I told you I made a list of appreciation for all that I have learned and continue to learn from you, on my journey of understanding horses, and myself.

Not sure if I've shared my belief that a teacher is only as effective as their ability to understand and teach to the level of their student, but I believe that is how you have been able to successfully offer instruction to me.

I am a novice or at best, a willing beginner, as I got into horses later in my life. My strong desire has been not only to be able to safely ride but more importantly, to understand and bond with a horse on a mental and emotional level. I'm not exactly sure why, but I believe it is an awareness that horses are wonderful teachers of life's lessons by mirroring our own mental state of being and encourage our growth.

You have been able to help me ride better (walk/trot - the canter is next on the list!), based upon my personality traits wherein I am very focused, dwelling on and analyzing everything.  You’ve taught me, in spite of the way my brain works, with techniques that I can comprehend and practice.

For instance, I no longer ask if my legs look OK, if my heels are in the right place, if my hands are too low or high, if I'm sitting straight, how's my seat and on and on.  You have inspired me to be more relaxed and confident - sometimes by using distraction, as I over analyze and have a constant fear of, doing the "wrong thing".  For example, making me trot while focusing on a stone in my hand (remember, Lisa?)! Also, you have helped me to understand my animal's behaviors and actions so I can handle him kindly, but firmly, without the misuse of strength or punishment.

In the last year I've learned to lunge my horse: lunge line, free lunging and round pen -  without tying myself up in knots, fainting from dizziness or getting run over; better ground manners (my horse, not me...then again, maybe me??!); and most importantly, how to understand what my horse is trying to communicate to me through body language and in turn be able to understand and enjoy my beautiful beast.

Thank you, Lisa, for all I've learned and all we share.