The Riders' Partners
In the desert, survival depends on more than grit. It depends on partnership with one of humanity’s oldest allies, the horse.
These horses are more than companions, they are teachers, challengers, and partners in survival. Each carries a story, a temperament, and a spirit that riders must learn to respect.
Arabella
Arabella is my first horse. Half Arabian, half American Saddlebred. She’s now 21 years old.
When I first brought her home, she was fiery, disrespectful, and had no sense of purpose as a horse. Through patient and consistent work, she transformed into one of the most reliable horses I have ever ridden.
Today, she carries herself with wisdom and calm; I can place any two-year-old child on her back and trust that she will take care of them.
But Arabella has another side. She is particular, demanding precision from her rider. The language I’ve taught her is one she knows well, but unlike the others, she doesn’t forgive sloppy cues. If your commands are not exact, she will tune you out. In that way, she is both a teacher and a mirror. Rewarding clarity, consistency, and respect.
Troy
Troy is a nine-year-old Quarter Horse, born on a friend’s ranch.
For the first six years of his life, he had little handling or training, and when he came to me, he was wilder than a Mustang. Saddling him or trying to mount would trigger powerful bucks, more than even my wild Mustangs ever showed.
But with patience, consistency, and love, Troy transformed. What began as a challenge slowly grew into a true partnership.
Today, Troy is my main horse. Reliable, strong, and beautiful. Riding him is not only a joy, it’s a testament to what trust and dedication can build between horse and human.
Banoo
Banoo is a Quarter Horse, now about sixteen years old.
I first noticed her grazing in a friend’s pasture, and she immediately caught my eye. I fell in love with her presence. At the time, I already had enough horses and couldn’t bring her in myself. But when my friend Laila, showed interest, I encouraged her, knowing Banoo had the makings of a truly great horse.
Once Banoo arrived at my ranch, I began her training. She quickly proved herself to be everything I had hoped for; reliable, respectful, and deeply trustworthy.
Today, she is a steady and confident partner, the kind of horse that riders can feel completely safe with. I am certain participants will enjoy every moment they spend riding her.
Gypsy
Gypsy is an eight-year-old Thoroughbred who came to me at six, fresh from the racetrack. Like many ex-racehorses, his future was uncertain. Without someone to step in, he could have easily ended up discarded, even sold for pet food. I brought him in with the idea of training him and eventually finding him a new home.
But as we worked together, Gypsy revealed himself to be so much more than a former racehorse. Despite a past where all he knew was to run as fast as possible, he adapted beautifully, becoming calm, reliable, and deeply affectionate. What began as a rescue turned into a lasting bond. Today, Gypsy thrives at the ranch, and he’s as joyful to be around as he is to ride.
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Agua Dulce, California
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