animals’
behavior for the better. The first clinic I just sat there in amazement. You see
shows on television about Horse Whispers but no one spends the time teaching the
owners. As a professional educator, I attend seminars with a different eye. I am
lucky that my horses, yes- I now own a big horse too, do not really have any
major behavior problems. I firmly believe that anyone involved with horses would
greatly benefit from attending a clinic. It gives you a new way to train and
enjoy your animal. As a young girl, my parents brought me to Spanish Riding
School at the Piber Stud, near Vienna to watch the Lipizza. stallions being
trained. Most of the horses were being worked on long reins. Kathy’s methods
will help you become a better rider from any discipline from classical dressage
to western reining. Please consider to attend one of her clinics, it is well
worth the time and the small amount of money involved.
Date:
08 May 2005
Time:
11:06:18
Remote User:
Comments
Cathie, Your job with the colt at the farm I work at amazed me. I think I
learned more from you in the 2 hours you were there than in the last 2 years.
Your patience with him (and me) was not only amazing but has produced lasting
results. You have an amazing gift with horses. Amy Robinson
Date:
08 May 2005
Time:
17:22:05
Remote User:
Comments
Hi Cheryl, I'm glad you are able to enjoy your horse under saddle as well as on
the ground. Unfortunately Your friends horse had been rearing for so long he's
developed this dangerous habit to get people off. My second session with this
horse went better than the first to begin with, I rode him longer and it seemed
he was getting over his fear of the whip and people in general. He was awesome
with the liberty work we did. Alot of quiet ground work, flexing, and dropping
his head. Under saddle he was able to drop it on cue when he starting to get a
little high headed. I was really impressed with how quickly he had learned the
drop your head cue. At the end of the session I was just sitting on him talking
to his owner as he seemed very relaxed, then without provocation, he reared all
the way up, and almost over backwards. I leaned forward, gave him his head so as
to not help him flip over. As soon as he made contact with the ground, I hopped
off, corrected him with a few swift yanks to his rope halter, walked him back
over to the mounting block and got back on. (What was I thinking) I didn't want
him to get away with rearing and getting put up. I rode him around in a circle
he was just as relaxed as he had been, prior to rearing. I then and dismounted.
Thanked God for his protection, and told his owner I had no intention of ever
getting on him again. There was no warning, and he rears so high with absolutely
no effort. One misstep and no helmet of safety vest is going to protect you from
the blunt force of 1000 lbs landing on you. I wished they had called me sooner
before this dangerous behavior have become so ingrained. He had been rearing for
a year. He started small and escalated. Last time I spoke with them, they were
going to keep him as a pasture ornament, as they were afraid to pass him onto
someone else. There's always one or two that I have to say no to. I realize my
limitations. There's not a horse that can't be rode, and not a man that can't be
throw'd
Date:
08 May 2005
Time:
18:10:58
Remote User:
Comments
Hi Cathie I am grateful I was advised to call you to come work with my horse and
I. I lost all my confidence with my horse and became terrified to ride. I loved
my horse to peaces and was willing to try to "save" our relationship but the
damage was done and she knew it. You gave me your honest opinion and went even
further by working with just me at your barn to help me, you showed me things to
look for when I went to look at a new horse and gave me very valuable
information on types of test I could do, what to look for, and what to stay away
from. I followed your advise and my new horse is WONDERFUL!!!!! I am enjoying
riding again and take every opportunity to ride that I get. Everyone at the barn
tells me what a great match we are and what a "safe" horse I have, and I owe it
all to you had you not been so honest and took the time with me you did I
believe I may have gotten out of horse ownership all together I'd love you to
meet my new horse at some point. So thank you for everything I am so grateful
Sandy
Date:
13 May 2005
Time:
08:28:05
Remote User:
Comments
Hi Cathie, just wanted to thank you for all of the help you have given to us
with our two Chincoteagues, Teaguer and Hershey. Cathie has been there to help
my daughters from the beginning when we brought our 3 month old colt, Teaguer
home from VA. He is 3 years old now and coming along nicely. Cathie taught my
daughters how to safely handle a horse and made sure that they could apply the
same gentle methods that she uses.Cathie is the first person that I think of
calling whenever a problem arises. She is amazing to watch and a pro at what she
does. Thanks Cathie for all of the help. Don't know what we would have done
without you. Sandy Baker
Date:
24 May 2005
Time:
21:39:53
Remote User:
Comments
Hi everyone!! I want first off all to thank Cathie for beeing such a nice and
friendly person!!, and second to apologize for my spelling...( damn forgein)....
I came here in November last year, not knowing a soal.... hmmm ...bugged a girl,
Melissa, ( my age) at a barn I found, until she took me out for a beer... ha
ha!, we're friends now! Met another girl, Terry, at another barn that introduced
me to Cathie! She's been working with her 4-year old arabian, and she said-
"Petra, you really have to check this girl out!" I wanted to learn more about
what you crazy americans do with horses! Found her work awesome! and very
different.She's let me come watch her work with diffrent horses, young and old,
abused and not... And the things she does ALWAYS works! I have'nt seen any horse
not improved, that shes been working with. What I want to say more is that she
opened up my eyes for working at another level with horses, I've been breaking
horses for a studd farm in sweden and I will definitley not do what I used to
do!! That is risking my life.... Thank you Cathie for taking me with you, I
truley apresiate( how the heck do you spell that, I know it aint right....)
it!!! Keep up the good work! Petra Dahlstrom ,dig hockey and horses!
Date:
01 Jun 2005
Time:
11:25:08
Remote User:
Comments
Hello Cathie You came and helped me with my mare Jessie out in Spencer Ma a
number of years ago with a spooking and bolting problem with much success. We
are now faced with another problem -Balking!! She had suffered with a hoof
problem for a few years being quite sore off and on Now I have found a wonderful
vet who has made her completely sound I can tell how she moves and stands much
better also much softer eye. Now I have to get her past the mind set that moving
forward is uncomfortable and I have been unable to do it myself. We need your
help once again.
Date:
06 Jun 2005
Time:
13:27:43
Remote User:
Comments
Hi there Cathie, I just wanted to take the time to thank you for all the help
you have given me and my off the track TB Lucky. Your training methods have
worked wonderfully and I have been able to use the tools you gave us to now be
able to load Lucky onto the trailer and have him stand relaxed and quiet. He has
also joined up with me! What an amazing thing to have a horse that I could not
walk on a lead line now follow me around like a puppy. I look forward to
learning more at the clinic. Thank you again, your methods work, are easy to
learn, and easy to continue working with. Thank you again, Rachel G. and Lucky
Date:
14 Jun 2005
Time:
21:55:27
Remote User:
Comments
Hi Cathie thanks for working with my pony Charlie. He still over reacts but we
are both now on the same page and his reaction is not as bad. I have been riding
him over ground poles with other horses in the ring and he is paying attention
to me. With only 2 lesson I think he has come long nice. Take care and keep
smiling. Melinda
Date:
17 Jun 2005
Time:
07:22:47
Remote User:
Comments
Cathie is amazing. My poor horse HATED getting on the trailer. In one session
she and I loaded him. Slow but sure. The time before Cathie came it took 5
people and he was sedated, still had problems. A friend to me to call Cathie boy
and I glad I did. He now goes on very slowly but gets on with just the help of
one other person to close the ramp for me.
