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Jo and Misty Fulfill Jo's Dream

It's been Jo's Dream to have a horse partner she can lie down to mount, then ride off bareback and bridleless. She and Misty have been working with Krista to reach this goal for 3 years. It's been a process with many small steps along the way.

They began with simply picking up Misty's feet and asking her to do it more and more independently. Then came teaching her to pick up either front foot and rock her weight back and eventually lie down. As Misty became more and more comfortable in this very vulnerable position on the ground, Jo slowly, slowly began to touch Misty, until she was able to lie on Misty's back. Then sit up. Then they made the huge leap of faith on both of their parts to asking Misty to stand up with Jo on her back.

But it really isn't about all the tools and techniques. It's about establishing a trusting partnership that works both ways, and that shows up in every aspect of their riding. Misty knows beyond any doubt that Jo will allow no harm to come her way. And Jo knows that Misty will do everything in her power to keep Jo safe.

Here, then, is the product of their endeavors. Of course, it isn't a finished product, as Jo and Misty will continue their never-ending journey together. Rather, they've reached a very important milestone, and we celebrate this joy with them.

Misty's first cue: Misty knows what to do next. Jo has been very careful with her cues, and she will need them less and less and time goes by.

Jo has chosen a very safe place for Misty to become her most vulnerable: it's familiar and the ground is soft.

Joe has only picked up her foot, and already Misty's weight starts to shift back. She understands which direction her body will arch and she's balanced to her left.

Misty is fully committed now that Jo has given the lie down cue.