As a practicing pediatric dentist I had always pictured a petting zoo with my office. That is how Doc my Left Brain Extrovert Miniature horse came into my life! He was once owned by the drummer in the Aerosmith Band, and because of his background he preferred Rock to Classical. Doc accompanied me on many Christmas Parades, School Outings, and Children’s Presentations.

Doc’s favorite passtime was opening the gate at home and letting his barnyard friends out. The goats and alpacas merrily followed him down the road to the local Yacht Club. This halted traffic along the way, providing much entertainment to the local community. At least I hope so!

Let me back up a bit. Like all horse crazy girls, my love for horses started at very young age. My father was quite the animal lover and we had just about every species one could have on rural Long Island, New York. My very first horse was bought at a county fair for $75.00—and that was horse and saddle! He had the loneliest look and I thought we should take him home and make him happy!

My first horse as an adult was a lovely chestnut Right Brain Introvert Thoroughbred. We dabbled in hunter jumper classes, riding on the beach, and cross country.

With a desire to expose myself to horse breeds of various countries, I have taken many international riding holidays. Galloping through the moors of England; Cross-country jumping through hills of Ireland on the sturdy Irish SportHorse; Dressage Classes on the ballerina breed of Lusitanos in Portugal; Driving and Sidesaddle lessons at Glen Eagles in Scotland; Tai Chi lessons on Polo Ponies in Somerset, England. Experiencing the Tolt in full throttle on the unflappable Icelandic Horses riding past the volcanic ash and the purple lupines; and recently riding through wine country in Southern France under the guidance of Kelly Sigler, former 3 Star Parelli Professional.

But I always found my breath taken away every year at Equine Affaire’s Fantasia Expo when the Friesians entered the arena. After the peaceful passing of my Thoroughbred, my husband Michael informed me my life would not be complete unless there was a horse in it. Why not visit Friesland and learn more about the Friesians? I was a competent rider, and I was looking for a “made” 6 year-old, 15 hand friend. Best laid plans—we traveled back on the plane with a fairly green 17 hand 3 year-old!!!

And this is where my true horse journey began. I realized after many years of watching people put the chain over the horse’s nose for control to simply lead a horse out of the pasture that there had to be a better way. This is when I exposed myself to Parelli Natural Horsemanship.

Oh, and I thought I should include that I broke my back with my new partner after a bucking incident before I knew about Parelli Natural Horsemanship. As a traditional rider I hadn’t learned what a one rein stop was all about. Also after having the suggestion that my 4 year-old Friesian needed to be put into a double bridle for control—well fast forward—we rode in the 2016 Marblehead Christmas Parade with fire trucks, marching bands and crowds yelling and cheering—in a Parelli Halter!

And now I am the owner of this beautiful facility Cedarwood Farm in Ipswich Massachusetts. A place that encourages the Art of Natural Horsemanship. A special thank you to the Raymond family for making this possible.

Corine