I found my trainer in the Want Advertiser!

When I bought Zeus at 5 months old from Wisconsin, I knew nothing about raising foals, let alone big, draft foals. I had various 'regular, older' horses over the years, but this was my first shot at raising my own. He was a good boy - learned to lead, pick up his feet, bath and was generally easy to work with. Before I knew it, he was a 2 yr old stallion (we intended to do a little breeding) who needed to move along to the next step of really learning the ropes. I knew that I needed help in starting him with ground driving in preparation of riding and pulling light loads. I had seen Cathie's ad in the Want Ads and bypassed it for awhile. I kept seeing it and said to myself: "Do I really want to find my horse's first trainer thru the Want Ads? Who is this person?". I put the Want Ads away again. Finally, really wanting to get Zeus going, I did the unthinkable: I called Cathie. "Gee, not so bad; she sounded nice".

Folks - the rest is history! Cathie turned out to be a wonderful trainer; someone who was right up my alley - kind and understanding with horses, simple in her teaching techniques and super knowledgeable about all sorts of horse stuff. She worked with Zeus and over the years we have done great things: Equine Affaire for 3 years and an American Warmblood Inspection. After 2 lovely foals, Zeus is now 5 yrs old and gelded. Cathie is training him to ride under saddle in Dr. Cook's bitless bridle. I don't see the need to put metal in his mouth and he is responding very well. We also use rope halters around the farm so he is used to giving to that type of pressure. Zeus is progressing well and Cathie will be riding him at the 2005 Equine Affaire Spotted Draft Breed Demo in the bitless bridle.

So, for those of you who wonder what a trainer from the Want Ads is all about - give Cathie a call. You'll be surprised too!

Lisa Benoit - Spring Brook Farm