Date:
29 Jun 2005
Time:
12:38:04
Remote User:
Comments
Hello I have been having a terrible time with Balking!!! Over the years it has
been getting worse and worse till she barely moved at all under saddle. Just
refused to go forward. So we ruled out health issues and turned to Cathie for
help . Cathie had helped us before about 7 or 8 years ago when I first bought
Jessie with amazing results (back then our problem was bolting and spooking) in
just 1 session !!! With just 1 session again we are back on track she is like a
different horse We respect each other now. I think the ground work was key and
then it so easily transformed to under saddle . I am enjoying my horse again and
am looking forward to another session just to take things to the next level.
Dare I finally plan for a show?? I think its a yes!!!! Thank -you Cathie!!!!!!!
Sue and Jessie
Date:
18 Jul 2005
Time:
14:48:22
Remote User:
Comments
july 18th kathy was here for bounty and toby she did a great job can't wait for
her to come back mcgugans and murphys
Date:
18 Jul 2005
Time:
15:05:46
Remote User:
Comments
Hi Cathie, Just to let you know Ray's horse is doing great since you came out to
work with him with trailer loading. We got him in and out of the trailer a few
times before we went on a club ride in RI. He gave us a hard time getting back
in after the ride (you can't force this guy). So we used your method, slow and
food, and loaded him twice a day for two weeks straight. Now he loads by
himself, what a difference! Thanks a lot. Sue Quirk
Date:
20 Jul 2005
Time:
16:56:15
Remote User:
Comments
Cathie, i would just like to thank you for the work that you have done with my
horse. I trained my horse on the ground and needed someone to put a couple of
rides on him and teach him the basics. Cathie was the perfect person! I use Pat
Parelli system of Natural Horsemanship and Cathie fit right in with the program.
Thanks again. Kayla Murphy and Bounty the horse- Stonington Connecticut
Date:
15 Aug 2005
Time:
17:55:16
Remote User:
Comments
Hi Cathie, thank you so much for working with my pmu belgain mare and i . I
learned so much and it was real easy to remember training methods . Im now
riding Chanel twice a week . Thanks so much Donna French ( Angel Mist Farm)
Date:
26 Aug 2005
Time:
22:32:57
Remote User:
Comments
Hi Cathie! Just wanted to drop a note and tell you how impressed with the job
you are doing with my Pasa Fino... Taz!!! Its a joy to see him settling down and
being ridden without a bit and listening to voice commands in place of being
pulled on by his mouth. Taz and I are Looking forward to many more sessions with
you!!.....Danielle Recine of Recine Farm
Date:
01 Sep 2005
Time:
09:37:16
Remote User:
Comments
Cathie helped me with my 6 year old Off the track Thoroughbred. He's a great
horse, unfortunately when he came to me (at age 4.5 years) he basically knew how
to go straight and that's about it. We've been working on responding to leg
aides and rein cues but he was definitely having difficulty with the "whoa"!
This is not good when you have a young, energetic, OTTB. He would brace against
the snaffle bit and basically stop when he felt like it. I firmly believe the
only thing stopping his was his respect for me and our relationship. I called
Cathie after seeing her do a demo on the bitless bridle/rope halter. I wasn't
quite sure I was ready to give up using a bit but after my OTTB took off one me
(with me on his back), I decided something needed to be done to keep us both
safe. Cathie came by and I showed her his typical WHOA using a bridle with a
snaffle bit. We then began ground work with the rope halter and a lead line,
mainly working on the "WHOA" command. He really started to respond to the
training - and it was interesting to see that when we put the bridle back on him
- he went right back to his old bracing against the bit ways. However when we
added reins to the rope halter and asked for a "whoa" under saddle - he
responded as requested. Later that evening, while showing what we had learned to
a group of horse friends (about 15 of them), my horse became very frightened by
the crowd and basically checked out and wasn't safe to get up on. Cathie worked
with him on the ground again - going over what we had learned - to get him back
and focused on what we were doing. We were then able to safely hop on his back
and again go thru the "whoa" using the rope bridle and reins. Cathie showed me
everything we needed to work on so I would be able to continue working with my
horse. Our goal is to continue working with the rope halter and reins and see
how he does. We'll then make the decision on whether or not to continue bitless
or return to the snaffle bit with the hopes that he will respond to the voice
command and rein pressure and stop without bracing against the bit. This will
continue to be a work in progress! We very much enjoyed working with Cathie and
will definitely call her again to help us over the bumps that will occur with a
young OTTB! Jessi
Date:
01 Sep 2005
Time:
10:04:22
Remote User:
Comments
If it were not for Cathie, I know my relationship and work with my horse would
be much different and less successful. In one session I learned so much about
how to communicate with him, and how essential that one thing was in ground
manners and riding. It was a difference of night in day, not only in how we
progressed, but in how I felt about the work. I now have the confidence and
understanding I need, and we have gone from problems in riding to progress in
riding. Cathie was NOT the first trainer I used, but the ONLY one that was able
to help me and my horse relax, listen to each other and become partners.
Oh, one more thing, in a couple sessions with my husband, an "old school"
Italian, Cathie was also able to show him what to look for and how to work with
our horse so that he was able also make progress, both for himself as a
beginner, and between him and our horse, who usually tried to push him around.
He thoroughly enjoyed working with her, and now has even more confidence than
before (oh boy!!). Difference is that now he is using skills that make more
sense to our horse. He is able to do and enjoy ground work, and understands how
it carries over to riding, and he is making much progress on his own in riding,
which thrills him as somewhat of a beginner, especially because our horse was
such a handful at times. He had a ball working with Cathie, and I want to thank
her for being able to "get thru" to him. :) Judy Paglia
Date:
01 Sep 2005
Time:
15:26:16
Remote User:
Comments
Hi Cathie, Thanks for all your help. The trailer loading lessons were so
effective that Willie and I are off to Goddard on Sat. Looking forward to
bitless bridal trial too. MaryEllen
Date:
27 Oct 2005
Time:
18:14:43
Remote User:
Comments
I would recommend Cathie Hatrick Anderson to anyone needing any sort of horse
training. I own a now two and a half year old hanoverian mare named Mirror. She
was somewhat easy to handle as a yearling. However, as she turned two she had
different ideas. She wanted to run the show including me also. Because she is my
first baby, I was letting her do so. As things got more out of control, I called
Cathie. After just her first visit, my horse and I were back on the right track.
