A year ago Thanksgiving Ramona de Mogollon, a Wilbur-Cruce mare, had been at my house for 5 months and despite being very cautious she was careful and gentle with my cousin David who has Downs Syndrome. Fast forward a year later Thanksgiving 2021 and once again the Family has gathered. David is out helping me with the horses and this year he wants to do more than brush and lead horses. He really wants to ride. He has ridden before but always with another person as he couldn't keep his balance or get on and off alone.
So once again Ramona steps up and proves what wonderful horses Spanish Barbs are, as she has new people handling or riding her each day. David finally wrangles a short ride, he manages to get on with minimal assistance, rides (being led) up and down and in circles, while Ramona walked very slowly, ready to stop immediately, if necessary. Then he gets off all by himself while Ramona stands there completely still, keeping her eye on him because he doesn't move fast and needed coaching, so it took a couple of minutes.
They have both progressed so much in a year! David in strength and Ramona in being comfortable in Suburbia and in being a reliable riding horse. I'm so Thankful for the Spanish Barbs and their awesome minds and to those who have worked so hard to preserve them.
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