A Journey of Intention Discovered through Horses

LaLa Madame Blu “Blu” is my mirror. She is the equine version of me, so I intend to rise to her level. In order to do that, I will continue to hold the mirror up to myself – look deeply at my reflection, and meet the challenges presented.

Who are we?

Blu is a 2009 Registered Half Arabian mare. Her other half is Appaloosa/Friesian sporthorse type. She is gorgeous, unique, intelligent and affectionate. She is also hyper-aware, unpredictable and opinionated. I love her! She is by no means an “easy” horse for me to work with. She is smart and willing, though. A quick study, with a kind spirit.

I am a fifty year old woman. I have been around horses my whole life. I also have a degenerative disease, which causes progressively worsening mobility and fine motor skills. This challenges my abilities to use the skills I have spent my entire life accumulating, and passionately wish to continue to utilize.

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My first time on a horse was being upon my relative’s Shetland pony, Lena, when I was just a little tyke.

I showed my own pony, Fresca, in 4H.

And got my own first horse when I was eight years old. This is Jimmy.

I showed him in 4H, too.

I showed in many open shows with borrowed horses,

and my own.

I have ridden and shown horses of many breeds and types from Quarter Horses and Appaloosas to Arabians and Morgans.

I even studied Equine Science in college, but I have no pictures of the multiple horses I rode in classes in Western Horsemanship, huntseat, jumping and Dressage.

I now own and operate my own horse business. I have a wonderfully kind Arabian stallion, (you can read more about him here) a handful of super mares, and a small number of horses for sale, bred and trained by me. Our website for the farm is aartilaarabians.com where you can see what we have to offer, as well as follow the journey of Blu and I! The monthly write-ups will be included in the blog section.

What are we going to do?

The journey which I wish to document includes training my horse and myself to ride bareback and bitless. This includes monthly updates following our story from the earliest lessons for “finding the aids” at a walk, to adding speed and correct movement, and eventually to adding more horses, which are to be trained for riders by me from the back of Blu! This seems like a nearly insurmountable goal at this time, but we can break it down into achievable goals. Follow along by accessing our monthly installments! They will be available to see on our website aartilaarabians.com, as well as on my Facebook page Aartila Arabians | Facebook around the 15th of each month.

When are we doing this?

I plan to post monthly articles for the first year, beginning June 2021, recording our training plans and progress, as well as the setbacks and challenges.

Where do we plan to work?

Blu and I will be working mainly from our home here in Northern Wisconsin in our outdoor arena. Because all of our work is done outside, the weather plays an incremental role in our ability to get things done within set deadlines. We learn patience!

Why do I want to do this?

I wish to use this as a tool in order to continue working with and training horses. I also wish to do this as a way to help people see the possibilities and abilities of which we are capable! This isn’t only about horses – it includes whatever we really desire to do. We do not give ourselves enough credit or belief. I hope to help you consider stepping up to greater options!

How do I plan to accomplish this?

With lots of practice, studying, and input from peers and professionals. If nothing else, I do have a lot of perseverance! I will be sharing our journey together through words, pictures and video.

I hope you’ll mount up with us and ride along!

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