Carol Morris - 2018 Gifted Memorial Fund for Adult Amateurs Grant Recipient

I was awarded a grant to travel to Massachusetts to train with one of my favorite mentors, Dave Thind. My horse was a Welsh Cob/Thoroughbred cross, and he was talented, athletic, beautiful, and had ADHD. I hoped that Dave could give me some insight into how to be more successful with him and keep him focused on his work.  

Being able to work five days in a row with Dave was wonderful, as the horse was able to show Dave his good side...and the other side. We had some lovely rides, but by Thursday it was clear that the horse was done, and he showed us his ADHD side. It was important to me to know that his behavior was not my fault, but rather the horse's.  

We did go on to compete at Second Level with varying degrees of success, but it was clear to me that this horse was not suitable for an older adult amateur. I sold him to a woman about 30 years younger than I, and he has since been sold as an open Jumper. It seems that he loves to jump, and I'm glad that he landed in a place where his talents could be highlighted.