I've often heard it pays to start with a sensible horse bred for the job you have in mind. It is a bonus if the horse comes with a good work ethic and temperament. But it wasn't until I began to actually ride Shadow that I realized the truth to this and how quickly things can progress if the horse is a good match to you and your desires.

   By way of background, I purchased Shadow as a suckling based on liking her TB mother's calm nature and having observed L.A. Baltic Sundance's good nature and demeanor for some time. The genetics looked to be well matched and I figured having a foal to raise would be lots of fun. I would not have considered a foal, but for knowing the parents and being able to board her at the breeder's.

   Folks that know me well also know that my schedule can fluctuate erratically for work and personal reasons. So, my horses get a lot of attention at times, and other times they may be ignored for a couple of weeks. As a result, it is important for me to board where I know the care is exemplary and doesn't require my constant attention. Shadow stayed with her breeder, Ellen Ziemer, until she was a little over two and we moved her to the farm next to Suzin's.

   I tell this as it explains that Shadow got attention from me on a hit or miss basis - usually I'd visit her at Ellen's 2-3 times a month. Once Shadow moved "next door" my Silke horse, I'd see several times a week. When riding Silke and work permitted, I accustomed Shadow to handling, saddling, biting, etc. - all the things she'd need to learn to accept. In the spring of Shadow's third year, I started with light lunging and she took to it well - a bit rowdy at times, but nothing scary. I backed her late that summer and rode her off and on lightly at a walk and trot through the winter for about 20 - 30 minutes at a time after lunging. She quickly picked up the "stand quietly" until I mounted for a sugar cube (training through gluttony does work). There would be several weeks when I'd just groom her or feed a carrot and then I'd start back, again. If I had questions or wondered what to do next, Suzin would offer advice. Nothing official, just as Suzin noticed something I needed to do or if I was flummoxed. These was a very easy pace by an adult amateur who has ridden nearly all her life, but started exactly ONE horse from the beginning.

   It wasn't until I started taking lessons on Shadow with Suzin this past spring that I began to realize the beauty of having a clever, willing, naturally talented horse! Our lessons seem to consist of teaching Shadow the "buttons" and suggesting to her what the proper response should be. Work is calm, increasing and her retention is wonderful. With Suzin as our instructor, bad habits don't get established and good ones do. When my time gets tight, we can miss a couple of weeks and Shadow comes out a little fresh, but ready to pick up where we left off. Shadow feels light, uphill and like she has a motor that is barely out of idle. We've had
moments of suspension where I was certain she would sprout wings and we'd soar away. A baby shoulder in here, a step of leg yield there. Transitions, schooling figures, straightening, etc. The temptation is always to do too much, too fast - but I am absolutely amazed at what she can absorb and retain between rides. And that is the crux of it, she learns so quickly and willingly, and is able to do what I ask so I am amazed.

   Had I gone looking for a four year old filly with a biiiiig wad of cash, I could not have wished for a better out come. What a wonderful gamble!

Epilogue
(February, 2006)

  As a coming six year old, Shadow has not disappointed me. Our progress may be slow by many people's standards, but in the context of just me riding her two times a week, I feel we've come a long way. Shadow continues to learn quickly and remember from ride to ride what the questions were. She is a gentle, sensitive, forgiving horse that appreciates kindness and is willing to please. Physically, she is well developed, up hill, moves well and is very striking. I am enjoying the journey and her partnership. I think we are well matched. What more can a horse person ask for?

Cheers!

Chris Mills, If you have any questions or would like to share your story with Chris email silkesmom@yahoo.com