She quickly showed me how to get Mirror to work with me willingly. She is very
sensitive, so trying to force her to do things is not an option. Cathie doesn't
train that way. Her methods enable the horse to clearly understand what is being
asked, making the ability to respond easy. She showed me things I was doing
incorrectly and taught me how to do them the right way. I used to almost dread
working with my horse because of not knowing what to expect. Now, I really enjoy
each training session we have. Before, I had trouble catching Mirror. Now, she
waits expectantly at the gate each day. I think she likes to work because there
is no fear or tension involved. I avoided trailer loading as long as I could.
Because of Mirrors sensitivity I assumed she might panic and then who knows?
Cathie came and first did some ground eork in the arena. When it came time to
load, Mirror walked right onto the trailer. Iwas amazed. I could go on about
Mirror running over the vet and so on. The good news is, she doesn't any more. I
really enjoy working with Cathie, and think you will too. She is very down to
earth and easy to understand. She has made training my horse a true pleasure.
Liz Carney
Date:
20 Jan 2006
Time:
19:33:05
Remote User:
Comments
I had Cathie come out to my barn twice last year. She taught me so much! We
worked on my horse's ground manners, she showed me how to work with him so he
understood what I was asking from him. In one session he was a changed horse.
The next session we worked on trailer loading. My horse had a very traumatic
experience where he hurt himself in the trailer. He refused to get on after
that. Cathie got him on the trailer within the session and pointed out some
things that we could do to make it less scary for him. We have since had him on
the trailer a number of times and have loaded him without any issues. I would
recommend Cathie to train anyone's horses for any issues. Thank you Cathie! Deb
from Wilmington, MA
Date:
18 Feb 2006
Time:
08:06:37
Remote User:
Comments
Cathie We had met through a mutual friend who has used you in the past for some
training skills of yours on her draft horse. Being a draft horse breeeder and
handler I was very impressed in the work you accomplished with him. Most people
treat draft horses different in all aspects especially when it comes to
training, most won't even touch them. Then we rescued some Belgian Pmu mares who
foaled. I started working wit the foals to find out every time they went back to
there mom , the training i worked on seemed to disappear. So i picked up the
phone and called you. After you left the farm I was even more impressed with
your way of thinking and training skills on the pmu foals. It was the best
decision we made for them to contact you, They are now yearlings who are very
well behaved and have found a great home. The new barn they are at was very
impressed with there level of training at such an early age. I want to thank you
for all you have showed me and the confidence you helped me to build on raising
wild foals. I have raised foals before but never from a wild mare who does not
touch her never mind barely look at her without running which made it very
difficult to get anywhere near the babies. I learned a valuable lesson on foal
training wild foals. You were a great asset to my farm in time if need. I thank
you for all you've done to help me better myself and my horses. Kristina
Mitchell Angel Mist Farm.
Date:
10 Mar 2006
Time:
17:38:37
Comments
If it weren't for Cathie, I don't know where my horse would be right now. I
recently purchased a 3 year old filly and she had absolutely NO manners. She was
perfect when I went to go see her, but after I bought her she was a completely
new horse. I believe she was drugged the day I bought her and went out to look
at her. I was in her pasture one day with her and out of nowhere she charged at
me and kicked me. She would bite everyone and even try to kick people. I've
trained young horses before, but I've never dealt with anything like this. I had
no clue what to do and it brought me to tears when I thought I would have to
sell her. I lost hope and was ready to post her for sale, but I was so afraid
she would end up going to a bad home, or even worse-the meat factory. I just
wasn't sure if she was worth keeping-she was just way too dangerous and everyone
knew it. Then I remembered seeing Cathie's ad in the WantAdvertiser and I called
her right away. She was so understanding and she worked around my schedule. She
told me that she would work with Abby and see if she was worth keeping or if she
was just too dangerous. I am so glad that I found her. She let me video tape the
session so I could watch it over and she did so much with my horse in just one
session. Before I couldn't even touch my mare without her trying to kick and
bite me, and before the end of the session I was able to walk her around on a
lead rope and have her quietly stand next to me. I was thrilled!!! To me, it was
the best feeling in the world knowing that I would be able to keep my horse and
that she was trainable. I really don't know where I would be right now with my
horse if it wasn't for Cathie. I would HIGHLY recommend her to anyone. My mom
and I were so impressed how much she changed my horse in just one session. She
explained everything to me and a few days after our session, she even called to
see how we were doing with our training. Abby is a completely different horse
now. I honestly couldn't thank Cathie enough!!! She knows her stuff and she sure
knows what she is doing! She's like the "Horse Whisperer"!!! =] Thank you SOOOO
much Cathie and I'll see you at the clinic on the 18th!!! -Jill and Abby =]
Webster, MA
Date:
14 Mar 2006
Time:
07:50:10
Comments
Hi Cathie, Great site! I wish I had pictures to share of you riding my
hot-to-trot Morgan in the bitless bridle. I swear, I couldn't believe how calm
and relaxed she was going. She NEVER goes like that, at least not without 20-30
miles of riding behind us.... and even then. Thanks a lot! I need to get a
couple of bitless bridles for my Arab and my Mom's gelding. Hope to see you
soon. PS Chachina's baby is SO CUTE!!! Mala Tyler, CESMT Fayla's Equine Massage
Date:
21 Mar 2006
Time:
08:34:58
Comments
Hi Everyone, this is the worlds worst skeptic. I went to a clinic Cathie had on
May 18th. I'm now convinced regarding the bitless bridle. I have a 8 year old TB
how is a very well behaved guy but he has started to become very heavy in my
hands. He also refuses to bend to the right. After just minutes in the bridle I
was seeing and feeling incredible results. He was immediately relaxed and
forward going. I was even getting a much better bend to the right. I can only
imagine how well he is going to go after more time with the bridle. I'll keep
you posted.
Date:
21 Mar 2006
Time:
08:36:25
Comments
I never thought Rudy would go into a trailer again after ripping his face open
when a "helpful" volunteer put the shank over his nose and didn't release in
time as he flew off. Cathie had him calmly in the trailer in less than 20
minutes and then helped me load him. We needd a refresher course when I got a
new straight load trailer and that went great too. She also helped one of my
muckers to gentle a very alpha and aggressive mare bought off the track. When I
have a problem, as I have just had in FLORIDA, Cathie is still my first call!
