A Visit from Sarah Weston

Silmarillion

Silmarillion

Well-Known Member
Joined
14 March 2010
Messages
1,757
Location
UK
Visit site
I just wanted to post to say how much I recommend this lady and how fab she is after seeing her work with my boy :)

My mum and I have been having trouble with our new boy Denys - a month after we bought him in October last year he showed us his party trick of spinning round and galloping off when something frightens him in-hand. He's a big boy at 16.2hh and we could never quite persuade him not to run us over instead of stand still next to us, or walk properly beside us without resistance. All the little things have been adding up to mean that when he really freaks out, he can just leave at 90mph!

I asked for advice on here and got loads of helpful replies, and bought a chifney, but couldn't help but think there must be something missing in my handling of him in a headcollar. I emailed Sarah a few weeks ago and told her the worst bits about Denys, and she agreed to come and see what tactics she could teach us to handle his episodes.

Well Sarah came out yesterday, and I just think she is fab! I'm so glad I braved it and contacted her - she quickly assessed that Denys was a kind soul and eager to please, and after 20mins of learning how to lead him with a positive and common-sense approach, I had him walking, jogging and funeral-marching next to me like I was wearing Denys glue :D He's never wanted to be with me before, and even when we went into his "scary field" he stuck with me.

I feel like I have a lot to work on now to strengthen these foundations, but it's so fab to have a direction to go in and an answer to his little questions. He didn't show us his trick but I hope that I now have enough of an answer to nip it in the bud, before he leaves!

So if anyone is questioning how to handle a difficult situation with a horse and is considering going to a professional for help, I highly recommend Sarah Weston! :)
 
Sarah has helped me desensitize (sp?) one of my horses to needles and vets, and helped me with clicker training with another to do some specific physio exercises. I think she is amazing and has the most wonderful attitude and approach with both horses and owners. :)
 
Sprout - she did seem to have the same approach to my mum and I as she did with Denys... She didn't once tell us we were doing anything wrong, only what we could improve, and was full of praise when we "got it"! The techniques obviously work with both species :D
 
I was lucky enough to have her teach me on the Handling the Untouched Horse course I did with IH in Witney. She was fantastic and I learnt so much about the horses but more importantly about myself! If you live in her area you are very lucky to have her as a resource. :)
 
Sarah is brilliant, and has helped so many horse owners both directly and more indirectly through her book. Cannot rate her highly enough!

And so pleased to hear that things are improving with Denys :)
 
And well done to you too for realising you needed help and being prepared to search out the right person to take advice from!

I love people that can radically change things in a calm manner and leave you inspired- I think thats why I love horses, always so much more to learn.

Sarah does sound amazing though.
 
If you've read her blog since yesterday you'll see my boy :D

Just got back from a hack, just half an hour's walk with me walking and my mum on board. D was following me like a sheep :D I can't wait to ride him again myself!
 
I have met Sarah when I took my mare on a Leading & Loading Course (4 days) with Kelly Marks. My girl just wouldn't load, came home & did my homework and she now loads like a dream.
 
well done Silmarillion! I am a MASSIVE fan of Sarah's, having read her blog from the first entry, and read her book in prep for the arrival of my weanling last year. I also spoke to her on the phone on one occasion, and I was as excited as if I found myself speaking to JK Rowling!

Am seriously contemplating asking to have a couple of days shadowing Sarah, as I think she offers this. Bit far to take my horses! Had a look at the recent blog and Denys looks gorgeous. Hope your relationship with him continues to go from strength to strength. :-)
 
Oh my, blush. Please can we stop there now while the going is good?! Denys was a sweetheart and his Mum and her Mum were very very good at taking what I'd said and putting it into action. The best moment was when we asked Denys to mirror their steps - not only did he stride out when they did, but he also took teeny weeny steps when they tried to see how slow they could go. Considering he's a great big leggy horse, it was a delight to see.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top