Terry and Maggie

Terry and her mare "Maggie" met Chris last summer during a trail clinic at Arrowhead Ranch.  Well, they almost met.....Maggie was refusing to work a bridge despite Terry's best efforts and as Chris walked to the trail course to begin instruction, Maggie reared and hit Terry in the face.
Terry was devastated.  She adored Maggie and always gave her the best care.  But Maggie lacked a work ethic, acted like a "mare" often and swished her tail and pinned her ears every time she was asked to work.  Terry told Chris she wanted to sell Maggie and purchase a well behaved trail horse.  After several long discussions and assessments of Terry and Maggie, Chris convinced Terry that her mare could be that horse.  After all, she had outstanding conformation, wonderful gaits, a keen head and was really pretty!
Terry and Chris set up some lesson times and the work began on re-training Maggie.  Terry was very committed to helping Maggie be the best horse she could be and made the decision that she wanted to compete in competitive trail riding or endurance!  A lofty goal for a horse that was well known for her bad behavior on the trail.
Its been a year.  Terry has worked very hard with Maggie and has taken regular lessons with Chris.  Maggie now has a willingness to work, has stopped swishing her tail and has competed successfully in her first competitive trail ride of 20+ miles.  She has become the trustworthy, hard working trail horse that Terry always wanted.  She attended a schooling show as well and finished 1st in dressage suitability!
This is not your "typical" success story.  Terry made a big commitment to Maggie and followed through on all the work.  She practiced hard and kept her standards high but fair.  Maggie is a lovely mare with potential to be anything Terry decides she wants her to be.  It is a great example of how a quality horse, devoted rider and good instruction all come together to produce outstanding results!  Congratulations Terry!

UPDATE March 2006

Terry went on to participate with Maggie in a competitive trail ride as well as some endurance rides. Maggie showed some slight lamenesses with the increased work that forced Terry into semi-retiring her to leasure riding. However, Terry purchased "Satie" a lovely grey arab mare and is competeing successfully with her in Endurance! Terry is a lovely rider who has come a long way with her horses......dealing with behavior issues, health challenges and more.
As of this update, Maggie is back under saddle and working in dressage!
Everyone is proud of Terry and her performances, best of luck as she continues
to haul Satie to endurance rides and Maggie to dressage tests!