Success Stories
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Sophie and Zebedee
“ For my own part, after more than 35 years of riding, I had reached a stage of life where my equestrian confidence level was at an all time low. I had thought that this was due to an unfortunate riding accident but, having met Steve, I came to realise that I was also allowing my general life experience and those inevitable traumas that life throws our way to influence how I felt. This of course, was impacting on my attitude whilst handling and riding any horse.”
“ I would say that having a successful session with Steve impacts on how I feel for the rest of the day. The confidence that is instilled creates a positive attitude which in turn affects how I interact with my children, family, all for the better! The effect is cumulative and I expect to become more confident and positive as our work progresses.” ~ Sophie
“ I would say that having a successful session with Steve impacts on how I feel for the rest of the day. The confidence that is instilled creates a positive attitude which in turn affects how I interact with my children, family, all for the better! The effect is cumulative and I expect to become more confident and positive as our work progresses.” ~ Sophie
Solo with Carol and Fiona
" Thank you so much for this morning Steve Solo was amazing the work you did with him and the way he responded so quickly , truely amazing as I think my few tears showed , cant wait till we have another lesson thank you once again one happy horse and owner." ~ Carol Brown.
" Thank you so much Steve for today, cant wait to start our journey with our big boy Solo, so surprised at what you showed us and how quickly he understood, a true inspiration, cant wait for the next session." ~ Fiona Brown.
TB Queenie and Marie
Steve came for the first visit today to help with my horse Queenie, he's amazing I can see a big change already with Queenie, after trying for nearly 2 years myself steve has made more progress in just the couple of hours. Definitely impressed and would highly recommend him. Look forward to all future visits. Thanks again Steve for your help. X
The story of Sox
We bought Sox back in June for our 8 year old daughter Hollie. He is our first pony and with that in mind we had looked for one that was quiet and easy to "do". Sox is a 4 year old Welsh section A who, despite his young age, we were assured was a perfect first pony suitable for a novice like me, placid and used to children. He is a gorgeous looking pony and both my daughter and I fell in love with him instantly and looked forward to bringing him to share a field near our home. We had heard about Steven Doherty through a friend and were planning to use him for a few sessions to do some groundwork and help us establish a good relationship with our new pony.
However, when Sox did arrive his temperament became anything but placid and he was certainly not the perfect pony for a novice! He would not be led, he would bite constantly, he reared, bucked, barged, would not lift his feet and generally had no respect for me or my daughter. In fact most of the time I daren't let her near him for fear of injury.
We wouldn't have got through this if it wasn't for Steve and there aren't words to describe the amount of respect and appreciation I have for his work. Steve has done sessions with us twice a week and transformed our situation.
With Sox he has established trust, confidence and respect...firstly with himself and then with Hollie and I. The desensitizing sessions have been great and Sox is a different pony now. There is still a long way to go but I know that with Steve's continued help and support he will become the pony that my daughter dreamed of owning.
With Hollie she has enjoyed doing the groundwork and is now beginning to ride Sox improving her skills and gaining confidence on her own pony.
As for me all I can say is that I couldn't have done it without Steve. He is teaching me natural horsemanship but patiently provides support and encouragement at every stage. He gives me confidence and the belief that things will work...and then they do!! Steve is a great teacher with the ability to make every session a positive one. He is an exceptional horseman to whom we owe a lot and would highly recommend :)
Lisa and Hollie.
However, when Sox did arrive his temperament became anything but placid and he was certainly not the perfect pony for a novice! He would not be led, he would bite constantly, he reared, bucked, barged, would not lift his feet and generally had no respect for me or my daughter. In fact most of the time I daren't let her near him for fear of injury.
We wouldn't have got through this if it wasn't for Steve and there aren't words to describe the amount of respect and appreciation I have for his work. Steve has done sessions with us twice a week and transformed our situation.
