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.