After a lot of dreaming in my youth of someday owning a horse, I finally came to own a handsome 9 year old Tennessee Walker, that I named Aengus (in Gaelic this means one’s choice). I traveled to Tennessee to see Aengus, and at the time he was emaciated, broken down and I was told he worked about nine hours a day, either driving a buggy or trail riding. He certainly looked worked, but, I fell in love with him, his eyes were so soft and I knew I could give him a better life.

After a few months at the farm in MA, Aengus put on some weight, began feeling settled again, and for a short time, we were riding nicely together. But something was happening to him, slowly, that I just could not understand. His mild manner off saddle became a nightmare under saddle, and there was no warning. I knew, as a novice, that I needed help or the situation may become dangerous for both Aengus and myself. Then I thought I waited too long, as he almost threw me, after spinning and spinning, so of course I got off of him, never to return. So, I was not sure if he now had my number, or if his hard life somehow was coming back to him, and he was fleeing what he thought was the long hard days of work. Either way, I knew I needed Cathie, and I needed her asap.

Cathie’s plan for us – we were to get back to groundwork, quiet groundwork that we needed to absolutely excel at before thinking about getting back in the saddle. Aengus and I, after Cathie’s instructions, began working quietly. We lunged, but only at the walk, never anything faster. We walked with a lead, quietly, spending hours softly talking to Aengus, trying to reassure him that nothing terrible was going to happen to him. Cathie then began working Aengus without a lead, quietly working him at liberty, and it was truly amazing – he never wanted to leave her side, and actually calmed down enough to enjoy himself at this work. Aengus and I continue to work this way, and I cannot tell you how enjoyable it is, for both if us. It builds my confidence up again, and I know it does the same for Aengus.

Cathie has come to work with Aengus at another level, one exclusively given to her as a trainer, but one that I am so excited about – Cathie will now drive Aengus, and with each drive, he improves ever so much. More exciting, Cathie is now able to ride Aengus, quietly as ever, as Aengus does not feel the need to bolt, spin or rear with Cathie . With every ride, she works with him, reading Aengus’ needs, and over time, I will do the same. This is just a dream come true for me, much like those dreams of my youth, and I need to thank Cathie for making this one come true.

Ruth O’Connell, Southborough, MA
 

Aengus going over the ground pole and stopping just over it.	Then Aengus backs up. Getting this horse tuned into our body language, respecting our space and looking to us for leadership and safety is getting us further and further with him.
This is the first successful time on Aengus. He's still nervous but not spinning and rearing as he was. The saddle and bridle triggers all of his bad memories and habits.  I figured I'd have better luck without them. Our goal is riding with the saddle and bitless bridle!	Goal within reach! A regular halter with reins attached and no more rearing or bolting. Aengus was relaxed and very responsive.