With Sox he has established trust, confidence and respect...firstly with himself and then with Hollie and I. The desensitizing sessions have been great and Sox is a different pony now. There is still a long way to go but I know that with Steve's continued help and support he will become the pony that my daughter dreamed of owning.
With Hollie she has enjoyed doing the groundwork and is now beginning to ride Sox improving her skills and gaining confidence on her own pony.
As for me all I can say is that I couldn't have done it without Steve. He is teaching me natural horsemanship but patiently provides support and encouragement at every stage. He gives me confidence and the belief that things will work...and then they do!! Steve is a great teacher with the ability to make every session a positive one. He is an exceptional horseman to whom we owe a lot and would highly recommend :)
Lisa and Hollie.
Katey and Bubbles
After months of looking for the right horse, I bought PJH Champagne Bubbles from the top of a hill near Burnley. He arrived quiet and subdued, a bit thin and very green. It didn't take me long to work out that we were both as green as each other, and that after a few minor mishaps, we both needed to find a teacher to help us on our way. A friend nearby had organised for Steve Doherty to come to her yard and asked if I would like a lesson too...?
I had been anxious as to what to ask of Steve Doherty prior to his visit; what do I want my horse to do? What if he realises how little I know? What if I make a prat of myself and fall off? Do I tack him up first? ...and how do I meet a new person and have an hour riding lesson when I am really unsure of myself never mind my horse!
Steve turned up nice and early, I hadn't even had time to get Bubbles out of his field...Over a mug of coffee I found myself realising exactly what I wanted; a horse who can trust me, and I him; a horse who I can spend whole days out with, and one who wants to spend those days with me; a horse for life, that's what I want, oh yes, and most importantly a sense of self belief that I can achieve these dreams.
And where to start? Easy, at the beginning! Steve came down to the field with me, we walked Bubbles up to the arena and I watched as Steve got to know Bubbles, he talked to me constantly whilst working, and quickly understood how Bubbles works; Everything Steve found out was exactly as I'd thought , but my lack of self confidence had prevented me from believing it. I have a super sensitive, bright horse who will do anything I ask if I am clear to him what it is I am wanting.
Our lesson moved along at quite a pace once Bubbles tuned in to Steve and his calm and clear requests. Ground work is at the heart of horsemanship and I was given some simple things to work on; standing still; keeping a respectful distance away, moving him around easily by body language and eye contact; all such simple things, but so important in laying foundations in my young horse.
And then I got on and rode with just a saddle, stirrups and a halter. Steve got me to walk him round using my mind and body, to stop using a sing-song whoa-oh, and backing him up using a rapid kissing noise, all done so calmly and easily. I felt really connected, and had had a taste of what is possible if you are prepared to trust in yourself, your horse, and the right teacher.
I am a lot more confident, and I am pretty sure I have found a soul mate in my horse!
I highly recommend Steve as a teacher and am looking forward to working with him regularly throughout my horsemanship journey.
Katey
I had been anxious as to what to ask of Steve Doherty prior to his visit; what do I want my horse to do? What if he realises how little I know? What if I make a prat of myself and fall off? Do I tack him up first? ...and how do I meet a new person and have an hour riding lesson when I am really unsure of myself never mind my horse!
Steve turned up nice and early, I hadn't even had time to get Bubbles out of his field...Over a mug of coffee I found myself realising exactly what I wanted; a horse who can trust me, and I him; a horse who I can spend whole days out with, and one who wants to spend those days with me; a horse for life, that's what I want, oh yes, and most importantly a sense of self belief that I can achieve these dreams.
And where to start? Easy, at the beginning! Steve came down to the field with me, we walked Bubbles up to the arena and I watched as Steve got to know Bubbles, he talked to me constantly whilst working, and quickly understood how Bubbles works; Everything Steve found out was exactly as I'd thought , but my lack of self confidence had prevented me from believing it. I have a super sensitive, bright horse who will do anything I ask if I am clear to him what it is I am wanting.
