Mahina acts like she’s been haltered her entire life. From our very first touch, Joel Conner noted that while she initially seemed wary, she quickly grew fond of being petted. Since that day, she’s sought out connection and attention from humans. Mahina is a smart mare with a strong flight response, yet she’s catching on to her training remarkably fast.
At SAFE, we love horsemanship because it’s like learning to speak a horse’s language. It’s not magic; it’s about patience and consistency. Horses are said to be good for the soul, but they also have an uncanny way of revealing what’s inside us. Horses like Mahina, who are naturally alert and expressive, sense our feelings and respond to what we truly feel. There’s no hiding emotions from them.
During our recent clinic, Joel was amazed at Mahina’s progress. It’s hard to believe she was untouchable just a few months ago. Now, she’s so gentle and eager to connect that she’s nearly unrecognizable from the fearful mare we first met. This transformation didn’t happen overnight—it’s taken hundreds of hours of patient work to make her comfortable around us.
Looking ahead, we’re focusing on helping Mahina manage her flight response as we prepare her to eventually wear a saddle. When that day comes, she may not buck, but she might try to run away from saddle in her blind spot. Her best chance at success will come from continuing to build her confidence, helping her grow comfortable with increased energy and movements all around her and especially behind her.
We’ve started this journey, and with each step, we’re dedicated to helping Mahina become confident and ready for what lies ahead
