Congratulations!!

This Friesian mare was not in the Breed Display but she was at the Celebration of the Horse event with our group. She gathered her own share of admiring looks at the Adult Horse Rides.

Meet Ylluster and her momma, Michelle.

This beautiful Friesian mare was imported from the Netherlands in 2004 by a Minnesota farm. She lived there for 5 years and gave birth to 2 foals.

Michelle came across an ad for Ylluster on dreamhorse.com. Michelle was looking for a “family” horse. As they corresponded concerning Ylluster, Michelle believed this mare would be a great fit for the family. Ylluster seemed to ride well under the saddle and was said to always “take care” of her rider. But little did they know there would be some challenges along the way.

November 2009, Yluster arrived via 1st class shipment. Giddy with excitement, Michelle and her family greeted Ylluster. Ylluster was not as enthused. She promptly avoided Michelle and her husband. A bond was formed, though, between Michelle’s daughter, Madelyn, and the black mare. Madelyn could catch her and lead her unlike anyone else.

After awhile, Michelle began working with Ylluster but with little success. Most everyone agreed that she just needed to ride Ylluster. The mare would settle. The opposite happened with Ylluster taking off at full speed and Michelle clinging to her.

That is when this woman came into the picture. Ann-Marie.

The first time Ann-Marie met Ylluster, she said to the mare, “I know, I understand you. We just need to make your people understand”. Michelle knew she found just the right trainer for her horse.

I’ve seen Ann-Marie work with Ylluster on many visits to the barn. This beautiful classy mare has come so far already. With Ann-Marie’s no-nonsense yet natural training methods, Michelle has been able to ride Ylluster.

“Did I hear someone talking about me?”

Check out Ylluster on the PhotoBlog!  :D

Well, we’re almost to the end of our Celebration of the Horse event. Tomorrow, find out what our group won!

May your weekend be fun and sunny,

Celebration of the Horse 2010 series:
Part 1 The Parade Staging Ground
Part 2 The Parade
Part 3 The Parade: Our Group
Part 4 Adult Horse Rides
Part 5 Never Too Old
Part 6 Breed Display
Part 7 Ylluster
Part 8 Award