Our lesson moved along at quite a pace once Bubbles tuned in to Steve and his calm and clear requests. Ground work is at the heart of horsemanship and I was given some simple things to work on; standing still; keeping a respectful distance away, moving him around easily by body language and eye contact; all such simple things, but so important in laying foundations in my young horse.
And then I got on and rode with just a saddle, stirrups and a halter. Steve got me to walk him round using my mind and body, to stop using a sing-song whoa-oh, and backing him up using a rapid kissing noise, all done so calmly and easily. I felt really connected, and had had a taste of what is possible if you are prepared to trust in yourself, your horse, and the right teacher.
I am a lot more confident, and I am pretty sure I have found a soul mate in my horse!
I highly recommend Steve as a teacher and am looking forward to working with him regularly throughout my horsemanship journey.
Katey
Julia and American Quarter Horse Colin
Colin ( Un Zip My Vest Slowly)
" I would have no hesitation in recommending Steve from my own personal experience, I find his truly natural approach to horsemanship to be a great match for both me and my horses' needs ,and he has been instrumental in helping my horse recover after an injury and helping to boost my own confidence. Steve is professional and reliable, I am genuinely delighted to have found him! "
Colin's show success !
Steve and Colin At WES show
Here is a picture of me riding Colin (Unzip My Vest Slowly) at the WES area 7 Show at Oakridge Arena . We were first in the Novice Horse Pleasure class. Thanks to Julia Heesterman for letting me ride her lovely horse!
Claire and TB Suki
Suki
" Would highly recommend Steve, a lovely person and good at his job! First session today with my highly sensitive TB and he probably made more progress in an hour than I have in 3 years! Looking forward to doing our homework and also to our next session :-) "
Ashh and Harry
Harry; possibly the most nervous horse I've ever come across, let alone owned! I couldn't do anything with him, I couldn't get on him without scaring him, couldn't put a rug on him without scaring him, i just got to the point where i didn't know what else to do! put him on a calmer, that didn't work, turned him away for a few months, that didn't work! Then I ended up moving him yards to where Steve is and we had a desensitizing session, with plastic bags, bag on a stick and tarpaulin! Steve also taught me as well as Harry how to deal with these scary things and how to deal with the reaction. Now on my own I've been working with Harry, reading him and helping him. yesterday I had him jumping bright white barrels that were once so scary they were going to kill him, picking up cones and waving and wearing the GB flag! Without Steve, I would have given up on Harry, I would have sold him and bought something more easier to deal with! But I believe everything happens for a reason and thanks to the dreaded move of yards, something good has come out of it! now me and Harry are very happy and have a bright future ahead of us! Thank you Steve.
Update from Ashh
An update of Harry's progress. He once used to run a mile from these scary things!
Joanne and Highland Pony Bobby
Bobby in action.
" Had a great session yesterday with Steve Doherty. My pony had decided not go forward from walk to jog, never mind loping! Steve helped me solve the problem and get his feet moving forward again. Was jogging beautifully off a cluck by the end of the hour. Steve has a lovely calm manner about him and instills confidence in the rider. Highly recommended ".
Denise and Thoroughbred Sam
Sam
" Really enjoyed today's lesson. It was nice to meet someone on the same wavelength regarding the importance of a horse's happiness and wellbeing. I have known for some time that my horse Sam found contact a problem but others have insisted that perseverance would pay off in the end. This has meant that he has continued to be tense and resistant when ridden, especially in trot - which has done nothing for my nerves! Riding him today in just a rope halter with minimal contact was amazing. By the end of the session I could feel both of us starting to relax and Sam actually seemed to enjoy the being ridden for once. Hopefully we can continue to build on this and work towards mutual confidence and trust."
" Have now had several lessons with Steve and feel both myself and my horse Sam are making good progress with our confidence. Steve has the ability to read a horse (and rider's) temperament and adjust his training to bring out the best in both ".
