Not every horse wants to be ridden. But this doesn't mean she can't have a role. I recently took a small group up to the Diettrich Farm to see Sophie, and do a groundwork class. Several horses who are not used in the lesson classes got to feel utilized in this intimate experience. We were paired up with horses, and Sophie and I had a lovely woman named Wendy join us. This was not Wendy's first time riding, but her first groundwork class.

Watching how quickly Wendy took to Sophie just warmed my heart. They had a bond right away. In fact, they were so comfortable together, they acted like they'd known each other for quite a while. It took me months of working with Sophie to get where they had gotten in just one afternoon. I almost felt jealous, until I realized what a great sign this was for Sophie's development. If she can bond like this with a new person, perhaps this means Sophie is learning to trust humans again?

Patience is the key to any relationship of trust. I can't wait for Wendy to come back, so we can walk and groom Sophie together -- two humans she knows she can now trust.