Over the past month, March 2012, I was fortunate to have my horse Kissy in horse development training with Jake Biernbaum at Blue Moon Riding Center in Illinois.  I was able to watch day to day as Jake guided not only my horse, but six others.  It was inspiring to see how he worked.  From early morning to late evening he took time with each horse, teaching the essence of communication.  He read each horse so well releasing at the best possible moments, and positioning himself in just the right place.  I was impressed by his knowledge of when to ask for more and how to perfect skills with the patient persistence he showed.

My horse changed within the course of the month from an unconfident and at times defiant horse using more energy to escape than follow requests, to a relaxed horse willing to ask questions and confidently follow directions.  I think Kissy fell in love with Jake.  She looked like the gentlest of souls.  She enjoyed being with him, and follow his ideas.  He took such good care of her, recognizing her every try.  Jake went above and beyond my expectations.  Kissy was a different horse at the end of training.  She even gained weight and began to build muscle.  Jake did everything to support her.  Besides the training, he took the time to groom her, relax her when he rode, and even hose her down when the weather got excessively warm or she was sweaty.  After a session he would walk her to her stall where she would confidently back in, relaxed and ready to enjoy her hay.  I saw this with every horse Jake had in his care.  On a day by day basis Jake connected with each of the horses.  He did not just train, but cared for each of them, shared his energy, patience, and love for his craft.

Despite the long hours and time spent with the horses, he worked with us as owners, trying to match our skills, with our diverse backgrounds and abilities, to the essentials we would need to continue our journey of self-improvement.  On a personal note, I felt he showed me how to read my horse and connect with her.  I learned what releasing at the slightest try actually entailed.  We worked with everything from rope handling skills, to body positions in both ground work and riding.  He taught me to be smoother and more precise than I ever had been in the past.  He also took the time it takes to build confidence in me as an owner.  He opened my eyes to the importance of relationship building and maintaining a connection with the horse in everything you do.  Where I previously went through the seven games in the hopes that my horse would understand my communication, he demonstrated that communication and connections were essential as building blocks for the seven games.  For me this was a much different viewpoint, and way to approach my interactions with my horse.  For Kissy it was a bonding experience, where I could recognize her efforts, talk to her, look her in the eye, and see the trust she placed in me.    I got to understand energy up, and down, and why you need to adjust as you work.  I look forward to working with Kissy and getting better in my skills.  She is way ahead of me in that area thanks to Jake.

I look forward to the time he will return to Blue Moon to work with him again.  I would happily return Kissy to his care, and recommend him to my friends.  He is a very talented, caring professional.  He is hardworking, and willing to give everything he has to help both owner and horse be safe and happy together.  I wanted to write and let you know that he is a credit to the Parelli organization.  I am thankful for my opportunity to get to know him, and my horse is happier today because of his efforts.

Sincerely,

Mary