Lydia and Ruth with New Forest Mr.Darcy
Mr. Darcy in action
" Steve Doherty offers a fusion of natural horsemanship and western riding and I can highly recommend him to anyone who thinks they have a problem horse, confidence issue or even if you just want to learn a new way of working with horses.
On meeting him I liked him immediately, he is quietly spoken, kind and knowledgeable but more importantly he seems to have an affinity with horses – they like him too!
He’s not brash or showy and he would never beat your horse into submission! Believe me the pony he’s been working with for me had some major issues. Mr D is a 5 year old New Forest pony, when purchased he was rather skinny and neglected but with care and attention he’s become a lovely pony however, with his new found fitness came a host of problems! He liked to rear, buck and spin under saddle ,and then his party tricks for he had two ,swiping any rider down walls, trees ,or fences to get them off his back and if that didn’t work he would roll!
On the ground he would barge and was food obsessed dragging any unsuspecting handler behind him in his quest for food. The usual checks were made new saddle, new bridle, bit, teeth, back, shoes etc but nothing made a difference in the end my 11 year old daughter was so traumatised by him she nearly quit riding.
Steve was called in and he first got to grips with Mr D’s ground work problems, taking my daughter on a voyage of discovery into the mind of a horse. He patiently explained about body language, her attitude and the horse’s reaction to her. Over the past 5 months she has gone from a jabbering wreck to a confident horse handler who is firm, considerate and persistent, she even enjoys Mr.D's cheeky bucks!
As for Mr D he’s getting there! He looks, behaves and rides better than ever before. I’m not saying we are there yet Mr D is a long term project but he’s got kinder eyes, a better top line and he's beginning to listen and respond. He does still try it on and will revert to his past ways but Steve has armed Lydia with the skills to deal with this and with continued training Mr D will become the best he can be and that’s a fab child’s pony.
If you are committed to resolving the problem, willing to listen and able to embrace Steve's ethos of training then you will get there too! Be prepared to accept that the problem might be you not the horse. Relax, Steve can and does work wonders in a short space of time, but remember when he leaves for the day it’s down to you to carry on the work! He is a great bloke, good with people and horse and I can’t praise him enough."
On meeting him I liked him immediately, he is quietly spoken, kind and knowledgeable but more importantly he seems to have an affinity with horses – they like him too!
He’s not brash or showy and he would never beat your horse into submission! Believe me the pony he’s been working with for me had some major issues. Mr D is a 5 year old New Forest pony, when purchased he was rather skinny and neglected but with care and attention he’s become a lovely pony however, with his new found fitness came a host of problems! He liked to rear, buck and spin under saddle ,and then his party tricks for he had two ,swiping any rider down walls, trees ,or fences to get them off his back and if that didn’t work he would roll!
On the ground he would barge and was food obsessed dragging any unsuspecting handler behind him in his quest for food. The usual checks were made new saddle, new bridle, bit, teeth, back, shoes etc but nothing made a difference in the end my 11 year old daughter was so traumatised by him she nearly quit riding.
Steve was called in and he first got to grips with Mr D’s ground work problems, taking my daughter on a voyage of discovery into the mind of a horse. He patiently explained about body language, her attitude and the horse’s reaction to her. Over the past 5 months she has gone from a jabbering wreck to a confident horse handler who is firm, considerate and persistent, she even enjoys Mr.D's cheeky bucks!
As for Mr D he’s getting there! He looks, behaves and rides better than ever before. I’m not saying we are there yet Mr D is a long term project but he’s got kinder eyes, a better top line and he's beginning to listen and respond. He does still try it on and will revert to his past ways but Steve has armed Lydia with the skills to deal with this and with continued training Mr D will become the best he can be and that’s a fab child’s pony.
If you are committed to resolving the problem, willing to listen and able to embrace Steve's ethos of training then you will get there too! Be prepared to accept that the problem might be you not the horse. Relax, Steve can and does work wonders in a short space of time, but remember when he leaves for the day it’s down to you to carry on the work! He is a great bloke, good with people and horse and I can’t praise him enough."
