Scary Situations

Today around 3:45 I took Honey out. It wasn't much at first but I decided to go to the lake. I did that and the sun was setting but I was pretty close to home so I found an old path that led to a farm back in the woods. I thought it would dead end quickly but it didn't.

After the sun set around 5 down behind the trees it became dark and the trail still wound on. I became nervous and Honey got nervous too. I kept going and ended up in a field full of soybeans that was pretty far from my home but I still knew where I kinda was. With honey sinking in the mud I had to walk too. Now it was almost dark and I wasn't home. We had a couple scares but eventually we made it to a place pretty familiar. I tried to get Honey to jump a water filled ditch but she instead balked, slipped in and laid down in the water and started to drink it. I pulled her up and she shot back and pulled me in. The temperature was only about 50 which is cold when your wet.

We came to the big ditch by our house seperating the field. I jumped through and stood and commanded Honey to jump. She rared up on her back legs, tucked her front feet and sprung from the ground. At 5'6" I am taller than Honey. She soared at a height that was way above my head. We finally got back to the pasture after dark. Honey kept a level head. If I would have let her she would have guided me home. Not because she knew where she was going but because as we got closer the shrill whinny of Matoaka got Honey's attention. She quickened her pace everytime and turned her head from the wind to hear her. Although we were lost we still made it home. Before I got on the trail Honey had outright stopped. She eyed it but I forced her down it anyway. Maybe she knew that would happen???

This picture is of me and my Honey girl.

A Friend Of A Different Kind

I snapped this picture of a Red Fox up in the dunes of the Outer Banks. They had said that a band of about three of them roamed around the dunes and to please not feed them or interact with them. He came up to me while I was washing my feet off and just sat there licking up the runoff water. I didn't hurt him, he didn't hurt me.

People petitioned to have them removed but it was overruled by The Game and Wild Life Board. They stated that these animals were in their natural habitat and they wouldn't take them from that. Kind of a similar thing going on somewhere else isn't there???

Yeah there is. The Corollas. They are being taken. Why is that? People are more worried about tourism on the beaches versus our horses who ARE the main tourist attraction down there.

This fox looks pretty peaceful and he is in his own habitat, around humans.

Growing Like A Weed

Matoaka just keeps growing. It's like some crazy thing I can't stop. I get her all beefed up from her last growth spurt in time for her too hit another one and drop weight like she ran a marathon. She is growing like a weed and she is getting smarter too. I am glad to say I have been working on her little biting habit and she hasn't bitten me or anyone in a while. Now manners are next on the list:).........

Fighting Through The Fists

Everywhere we go someone won't agree with us one hundred percent. People seem to just find ways to go against what your saying. The Corollas are fighting against there own fists right now. I don't know how they will come out in the end but I think that we can get more supporters to be there for them. I hope they will be around when I am long gone. I don't have a good ending to this so I will just end it at that.

Stubborness, Courage and Confidence

A documentary was recently filmed about the Corollas. I had a small part in it alongside Matoaka. She had been good most of the day. Not acting up too bad for a young horse put in a strange new place with strange horses without her pasture mate. She is stubborn. She isn't willing to be defeated by others and doesn't tolerate being pushed around. I know this and it isnt a trait I like.

While filming she had walked up to Steve and tried to bite him. He showed her that he wasn't having that. This caught her off guard. Some strange man just tried to be the boss over her. I had feared that kind of embaressment and she did it well. When asked to lounge her or move her out my response was she won't do it so how do you expect me to do that. Steve wasn't happy with that. Eventually she gave in and trotted around for him. I still am impressed with Matoaka's next accomplishment.

One of Steves most fearless, confident and couragess little riders mounted Matoaka. I held my breath tight hoping she wouldn't bolt. Matoaka does well with desensitizing and every motion like that. She had never had a person on her before but I knew Riley would be one that could handle it like a pro. Although I was sure Matoaka would bolt. Matoaka stood still. She eyed me every couple of minutes to make sure it was ok. She was tense and rigid. When Riley was up and over, Matoaka and I both released our breath like we had been holding it for forever.

I was so glad that Matoaka didn't act all crazy. Riley has done this tons of times and she gave it no second thought. Courage in people is hard to find sometimes. We at Mill Swamp have a rare kind.

I know Matoaka didn't act polite and as Steve said our relationship was that of twin sisters. I was still impressed with her. Some think it shouldn't have been us doing it because they could do it better. Probably, but they aren't us so sorry about their luck.

The documentary will be awesome. Everyone had a part and did a great job. The Corollas were pretty amazing themselves and hopefully this will one day get them recognized more.

Stand

As I have said before the Corollas have been around for centuries. They inhabited the beaches before we even knew they were there. They set foot in the sand before our feet ever did and they swam before we knew what swimming was.

I hope that when I am old that they will still be there. I hope that the generations of horses will be spread along the beach. Showing us just what it took to get where we are now. They stand for a bit more than people think and hopefully the breed will still be standing years and years from now.

I did not take this picture, someone else did. This little Corolla foal is probably just learning to stand.

Picture Perfect

Abuse... Doesn't sit well in your mind does it? Slaughter...Not a pretty word is it? Mustang...Land stripping parasite you might think right?

WRONG! All of it is wrong. Claiming to do what is in a horses best interest or the breeds best intrest in order to help your money flow or to keep people happy isn't right. That would be like rounding up all of the people who are not the vision of what people think is perfect...and killing them. Kind of like the Holocaust. No one is perfect. It is impossible to be perfect.

Herds of mustangs are rounded up yearly. People say that they will be adopted out and find good homes. The truth of that is that not all of them will find good people...the rest don't find people at all. They get taken to the slaughter house instead.

Clouds herd is a descendant of the Banker ponies. As of September 1st they will be rounded up to a herd size of 70. The ones that get rounded up include older horses, mares, and foals. They don't want to be killed in a slaughter house. A herd size of 70 will genetically kill these animals also.

What goes through someones mind on deciding that this is the "right" thing to do to any horse? Everyday horses are lined up to be killed. Why? People have gone materialistic. Horses serve no purpose to them. They don't want people finding out about this kind of stuff...that's because they don't want to ruin their image and they realize that it's wrong.

They want to create something picture perfect. The fact is that nothing is picture perfect. Our mustangs are more picture perfect than a show ring, professionally trained, inbred, thoroughbred. Our horses stand for something. Hate us and look down on us all you want and think your so much better and could show our horses up but your no better than us if you think that gets you somewhere and I bet your horses mind frame has been warped by your own.

