Joanne's Story - my very first client!
How I accidentally fell into this work
Rachel Cox
Last Update 2 years ago
When I first settled into an area I lived many years ago, whispers circulated about the arrival of new horses, accompanied by curious speculations about the newcomers' lives. One day, after a ride on Finn, my giant Shire cross Thoroughbred, I spotted a tremulous woman, anxiously hovering near her car with her two babies inside.
Our conversation unfolded, revealing a haunting tale. She had been warned by a local riding instructor that taking her horse away from the established riding center would lead to a perilous fall into a ditch, where she'd remain undiscovered. The gravity of this chilling statement hit me, especially considering its source.
Although my usual focus wasn't rider training, I couldn't turn away from this plea for help. The next day, I observed her interactions with her horse, witnessed her hesitant rides in the field, and felt the palpable tension as she ventured down the road and back.
Over a comforting cup of tea, her story unfolded. Her horse, though inexperienced, wasn't the issue; it was her crippling lack of confidence. The instructor's ominous prophecy had plunged Joanne into a cycle of paralyzing fear. Fortunately, it was still in its early stages, allowing room for intervention. I joined her on rides, engaging in heartfelt conversations to reshape her mindset, dispel the nightmarish images haunting her thoughts, and address the fears she held for her children—a common struggle post-pregnancy among the many riding clients I've encountered over the years.
I embraced a therapeutic approach, using the horse's presence to deliver immediate results. Gradually, I guided Joanne through the process of overcoming her fears, silencing the cacophony of doubts in her mind, and transforming her relationship with her horse. My role expanded, encompassing aspects of a riding instructor, horse trainer, and therapist, earning me recognition in the local community.
Over the past 25+ years, I've had the privilege of working with numerous individuals and their horses, helping them reclaim their confidence, reshape behaviours, and relish unhindered rides without the looming fears of a ditch. Looking back, the journey began with an unsettling statement, but it has evolved into a poignant reminder of the countless lives—both human and equine—that I've been honored to impact.