To see horses being harmed by starting them too early is an ever present mission of explaining to all who will listen what they are doing to a young horse and its future by riding them or wporking them on the ground hard while their joint cartilage is still gelatinous. Once this cartilage is destroyed the horse becomes mostly useless except as a yard ornament and he will be in pain the rest of his days because a person went too fast. The horse cannot tell you these things and will do as you ask, to his destruction.

The ruination of many a horse by being started to early and daily bone-on-bone pain becoming the result to endure the rest of their lives, horses are so completely giving that they obey humans at the cost of their joints and lives.

A typical young horse, like a Quarter Horse for example, does not stop growing until age Five (5) each breed is a little different. Many bigger horses, or Breeds like the Friesian, will not have solid cartilage until age Six (6) or (7). Iberian Horses like Andalusians and Lusitanos mature at age Eight (8). Til then the joint cartilage is still gelatinous and can be broken into pieces that cannot heal resulting on the bone-on-bone and crippling arthritis even in very young horses. All because a human wanted to to do something with a young horse like race or ride them before the horse could really handle the stress.

P.S. Race horses who are raced before age Five (5) always suffer.

Several years ago. while at the Vet with one of my horses getting it preg tested. I was handed a Two (2) year old, absolutely gorgeous Thoroughbred race horse whose owner said, "here, do you want her? She can't race anymore."

Fortunately for this precious horse, she is now in a loving home and her owner adores her.

However, that does not stop her joints from hurting everyday.

How the horse takes care of the smallest human and the amazing One Hundred (100) year old lady who we were blessed to have visit the ranch, have all inspired Deborah has become a stalwart advocate of the horse. To watch the interaction of a horse with those who are deeply hurting, have PTSD, Foster Children wrenched from their homes for their safety, all sorts of hurts in so many people and watch the horse step in and minister to such pain is so powerful and humbling.

Working with so many people, putting her skills as National and International Champion of many disciples, to work, Deborah seeks to share her knowledge, as a continuing student of the horse, with those who come down her lane and want to learn. "It is an honor to share these wonderful horses with people and see the radiant faces of those who spend time with them and and are touched by thier generous hearts and wisdom."

There is so much to learn and the world makes it very difficult to slow down and just "be," but the horse requires it. What a wonderful gift from GOD!"

Deborah enjoys inspiring people of all ages to know horses in a meaningful way and teaches equitation and horsemanship that is visually stunning and fully engaging.

She gives us a few thoughts to ponder:

"Let a horse whisper in your ear and breathe on your heart.

You will never regret it." unknown

"Nothing forced can ever be beautiful." Nuno Oliviera