a picture of Shiloh that we took today!
I had to share this picture
with you!!
He
was running around following me! He is so cute!
Hi Gaye,
Ok. Finally Here's the picture of Pepper
and .......! Yeah, I know, only took a year to get it. lol. I'm sending 2 attached. And things are going great.
...... is very happy with Pepper and Pepper is doing awesome. I've got Pepper in training on a 3 times a week basis
now and she's really coming along very well. Mellow and totally workable. She's a lovebug. Thanks again for matching
up the two of them!
Whinny in the halloween parade, talk about tolerant horses, look at those utters!!
I have had my horse with Gaye now for about
3 months. I could truly go on for hours about how wonderful she is and how she has improved my relationship with my
horse. Gaye has helped develop my horsemanship skills from just being a rider to being a leader and
partner to my young horse.
I knew nothing about the Natural Horsemanship world
when I first started working with Gaye but over the past few months I have seen Gaye transform an aggressive,
dominate horse into a willing partner. My horse was not the easiest to work with, but one of the things
I liked most about Gaye is I never heard "this horse is to much for you" or that "He is not
going to change". Gaye has an impressive knowledge of horses and horse behavior and was able to find different
ways to train/work with my horse. She never gave up on us and has remained patient and consistent with
both me and my horse to this day.
Gaye's horsemanship skills and techniques are great
for young horses. She develops a great foundation and builds confidence of both the horse and rider as they progress together. She
is honest, reliable and a great communicator. Gaye gives great lessons and knows that every horse/rider learn differently. She
is both a great visual and verbal teacher. After each lesson, she follows up in email about what went well and
what things I should be working on while riding on my own. Even when you are not having a lesson and just cruising
around the barn Gaye is always happy to answer question and help in anyway she can.
I simply cannot
thank her enough for everything she has done for me and my horse. The examples listed above are just a few of the things
that make Gaye an excellent trainer. I would highly recommend her for any training your horse needs on the ground, on
the trails and in the arena.
Gaye,
Have squeezed in a few rides with Blue. Just
as I get a rhythm going....it
snows, it rains, it sucks! Anyway, on Friday I had him in the round pen for
a
few minutes, then spent about an hour working with him in the arena,
getting his speeds consistent, practicing backing,
circles, etc. It was a
great exercise! Meanwhile, ... cantered his horse up some hills to get
ready
for endurance riding, then I joined him for another hour or so on the
trail. We came across: a guy shooting at
a target, motor bikes, 4 wheelers,
other horses, lots of dogs. Blue was great! And his gaits were smooth and
under control. Saturday I worked in the arena with .... on Dinero and we
rode alongside each other working to
keep the horses together walking and in
gait, then went out for about another hour and a half. The arena work is
super for Blue and me, especially as our riding is sporadic. I'm really
happy with him. He seems to
prefer women to men, though! Our farrier just
shod the boys and said Blue was a little reluctant to come to him but was
an
angel while shoeing.
Talked to ........... re our "weekend workshop". We all have
the weekend
of July 16 penciled in so I hope it works for you. It's hard to get all of
us together at
the same time. And, of course, the ........ and we will be
making it worth your while financially so please let
us know what you
anticipate?
More rain and snow predicted for the next two weeks. Eek!
Hi Gaye,
I know it's been
awhile, but I just happened across some old videos of Legend that you have up on youtube, which led me to your website,
and wow! I'm so glad to see that you are still training barefoot gaited horses! When
I saw Legend on your front page, I figured you would probably love an update. I know that he was special to you, and
over the last three years, he has become incredibly special to me! We actually moved from California all the way to
North Carolina last summer and Legend made the long trip beautifully. (I cried when I put him on the truck, but I
paid as much for his transportation as I paid you when I bought him!) We live in Durham now and he is boarded at a
lovely stable just out of town. There is a great equestrian community here, but people are not as familiar with natural horsemanship. Everyone loves how gentle and calm he is. I ride 4 to 6 times a week
and I swear he never gets tired! He is the only paint at our barn and he's a real favorite. No one can believe
that he is a day over 10 years old. My hoof trimmer loves his feet and says they are some of the best he's seen.
He gets daily turn out in a huge pasture with a nice group of other mellow geldings, and he's become great friends
with a huge black appendix named Porter. They are basically together all the time. I've had a lot of changes in my life
since I got Legend...changed jobs a couple of times, remodeled a house with my husband, had a baby, moved across the country...etc.,
and my trail rides with him are THE thing that keeps me happy and sane. If I go two days without getting to the barn,
my husband insists that I go because I'm always nicer to him when I get back. Anyway, I just want you to know that
he is so so loved.