Paula Miller, Never 2 Late Farm, Brewster, MA
Date:
21 Mar 2006
Time:
14:35:13
Comments
I attended Cathie Anderson’s bitless bridle clinic this past weekend with my 16
yr old Arabian mare. She has always been ridden in a hackamore and does well
without a bit. I was looking for a kinder method to control her, as I feel the
hackamore can be harsh across her nose or under her chin. I understand that the
bitless bridle exerts control by distributing gentle pressure over a wide, less
sensitive area. I hoped to try the bridle in a controlled environment under
experienced supervision. I couldn’t have been happier with the results! I didn’t
feel a difference between the hackamore and the bitless bridle as far as control
went, and was thrilled to know I could get the same responses from my mare
without hurting her. I’m sending in my order for a bitless bridle this week and
look forward to seeing how well she does out on the trails. Three other horses
attended the clinic too, two Thoroughbreds and a Morgan. They were three very
spirited horses who pranced and danced while waiting to participate. I wish
everyone reading this could have seen the difference in these horses after using
the bitless bridle. After Cathy worked with them for a little while and put the
bitless bridle on, each was like a different horse. One horse that could barely
stop moving while bitted, walked docile beside her owner after her session. One
of the thoroughbreds needed three people to take his bridle off, but stood still
to be mounted and was quietly ridden once he had the bitless bridle on. I saw
each of the three horses (that went from bit to bitless) completely stop
chewing, tossing their heads, actually relax, and act more controlled then when
they were being ridden/handled with a bit. Honestly, I expected to go from
hackamore to bitless bridle fairly easily. I was extremely surprised to see the
horses go so easily from a bit to bitless. All horses were trotting, and some
cantering in the ring while using the bitless bridle. It seemed effortless and I
can’t say enough about the experience or the bridle!
Date:
23 Mar 2006
Time:
08:15:32
Comments
Hello Cathie, I wanted to thank you for a great clinic on Saturday. I am
convinced that a bitless bridle is the way to go. Anybody who really wanted to
see the difference between bit and bitless would have seen it that day. Even my
teenage daughter saw the change in demeanor of the horses that you worked. So
just to let you know, I will be switching over to bitless. Again, it was amazing
to see the difference. Thanks for inviting me. I really got a lot out of it.
Helene Chadwick
Date:
25 Mar 2006
Time:
06:51:50
Comments
Everyone at one time or another will encounter some sort of issue when it comes
to trailering horses- a problem loader, getting cut off on the road, or maybe a
mechanical issue with the truck or trailer. Since Safety should always be
paramount, the Standardbred Pleasure Horse Organization of MA (SPHO) set out to
run a clinic on Trailering Safety. One of the main components of trailering
horse is of course- the horse- and as the clinic coordinator I knew there was
one person I could ask who is an expert when it comes to loading problem horses-
Cathie Hatrick Anderson! When I presented her with the idea, she was more than
happy to share her time and wisdom to the organization. The clinic was held in
Plainview, MA at the Plainridge Racecourse and it was excellent. All the
particpants were impressed with the knowledge Cathie shared on getting our
horses and ourselves safer when it comes to loading and unloading as well as
training tips to do before you need to trailer a horse. We are indebted to
Cathie and her generosity. Thank you Cathie for donating your time to our
Organization! Kristy Milo President S.P.H.O. of MA
Date:
30 Mar 2006
Time:
12:40:37
Comments
Thank you, CHA , You came to the rescue again. It was a very informative clinic
on the 18th. Lots of in the saddle practice and real results. It gave us a clear
plan. We've now got 3 in the bitless, yea. My guy is the 8 yr old OTTB that
"needed three people to take his bridle off". He's so much more relaxed with the
bb and even drops his head for me to put it on. That's such a welcome change as
with the big guy's (17+hands) head held high I'd need a step ladder to bridle
him myself. He's improving daily with our ground work practice, even in the wind
this week. The big goof I brought to the clinic actually dropped his head
yesterday for me to put on his BB. Now he'll toss a jolly ball around and use
his nibbling on that =0) No more nervous chewing and teeth grinding while
bridled, yea! Muchos gracias,again and again, Cathie. MaryEllen memom48@verizon.net
Date:
01 Apr 2006
Time:
14:57:43
Comments
Hi everyone My 2 year old filly was a nightmare to handle until Cathie came over
and spent an hour with her. Thank you so much - she now has respect for humans,
and has not reared or thrown her head once since our session. Cathie knows what
she's doing and it works. I'm so glad she came over, and I can't wait to have
her do the first ride with Lilly. I also attended the bitless bridle clinic,
which was very informative and really opened my eyes. THANKS!! Sincerely Tracy
B.
Date:
10 Apr 2006
Time:
12:16:16
Comments
Cathie, I just had to update you on my experience with the BB. As you know, I
participated in your clinic with my gelding. My initial opinion of the BB was
good but I still had my doubts in regards to going home and using one outside of
an enclosed and controlled environment. After your clinic on the 18th I went
ahead and purchased my own BB. Well, I'm so happy to report I went ahead and
decided to take the plunge and go riding with the BB out on the trails. I
honestly couldn't believe how WONDERFUL my gelding went. EVERYTHING about him
was better. He wasn't as spooky, he was so much more relaxed, he was listening,
and most importantly he and I had the most wonderful ride together. I can't wait
for the next one. One of the things I noticed with the bridle is I'm using my
voice and body much more to communicate with him. He is so responsive it is just
amazing. I HIGHLY recommend everyone get this bridle. The results will amaze
you....
Date:
19 Apr 2006
Time:
21:50:06
Comments
Cathie came out to spend time with my daughter's pony last week. She worked with
the pony, my young daughter, her riding instructor and myself. As many people
have noted, Melody was a "quick" pony. She was becoming progressively more
difficult for my daughter to control despite twice weekly schooling/training,
twice weekly riding lessons, and bit changes. We were ready to sell or lease
her. However, the part I could never quite understand was why she was so
extremely solid and dependable for mounting, dismounting, grooming and tacking
and, once she is stopped while under saddle, she is very quiet and doesn't try
to dance or go anyplace. Cathie’s visit was a very useful time for all of us --
and gave the instructor and I the ability (and courage) to try the bitless
bridle on Melody with my daughter. This week is the first time we truly tried
the new bridle on Melody. In the meantime, I had continued working with Melody
on the recommended groundwork. I want to report on the effect of the bitless
bridle because, for now, it has surpassed our expectations. With the bitless,
her halts are fabulous, she walks nicely and, amazingly, my daughter is able to
trot her multiple times in both directions around the arena without her
cantering off in her own direction. In addition, she comes back down to a walk
and settles into it without jigging at all. She is also doing her circles,
diagonals and direction changes with no fussing. I realize that we still have a
ways to go before we can definitely say this is working but I am extremely
encouraged (for the first time in months). Thank you Cathie!