Took this pic myself. A friendly little green snake who was about to shed his skin. Our horses can't shed their skin or image or reputation.

From The Horses Point Of View

To truly understand a horses way of thinking we have to look at it from their point of view. I do not mean get on all fours and parade around like a horse. Just think of why your horse gave the reaction they did. Why did your horse stomp their foot or buck. Maybe because your horse didn't understand you.

Our horses are not on the same train of thought as we humans are. Their brains work differently. If they see a scary object they kick at it or run away. We probably wouldn't drop kick a gate and then run away screaming because it scared us. We would investigate it and figure out if it would hurt us.

Horses are just as curious but they have the mentality of a toddler. What they see as scary, isn't scary for us and this causes issues that sometimes horse people will try to cover up in hopes of the issue resolving on its own. But your horse won't just lose that fear unless you work with them on it and don't just beat your horse until they understand because thats wrong and creates even more problems.

Work with your horse fairly. Give them a chance to learn for themselves and give them guidance for a better outcome then the current one. Make them understand in a way that works for them and you. One thing that works for one, won't always work for another. If your horse is scared of tarps then give them an option go through it or go around. As they pass it without it jumping up and biting them they will get curious and they will investigate it on their own and find out that this big "scary" thing is harmless and they will walk over it eventually. Now some horses won't do that even if they are given an option but that doesn't mean that you beat them if they dont go over it.

I can promise you that at the basis of a great horse is great training and the greatest methods of training are in Natural Horsemanship. I use natural horsemanship and so do many other places...that's why our horses are great.

I get my horses point of view because I come to their level and understand them and find a way to make them understand me.

This is what the Corolla Horses see. A beautiful beach. But soon enough the other picture is all they will see...houses, houses, and more houses. Do you think that there point of view on the situation is yeah! Throw some more houses up and drive us from our land! I don't think that they really care about vacation homes or the price tag on them. Thier point of view is priceless.

Growing Up

As you can see from the pictures the little filly I got at five months old is growing up. She is 2 now and stands at 12.3 hands She is a beautiful bay with arabicano markings. Her personality has developed into something amazing. Her name, Matoaka, means Little Snow Feather. Matoaka was Pocahontas's real name. Some believed it meant greedy one which in reality would explain Matoaka. She has to be the center of attention. If your not paying attention to her than you might as well prepare yourself because she will MAKE you pay attention.

I have said before that Matoaka is really strongheaded and that is so true. She is independent from others. She doesn't like people that she doesn't know, so anyone other than me and a few selected people who she knows she is know match against, will be clearly warned of her dislike if they try to be superior over her.

She has overcome numerous obstacles like, water, tarps, jumps, bags, ditches, snakes, birds, deer, longing, and many others while wearing a saddle. She has gone through desensitizing and isn't scared by most things. Within the time of 2 months from now Matoaka will be ridden and my hopes for that are high. Although she can be bad at times it's like she was born too wear a saddle. As soon as she has it on and is going, she becomes the vision of a great horse.

Matoaka has definately grown up into a wonderful horse and especially a wonderful Corolla Horse.

It's The Eye Of The...Holland?

Holland is a Shackleford gelding. Shackleford banks are at the lower end of North Carolina and there is a herd of horses.

I had heard so much about Holland. How athletic, strong, fast and just well rounded for a horse he was. Of course I had learned that with our Banker horses, extraordinary, is something we just have to expect.

I got the feeling from the many postings that boasted over this magnificent horse, that Holland was evidentally a horse that had really grabbed Steve's heart.

I got to spend some time with Holland at the Corolla Wild Horse Days. He was bigger in build than most of our Banker stallions, but not taller. He was calm too. For the tons of people flocked around the pen and the activities going on, he cheerfully munched grass or rubbed his head on Steve while trying to take Steve's hat, and he was still so calm. I haven't had the pleasure of riding Holland yet, but I hear that he is quite something.

Here is a picture of Holland's eye. He looks a little sad with his eye. Maybe because I wouldn't let him have any of my chips no matter how hard he stretched his neck or lips to grab the bag! :)

Purely Carolina

I am from North Carolina. I was born here. I have learned that shoes are completely overated. They only tie down your feet. My horses live in North Carolina, Matoaka was born here just like me. They have picked up on the barefoot policy. They do not wear shoes. They have never been shoed and will never be shoed. There hooves are extremely healthy and will remain extremely healthy.

There is no need for shoes on my horses or anyone elses. I think that if they had them put on, both would only lie down in defiance. No horse ever needed them. But people were careful around there horses feet and this made them weaker and more easily injured and completely took away how natural and sound they were. Sorry if my horses don't get metal nailed to there feet but I wouldn't want that to happen to me and that won't happen to them. Yeah, my horses are purely Carolina horses.

Pushing Forward

June 28, 2009 a very close person to me and my family was in a horrible wreck. I have known Josh since I was born. He is like a brother to me. I have seen him walk away from horrible dirtbike crashes leaving him with concussions, broken bones, and so much more. He seemed invincible.

Josh flipped his truck and was ejected through the drivers window. He suffered a cut on his head and leaving him with over 200 stitches. He also suffered a broken neck. His family and friends were left hoping that the doctors earliest deduction of paralysis was wrong.

He was very thankfully, not paralized, but his vertebrea was crushed and pushing in on his spinal cord limiting his movement. Josh was instantly put into a drug induced coma to keep him from moving but he was still slightly aware that people were there for him like his parents and his sister who stood by him, waiting for news, hour among endless hour. If he heard a familiar voice his heart rate would go up or he would try to move.

Josh underwent 8 1/2 hours of surgery on his neck. The doctors were optimistic that he was going to be ok. It is only 5 days after the wreck, he was only moved out of ICU today, and Josh is walking at a pace that lleaves others in the dust. He can talk and move. He is doing most of the things he needs with little help. The doctors didn't think that he would have come this far so soon. But those who knew how quickly Josh got over something, although still suprised, knew that he would be pushing himself forward through this. Of course Josh is so optimistic himself he swears that he will be out by Monday...who knows, at this rate, he just might be.


We all love Josh so much and this hasn't been easy for his family especially, and friends. In his neck brace and green gown we still think Josh looks pretty cool but he has a very long road to recovery ahead. There is currently the Josh McCrary Recovery Fund set up through the Bank of Hampton Roads and Gateway banks to help him and his family through this as we all know that the best help isn't always cheap. Anyone can donate to this fund at those banks.

