I started taking riding lessons in June 2000. Soon after I began riding, the facility I was riding at got a new pony, Prince. He was a Pony of the Americas, about 12.3 hh and looked like a punk because of his wacky mane-cut.  He had issues with running off, and after I rode him for the first time, by my lesson next week, he had already dumped 3 riders.  I started riding him regularly, and he got over his fear of most things.  He was a great little jumper, and he took me to my first show.  He taught me a lot about balance and staying calm.

Prince and me at a Pony Club meet, July 2001

In 2001, I started searching for a horse of my own. After many months of looking at horses over the internet, I came up with one Haflinger gelding that I really liked. My sister had taken up riding since I started, and she was also looking for a horse. We found a gorgeous Haflinger mare for her.

Staunton and me the first day I got him, October 2001.

On October 28, 2001, our horses arrived after a 6-day trailer ride from Washington.  I had seen many ads for Parelli Natural Horse.Man.Ship in horse magazines, and I knew I wanted to do something like that with Staunton. He had no problem, but if I was not firm about having him do something, he would begin to get pushy and non-responsive.

As a Christmas gift, my parents bought my sister and me the Partnership, Harmony and Refinement kits.  Staunton and I started playing, but I still didn't know where to start.  In June, I had a friend come to my house and teach us the Seven Games.  In those two hours, I learned to communicate effectively with Staunton, and we have only gotten better from there.  Now that we are starting Level 2 Harmony, I am getting better at presenting my ideas to Staunton, and as a result, he is getting much faster and more exuberant in his playing.