I purchased Yaldon Raama in 2010. He was a 5 yr old unbroken Arab probably about 15.2.

I messed about with him for a while, got him used to a saddle and bridle…basic stuff. I liked his nature and basic tractability, but knew that I did not have the expertise to take him further.

After some research I was no further to deciding what to do with him until my BFF suggested Karen White in Chittering.

Not long after meeting and discussing my expectations with Karen we had Skinners take him up to Mohegan.[no way was he getting on a float].

Raama stayed with Karen for a couple of months and the weekend I was to bring him home I participated in a 2 day clinic [ I had previously ridden him at Karen’s].He was, as Karen had told me not to thrilled with arena work but we did ok. At the clinic Karen used this previously WILL NOT get on a float horse as a demo. Raama calmly walked in and stood there as if to say let’s get going….I was gobsmacked.

Once I got the boy home I realised this was a good horse , he was quite calm riding out in company or by himself and I had learnt a lot from Karen about what I should be doing with him , locals are probably amused to see our rein backs, circles etc as we go down the road.

In November 2011 I was to have a repair on my left knee and then in December a total replacement of my right knee. Karen took him back for about a further 3 months so he could keep in work.

When I had him home again we continued where we left of riding out and round yard work. I was extremely pleased with the way he was progressing.

Then the day came when I decided he was ready for his first SES training day BUT he reverted to his old ways…would not get on the float…no way.

I persevered but to no avail. An SOS to Karen saw a prompt response and within 1 session she had him loading beautifully again. I continued with the practice and Karen paid us another visit 1 week later…all looked good.

Then within a couple of weeks and 2 days before I was due at a clinic with Karen he jacked up again! Karen came over again did another session and we took him over to Henley Brook a day early.

I continued practice and the test was recently when I had purposely left him 2 weeks without looking at the float. Straight on …no hesitation.

He has recently also had his first big outing and floating was no problem. I am however safe in the knowledge that should problems recur Karen will be there to help.

I have been around horses myself for 35 odd years and Raami was bought to gradually take over the duties of my wonderful little Arab mare, Possum who we bred ourselves and is now rising 19.

Without Karen’s help I would have given up on Raami in fact on at least two occasions I was ready to have him shot [figuratively speaking].I now look forward to lessons with Karen in the new year and working towards having a good well rounded riding horse….and I am going to get Karen to teach ‘us’ to bow!

Next year he will be joining me in the SES mounted section, do adult riding club and maybe even take over from Possum in team penning.

Linda Leadbetter Millendon