Date:
25 Apr 2006
Time:
10:43:58
Comments
Cathie has been out several times to help me with my colt and each time, the
difference has been amazing. With her help, my colt is off to a wonderful start,
and I can't wait to see what she will teach us next! -Reba and Dunkan, Franklin,
MA
Date:
11 May 2006
Time:
22:24:35
Comments
Cathie did a clinic for our Pony Club last year, she helped the kids (and the
horses) the importance and the techniques for obtain proper ground manners. We
have a few memebers with their own horses and Cathie worked with the kids to
help them deal with each of their horses issues. She was patient with both the
kids and the horses. I continue to use Cathie to help me with my horse who is a
very difficult loader!! He is getting closer to being able to go to a horse show
and get home thanks to Cathie. Kim (DC Paddock Pals Pony Club SNER)
Date:
13 May 2006
Time:
13:48:17
Comments
Cathie put the first ride on my 3 yr old Arabian filly at one of her Colt(filly)
starting clinics.She did a great job with a sometime hot horse.The way things
were going early on I didn't think Cathie would get on. My filly,not used to a
western saddle decided bucking would be a good way to get rid of it! After some
groundwork the filly settled right down.The first ride with Cathie and the
second with me went quite uneventfully with the filly staying calm and
focused.I'd highly recomend Cathie for working with your horse...She has a
straight forward no nonsense attitude that horses respect.Nancy Russell.
Date:
25 May 2006
Time:
13:00:07
Comments
Just wanted to add another word of gratitude to Cathie for all her help with our
gelding. Due to an accident, I had to take some time off, and my hubby had to
take over. For me to spend time with him guiding him did not seem to "work" but
Cathie has come out a couple times and worked with him, and his improvement and
understanding has been remarkable. The things she gives us to work on with our
horse has brought us to a level I never imagined we'd get to so early, and the
confidence it has built in both of us in priceless. Altho our horse has had
physical and past training issues, he is now a joy for us to ride, and we have
so much we can work on with him that it overshadows his physical limitations,
and even seems to make him feel more worthwhile. So many people comment, inquire
and stare and obviously take inventory of the behavior that our horse
exemplifies. There aren't enough words to thank you for, Cathie. I can't wait to
get my next horse which I intend to show and compete with. You'll be sure to be
hearing lots from us then too! judy and bob paglia!!!
Date:
31 May 2006
Time:
07:29:32
Comments
Thanks Danielle, Taz is one of my favorites! Jessie It's been so long since I've
responded, heres hoping things continue to improve. Judy, You guys have come so
far, your husband, and your horse. YOU had "it" all along, You just had to trust
in yourself (Now click your heels together 3 times and say "I am a horse
trainer, I know what's best for my horse, I'll never second guess myself
again!") LOL thanks I'm looking forward to the day you come to mounted shooting.
Thanks Mary Ellen, you are a quick study! Thanks Liz, Mirror has come so far,
once we got her grounds manners in check, that first ride was a piece of cake,
(check out our picture on the testamonial page) Thanks Kristina, Those
babies were tough because of the mares, but we did it! With your talent you
didn't need much help. I admire your get it done work attitude, do you ever
sleep? Thanks Trish! Jill, and Abby. I hope that filly is improving daily! Mayla,
I was amazed how much she changed in just a few minutes Just by removing the
bit, and setting up a few cones for her to focus on, She immediately
demonstrated how she could pay attention to voice and seat commands and stand on
a relaxed rein. Even after she was asked to trot, she was able to come back down
and relax. These horses just keep amazing me! Thanks Paula, I'm happy I was able
to help, sorry I couldn't get to Florida! I'm going to respond to all of the
bitless bridle clinic participants at once. Readers can go to the testamonial
page for more comments, including updates, and a photo under "Bitless Bridle
clinic" I am so appreciative that you were willing to give me and your horses a
chance to prove we could perform better, by taking the bit out! I know it isn't
easy when most everyone you speak with will encourage you to do everything else
BUT remove the bit. Thanks for being a part of changing our horses quality of
life! Your copies of the video are comming soon!
Date:
31 May 2006
Time:
08:33:26
Comments
Cathie here again, I'm still not finished. Thanks Kristy, That horse made me
look really good! He was a problem loader that had wanted to blast off, and
ended up waiting patiently, no matter what we did to try to rattle him, from
walking behind him, to banging the ramp. He waited to he was asked to get off.
Thanks to everyone who came out on that damp day. "Thanks Tracy, Lilly was a
challenge, but came around nicely! Thanks Beth, Melody is such a nice pony in
every other way, I'm so glad she is now improving, because we removed the bit.
Beth has e-mailed me and this little pony just keeps getting better. Thanks
Reba, He was wonderful in our recent session; he is coming along very nicely.
Thanks Kim. (Paddock Pals pony Club) and Betsy (Norfolk Hunt Pony Club -look
under testamonial page under pony clubs) Thank you both for being open minded
and having this "Western trainer" out to help your kids, I think it's great that
you expose your pony club members to many different trainers so they become well
rounded/educated, I loved working with these kids and thier ponies/horses. In
response to the first ride on Nancy's filly. I just wanted to clarify, that this
filly didn't buck at the clinic that I had put her first ride on (She sure
looked like she was thinking about it)I've started over 100 horses and I've
NEVER had a first ride buck under saddle. She did in fact buck like a rodeo star
with her first saddle in a former clinic "Kindergarten for colts" After her 8
seconds of fame I removed and repeated the saddling proceedure twice and she
didn't buck again. I sure can't prevent every horse from bucking with their
first saddle, but I try my best. 15 years ago I put a saddle on a youngster and
turned her loose. That was the last time I ever did it that way. It's dangerous
to the horse. I learned from my mistake, I always make sure I can lunge a horse
with good control, THEN add the saddle or circingle. I ask the horse to back
first, then ask it to move forward and halt, I try to keep it in check, assess
it as it goes along, never letting it build up steam so it' doesn't feel it has
to buck. After doing all of this, then working up to a trot, until the horse is
showing no signs of distress, THEN I will turn the horse loose, and see if there
are any bucks, that need to come out before I get on their back. They usually
don't even at liberty, until I push them into a canter, but it's certainly not
tramatic only testing to see if they can get rid of it, as they have already
felt the stirrups banging, and the feeling as the saddle grabs when I ask then
to back up on a lead rope. This entire breaking/gentling process does not need
to be tramatic for your horse. I put the first ride on another horse for Nancy
and rode it out on the trail and on the road it's second time under saddle. She
was great! Thanks, Cathie
Date:
07 Jun 2006
Time:
20:52:01
Comments
Cathie recently came out for yet another visit with Melody. Melody had already
improved to the point where she has arguably the best ground manners in the barn
and was definitely rideable by my daughter. Rachel’s riding instructor, Beth,
and I have found that each visit advances us to another step in her behavior.
Since Beth is a very classically trained and dedicated dressage enthusiast, it
really underscores the universal nature of the help Cathie provides. The most
important thing that Cathie provided us with was the confidence that Melody was
basically a good pony that needed some retraining and the bit out of her mouth,
at least for now. Then she gave us the tools to continue to work with her (after
Cathie did the hard stuff!). I work with animals and their associated people
daily in my professional capacity and am easily able to differentiate between
levels of knowledge and ability. Cathie is definitely at the top in her area of
expertise. Although she is completely professional and straightforward in her
approach to training, her patience and sense of humor is continually apparent. I
only wish someone had told me about her 6 months earlier! Gail Schmieder P.S.