I am excited to spend some
time browsing through the materials on your site. Seeing your approach to gaited horses helps me understand Legend
even better, since much of his excellence he obviously learned from you. He gaits beautifully, though as you will remember,
it comes out much more easily on the trail. I've talked with many gaited horse owners
who have said the same thing. I think the gait comes out of him the best when he knows that he's got ground to
cover, and he is smart enough to know that no matter how hard he works in the arena, he's just going to end up in the
same place. I love how spirited he is on the trail, and yet how I can trust him with total beginners in the arena....he
may soon be teaching my son to ride! He's been such a great horse for me because he is not the kind of guy who
is going to work for you unless you ask him correctly and with confidence. He has taught me so much about how to communicate
because he really insists that I do it right, and when I do ask correctly, he responds perfectly.
Anyway, here are a couple of pictures for you. The one where he is
lying down is one of my favorites...it was one of the first warm days of spring, and he was so enjoying a mud/sun bath. When
I walked up to him in the pasture, he just gave me this look that said, "You want me to get up and do what?"
Thanks again for all the time and work that you put into him! He
really has my heart and soul!
Dear Gaye-
Wow, what an amazing horse we found in Sir Lancelot (aka Sawyer).
I wasn't even looking for a new horse, since I already have a wonderful QH gelding (retired to pasture due to
injury).
But then I saw Sawyer and I knew from the photos and videos on your website that if he was actually
the way he seemed, I had to have him!
So he's been with me since Feb. 16, 2011 and what a magnificent horse.
I know I balked at the price of $6,500.00 but after realizing what a truly beautiful and talented boy you were allowing
me to purchase, I know now that to me, he is worth much more...
Sawyer is far and away the kindest, most amazing
horse I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. His gaits are like floating on a cloud and his personality is closer
to that of a sweet puppy than a horse. He is happy just hanging out with me, and is kind to the other horses in our
pasture. He is so honest and just "asks" what would you like me to do? And then he gladly does it.
We've already been on many trail rides, alone and with other horses and he is just all about having fun.
He leads the pack and is so brave and sensitive at the same time.
When I'm riding him and he begins
to trot, guess whose fault that is? Mine! I regroup and off we go in a lovely foxtrot, simply beautiful.
He has quite a fan club at Webb Ranch! All the folks who meet him can't believe how loving and friendly (and
wicked handsome) he is. My farrier, who has seen literally thousands of horses, wants one just like Sawyer.
So needless to say, I feel so fortunate to have found him. I LOVE HIM!!! We are at the beginning of
a fantastic journey, my boy and me.
Gaye, thank you for seeing the amazing ability and potential in this handsome
boy and bringing it out. He is perfect!
Sawyer (aka sir lancelot), is an amazing horse. So wonderful and gentle. I gave him
a kiss as you asked.
Dear Gaye:
Just wanted to drop you a line to tell you that Glory continues to improve by leaps and bounds since our little tune up lesson on desensitizing. Everyone
has noticed how much calmer and quieter she since I have incorporated all the exercises into our daily routine! Goes
to show you, it does noes not take much, but is does take consistency.
Thanks again for the help!
Thank you for the tips. I learned more
from you today than I have in several years. If you ever feel like coming to Tahoe, both ......, my husband, and I
and probably ...... would love to have some refresher courses from you and you and your husband could have really nice accommodations
either with us or the ........!
Great lesson tonight! Thank you.
Your awesome. Thanks for the update,Gaye!
Blue Ridge aka Eragon
Went for a 2 hour ride
at the walk (not our plan, had wanted to do a conditioning ride!) With 4 friends. Blue did great! Didn't matter if he
was in back, in front, middle, next to, or close to other horses...and 2 dogs underfoot. He got lots of admiration and was
great. When ...... and I broke off to go to our paddock, ..... horse was rushing a little. I let Blue know he was not to
try to catch up and he responded perfectly. He's terrific!
Hi
Gaye!