Emily,Gina and Star
We are very fortunate to have Steve as one of our neighbours and asked him to help with our first pony Jack when things started to go wrong. We had bought Jack (a 13.2hh Welsh C cob) so that I could share him with my daughter but after a year he had finally got the better of us and became rather pushy and far too strong for my 8 year old daughter to control. Steve helped to re-train him and teach him some manners again but unfortunately we knew that he would still be too big and strong for my daughter.
We now have a 12.1hh Welsh section A palomino and had Steve working with us from the start. He recommended that my daughter did not ride him to start with and instead we have invested the first 3 weeks in ground work and bonding exercises. I can not recommend this approach highly enough. It has definitely paid off and my daughter now has a pony that she loves to bits and he follows her everywhere. Steve's approach in dealing with horses is totally different to what I am used to, it is all about understanding the individual horse and gaining it's trust rather than just getting on it and riding it. I look forward to every lesson to see the confidence gain in both my daughter and her pony.
We now have a 12.1hh Welsh section A palomino and had Steve working with us from the start. He recommended that my daughter did not ride him to start with and instead we have invested the first 3 weeks in ground work and bonding exercises. I can not recommend this approach highly enough. It has definitely paid off and my daughter now has a pony that she loves to bits and he follows her everywhere. Steve's approach in dealing with horses is totally different to what I am used to, it is all about understanding the individual horse and gaining it's trust rather than just getting on it and riding it. I look forward to every lesson to see the confidence gain in both my daughter and her pony.
Update from Emily
Well done to Emily Armitage who went to her first show at the weekend, two fourth places at Penistone Show with her pony Star, good job Emily!
Midnight's Story.
I'd like to share a story about Midnight a horse I have been working with for a few hours recently. Midnight's owner contacted me for help with some long standing issues. She had owned him for 15 years and had never been able to put a rug (blanket) on him and as he was getting older and living out in our very wet Winters felt he needed the protection, and also had been unable tohave his feet trimmed without the Vet giving him full sedation.
He is a very sensitive horse but within minutes of meeting him I felt we had the start of a bond. He soon began to follow my every move so lightly, it was as if he was saying to me "what kept you so long, I've been waiting for you to come along".
After four visits of one hour each he will now accept his rug I densensitised him gradually using a variety of materials from a towel on his back , to a bed sheet, to a tarpaulin,and general work on the ground and with a flag.
He picked his feet up for me within minutes of my first visit and now as his trust and confidence grows I am helping his owner trim his feet without fuss. The day before my first visit the Vet had been unable to get near him to give him the sedation to allow the farrier to trim his feet .
Such sensitive horses seem to know when the right person comes along at the right time, thank you Midnight for my latest lesson along my horsemanship journey ! -Steve Doherty.
Well done Kirstin and Minstrel!
Well done to Kirstin and Minstrel!
Hi Steve, Big thanks to you and your hard work, Kirstin and Minstrel 'WON' the Le Trec at pole moor show on Sunday.It was very windy and he did all obstacles with ease even the "flapping blue tarpaulin" YIPPEE!!!!
Hi Steve, Big thanks to you and your hard work, Kirstin and Minstrel 'WON' the Le Trec at pole moor show on Sunday.It was very windy and he did all obstacles with ease even the "flapping blue tarpaulin" YIPPEE!!!!
Jessika and Chance
I highly recommend Steve Doherty to anyone wanting to try out natural horsemanship with their horses. He not only works with your horse, but with both of you. He has helped me and my youngster have a better relationship and now I actually enjoy doing work with him! Thanks Steve! :)
Vinny's story.
Thanks to Grace for sending me this story to share!