What I don’t understand is how teaching her ground driving on Monday suddenly
developed her ability to rack – and we didn’t even realize she was gaited! Gail
S.
Date:
10 Jun 2006
Time:
17:38:51
Comments
Hi Cathie; Just wanted to say thank you for coming out and working with my
yearling colt. He has been much easier to work with. Your work with him getting
on and off the trailer so we could get him to the vet to be gelded was a real
big help. When it was time to take him home from the vet he walked right in the
trailer without hesitating. Carol Andrews from High View Farm, Uxbridge, Ma.
Date:
15 Jun 2006
Time:
08:54:35
Comments
I just wanted to say thank you for working with Mystic. i enjoyed our session
and look forward to many more. i like that you explain everything your doing and
you tell me the why's too. You break everything down so well, and you really
take the time to make sure that we the owners are doing the right thing. thank
you again..... Krys
Date:
15 Jun 2006
Time:
13:32:42
Comments
Trailer Loading Problem Horse Cathie is a miracle worker! My cousin and I bought
an off the track Thoroughbred horse named Napoleon a year ago. He is a very
sweet gelding and eager to please whether he's in the ring learning something
new or having fun out on the trails. This spring, after purchasing a new
trailer, we decided to take him to a hunter pace. We were very excited and had
been looking forward to the first hunter pace of the year. We spent hours
getting our horses shined up and our boots polished, but when the time came to
load our horses, Napoleon wouldn't get on the trailer and we missed the pace. We
had spent over two hours trying and he wouldn't budge. What's worse is that a
few weeks prior we had an accident crossing water on the trails and needed to
have Napoleon picked up from a nearby house because he had injured his leg. It
took us almost an hour to get him on the trailer. Shortly after that we were
successful loading him on the trailer and headed to the State Park, but got
stuck there for two hours after our ride because we couldn't load him back on
the trailer. Missing the hunter pace was the last straw and we were
contemplating selling Napoleon which would have broken our hearts. We decided to
call Cathie, upon a recommendation from our vet, and she agreed to help. She
taught not only Napoleon to load, but showed us how to work with him. Half of
the problem was the way we were interacting with him. Luckily, the spring season
wasn't over and we were able to ride in three more hunter paces, getting ribbons
in each of them. His life, and ours, has much less stress now that the trailer
loading hurdle is behind us. If you're having trouble getting your horse to
trailer load, I would strongly recommend that you give Cathie a call before
giving up on him. Thank you so much Cathie! Amy, Joy, and Napoleon Hoppin Brook
Farm, Holliston
Date:
17 Jun 2006
Time:
12:54:24
Comments
"I usually don't get along with Chicks...But this girl has balls.." I've known
Cathy @ 5 years and I can tell all of you , she's the real deal. She's honest &
really cares. When I first met her--I was broke and had a wild ABCurly Horse.
She took her to one of her Clinics NO CHARGE and showed me how to deal with her.
I appreciated it greatly!!!(Before I died) I now have a new trailor & she has
shown me all the Safety Skills I need to know to keep my horse & I safe. I
usually only ride on my land, being a little worried about venturing out --she's
introduced me to the Bitless Methods & I've managed to get out on new ground -
After being with Cathy, she's giving me more confidence and reassurance we all
need to ride. After a good ride , you realize like a beautiful Sunset, after all
the WORK, MONEY, and TIME you've giving up, the PLEASURE and FREEDOM given to us
by these Magnificent Animals!! Thanks Cathy***Your an Angel from above*** Diana
from Douglas
Date:
09 Jul 2006
Time:
10:04:18
Comments
I would like to thank Cathy for her patience and time with my 3 year old
gelding, Twain. Twain is a 16 hand Friesian cross. I would also like to thank
her for working with Twain's mother Oxanna. Tiara Yahnian
Date:
09 Jul 2006
Time:
10:22:54
Comments
I attended a clinic at Stonebridge Farm on June 11. It was a blast! I learned
how much damage a bit can cause. I wanted to thank Cathie for her hard work and
time. I would also like to thank Dane,Danny and Tiara for hosting the event.
Lilyanna Rodriguez
Date:
29 Jul 2006
Time:
20:58:27
Comments
Cathie - I can't thank you enough for all your help with Lizzie! She still has
attitude, but with your teaching me how to handle her and working with her she
has calmed down quite a bit and hasn't charged anyone that walks into the
pasture. The vet actually got all of her shots in her last year - the first time
in about 10 years!! Thanks again, Kathy Halloran
Date:
07 Aug 2006
Time:
23:28:49
Comments
I love Cathie's clinics, and Cathie has been out to work with my horse who was
traumatized by a supposed "natural horse trainer" in another state. After Cathie
helped me, my filly improved tremendously.Julie
Date:
09 Aug 2006
Time:
13:53:41
Comments
Hi Cathie - I want to share with everyone the story of my horse Express and the
amazing transformation he under went as a result of your teaching “both of us”
the proper way to do things! I sure hope this is not too long, but there is so
much to tell! When I bought Express he was skinny, neglected, bitter, moody,
disrespectful, and uncooperative. I saw from the start, that behind these
behaviors, there was a Beautiful, Smart horse, who just needed to be loved,
respected and taught that it is easier to go with the flow than against it. As a
first time horse owner, I knew I needed some help! I made my first appt with you
about 5 years ago, thanks to a word-of-mouth referral, (Thanks Maria), to help
stop his "bucking" on the trail, among a list of other behavioral issues. You
showed us how to lounge correctly, use a nylon halter correctly, use the round
pen correctly and a few tips and tricks that I had never seen, but REALLY
worked. Within a month, he was so much better that other people at the barn
could not believe it was the same horse and started asking me WHO my trainer
was!! I began to trust him and he began to trust me, it was an amazing
experience to grow that bond over time through hard work, dedication and your
training methods. I think some people always talked about, I an not sure if they
really experience that! About a year later, Express had advanced from not
cooperating on the trail whatsoever, to going to horse shows, and yes, I wanted
to even take a stab at cattle cutting. I brought him to a friend’s barn where
they have cutting contests and entered him right in! He took a look at the cows
and did not seem too impressed, until they were upon him! Express was SO AFRAID
of the cows, he lost his mind! He was snorting, jumping around, and just scared
to death. I knew I needed your help once again! You met us at your friends
cattle barn, and within no time you had him walking by the cows quietly, cutting
them off, reversing direction, the whole thing! Before I knew it, I was on his
back, cutting cows! I still remember just riding around with my jaw open, I
never thought that after what I saw, he would go near another cow, let alone, be
comfortable among them! Thanks for all you do!! You saved my relationship with
Express, as I am sure I would have given up in frustration if I had never met
you, I have shared the best memories of my life with Express, and I truly have
you to thank for that! You will always be loved and respected by us! :) Mandy
Oakley - Sutton MA.
