Lesson's From Drake

Drake, walking around the barn on a sunny winter day. (photo taken by me)

This is Drake. He's a nine year old Tennessee Walker. I have known Drake since he was three years old. He had an interesting first 3 years of life. He was born at a PMU ranch in Alberta, Canada. An amazing nonprofit organization called the Animali Farm, that is dedicated to rescuing PMU horses, shipped him and a bunch of other horses like him to Santa Maria, California. From there, he was adopted by a woman from whom I then adopted him. When I met Drake he was completely green, he wasn't even halter broke and he was terrified of the world. The first day that I worked with him in the arena and first pet his neck is a day I will always remember. I recognized something in him that resonated within me in a profound way. The challenges that I faced working with Drake, the mistakes and the triumphs have forced me to grow and reflect on my behavior and inner emotional state. He has been my mirror for the last six years and it has been one of the most rewarding relationships of my life. The lessons that I have learned from Drake can be applied to all areas of my life, especially my relationships. Periodically I will post a lesson or two that I have come to realize through my day to day interactions with this sweet soul.

For the record, I am not a horse trainer. I have been around horses throughout my life, but I do not claim to know how to "break" a horse or train a horse for competition. There are many excellent trainers and schools of thought about equitation and horsemanship. I do not follow a certain discipline or profess to know the "right" way to do things.  Like any sport or hobby, there are many differing perspectives, theories, and techniques. I will not discuss the technicalities of horsemanship here. This is intended only as insights that I have gained through interacting with Drake.

Next Post, lesson 1, will be coming soon. :)

Drake and I at a Western Riding Clinic in Woodside, CA. (photo taken by my husband)