Giving Belle a well deserved pat and an apple treat on a cold frosty morning before turning her out to pasture for the day, I reminisced about how this lovely horse came to belong to me.
"Who is that!" To audit a Gerhardt Politz clinic is an experience in itself but when a magnificent animal is trying ever so hard to do well, one must sit up and take notice. It was difficult to contain the tears as I watched the beautiful chestnut mare doing her best to please. She was totally focused, in tune with her rider, being the best. I fell in love with her at that moment. John Kureger, who was sitting beside me, said the mare was Legendary Belle, owned and ridden by Barbara Schwartz Handley.
Later Gina told me that Barbara might be wanting to place the mare in a loving, low working home. I knew about loving and the work would be leisurely trail rides in the woods. Could it ever happen? When I was told she was available and that Barbara was given my name, I called her. It was like adopting a child. This is a very special horse and we spent time getting to know each other.
Barbara agreed to let me board Belle at Garland Farms so I could ride her under the supervision of Gina. I worried about the match but Gina knew. Working patiently with me, she convinced me and gave me the confidence to feel safe and comfortable on the very talented horse.
I don't worry about leaving my horses at Garland Farms. There has never been a raised hand or an unkind word from the Kruegers or their staff to the horses. For example, I overheard Gina gently tell a new apprentice, who seemed nervous with a new colt, not to fuss at it because the horse would associate being bad with being cross tied. She teaches by example. I learn by listening. All their horses are calm and easy to get along with. Pik, the breeding stallion, is one of the friendliest of all.
Garland Farms is a super place to be for getting to know and trust your horse. Or, to find out if a perspective mount is the right one for you. Gina is kind and understanding to both her clients and their mounts. She does command respect though. During a lesson I lost my stirrups and was about to slide off onto the ground. Expecting this, Belle and I went to the center of the arena. Gina marched out and said, "Don't fall off!" Honestly, at that point if I had been under Belle's belly I would have crawled back up onto the saddle. Needless to say, I stayed mounted, regained my stirrups, and rode on.
My lessons focused on things I needed such as balance, getting the horse to move forward, and to help her to be supple. They also included exercises for Belle to strengthen her muscles so she would be more comfortable. All the brush strokes that make a beautiful picture were done with insight and care.
Yes, Belle will get lots of pats and treats. We are a good match.
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