We had a fabulous time! We all learned so much and I know ..... and I would like to come out about every two weeks
at least to take lessons. I had an incredible lesson(s) today and I learned so much. It was fantastic to ride all of the
different horses and watch you train. I love the way you train and you have amazing energy. It's been a very, very long time since I have had a trainer who I respect because they are both a great trainer and great
horseman. I know that .... enjoyed her lesson very much and .... was so fascinated watching Eragon in the round-pen. It
really helped me to see how to make sure he knew to walk in and out of the round pen slowly. I think you REALLY helped .....
and we getting through to her. I just don't think she knows the seriousness of horses and thinks that nothing bad will
happen. I really saw her prick up when you made him spook because I imagine that is exactly what ..... is doing with
her. She said she learned so much from you and I know that we both enjoy how involved you are. You talk us through
everything and there isn't a moment where you aren't guiding us. It is so rare to find such a level headed trainer
who really knows her stuff. I love how gentle you are but get as firm as necessary without losing your cool. Thank-you for
letting me be in the round pen with you. We definitely want to bring ....... out and ........said she would help tape me
riding ......... I think ....... definitely wants to come out for more lessons as well. I will definitely be in touch with
you and I gave all three ladies your card.
Thanks so much for all of the help today. You really gave us a lot
to lick and chew over :)
Gaye,
That is great about Lancelot. You are going to miss him. Funny
lady. Are you bringing another horse in?
Yes, please please I would love for
you to train Whinny.
I will write you a check
I am so glad you have the time to work with whinny. Just sucks I
cannot ride. I noticed a difference in his behavior yesterday. Definitely more respectful I could tell you had been kickin
his ass.
I am so excited you have the time to work with him. He might need more than 1 month. So
hold my space for another month please...
Would love to have you (and hubby) come up and ride
with us. Happy to pay you for coaching and I'm sure ....... would like to join us as well.
Well, "the eagle has landed" a bit of a rough trip due to the other horses but he seems fine!
He and Dinero hit it off right away: Dinero dominant, Blue submissive so both are really happy. Will send photos later.
Looking forward to riding tomorrow. Will keep you informed.
Here's a testimonial for you!
I owned my own horse for years and thought I knew it all. Now, riding again after 25 years, I am blown away at how
much you are teaching me, Gaye. You are patient and focused and clearly up there with the best horse
trainers and teachers. You manage to teach without judging or braying immodestly in regard to your expertise. It's
a wonderful combination and I am deeply grateful to you. I am learning, building confidence and finding how little I did
know and how great it would have been, had I known, all those years back. Thank you!
Wanted
to share something cool that happened with Aries today...
I was grooming him in the cross ties before our ride.
When I went to grab my bridle he turned and was standing at a diagonal with his hindquarters against the center bar.
All I had to do was tilt my head, point at his hindquarters and cluck... he move Completely off the bar and gave me
plenty of space.
I thought ok that was just a fluke but he did it 3 more times side to side...
I was so proud and impressed!
Hope to see you at Tahoe, skiing?
golf? horseback riding? ...... sends his best regards and is really excited that I bought the horse from you
Best
Hi Gaye - Thanks for the lesson today and most of all thank you for not
getting frustrated with me. Other then ........teaching me I have never had "lessons" before.
You make it very easy for me to understand and I appreciate your patients... A LOT! I'm very much a visual learner
so hearing the instruction sometimes is difficult for me.
Hi, Gaye:
Yesterday I was able to work with Baylee
before the rains came. I used my neighbor's arena, footing not so great, but better than nothing. It's 50' across
and 100' long so I roped off half of it and was able to "round pen" him in more of a square. Actually,
it worked pretty well. He ran around bucking and kicking until he was in a good sweat, then I was able to get on him and
work with him. I'm not sure, but i think I got him flat-walking, what I felt was my butt and pelvis sliding back
to front on an even rhythm. So I think that's what it's supposed to feel like, isn't it? Anyway,
he was fine. Of course, now everything is all muddy again...the joys of winter!
Dear
Gaye-
We
will just be an hour away and I meant what I said, that you can come to visit him and we'll ride together. By the
way, I think you're just great. I had alot of fun riding with you, funny girl.
Thank you for loving him so much. I know you feel sad because you are a kind and loving horse woman.
He'll be very happy, I'll promise you that.
Thank you again Gaye, we will keep in
touch, you know I'll have a million questions.
Thanks Gaye! I truly feel you
have made him progress so nicely. I'm so happy to hear that he was good even with all the commotion..
Could we possibly do a lesson Friday?
Gaye-
Everything went perfectly yesterday. Lancelot made the transition
without any issues. He walked around the ranch with me, not a spook! Of course, he was the main attraction wherever
we went!
I stayed with him until nine last night
and introduced him to one of ..... horses in the pasture catch pen. He's eating and drinking just fine.
He wasn't nervous at all, just inquisitive.
What a mellow and
gentle boy he is.
His vet check is at 9:00a
and I'm sure all will be well.
Talk to you later.
Thanks,
Gaye. We checked today and her eye looks okay.
....
loves working with you!
