Dreaming of a Makeover

I grew up in the horse industry, having ridden my whole life. I competed in youth rodeos and also showed horses in other disciplines. I dreamed of competing in the Extreme Mustang Makeover. Last year, I applied and was accepted, and that started an amazing journey. I picked up my yearling and had one hundred days to train her. Even though I have ridden my entire life, this was an experience that really shaped me into the trainer I am today. My horsemanship skills were tested, and I learned a lot. The greatest piece of advice I have for people working with horses is to meet them where they’re at. By doing so, you develop trust and respect which will help your relationship grow, and actually help the horses progress faster. My yearling Winnie was amazing to work with, we did well at the Extreme Mustang Makeover, and our journey has continued from there. I was able to bring Winnie home after the competition, and continued to develop our relationship and work on skills through ground work. Now that Winnie is old enough, I have broke her to ride. This has been a seamless process because I have continued to meet her where she’s at, and that has only made our relationship stronger. Winnie trusts me, and knows I will only ask her for what she’s capable of. She always rises to the occasion and impresses me with her willing and trusting nature. Competing in the Extreme Mustang Makeover opened my eyes to the endless possibilities in the horse industry. I have enjoyed taking my riding background, and expanding my skills working with wild horses. I feel like I have found my calling helping and working with wild mustangs. It is rewarding to see them become so trusting and willing, and ultimately become my partners. I look forward to a future of riding, training and helping both horses and people! It is important to me to meet these horses where they’re at and teach their owners to do that same. It is rewarding to watch my horses build a relationship with me, and watching others build a relationship with their horses that is built on trust.