There comes a time when you realise the horse is winning….that was when I took my 16.2hh young anglo arab, Mandrake, and his ego problem to Steve.

Steve was able to introduce a long and low approach to the horse, achieving a light obedience to the bit and enabling him to flex through the poll, neck and back while remaining relaxed and balanced in his frame.

Although I am not a western rider, the good solid grounding Steve gave the horse and myself has made it a pleasure to work with Mandrake, picking him up into the resistance free, balanced dressage frame I had been looking for, without the need for heavy contact and strong legs.

Mandrake and I are now one day eventing, but still start each training session using Steves principles, always return to them when things go wrong, and the ego problem that was once bad behaviour, is now "presence".
 

Melissa Barker