Alisha and Sweet Pea

by Anna Mae Gold
(King Township, Ontario, Canada)

My daughter Alisha (7 years old) just started working with Elaine Polny at Training Horses Naturally and Sweet Pea. She had been riding before, both at pony camps as well as on a horse of a friend. Those experiences were more traditional. It involved a little bit of brushing and tacking up and then just getting on the pony/horse for riding.

The first lesson with Elaine did not not involve riding at all. It was all about connecting with Sweet Pea, inviting the horse to play with Alisha, follow her, respond to commands like "walk", "stop" and "back". Sweet Pea was not on a lead rope and could have wandered off at any time. That she chose to "hang with" Alisha was tremendously empowering for her.

At first, Alisha was somewhat insecure and hesitant. With Elaine's guidance she quickly moved into a more confident, assertive space. Her voice changed to a clear and confident one and her stride became strong and decisive. Her face was beaming with pride joy as she walked around with this big horse following her!

Alisha was concentrated and involved for the entire hour. After she brought Sweet Pea back to the pasture, she said to me, "Mama, that was AWESOME!".

Best horse advice... start from the the ground and work your way up!