Sue and Gary

I bought Gary (the grey arab) about 4 years ago - and didnt know what i was about to let myself in for! as usual horses can 'change' in a new enviroment while sorting herd higher-archy. I had problems early on as simple as 'leading him to the field' - he would use his head to herd me and several times sent me flying!

He was a little bigger than me and so it didnt take much :) I resorted to holding him close and tight! Also under saddle there was suddenly no steering or brakes and he would go hollow and toss his head right back and twice hit me in the face!

had other people tell me he was dangerous / dont ride him / get off him etc etc! saddle fitters / instructors / friends. I am a therapist and worked on all his muscular skeletal issues and saddle fit - but he had emotional issues from a previous situation which clouded his judgement.

Then I met Cara on a yard I visited and since then havent looked back - I employed her services to 'sort us out' and get us back together! Cara took one look at Gary and immediatly sensed join up for him was not an option straight away - it would have blown his confidence! So instead we worked in-hand in my menage. After negotiating walking in hand / stopping / turning - we then got to manouver through and round obstacles on the ground. He excelled at them and in the near future we were able to join up with him at a later date when suitable.

Cara helped me to hack him out on his own and showed me how to deal with hazards while mounted - I am still doing this with my young horse and it is now ingrained in me and all my horses! They are all learning to stop and wait if not sure of something instead of just 'running away'. I have even taught my friend to do the same! I tell Cara she is my pocket parrot sitting on my shoulder where-ever I go :)

In those early years I got to the point where I didnt think I would ever ride Gary - or certainly not ride out alone. I can now take him out to compete - and we have been doing our first endurance rides - the Photo is of me on him at an endurance event in Cheshire, UK with my older more experienced horse and a friend.

I fully recommend Cara - she not only knows what she is doing and treats each horse as an individual, also she has an ability to communicate with the owner on any level necessary to help them to understand - she doesnt make you feel like its your fault! Gary is a happier horse and I am a happier owner.

You folks just dont know how lucky you are to have Cara in Australia - I would have kept her here :)