It was at least 103 degrees for our lesson debut at American Canyon Training Center. Sneakers, a 19 yr. old ex-performance horse, with experience on a lesson string, participated in his second therapeutic session. Maybe Sneakers was being prepared for this job his entire life. He was ridden by a young girl with autism. Sneakers was steady for mounting and girth check. He marched forward with the, “Walk on” cue and obediently responded to, “Whoa”. Sneakers and his rider were supported by the leader and 2 side walkers. He acted as if he had been doing this job his entire life.
During class, instructor Sharon Commisso, directed the students through warm up, some patterns focusing on right and left turns, and then a “trail ride” along the galloping track. When the lesson was over, and the student was dismounted, she flapped her hands, smiled and repeated, “Monty, Monty, Monty.” The word Monty translates to happy for this child. I was told that when in school or anywhere else she says, “Monty” whenever she is happy.
Monty watched over lessons that day, and we will think of him every time we help people feel better. Monty had been with Cornerstone for 5 years. He died on August 10, 2009. Our other horses, Andy, Dually, and Mr. Quickers have a big responsibility to behave and be helpful in this new environment. If our first lesson is any indication of what the future holds, we are off to a great start.