Please pray and hope for Josh as we all are.

You Have To Know

You just have to know your horse. You have to know them backwards and forwards...up and down...side to side. I mean that metophorically although it helps to know all of that stuff if your horse has any problems.

You have to know your horse better that anyone. You have to understand their mind in a way that makes you able to counteract a bad reaction. If my horse goes to kick me then there are signs. Those signs make me able to stop them or react in a way that makes me able to help make it less painful.

If my horse goes to bolt or buck their are signs for that and I can understand my horse better than anyone. I know why they stomp their feet. I understand why they impatiently nibble at my shirt or bump me with their head. Others would think that this was rude and behavior that requires punishment. No, its doesn't, it just means that they are bored at what I am doing and want to go for a ride or go eat some grass. I know why my horses bite each other. It is not because they are mean, its just because they are playing or putting the other one in place. Sometimes I believe that my horses are more mature and smarter than a lot of humans but I can say this because I understand my horse.

Honey is strong, smart, quick, leading, and caring. She has great respect but she won't be pushed around. She knows what she wants and lets nothing stop her(except me and my stern look at her that says hey old mare, don't you do it) :).

Matoaka is strongheaded, independent, loving, like a livewire, and she has a shy quality when she is being nice. She loves to run and play, and reminds me of a dog. She hates it when she isn't the center of attention. If I am rubbing Honey she will stick her nose under my arm and push her way through until she's right next to me and I am giving her a hug. She doesn't like halters and ropes or things that have a strong control over her. If I want her to cross water she digs her feet in. If I take the halter off and wait she walks through without a bit of hesitation.

My horses know me. If I am in a bad mood they both become perfect angles who rub their heads on me and nibble and lick me. If I am happy they both become relaxed and have a a certain vibe that lets me know that they are happy.

I know my horses better than anyone and they kind of understand me. I love them and respect them and in return I recieve just the same. You have to know and understand your horse to truly develop a bond that lasts a lifetime.

There Is A Purpose And A Reason

Things don't just happen because they feel like it. Everything has a purpose and a reason. Even the creepiest, weirdest, and scariest things have a purpose. Spiders....they have a purpose. They eat other unwanted insects. Many see them as a scary pest that they need to get rid of. Sure they are very creepy but so are some other little bugs.

The Corollas have a purpose and a reason. Just ask the conquistadors. They were the very early Spanish settlers. Arriving by boats, with families in tow, there wasn't any time to see the beautiful surroundings that they had come upon.

They jumped on their ponies and begun work. Collecting things for the start of their new lives. The trees, gave wood for fires, houses and weapons. The grass served as bedding, insulation, and food to their ponies. Even the sand held a purpose and a reason. One of those reasons was too file down their ponies hooves. It kept their hooves maintained so much better than any animals had ever been. It was natural and required no shoes. The most painless and stressless care for a horses hooves. The conquistador built a settlement and at the end of the day they looked out over the ocean and reached down to pet their ponies ear taking pride in a life and a companion.

Those ponies survived alongside their owners for well over 500 years. Today they scatter among the Outer Banks. They are the banker ponies. They are beautiful, serene, and tranquil. These horses embody the true spirit and determination that once lived in so many settlers who made this land available to us today. Without those settlers, we would be nothing. And without their ponies they would have been nothing. So what our lives come down too are little ponies no heavier than 800 pounds, no taller than 14.3 hands, and humbler than anybody or anything you will ever meet.

They have a purpose. It is to be a companion and a worker for anyone who needs them. They have a reason. It is to help us in our times of need. We will forever owe them for giving us what we have. The Corolla Wild Horses have a purpose and a reason much greater than that of a spider. Yet the population of spiders soars while the population of the ponies hangs on by a fingertip.

This is a picture of my adorable little nephew, Brandon. He is 5. He has a purpose...to annoy his little sister to death. His reason for that, its fun.

Training VS. Riding

Have you thought about it? What is the real thrill for you when your with horses? I thought that riding was the only thing I would enjoy. Training to me looked scary and boring. But my mind has completely changed. When I watch trainers training their horses I just have to watch. I think that what goes on with training a horse is really rewarding in the end and just......really cool!

Without training you could not accomplish a safe ride. Training starts the basis to all of the needed things with a horse. Through training you gain a bond of knowledge and respect of your horse and as you gain this bond you will know your horse so much more and be able to understand the reactions they have.

Training gets your horses ready for the tasks that you want them to accomplish and overcome. To throw a saddle on a horse and jump on would not end very well. The steps you take to getting your horse ready for anything, is training.

I like training alot more than riding. You may call that dumb but I don't. I would rather be on the ground with my horse teaching them exactly what they need to know in a way that I know would be most affective. Instead of having a professional tell me that theres just not a chance of getting control of my horse and that it's spirit needs to be broken.

I think the reason I like training so much is because of Natural Horsemanship. That won't break my horses spirit. We don't beat our horses into submission for them to pay attention.

Riding is still awesome though!

This picture is of two birds on the Outer Banks. One sticks to land while the other one cruises over the ocean. Two very diverse groups of birds, living together side by side, helping each other. Like riding and training. This is also how it should be between the Corollas and humans, living side by side very peacefully.

I Caught The Impersonator!

At 14.3 hands tall and 935 lbs, my paint mare has her way of making things known. Honey is strongheaded and proud. She knows what she wants to do and most of the time she will find a way to do it. But sweetness can be seen in her pretty blue eyes. She loves attention and is described as a major pig. Show her something to eat....she won't wait to taste it, she just dives right in. Honey is very powerful too. Yesterday she moved her head too quickly, knocking me to the ground and making me go blank for a second. I looked up to see her staring down at me all wide eyed. She knew she did something wrong. Quickly she licked my face and waited for a response from me. I rubbed her head and sat up. She stood over me very protectively until I got up. She isn't a mustang. She is a paint. But tell her and she will look at you for a second before turning away and snorting at your ignorance. She is a very good mustang impersonator. She even makes me forget that she isn't a mustang. I caught the impersonator and I am very pleased to have made such a great catch.

She is pictured above. In one picture she is of course....EATING! :) In the other one I took the food away from her so she rudely stuck her tongue out at me!

Don't Let Me Die....

Another beautiful Corolla Stallion, one of the many vital peices to this breeds survival, was taken at the hands of another careless person. Their ignorance.....or probably knowledge of what they were doing has resulted in the loss of Spec.

