Week One - The Black

November 26, 2025

Week One - The Black

I’m involved with many horses, and each one teaches me something that carries into the next. I’ve always said that every horse gives you a “free pass” into the horse that follows… almost like they let you advance a few chapters in the fact-finding mission of horsemanship.

My year began the same way most of us started in Pennsylvania: cold. But as a barn, we rally. We sketch out horse show plans for spring, map out shoeing schedules months in advance, and do everything we can to peak at just the right time… well, we try, anyway.

One of the winter highlights was hosting Warwick Schiller at the farm in March. It was eye-opening. Hours of listening. Hours of watching the horses tell the truth. It brought me back to my grandmother teaching me to work a horse in the round pen when I was a teenager — her methods influenced by Monty Roberts, blended with her own intuitive understanding. That was my first exposure to the idea that there’s always “another way,” - the listening way. I’ve always been lucky enough to get along with horses without too much effort… but everything changed with The Black. And because of him, I’ve found myself on a new and beautiful journey.

• What were my highlights?

Trail riding alone around the new farm was pretty high up there. The Black checking in with me when he got scared — and choosing to stay with me (Or letting me stay on top).

Our biggest moment together didn’t come from training him but more, me; it came when I tacked up, got on this winter with no agenda, and no bridle, and other times no bridle or saddle, sat quietly, and let him take me wherever he wanted. I focused only on feeling his body, surrendering completely. It was honestly one of the more terrifying things I’ve ever done — I’d rather jump out of a plane again — but it changed us.

• What breakthroughs surprised me?

The breakthrough wasn’t just trust in him — it was trust in myself. In my body, my senses, my ability to feel softness. It was the moment I realized he knew me. And that if I could find relaxation, fluidity, and softness, he could meet me there.

• What quiet moments softened me?

Sitting with The Black when he just wants to be near me. His eyes soft. A hoof rested. The feeling of a horse who is simply peaceful, happy, and trusting (and possibly checking for Andy’s muffins).

• And what have I learned from my horse?

That no matter your mistakes, the moment you present the right question — or finally offer the right answer — the horse forgives you. And they forgive you over and over again as you try. There’s something in that I wish I could learn better as a human. Just try, make mistakes, and try again while also forgive, trust again, and forgive.