Date:
23 Aug 2006
Time:
16:04:49
Comments
Cathie worked with my daughter and I several times with our untrained horse. She
not only had his full respect and attention but had ours as well! She has an
amazing way about her and made sure that we knew what we were doing so that when
she left we would continue with the correct training methods. Cathie will always
be the first person I call with a question or concern! Thanks Cathie! Andrea and
Jenna Siflinger
Date:
24 Aug 2006
Time:
01:52:16
Comments
Hello everyone. My name is Christy Hatrick; I am Cathie’s niece. I am from
California and I got the chance to go out there and stay with my aunt. So while
I was at my aunts that I hardly knew, I went to work with her every day and her
work is just amazing. So since I am from CA, I don’t know too much about horses,
well yes I have rode before but like I now much about them. So after I stayed
with my aunt for like two weeks I knew a lot more about them, why, because she
teaches you, she doesn’t just come out and fix your horse, she teaches you how
to keep them good. Every horse she worked on while I was there, something
different was with the horse, something better. So Aunt Cathie Your doing a
great job And I can’t wait to come back out and see more horses change. Keep
showing them whose boss. Love ya all, Christy Hatrick
Date:
25 Aug 2006
Time:
17:25:28
Comments
I have tell you what a great experience I had with Cathie! We had never met, her
reputation for excellent training methods and her website were shared with me by
someone else who had never met her, but her methods definitely sounded like
something to be looked into. So having recently purchased a foal in-utero and
wanting to do the right things with that new baby as well as update my 36 years
of training habits (both good and bad), I called Cathie inquiring as to the
possibility of watching her work sometime. She very kindly agreed to the
following week. At 7:00 one Friday morning we met at her home in order to drive
to a customer site located in New Hampshire. For the duration of the trip Cathie
shared her experiences and training philosophy. She had me sold at that point,
but I wanted to watch her work also. The horse she was to work with was sweet
and had some previous training but she was quickly able to assess him and focus
on areas where he still needed some training. His new 'family' was actively
involved in this process of discovery. Cathie also worked individually with each
member, assessing their particular needs and pointing out things to work on for
each one of them. She covered the tack in use, the methods to be utilized, as
well as the reactions from the horse to look for. It was amazing to see!! Cathie
was quite firm in a way the horse would understand so the horse knew he was to
behave in a given way, but she was always kind and gave an obvious release. In
just four and half hours of observing her work, I had learned so much. (See? My
years of training habits were already being adjusted in that small amount of
time!) I can't wait for that foal to arrive so I can continue learning more from
Cathie- Kim.
Date:
07 Sep 2006
Time:
19:54:50
Comments
Hi Cathie, Sorry I took so long to respond. I or we (Jean and Justine) would
like to thank you for all your work and patience with us in working with
Checkers. You have been a great help and much appreciated. We are looking
forward to working again soon. Justine has learned a lot and Checkers is
responding slowly but progress is being made daily. Thanks,Jean and Justine
Date:
11 Sep 2006
Time:
16:13:16
Comments
Thank you Cathie for all your help. Having an older green (6 year old) fjord
never under saddle and taking the "safe " plunge by ourselves we felt that we
needed the experience that could see it from his perspective and ours. Your kind
words but methods of wisdom allowed us to make the transition from having done
the ground training, to starting the saddle training. We are on him daily now
with the confidence he needed to understand what we wanted, and we have the
patience to allow him to understand without our butterflies to interfere. we are
moving on to better places for sure.
Date:
18 Sep 2006
Time:
09:51:12
Comments
My name is Debi Willoughby from Uxbridge, MA. I had Cathie come to my house to
train my miniature colt and miniature gelding. The colt was 3 months old and had
her own mind. She was friendly, but didn't want to be told what to do. I had
helped care for horses throughout the years, but had never trained them. So I
asked Cathie for her assistance so I could learn how to train them properly. It
took a little while to get the fight out of the colt, but she finally gave in
once she realized all of her tactics didn't phase or a discourage Cathie! After
about 1-1 1/2 hrs of working with her, she is now easier to handle and listens
well when being led or trained to do other things! My gelding had been "out of
control" and overbearing while he was a stallion. Just recently gelded, I saw he
was calming down and asked Cathie to help me correct his dominance issues while
she was here training my colt. In about 20 minutes she had his attitude
completely turned around! Not only did Cathie help change their attitudes, she
taught me how to teach them and how to communicate with them using body
language. All 3 of us are doing great and we are all learning new things! Thank
you Cathie for teaching me how to communicate to horses, I can fully enjoy them
now and they seem much happier! ~ Debi Willoughy
Date:
18 Sep 2006
Time:
19:33:01
Comments
Cathie has helped me with both of my horses- My nervous lady "Lady" who is doing
much better now, and my pushier Q.H. who now respects our space, backs on cue,
and has given up most bad habits learned under saddle as a lesson horse. We
appreciate your talents! Thanks again! Michelle Upton MA
Date:
22 Sep 2006
Time:
07:58:27
Comments
Cathie, Thanks again for working with my youngster Kody. Yesterday was his
second ride with you and you both did GREAT! I've been working with natural
horsemanship techniques for a year and a half with my youngster Kody who is now
3 yrs old. I have found it to be the best gift for myself and my horse. I was
having trouble finding a natural horsemanship colt starter and lo and behold I
was introduced to you. thank goodness! You treated Kody with repect and
understanding, he wasn't forced or tricked so of course he was willing and eager
to work. He's off to driving horse school next week and I know he is ready.
Thanks again and I'll see you in the spring. Marie Terkelsen, Bow, NH
Date:
22 Sep 2006
Time:
09:34:43
Comments
Cathie, I have a horse and a pony who both use the bitless bridle. The horse
(that you started) is now going 2nd level dressage and loves to go on long hacks
with th bitless. The pony drives andI went on a 8 mile pleasure ride with her
using the bitless, she is not known for being very responsive to a bit, I had no
problems at all and had a very pleasant ride.My guys are much more responsive
now when I use a bit, So I really would recomend it for people to try it it
won't hurt. happy trails. Lisa T
Date:
30 Sep 2006
Time:
11:08:51
Comments
Cathie has helped me instill faith in a horse that no one else believed in. Taco
came to my organization with a reputation of being "difficult" and unfriendly. I
didn't believe it until I got on his back and experienced the fear he had- he
would bolt, run into fences, and show no regard for even his own safety. Cathie
started working on the ground with him and recently we both got on him with a
bitless bridle. For the first time he didn't break out into a sweat or get
nervous at all. Cathie's way with Taco has demanded his respect and instilled
trust in their relationship. You can see when she works with him that he
understands her. I am so grateful that Cathie has come so far with Taco and
taught me so much I have asked her to continue working with me and three colts I
have ready to start. We worked with two of them last week and Cathie and I both
rode one of them in a rope halter! I would recommend Cathie to anyone to retrain
or start a horse off right! ~Amanda Young
Date:
07 Oct 2006
Time:
22:03:52
Comments
Kathie- Thank you so much for the time that you spent with me and my children,
you have given us a whole new confidence in working with our horse Zigzag. We
are very excited about your new video (since ours didn't come out so great)and
look foward to having you come again soon. I think what we appreciated most was
that you look the time to explain each step to us individually and until we
understood. We have been riding with a bitless bridle and it has been going
pretty well. I am also trimming my own animals feet now instead of having to
hire a farrier. What a savings! Thanks again and hope to see you soon! Melissa
Shattuck -Peterborough,NH
Date:
10 Oct 2006
Time:
18:47:30
Comments
Cathie was recommended by my blacksmith to help me halter my 2month old filly.