He is pictured above with his little family. After being run down by ATV's his hind leg was snapped in two after it was hit. He took himself over the dunes, a long ways away from where he was hit, with a broken leg.

He wasn't killed by the ATV's. He had to be put down. Spec didn't deserve this. He was just a horse, trying to live in the ever changing world around him, making little to no disturbance in the humans world. The horses don't mess with us. They get that it is our world. Why can't people get that this is their beach and they should leave them alone. Whoever did this wouldn't just leave him alone. They wouldn't just leave him with his family, on the beach, to live his life like he deserved.

Hateful, malicious, ignorant, and undeserving of forgivness are the only words for the people who did this. The breed can't stand on their own four feet for their rights to live on this beach, especially when someone is breaking them.

The Corollas are so magnificent and serene. Just the picture of a little Corolla foal brightens my day. I know that it is hard to understand that they mean so much, and especially to people who have zero interest in them. But I can promise you these horses are more than worthy of being saved. This is THEIR beach, NOT OURS. We can share it, they will very willingly share it PEACEFULLY, there is NO NEED TO INJURE OR KILL THE COROLLAS!!!!!!! JUST LEAVE THEM ALONE!!!!!!!!!!!

Ask yourself this. Would you like to be lieing on the beach, after you were hit or shot, or a number of other cruel acts, thinking to yourself, don't let me die........?

It's My Life

Wanted to take a second to give a little info about me. I'm Katelyn, aka, Kat to my friends. I love my friends to death. I make friends with just about anybody and am known to be really funny but quick to fight if someone is being mean. This year, breaking up a fight between my friend and some guy that was being stupid caused me to get punched twice. Lucky me right! :)

If you haven't noticed I love horses and own two. Honey or Ace as I call her, is an 8 year old paint mare. Our eyes match at a brilliant shade of blue and our tempers are about the same length....short. She is a bit mean at times but anyone who gets to know this brilliant horse will realize that she is so smart and sweet. She loves running with her tail held like an Arabians. ANY time she hears or sees me she lets me know she wants me with that loud ear splitting neigh.

Animals make up my life. Living back in the country in North Carolina has made animals a dominate role in my life. I am one of the schools top writers but I hate that I am. Photography is a major thing for me. All of the pictures on the blog I have taken except for the ones of Swimmer and Adam and the mustang in the field.

My 2 year old Corolla makes everyone fall in love with her. Matoaka or Peanut is like Honey alot. Her sweet, gentle, and loving nature is a mask. She is deceptive and very quick on using you. But she has learned that love doesn't stop me from seeing that she is mischevious in every way and now she doesn't try to cross me. Since she was 7 months old she has been the attention getter. When I am not paying attention to her she paws my back, plays with my hair, and licks my face. She follows me like a puppy and she did druel on me once!

I own two dogs, J.C. and Comet. J.C. is a yellow lab who is so sweet and like a big polar bear. Comet is my basset hound. Although he was the little runt and is much smaller than a full grown basset.

I have three turtles who just hatched about 3 weeks ago, Santiago, Fredrico, and Durango(all Spanish cities).

I own 8 goats who I am currently trying to sell. Anyone want some?......please? They are sweet, pigmy goats but have currently switched alfa roles and are beating up on my horses and I am afraid the Honey and her short temper are going to cause an issue in the end for them.

Well thats just about all I can write right now so peace out.

(Isn't that an awesome picture.)

She is Matoaka

Standing at 12.2 hands and weighing 440 pounds is my little Corolla who is 2. She is a striking bayish sorrel color and her mane is black with red and yellow sifting through it. She has four black socks and sound and solid hooves. She carries the curly gene like most Corollas making her very fuzzy. Her tail touches the ground when she moves. Her stride is long and easy making her look weightless as she runs. One thing that stands out is her determined and concentrated nature. She has a tendency to act up and be a little silly but when I ask her to do something she focuses on what she does and aces it. She is very proud of her self and shows it. She is very sweet and calm most of the time but she loves to run. She is always on the move and won't stop for anything. Like a livewire but focused on the tasks at hand she does everything 110%. I couldn't ask for a better horse. Yep, she is Matoaka.

Check out the pics! :) 1. is of that curly gene on her neck. 2. is her saddled up. 3 and 4 are that concentrated stare I was talking about. Dont let that fool you though, she is a total camera hog!!!

The Greatest Variety

Pintos, Duns, Roans, Bays, Blacks, Appaloosas, Webbed, Dappled, Laced, Barred, Bucksins, Sorrels, Whites, Champeignes. These are just a few of our colors and color patterns in the mustang world. Our horses stand out. They are amazing in the rarest of ways. Sometimes there are colors that really don't have a classification. We love those just the same.

Go to a show barn. Mostly you just see Bays. Don't get me wrong color has nothing to do with my opinion on a horse. I am just saying that our horses haven't been forged to one color because of close breeding for that right shade of brown or black. Our pastures are painted like an Indian War Horse.

Not A Negative

Too tired of focussing on the negatives. The Corolla Wild Horse Fund is raising money, spreading the word, and most of all fighting to protect these horses. For those of you who dont know her, Karen McCalpin, executive director, is in need of the thanks for her efforts in protecting and preserving these horses. With out her they might not be here.

Wild Horse days are coming in July and are sure to be awesome so please try to go to them.

The breeding program is going along and there are sure to be some colts next year and years to come!

By the way their are currently a couple horses for sale.

SWIMMER

Swimmer is a four year old mare who has had a small amount of saddle training. She
has a sweet and gentle temperament and loves to be scratched and petted.
Registration with Horse of the Americas as a Colonial Spanish Mustang is pending.

Up N' Adam

Adam is a handsome three year old gelding. He was originally adopted out to be a part
of our offsite breed conservation program in Marshall, Texas but was found to be a
chriptorchid. He was returned in October for another stallion and was gelded. Adam also
has a very mild and gentle manner, typical of the Colonial Spanish Mustang.
Registration with the Horse of the Americas is pending.

Please consider these horses. Anyone who has anyone questions just contact the CWHF at:

http://www.corollawildhorses.com/contact.html

Gone

In the 1920's anywhere from 5,000 to 6,000 horses were believed to roam on the outer banks. They roamed free and remained untouched. Unfortunately that was about to change.

Due to our ever changing world, in the 1980's, nearly two dozen were killed. As a result the Corollas Wild Horse Fund was formed and they were given 12,000 acres to go on. Who knew that this action wouldn't be enough.

