My first meeting with Karen was in answer to my SOS. Karen came to my rescue in helping float my mare Genevieve. I was convinced Genevieve had long standing issues that had never been dealt with. To sum it up, she was terrified of the float and would avoid it at all costs. Even to the point of throwing herself around and pulling you along with her. Not being one to give in so easily, I did a lot of ground work. After many sessions and much patience I was finally able to get her to walk on. I was quite chuffed with myself! Was this the same horse that would stand with one toe on the bottom of the ramp and tremble? Then the goal posts shifted, my lovely mare changed the rules…now she wouldn’t stay on and rushed off! Extremely dangerous when you are on your own trying to connect up the bars and lift the ramp. I didn’t know what to try next, I had exhausted my knowledge.
In desperation I resorted to the internet and came across Karen’s website, I very much liked what I saw. In reply to a very long winded email, Karen was able to sum up the problem in one simple sentence…. “Genevieve has learnt to get on and off the float under her own conditions.”…..finally, someone who understood! I had tried to get trainers to come to me but couldn’t find one that would travel. I had to get my horse to them. Now how was I supposed to do that! Wasn’t that the whole point? So Karen came to me and set to work. The transformation happened right before my eyes. In a short space of time Genevieve was walking onto the float and staying on. Karen came prepared to spend as much time as needed….”It takes as long as it takes” is Karen’s philosophy. No rushing just patience, kindness and consistency. And then the best and most important part of all happened…Karen turned the training session onto me and did not leave until she was sure I had mastered it all. So now my lovely Genevieve, I’m proud to say, floats beautifully. She walks on confidently, stands perfectly still and calmly waits while I do up the bars and close the ramp. It is an incredible feeling to know that you are safe, secure and independent.
Shortly after this session I began regular lessons with Karen. It is amazing how much she can pack into one hour! Karen gets both you and your horse working together as a partnership. Still wanting more, I asked if we could organise a boot camp. So last year in October was the first Mohegan 5 day boot camp for horse and rider. A specific clinic designed to do some serious hands on trouble shooting. And we were not disappointed. It was brilliant!
There are not enough words to say thank you Karen. You have the uncanny ability to bring out both you and your horses potential. I am grateful to you for unlocking the door to a whole new world of enjoyment. Your lessons and clinics enable you to gain the confidence to go out and try more. You have unlimited patience and are especially skilful in helping overcome nerves. You are truly gifted and we are so very lucky to have you in our neighbourhood!
Genevieve and I are off to Karen’s second boot camp now….much more to learn!