Cantata, an Andalusian mare that certainly isn’t lacking in energy or personality, has been with me for 8 years.  During those eight years, she has challenged my ability to offer quality leadership as a horseman that doesn’t have to backtrack and fix any mistakes or gaps in her development.  I say that because, as a highly sensitive, yet super sweet and affectionate Andalusian, the margin for error is very small.

As a horseman, we always strive to advance our horse's training in a positive and progressive manner.  But any honest horseman will tell you that progress with a horse’s training isn't always a straightforward proposition.  Sometimes it takes a while to draw out hidden pockets of resistance.  Other times we have to be extremely patient as a horse develops their confidence and understanding in what we are asking them to do.  With Cantata, it is a good mix of both.  She is confident enough to challenge how much effort she is willing to give you at times, yet sensitive enough that you have to make sure you don’t make assumptions about how well she understands something or how confident she may be in your corrections.