November of 2001 brought tradgedy. Six horses were shot and killed. A cold hearted person took a gun and knowingly murdered six individual horses who were only trying to survive. Unfortunately they were taken in such a low key area that they weren't discovered in time to give any clues to the crime.

Four years passed and there wasn't a disturbance until 2005 when another beautiful Corolla Horse was shot and killed.

Only two years later and an amazing black stallion, another vital piece of this breeds survival, had his life claimed by a gun.

Then this month another became the victim to a careless person. A Corolla was hit with a car. The driver never stopped or even slowed down. This Corolla was not killed immediately. When people got to him he stood shaking, trying to keep himself up, trying to keep himself alive. His efforts weren't enough. He had to be put down from the injuries he had sustained during the hit and run.

People have killed over thirty horses. Not just any horses though. The magnificent, and tranquil Corollas. As if being driven from their land by local development wasn't enough, people decided to kill them. They can't fight back. They can't ask you not to kill them. They can only hope that you don't.

The Corollas breed, like many of it's horses, could very well soon be gone.

This a Corolla Stallion who still roams free.

My Terrible Two Year Old!

Today April 11, 2009 Matoaka turned 2! The much anticipated age of a horse for all of us young riders! It means that finally after training and all of the hard work that we put into our horses, bone structure permitting, we can mount up for the first time. I hope that by june I will start to mount up and finally ride my little filly. I have high hopes for her and her riding skills.

She hasn't given me any reason to ever doubt her abilities. She has a very high rate of courage and confidence, making it alot harder to scare her. She has come through a ton of training and so far she has tackled every thing with eagerness and a willing to learn. I can't wait to see what her gaits are like. For every Corolla it is like nothing you have ever felt. But to me I am sure my own horse will be better riding than any.

Today she managed to jump over the fence making Honey go all phsyco so she too thought she could get her big butt over the fence. Honey lazily walked through it. Matoaka is the instigator of all things that happen and end up with the two of them in trouble or some where completely different from where they should be.

Yep, Matoaka is my terrible two year old!!! That I love!!! :)

Spring Is Definately Here

This weekend in North Carolina it has been 70 degrees, sunny, and breezy everyday. My horses are shedding their winter coats and digging into the fresh green grass. I can't wait until this summer when I will ride Matoaka. She will be two in 6 days!

A Bit Too Harsh

Sorry about some of my more harsher views. I must have come off as a complete hater of anything show and competition related. I am not. I realize that some devote themselves to their horses and their disciplines without being cruel and love their horses so much. I didn't mean to offend anyone but I see the slaughter houses and the many people that think of mustangs as the horse worlds parasites and I just get very mad. I get that alot of people really love their horses and would do anything for them. Others though really don't care about their horses. Sorry again but it still stands that if you treat your horse like another blue ribbon and something to beat around until it does what you want, I really could care less about you and feel sorry for you because you are a sick person.

Walking For The Slightly Uncoordinated

Out of the stupidest kind of injuries I have managed to claim first prize. I broke my ankle by running and falling in a hole when I was 9, putting me in a cast for 6 weeks. At 11 I slipped in the shower and cut my leg open on our medal frame. That took twenty two stitches, eight inside(not dissovable; had to pull them out), and fourteen outside. It also took four months to recover and get me leg working right and serving as a great reminder is the constant ache in it from the cut nerves that can't be fixed and the scar on my knee at over 2 inches long. I have broken my toes and managed to misplace a bone in my finger because I was mad at my brother and slammed his door on my hand. I have also sprained my wrist because I slipped in the mud and fell off a hill.

Yesterday I was walking through my living room by the fireplace and managed to rush my leg forward across the bricks. This sliced open my skin on my toe beyond clean enough for stitches, completely took my nail, and probably broke it. I can't say why these dumb injuries happen to me. I am really smart and most of the time sure footed but I can tend to become a bit clumsy causing the above injuries. Alot of people have this happen but to them but the thing is that I really never know what I will do next!

Isn't this picture cool. Its the trees reflection on my pond.

You Jump, I jump. You Fall, I Will Pick You Up And Carry You

Mustangs? Current labels-mean, grouchy, wild, agressive, need to be terminated. I don't know why they are labeled that way. I see sweet, mellow, easy to love animals. With a beauty marked by their low set, flowing tails, their shaggy manes that hides their muscular necks, and eyes that show you the trust and bond they are willing to share.

Sorry if this isn't lengthy and full of meaning but the Corollas need a helping hand. They have fallen and we need to help them up before it is too late.

Something To Be Proud Of

Matoaka stands at about 12.1 hands. She is small but yet she is not two. She is very slight in build but she has a longer neck and a longer back than most Corolla's. She carries herself proud with her neck outstretched, her feet in a paso gait, and her tail held elegantly out like an Arabians, sometimes.

She is nothing but sweet, determined, willing to please, and strongheaded. With a mind of her own and something to prove but very quiet and reserved, we make a great team. We work together and sometimes we don't always see the same eye to eye. Well that's true I am 5.5 and shes........short. What I mean is that we sometimes collide on what we want to do.

She wants to go this way while I am going that way. The after affect of that....I fall in a ditch while she looks at me from the side as if to say,"listen to me human." I want to run she wants to eat....I hit the end of the rope in a slingshot manuever as I rick-shade backwards into her. She probably laughs. I now choose to consider my little genius horses ways. I don't let her show me any disrespect and I act with firmness but I realize that she has a mind better than most that other horses waste by learning how to do pointless stuff. She kicks, me I will firmly tell her no or give her a slap on the shoulder to get her attention.

I watch what she does and it makes sense to me. That isn't normal and it scares me. I couldn't love a horse more though. That is what I see in the Corollas horses. A cutting edge sense, and full of the evil little humor. For horses they are smart. I look at her and see something to be proud of.

The Apple Fell Too Far From The Tree

Everyone has heard the saying the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree. I am turning that around in a way as to say the apple fell to far from the tree. If anyone knows Steve Edwwards they will know what he thinks of today's "established" horse world. They view things much differently.

A horse isn't measured much in there quality but more in the quantity they take from your wallet. They are seen as a shiny trophy or a pretty blue ribbon. A horse in the established horse world is merely a prize to be won, a game to be played, and money to make. Their horses run around rings and do things that no animal was made for doing. Sure we have bred them out to do those things. At what cost?