We got Vinny 6 months ago and, it hasn't been a easy journey. He had really bad separation issues, wouldn't stand still on the yard, he was also very hard to go to the field and, I had to take him down to the field in a bridle because he was so difficult and, him being a big horse he was really hard to handle. After 4 months he was on horsemart being sold but, then a close friend to mine told me about Steve Doherty who said he had made a big improvements with her horse and, I contacted steven asking him to come and do a session with Vinny. When he first came he asked what Vinny was like and just got to know him on the yard stroking him and making Vinny feel comfortable. Then we went into the arena and, Steven was just doing simple exercises with him ( that vinny found difficult) just standing still and, then making him go round him on a long line with a halter on and, making him turn his bum away from him and stand still. Vinny made progress in his first session and, we carried on doing these exercises and saw improvements in the first week. We then had 3 more sessions and Vinny has improved massively. I now have him working over a tarpaulin on the floor with poles and crates holding it down. He now goes over poles that he thought would kill him an hour earlier. Recently we had another session with Steven on Thursday 27th September 2012 and, Steven starting doing a little bit of Liberty work with Vinny and Vinny responded really well he was following him all around and, you could tell Vinny's confidence and trust had improved rapidly since Steven started coming. I am very, very, very happy with Vinny progress and will carry on having Steven come and we will shortly be moving onto riding lessons hopefully bride-less and maybe get rid of the saddle..... one step at a time :-) Steven has made the difference with us selling Vinny and, now he is turning into the horse we have always thought he could be. Thank you Steven for everything Dawn Marie Brook and Grace Brook
We got Vinny 6 months ago and, it hasn't been a easy journey. He had really bad separation issues, wouldn't stand still on the yard, he was also very hard to go to the field and, I had to take him down to the field in a bridle because he was so difficult and, him being a big horse he was really hard to handle. After 4 months he was on horsemart being sold but, then a close friend to mine told me about Steve Doherty who said he had made a big improvements with her horse and, I contacted steven asking him to come and do a session with Vinny. When he first came he asked what Vinny was like and just got to know him on the yard stroking him and making Vinny feel comfortable. Then we went into the arena and, Steven was just doing simple exercises with him ( that vinny found difficult) just standing still and, then making him go round him on a long line with a halter on and, making him turn his bum away from him and stand still. Vinny made progress in his first session and, we carried on doing these exercises and saw improvements in the first week. We then had 3 more sessions and Vinny has improved massively. I now have him working over a tarpaulin on the floor with poles and crates holding it down. He now goes over poles that he thought would kill him an hour earlier. Recently we had another session with Steven on Thursday 27th September 2012 and, Steven starting doing a little bit of Liberty work with Vinny and Vinny responded really well he was following him all around and, you could tell Vinny's confidence and trust had improved rapidly since Steven started coming. I am very, very, very happy with Vinny progress and will carry on having Steven come and we will shortly be moving onto riding lessons hopefully bride-less and maybe get rid of the saddle..... one step at a time :-) Steven has made the difference with us selling Vinny and, now he is turning into the horse we have always thought he could be. Thank you Steven for everything Dawn Marie Brook and Grace Brook
Smokey Joe's story
Meet Smokey Joe. here he is standing nice and quiet in the arena, a few weeks ago he was very unhappy in the arena and it was impossible to do any constructive schooling work with him, he tossed his head, plunged around , froze up, or ran !
Today he is chilled out with his arena work and happy doing exercises in walk ,jog ,or lope with no worries, he stops and backs up with no rein and is mastering his side passing and lateral work.
Smokey is a really sensitive horse and all it has taken to move him forward in his education is a little time, patience , quiet riding, and trusting him to do his best. Good Job Smokey!
Thanks for letting me work with you and learn from you! Steve.
Today he is chilled out with his arena work and happy doing exercises in walk ,jog ,or lope with no worries, he stops and backs up with no rein and is mastering his side passing and lateral work.
Smokey is a really sensitive horse and all it has taken to move him forward in his education is a little time, patience , quiet riding, and trusting him to do his best. Good Job Smokey!
Thanks for letting me work with you and learn from you! Steve.