Before I start my story I would like to say that if you have a problem horse or a horse that needs retraining then you have found the person that you need. You really will be giving your horse the very best opportunity in its’ future life. I have met a great number of excellent equestrian trainers, but no one compares to what I have seen Melanie achieve.
I rode quite competitively as a youngster and we as a family, come from a very equestrian background. Due to other commitments, I had to stop riding until recently. I then saw an advert for Sophie. She was 5 and at this stage, unbroken and described as a little sharp!
When I saw Sophie she had been brought in recently, having lived wild around the Bradford Airport area. She was definitely very sharp. She had a head collar on that was cutting into her face and she had scars on her neck and feet. We later discovered that she had been caught up in barbed wire as a 2 year old (Melanie took the time to track down the breeder to try and identify what had caused the physical and mental issues the horse suffered from). The sensible person would have walked away, however I saw a horse that I liked and although she was thoroughly DANGEROUS, I bought her.
When I got her home I soon realised that I had made a terrible mistake. I did not have the facilities, time or the experience to deal with this horse. I have broken horses before and ridden dangerous horses but this was a different league. The thing with Sophie was that it was ‘fear-based behaviour’ so a harsh approach would have been wrong. She was so explosive and powerful, I knew that I needed help.
By chance, I happened upon Melanie. She has given me a fabulous horse and given Sophie the ability to live a normal, fulfilled and hopefully, a successful life.
The techniques that Melanie used were different. The principal is that horses are herding animals and that the herd is lead by the matriarch. If a member of the herd is misbehaving it is dealt with in a certain way by the matriarch. It is the study of this behaviour that underpins a lot of Melanie’s work. Coming from a traditional background I viewed any other techniques as “Natural Horsemanship” and to some extent dismissed it.
The difference when comparing Melanie to others is the way that she cures the problem and more importantly trains the owner so the work can continue back at home. I was embarrassed by the situation I found myself in. Melanie and her team never looked down on me or made me feel stupid as a lot do. The yard is not state of the art, but it is professional, friendly and puts the horses before the economics. Melanie’s yard is probably the cleanest and best run that I have ever seen.
My only expectation was to have a horse that I could sit on. My expectations were exceeded by 100%. I had a calm, level headed and respectful horse. It was like the mad chip in her brain had been removed. I ride this horse down very busy main roads with trucks travelling at 50mph driving towards me. She has the biggest jump I have had the pleasure to sit on and we could not be happier.
All of this has been achieved without beating her up. It is also surprisingly affordable. What you can’t put a price on is the chance Sophie has had and the life she can now lead. I have no doubt that she would have ended up being shot if it had not been for Melanie and the thorough work she and her team put in.
All I can say is a big thank you to Melanie and her team for an amazing job.
Mike.
This blog was posted on Thursday, January 8th, 2009