Inbreeding is a major factor. Some people want that special pedigree that shouts at the judges,"just look at my family, I am more than good". A beautiful, perfect colored, great confirmation, built in discipline, no mind for there own, horse. You know what it says to me? Health issuies. A vet bill. A horse that is only made for what I have bred it. Another trophy, ribbon, and heart break when I must uthanize it do to health complications from pre-existing family problems that inbreeding has only made worse. My views are very different. One may think too harsh.

I would disagree. My horse can go for miles, in the heat, rain, snow, cold, rocks, dirt, or sand without showing signs of breaking down. They carry me long and hard. They do what I want but think for themselves. They don't have names that are run-offs from every other horse on that piece of paper showing their family. They enjoy my company and I respect and love theirs. My horses will live long, happy, and healthy lives.

Will your top prized, blue ribbon winning, ring running, judge pleasing, pedigree mess, live a long, happy, healthy, and fulfilled life? I think not.

Those of the established horse world are apples that didn't fall far from the tree. They think selfishly and want the next best thing in life that can make them noticed. Others are apples that fell too far from the tree becausw they really try to do right by their horses. But us from the mustang and other protected breed areas, are the peices of candy that everyone cherishes better and picks first, not that sour, wormy apple.

You Don't Konw What You're Doing

I love my horses. In return they love me back. They play the dominace role on each other when I am not around. But they know that I am their leader when it comes to things. Sometimes they don't get things. I simply walk them backwards and start from square one, teaching them what I want them to do. I don't whip them, tie them down, beat them, or a number of other things that horses have to go through due to their lack of understanding.

They weren't made to understand english. Yelling it at them will not help. I show them what I need them to do. I have been able to train my Corolla successfully using these ways. She understand the tasks I want her to do and she does them.

Sure I have fallen off of horses. Only three times since June 24, 2006. Keyword there, fallen. Once it was my faught, the other times were because I had only been riding for a couple of months and was really inexperienced with a horse that had as much knowledge about what to do as me. I have never been thrown. I have never been hurt. When I look at my horses and then look at show horses I say yeah those horses are nice and respectable, but my horses are geniuses to me. People look at me and say you don't know what you are doing. Really? I do. You can tell that because I bet my horse even has an opinion on those people. Just because I don't beat my horses into doing something doesn't mean I don't know what I am doing.

This is a picture of Wanchese, a Shackelford stallion. He happens to be the horse that I fell off of because I wasn't paying attention to what I did. I didn't get up and smack him because I fell off. I got back on and rode him for a couple more hours. I now think he is the best riding horse around and I would ride him anytime, anywhere.

She Is Smarter Than Me

Matoaka has officially taken her first "big girl" saddle. I started out by shaking the bag monster( crop and plastic bag on the end) all over her and running it along her legs and head. She chewed carelessly and just stood there with her backfoot resting. She accepted the pad on her back like it belonged there and then I lifted up the saddle and placed it on. She still stood like it was the most natural thing in the world. I took her bridle and was able to get the bit in her mouth then slip it over her head easily. She played with my shirt sleeve and rubbed her head on my back showing her slight impatience. So I tightened the girth without a problem and lead her forward. She eyed it suspicously but still stayed focused on me. I got her going up and down the path with it and we even trotted with out a single buck. I was very happy that she took her first big saddle that way. I know that this summer when I mount up she will be one of the best Corollas I have ever ridden.

Ready?No, Not Yet.Ready?Almost.Ready?Yeah.

The family of Mill Swamp Indian Horses is one that someone could only admire. Not just between the riders but between every horse, person, and whatever else comes our way. We come together for the purpose of our horses and what they mean to us. Steve Edwards protects and preserves strains of wild horses. Together him and his riders have become something quite amazing. One of the adult riders/trainers is different in many good ways.

Brent Speichinger is the person I am talking about. He has won many rodeos and worked as a cowboy most of his life. I could not tell you all that he has accomplished but just let you know that he has. Brent is pictured above with his horse Young Joseph. Joseph is a Chincoteague, BLM cross. I used to own Young Joseph but together we just weren't a match. Joseph has a certain type of spirit about him, to good to be broken but quite wild. I was much too inexperienced to handle him. Brent, with his knowledge of how to work with horses like Joseph, tried patiently to teach me and help me. He did a good job and I think that by watching him and trying to learn from him I have become a better and more confident rider. Although in the end Joseph and I just didn't fit together.

Brent had always loved Joseph and spotted his unique characteristics. He was tireless. He liked to run. He was jumpy and scared but he was more of an althlete than anything. He was wild but a really sweet natured horse. After MUCH, MUCH work joseph is an unrecognizable horse all due to Brent. Brent has rode Joseph on many endurace rides and done really well. Together they are a really good match.

But Brent is always willing to help other riders no matter what.

As I ran up a hill on back of a Shackelford stallion, Wanchese, he tripped and my saddle slipped. I knew I was going off. So did Brent. He was off of his horse before me. I was falling but he hopped off before I knew what was happening. I had made a stupid mistake by not hooking the saddle right and I payed for it.

In the end having people like Brent as a part of the Mill Swamp family pays off. They prepare us for our horses and our horses for us. They let us choose when we are ready and just prepare us for that time.

I Saved Your Life Little Puppy and You Cried When I Left

Today I went to my neices birthday party. She turned 3 and had a very good time. I love all animals but everyone loves puppies. Today my mom looked from the deck into the crate with the little puppies. I saw a splash of white and feet flying. I ran over to see the little puppies head wrapped in a towel, upside down. I quickly grabbed it out and held it. It wasn't breathing well and I feared the worst.

I held her until she breathed normal. She is only three weeks old. As she looked up at me she licked my nose and whined in greeting and thank you. I put her back in the crate right side up. As I shut the door. She squealled loudly and scratched at the door. I saved a life. A very little but precious life. Love is what you get when you give it.

I saved her life and we are trying to save the lives of many horses that are lined up for death each day. Please help when you see the chance.

This is me and her, and she looks so happy!

Lord, What Fools These Mortals Be

Yes I am quoting the great Shakespeare. No I am not going to go into a lecture about A Midsummer Nights Dream and the evil little fairy Puck. Although that would make for one interesting entry. The approach I am looking for is the quote itself. I find it to be true. Well actually I find it true when it comes to the Colonial Spanish Mustang Breeds all over.

These breeds aren't looked at as important.

You take a nice clipped, trimmed, propered, polished, and good looking horse, throw in the fancy breed name, the pretty ribbons and expenses of todays horse world and you got yourself something important.

