My name is Liona.
Since I was a little girl, horses were my greatest love. There is something incredible, powerful, magical and captivating in everything about them. I remember the first time I was able to press myself against one of their velvety noses and breath in that sweet, grassy scent. There isn't a better smell in the world!
My first instructor taught me that horses are guests we bring into our lives, their needs come first.
Every day she woke early and cared for her horses before anything else. She taught that cleaning their stalls, waters, equipment and maintaining the barn comes first in horsemanship.
To say the least, my soul was swept away into their mystic wonder.
Riding as a youngster was the best experience of my life, being able to soak it all in without the weight of the world on my shoulders, it was a true blessing. The next instructor who truly brought an impact into my equestrian experience was entirely focused on the natural horsemanship aspect. Gaining their respect and trust through the art of understanding. We rode on mountain trails and galloped weaving trails alongside rivers, tore across mountain hay fields and competed in gymkhana.
The times in life when horses were not present, was not living at all. For a few years I had seemed to have left behind my love for horses and when I found my gelding Ira, it was a time when I needed him as much as he needed me. The night before I was to meet him, I watched Black Beauty two times in a row (yes I cried both times)... of course I walk into that barn and there is a black horse with a white star and a look of dire need. He inspired me to once again pursue a life with horses. (Pictured below)
When I was 10 years of age, my grandmother bought a QH gelding as a gift. (pictured to the left)
She was a huge part of my early experience with horses, for this I am forever grateful.
Hank was a previously abused individual who had been rescued and then handled minimally for a few years. He was a challenging yet enriching experience as a first horse.
He shone like a copper penny and had big brown eyes, he was a "good old joe", I fell in love with him immediately.
He came to us extremely head shy and in general... testy. A family friend took us under her wing and taught me the methods of Linda Tellington-Jones to help Hank over-come his fears.
Hank became my best friend and fellow adventurer on many trails. He taught me patience, understanding and gave me a fundamental respect for true teamwork.
