A Journey with Buddy
These are Karen’s words—unedited and straight from her heart. Every journey is unique, and with permission, my friend, student, and a Miles Made Elevate member share a piece of her world with us. We’re honored to witness her horsemanship and the lessons she's learned along the way.
Karen’s path began after a life-altering stroke and a move from Connecticut. What followed was a deep dive into horsemanship, a special bond with a horse named Buddy, and a whole new way of living. Her story is one of resilience, learning, and the joy of communication through natural horsemanship.
I met Buddy four years ago after I was received at Friendship Stables in Lewes as a volunteer helper. I had recently finished an on-line course thru Florida State Univ for basic horse care. As GREEN as they come! It was my first hands on experience with horses.
I chose to learn everything I can about these great animals when we moved here from CT 5 years ago. I had been forced to retire from nursing since a stroke and surgery left me right-field blind (50%) since 2013. I was not ready to "retire" exactly, so horses have become my new life style.
A year or so later I learned about SDTR and became interested in seeking a position there. That's how I became a fan of natural horsemanship and training with Christine. Our first lessons seemed so much harder than they really were. I equate it to learning dance steps. If you practice some and work these moves out with your partner (horse) in step, a muscle memory just sort of naturally develops. Signals become a body language to the horse, but the horse's movements and responses to cues become the actual horsemanship. It's really the coolest thing! It's so exciting when we begin to "communicate" with our bodies. It becomes the dance.
Sounds hooky perhaps. But each little piece, no matter how small . . . step backwards, woe, head back (lateral flexion), or even a subtle side glance to the rear to disengage, IS the language. The pieces stand alone, yet the flow when strung together become a dance. It's sooo much fun! I admit when things get confusing, as they always do it can be defeating. Those are the times I have to back pedal and revisit "the pieces" almost starting over. Those times are just as telling to reenforce what was done right and discern what was miscommunicated. Revise the plan. Sometimes it's not my cue but my horse. He's smarter than me and gets testy sometimes. lol
Buddy is a great student as well since he was a cart horse. Unsure if he was actually ridden. So his learning seems just as new for him as for me. We are on this journey together. Horsemanship has created a bond with my sweet boy and a trust. We will ride off someday. But for now, we are having "horsey discussions" on all that matters.
💛 Karen, thank you for sharing your story with such honesty, courage, and heart. Your journey with Buddy is a beautiful reminder of how connection, patience, and persistence can create something truly special. We’re grateful for your willingness to invite us in and let us witness the dance you're building with your sweet boy.
Your words inspire, and your journey reminds us all that horsemanship is not just about horses—it’s about healing, growing, and finding joy in the little moments.
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