Cameron B worked alongside in the groundwork portion of the August Joel Conner clinic, and had the following to say about their time together:
“Esme and I came together for our first clinic as a pair this August, and the experience offered both challenges and exciting progress. She carries a high sense of self preservation, especially around her hindquarters, where she can brace, kick out, or even buck if she feels too much pressure. Esme is a horse who benefits from clear direction and needs to learn to meet the energy being asked of her, rather than deciding how much she wants to give on her own.
Over the course of the three days, our work focused on softening those braces and preparing her to be ridden again. With Esme, progress came in quiet, almost imperceptible steps, the subtle moments when she tried, and I was able to answer with a timely release. Each of those moments reinforced the importance of recognizing the small changes and making sure she understood she was on the right track.
Esme is teaching me to refine my timing and presence, to offer her a consistent good deal, and to be clear in how much energy I’m asking her to bring forward. She reminds me that trust is not built through softness alone, but through expectation, fairness, and clarity about my ask.
I see a bright future for Esme. With continued guidance and work, she will transform her self preservation into confidence and curiosity. I can easily imagine her out on the trail again, steady and adventurous, becoming not only a willing partner under saddle but also a source of joy for the person fortunate enough to call her theirs.”