Well that's what you would think, that is what they want you to think. A horse isn't supposed to be measured in hands, expenses, ribbons, earnings, pedigrees, or much else. Actually that is exactly how they are measured.

Here is how they should be measured. They are measured by the heart. The loyalty and love they show to the owner who loves them back. A horse is great. But look at it like this. People want the biggest, the best, the fastest, and the prettiest. In our eyes the Spanish Mustang horses are all of these things and much more. The world doesn't want that. The selected few who have learned that that is not the way to think understand the need to keep these breeds. Which is why we say to ourselves sometimes; Lord What Fools These Mortals Be.

Here is my beautiful Corolla, Toeks(Matoaka), loving up to the camera.

Leaving Isn't Easy

At 13 I take high school courses online. I am in a program called AIG,(Acedemically and Intellectually Gifted)-pretty much meaning I am really smart. I know that when I grow up I would love to be a photographer that travels the globe. When I heard some news about the Corolla Herd Manager moving and them having to fill the spot it came as a bit of a shock what I thought of.
My mind raced at the thought of them not having a person there for them although they have alot of people there for them. My reaction was quick. I didn't show it but I thought about it. I would love to be the Corolla Herd Manager someday. I couldn't think of a more rewarding and satisfying position in life. I also realized that every ambition of mine in life will be a million miles away from North Carolina. I always thought that the Corollas would be there. That isn't the reality of it though.
They are NEARLY EXTINCT!!!!!!! I don't know how much longer they will be here! Their herd size is only allowed to be 60 and they have 12,000 acres to roam!
Corolla is a major tourist attraction and brings in alot of income, no doubt. The horses are one of the leading attractions though. But with all these people coming to see them where will they stay? Of course in the biggest, nicest beach homes right on the ocean front. Right where the horses run! With that income they build those houses. Those houses that hold occupants unaware that a broken glass bottle, a fish net, a hook, or a number of things could be the death of one of those beautiful horses that fight to survive everyday at the expense of a tourist attraction.
Don't get me wrong I love the Outer Banks and I see the draw of the place but I love those horses way more than anything else down there. Why can't people see what they really mean. I know they are JUST horses, but we are JUST humans and that is JUST a beach. Those horses, just those horses, have been there since the 16th century and on until today.
I can't explain how hard it is to get someone to realize that they were there first and they should be there last. Not alot of people get that. Sure I am smart but it doesn't take a smart person to grasp that concept. It just takes a person willing to care about something more than the next best thing.
Leaving isn't easy and I know that it will be harder for me to leave knowing that these horses are dieing out. But leaving isn't easy at all when you are being driven from you land by the people of today, espcially when you are a tiny foal ripped from your mother because she was killed and left to fend your own. Leaving isn't easy but as it stands today, the Corollas pathway to extinction is being paved for them.

The "Horse Whisperer"?

Many people have heard of the horse whisperer. They think oh sure like someone really talks to horses. Those people are very unlucky. They have not met Steve Edwards.

I am not saying that he leans down and talks to a horses ear, although on several occasions this has happened. Instead he reads a horses body language. Looking at a horses actions and understanding why they are doing something is being able to read a horse.

When you ride your horse is its ears pinned back or straight forward? Is your horses neck high and arched? Is your horse jumpy and ripping at the bit? Your horse is scared then.

That is being able to see signs. You can tell how your horse is reacting to everything by reading them. They will tell you everything you need to know if you just slow down and read them like Steve does.

There have been times when I wondered to myself if I should trust his judgement. However he hasn't steered me wrong, not even once. By listening to Steve I learned how to know my horse. I mean really know my horse more than anyone else does and be able to tell you everything about them before it happens and knowing how to correct it in a way that my horse will understand completely and thouroghly. Being able to read a horse is hard if your horse can't read you. Horse don't speak english. There brains aren't as developed as ours and they don't get why people do the things they do.

Steve is the closest thing to a horse whisperer. He can understand a horse in a way so that he canlet the horse understand him.

One last question for you?

Now when you ride your horse is it calm, collected, and smooth? Is your horses head lowered, it's mouth chewing lazily, and it's ears resting? Is your horses gaits flowing and easy? Does your horse love you to no end because they understand you like you understand them? Your riding a Corolla if so.

A Corolla By Any Name, Is More Than A Horse

“Come on girl, pick up your feet, you have to see my new wild horse. It’s from Corolla.” I looked into the face of a rather short man but maybe I’m just tall. Steve Edwards smiled proudly of the mention of his new Corolla stallion. Covered in dirt from the day’s ride I felt like sitting down and watching the horses eat as I imagined he did. “A wild horse from Corolla huh,” I asked, following him through the gate. Steve did not answer as he continued to smile. He lead me to a pen where a little, dirty, black colt stood just staring out at the other horses. His ears pricked forward when he saw us coming. Wow some “wild” horse I thought. Steve slipped into the ring as I followed. The stallion looked slightly uncomfortable at my approach so I lagged behind. “This is Manteo,” Steve announced with enough enthusiasm I got the feeling he had practiced it. Manteo was short and shaggy. His eyes were showing a bit of white as he eyed me. He had a shaved spot on his neck from a surgical procedure, the surgical procedure that required them to take him out of the wild, off of the beaches of Corolla and to a strange new place that he didn’t know. “Can I touch him,” I asked stretching my hand forward slowly. “Sure why not,” Steve said as he hugged the little stallion around the neck. I ran my hand across his neck and buried my fist into his deep fur. He eased at my touch as I began to rub my knuckles into his “momma spot,” a place on there neck that there mothers rubbed when they were a foal. I soon ran my hand over his back and down the other side. I had grown comfortable with him so I draped my arms over him and rested my head on his back. He only propped his back foot and closed his eyes. Steve beamed at my appreciation for this new horse. I closed my eyes and continued to lay there completely comfortable.

Manteo was a two year old stallion that was newly captured when I did that. His trust was not strong and neither was mine. That was my first contact with a Corolla Mustang but thankfully it was not my last. I have the amazing honor of working with these horses every chance I get and I was given the opportunity to own one.

