Student: Ann Vitunac and Dallas

Dallas was wearing a halter and dragging a lead rope for the first six months that I saw her as I drove by the unsheltered paddock in which she was the sole occupant. Though I felt an immediate attachment to this soulful, little paint horse, I tried to distance myself from her. It didn’t work. I hurled carrots near her for weeks in an attempt to gain her trust but she wouldn’t touch them until the human smell washed away from rain. Dallas wore her lead rope because the trainer who owned her couldn’t catch her. She had been through three previous trainers, none of whom was able to touch this horse without having her tremble like an earthquake. At least one trainer responded by punching Dallas in the face to teach her not to pull away. His punch drew blood. I was told that it would be impossible to ever deal with this horse by being “nice”. Seeing Kirsten Nelson at a Parelli show convinced me to accept the challenge. I bought Dallas knowing that she was not ridable ...not even touchable. Dallas was literally afraid to move her feet because she might be criticized or punished for doing something wrong. She internalized her fears and waited to explode like a volcano. That was 3 ½ years ago. Now, through Kirsten’s patience, intuition, and dedication we are able to “catch” Dallas, pet her, touch her face, feed her treats, pick up her feet, make eye contact with two eyes and two ears. On a good day Kirsten can sit on
Dallas’ back and Dallas can find relaxation. These are milestones that were developed literally and figuratively one inch at a time. Dallas’ fear of humans is being allayed one layer at a time. Kirsten has been able to do what no other trainer has ever been able to do with this horse. Instead of fleeing in terror upon seeing a human, Dallas now runs to greet me and Kirsten. Though hours of work for breakthroughs remain, Kirsten’s work with Dallas has saved her life. She can now be easily handled by the farrier, the tooth vet and by the pet sitter when we travel. Kirsten’s horse sense is allowing Dallas to trust again. Kirsten is teaching me to recognize what Dallas is telling me, so that through mutual respect, we can become partners. One day I will ride this horse with having to steal a ride. I will never be able to thank Kirsten enough nor to repay her for the generous gifts of knowledge to me and love to my Dallas.
 

With much respect, Ann