She was my first foal and I didn't want to do anything "wrong". Cathie was
great! in 15min we had the halter on and baby was not stressed at all. She also
helped me work on leading and gave me tips on trailering, etc. It definately was
nice to have a good foundation to build on. Using Cathie's techniques I
continued her training, at 4months Brie (calmly)made the 5 hour trip to Port
Jervis for the National Irish Draught Horse Show. In our dressage suitability
class, competing against much older horses, she was the most well behaved and
the only horse to trot the USDF triangle obediantly. I am very, very proud.
Thanks Cathie, Jenna Ordway
Date:
12 Oct 2006
Time:
13:36:10
Comments
I’ve owned my 11 year old Off-the-Track thoroughbred horse for three and a half
years. He’s a big boy at 16 hands and can be very intimidating. I recently moved
him to a new barn which he loves and has become quiet complacent to just hang
out all day in his private paddock and have his meals delivered to him three
times a day. Work is something he doesn’t want to do. When I would take him on
trail rides, he would grit his teeth and as soon as we headed home or even
turned in that direction, he’d start jigging, tossing his head, and acting like
he was ready to explode. The more I tried to hold him back, the higher his head
would go. When I heard that Cathy was doing a clinic at my barn I decided to
include my horse as a “problem horse.” My first reaction when someone suggested
trying the bit less bridle was “no way, not with my horse.” Well, after Cathy
worked with him for a while, you could see the difference. It took him a little
while to realize that if he stopped when asked, he wasn’t going to feel any pain
in his mouth since there wasn’t a bit in it. Cathy has also been able to
eliminate an annoying habit he has of gritting his teeth. After a few
corrections each time he gritted his teeth (I’ve had his teeth checked so I know
that wasn’t the problem), he’s stopped doing it. Today, I am using a rope halter
as a bridle. I feel much better knowing that he doesn’t have a piece of metal in
his mouth to control him and I’m sure he would say the same thing! Cathy has a
done a great job working with my horse, whose name is Trouble by the way; she’s
firm but fair and he (and I) both respect her. I think it might be time to
change his name. Thank you so much Cathy for all your help. Suzanne in Grafton.
Date:
04 Nov 2006
Time:
18:14:50
Comments
I called Cathie only when I thought I had no other choice. I should have called
her sooner. I was a 1st time horse owner with a horse with some issues that I
didn't have the tools to work out. He was generally pushy and stubborn and
didn't see me as the leader on the ground or in the saddle. I had been told he
was not a good match for me, and I'd do best to sell him. But, when I tried to
sell him, he bucked or poked along and stopped or backed up when folks came to
see him. Who would want to buy him? And by now, I had started to completely lose
my nerve. So I called Cathie. She told me she could help me with my relationship
with him or get him straightened out for sale. She came, she showed us what to
do, she had us make a video so we could do it again on our own and she checked
in to see how things were going afterward. What best summarizes what Cathie did
for us, was that while everyone would tell me " you've got to be the boss" or "
you can't let him get away with that", Cathie actually showed me how not to let
him get away with it! And how I can be the "boss" Our relationship has improved
significantly since we began using Cathie's ground work techniques. He's paying
attention to me, waiting for my signals (mostly!)And more importantly, that work
has translated into a more willing attitude under saddle. We don't use a shank
over his nose or spurs anymore! He's not pushing and pulling me all over the
place and I'm not trying to drag a 1300 lb beast along! Thanks Cathie, you saved
our relationship.
Date:
01 Dec 2006
Time:
17:21:04
Comments
I called Cathy to come out to help me with some issues i was having with my 3
y/o green broke draft horse. Once again i am amazed in the difference in my
horse with just one session. Before Cathys visit i was getting pinned ears, head
tossing and backing up when i asked for forward...now i am getting forward
without a fuss...before she left she let me borrow a copy of the dvd she made of
her bitless bridle clinic..Even though i already ride bitless in a rope halter,
she said there is lots of training tips in there, also. I sat down that nite to
watch the tape and all i can say is "GREAT JOB CATHY"! My husband always said
that i was going to get hurt because i had "no control" without a bit...after
watching the tape, he said he was GLAD that i never put a bit in their mouths to
begin with. He got to see first hand that its whats in their head, not whats in
their mouth that counts. He also commented that this is the FIRST tape that we
have seen (and we watch lots of them) that a trainer actually demonstrates on a
horse with issues and you see what can happen, and watch the change in the horse
before your eyes...most tapes demonstrate the end result on a finished horse and
you never see what can go wrong or right with the average horse. Even if you
dont want to ride bitless , this is great dvd to watch for gaining your horses
respect on the ground and in the saddle(and i'll bet you'll change you mind
about the bit, too!). SORRY Cathy, but you not gonna get your dvd's back! I am
keeping them to add to my library of information!! :) Nancy Perry
Date:
21 Dec 2006
Time:
17:54:09
Comments
Hi - Cathie came out to see LILLY, my 2 year old TB/Appy cross three times and
last time was amazing - she got on, walked, halted, turned and circled - all
calmly and confidently. Cathie spent 2 hours working with her and had her full
attention and respect after about 10 minutes. I highly recommend using Cathie to
"start" your young horse. Can't wait to have her back soon. Tracy
Date:
27 Dec 2006
Time:
21:37:35
Comments
In 2003 I adopted a 4 month old PMU foal I named Sam. Cathie has been right
there with me through all the ups and downs of training a young horse. Now at
3.5 years old it was time to get him under saddle. Sam's normally sweet demeanor
quickly turned dangerously eruptive with little warning or explanation. Cathie
was infinitely patient and determined and after just two sessions he was finally
backed. Cathie took him through the steps little by little and helped him
understand what was being asked. Once given the opportunity to come up with the
right answers, Sam was eager to please and went from a bucking nightmare to the
gentle soul he normally is. Thanks for hanging in there with us Cathie!-
Melissa, Steve & Sam
