What makes a great equine-assisted lifeskill learning horse?
The Ella Grace Story
By Starr McAlexander
Spirit Song Youth Equestrian Academy
Greetings! My name is Ella Grace. I am a registered 21 year old Overo Paint Quarter Horse. My lineage goes back to 5 breed foundation horses, one of which was Three Bars! So how did I end up in an Equine-assisted program at Spirit Song?!
I have always been a favorite mount of children and youth and have participated in many western play days and gymkhanas, but the day came when my family outgrew the passion for fun and speed. I was donated to Spirit Song's riding program that better suited my needs.
My nature is calm and gentle, therefore, I lend confidence to those who want to learn horsemanship like the young lad pictured here.
My temperament was such that no matter whether a beginner was learning a balanced seat in a round pen or a more advanced rider was riding out and about around the ranch, I was enjoyable for a slow and meandering ride. But because of an anomaly in my carpal joint in my front leg, (something I was born with), sadly there came a time when I should no longer be ridden and my saddle had to be hung back up in the tackroom.
Was I then, a few years after my arrival at what I had hoped would be my forever home, just to be turned out to pasture?! Fortunately for me, because of Spirit Song's afflilation with Equine Experiential Education Association (E3A) and my very curious nature, I became a partner in unmounted Equine-assisted Lifeskill Learning.
The question has been asked who is my ideal client to work with? My answer - any age human that is open to connection, from giggly girl teenagers to an older audience who's hearts and minds are still open to learning.
What am I really good at teaching people?
1. Don't make assumptions.
2. Actions need follow through.
In the activity below, the assumption that was made was, just because connection with me was easily made, and I followed the girls to the goal, their communication to me of the task was not clear and their follow through was not complete. Eventually, it was the black horse that they got in the box!
At the end of the day, I just want to be hand grazed on the choicest tender morsels of grass and hang with my favorite humans.
My horse intuition says and my motto for the last 7 years that I have been partnering in equine-assisted learning is:
"Don't walk behind me, I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me, I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend."
(Anonymous)
