It is Prince's first week with Carlos and now I am in training too. I have had Prince for over 4 1/2 years and had never properly ridden him, I was too nervous and he was too flighty for me.

Prince was a birthday present and the first horse I have ever owned. He was used as a school horse and, needless to say, had been traditionally 'broken' in and worked with both a bit and a whip. Prince had become "brain dead" and tuned out while working in the school, frustrated and annoyed with riders pulling and whipping him.

That has all changed now. I'm going back to basics with Prince and we're both learninhg from each other.

I had no confidence in my ability with him, I was told that I was better under a horse than on one. That had crushed my confidence and my spirit. I believed it until I came to Carlos. I told him what had been said to me and he said "that is the best compliment anyone could give you", I was puzzled, but Carlos explained and said if you can't get it right on the ground you will not get it right in the saddle.

For me, riding Prince is a major achievement because it was an indication that Prince was learning to trust me and I to trust him. It was the most thrilling emotion I have had in a long time, I still can't believe I actually hopped on and rode him. I had always feared him.

We are both learning to communicate to each other. We still have a fair way to go but it is progress that will be built on trust, respect and good clear, consistent communication with each other.

I can't change Prince's past but I can make his future a bright and a loving environment built on trust and respect. For that Carlos thank you, you have a beautiful soul that communicates through horses to humans – a gift that is priceless!

Thank you for giving us the skills and tools to teach and heal each other from our past.

Forever grateful!
Nathalie and Prince