They are strong, beautiful, graceful, and talented. They can run across the sand without a problem and swim through the water when it is below freezing. The Corolla’s are perfect athletes with there quick start and very fast gaits. The picture of beauty and magnificence there is only one little flaw in there lives. They have to fight to live on the land that they came to with the Spanish centuries ago. To be the first on the land and to outlive many generations they were made for Corolla but are being driven to extinction. Development of the land, people who think these horses are not true wild horses, and the cruel people who decided that they would rather kill these horse than give them a chance are all contributing to determining these horses futures. Fortunately some caring people came along. Those caring people are part of an organization called The Corolla Wild Horse Fund. They stand for saving these horses while we still can. Along with the Corolla Wild Horse Fund, Steve Edwards of Mill Swamp Indian Horses and his riders have set forth in an effort to save the Corolla’s. He has accomplished a breeding program of tough and sturdy stallions and beautiful mares that prove to be as tough as the stallions. Through his breeding program he has successfully bred a Corolla stallion, Croatoan, and a Corolla mare, Baton Rouge. The end result was a beautiful little roan filly named Mokete. The saving of this breed does not lie in our hands but the hands of everyone who can help us out and just take the time to realize that they are worth saving.

This picture is of a Half Corolla colt.

If Tomorrow Doesn't Come

On December 29, 2008 a very loved brother, son, and friend to the Mill Swamp Indian Horse family passed away. His name was Patrick Lido Edwards or better known as Lido.

Lido had a condition known as Cerebal Palsy. But he did not let this slow him down. With the help of his loved ones he was able to train himself to be stronger than alot of todays people. But what stood out the most was his spirit and personality. He was always smiling. When you saw him smile you couldn't help but smile. He would talk to you even if you were a stranger and you wouldn't mind a bit. He was never afrid to try something. Much of Mill Swamps colts and donkeys were broke by Lido.

If anybody needed help you could look to him to be the one to help them. He had a never ending love for horses and hunting. But no matter what if you needed a friend Lido was there.

It is very hard to believe that he is gone because he still follows us in our hearts. He is much the soul of Mill Swamp and that will not change.

The picture above is of an Ornimental Pear tree. It has just bloomed as Spring begins. But today it has snowed all day. And many of the blooms have frozen. They will die and a new seed will take their place and begin to grow. Ask yourself this, if tomorrow doesn't come was yesterday everything it could have been?

Many people do not live life to the full. If you are doing what you love and loving what you do as Lido did, than you are living your life the way you want to remember it by.

So maybe would should go bungee jumping, or play our music to an extent that makes the cops mad, and maybe even travel the globe. Or go ahead and jump on a Corolla and see just what they can do!

A Mothers Love

Matoaka was taken from the beach at four months old. She was originally named Barb because she had fish hooks in her ear. They were removed and she was put up for adoption.

She was taken from her mother at a young age. When she came to my place she was pushed out of the herd by my mare Honey. Honey wouldn't allow her to eat, drink, or even come close to any of the other animals. Over time they came to love and rely on each other much like a foal does to their mother. The bond between them is very strong. Nothing comes between them.

Honey would throw herself through an electric fence if Matoaka was in any trouble. She hates it when I take Matoaka away which is a bit of a problem. But as soon as Matoaka is back Honey becomes her old, grouchy, pushy self. She bites, kicks and runs Matoaka away. But sometimes, like when it rains Matoaka will be standing with her head under Honey's letting her block the cold and rain.

That will show you better than anything a mothers love.

They Don't Know They Are There

I was really young when I first saw the Corollas. They were the horses that first sparked my interest in those big four legged animals. I carried a want for a horse for a while.

On June 24, 2006 I climbed into a truck very angry that I was going to have to go to the Indian Horse Festival knowing that my want for a horse would only increase. I saw many horses and one I even came to own for two years.

The very first Corolla I saw at Mill Swamp Indian Horses was Manteo. I was really suprised that one of the ponies from the beaches of my home state was off the beach. I thought they were really cool and carefree horses that didn't really mean anything.

It is amazing to me that alot of people from North Carolina have no idea that there is Corolla, let alone a breed of Corolla Horses. People don't know they are there and they don't care. It is our job to help them realize that there is such a thing out there as Corolla and its own seperate breed of rare horses.

Always A Beach Pony

My little filly regularely shocks me. She is so odd at times it scares me. But one thing she loves to do, no matter what, is go over to the lake. It reminds her much of the ocean or canals at Corolla. Or at least I got that impression when I first brought her home in December and she dove into it in the 30 degree weather.

I have seen numerous pictures of the Corollas in canals during winter eating the grass that grows up. They have the thickest fur and are most tolerant for the cold water or ice.

She loves to get in the cattails and run through them getting the fuzz all over her. I have seen a Corolla in the dunes next to some wild grass that was letting off stuff all through his fur as he rubbed his head playfully in it.

Matoaka prefers to run in the thick sand rather than on the hard ground. Go to Corolla and you will see the herd running along the beach, their speed unnaffected by the sand, and there beauty as amazing as ever.

Matoaka will always remember and love the beach. The Corolla Wild Horses own that ground but due to many things in the developing enviroment around them, they are being driven from it.

They were here before us and they DESERVE to be here long after us.

This picture is of Matoaka's "Ocean."

Me and Matoaka

My name is Katelyn and I am 13. I started riding at Mill Swamp Indian Horses with Steve Edwards and his little riders at the age of 10. I had never touched a horse and the thought of being 5 feet from a wild mustang seemed so absurd. Since then I have purchased an amazing 8 year old paint mare named Honey and a 1 ½ year old Corolla Filly, Matoaka. Introduced to the Corolla breed by Steve Edwards, the horses instantly became a mystery to me. Being able to train a horse and ride it in the shortest amount of time seemed amazing. Next to that there personality was unbelievable to have just been captured. I instantly knew that I had to have a Corolla. Standing in the stall all wet and wide eyed was a dirty little 5 month old bay filly, but to me she was beautiful. I walked in and she only watched me. I crouched down in a corner of the stall and played with the bedding not even acknowledging her. She soon wanted my interest and came to investigate. She playfully bit my hand and rubbed against my thigh. I had to leave her but after seeing the other horses I took a detour through the barn and into the stall. With a mouthful of hay she only looked at me and went back to eating. I knew at that moment that this horse was the one for me.Today she is SO much bigger and hasn’t changed much in personality. She is still the curious, sweet, and determined little filly. She has taken on so much training and is going to be trained for riding next summer. She has tackled many challenges in her training like going through the woods at dark with only me, or being desensitized with the “scary” objects. At the age of 1 she was saddled and had no problems at all while being watched by a crowd. This is only one of the reasons I love the Corollas so much.