ANITA & MOJO

Shelley Appleton has done nothing less than changed my life. Her insight and generosity in sharing her knowledge completely altered my relationship with my horse, and my understanding of how to effectively communicate with him. After just one session with her, I realised that up until that day Mojo and I had not been conversing in a two way manner, but I had been doing what most riders are taught to do- that is, imposing my idea on what he should be doing and how, and pushing, pulling and kicking “until he gives”. Shelley showed me that Mojo, simply did not understand what I was asking him. He’d never been taught it clearly. When she gave me the tools to help him understand, he performed what I wanted easily, smoothly, calmly and without resistance. It was such a huge revelation, of course I broke down into tears!

Shelley’s insight, her compassion, her generosity, her intelligence and her thoughtfulness has changed the way I work and train my pony forever. It has opened my eyes and educated me, and made me a more critical, thinking and compassionate rider.

The relationship between me and my pony has only grown deeper and stronger since that day. Working with and learning from Shelley has changed not only my pony, the way I ride, but it has made me a better person. I am forever grateful, and would always recommend her to anyone willing to learn- really willing to learn (and unlearn)- how to be a better horse trainer and person.