Two Horses, Two Journeys: What Thor and Maestro Teach Me About Training, Trust, and Time
- Loz
- Mar 16
- 5 min read
Soft Starts and Second Chances: A Horsewoman’s Reflection
There’s something deeply humbling about working with two horses at opposite ends of their life and training journeys. Thor, my curious and confident 2-year-old (Friesian x Andalusian), and Maestro, my seasoned yet complexly sensitive 17-year-old (Friesian x Stockhorse), couldn’t be more different—and yet, they both teach me something new every day.
Owning horses at opposite ends of their life and training journeys is like holding a mirror to my own growth as a rider and trainer. Always searching for more to educate and understand.
🖤 Maestro: The Legacy Horse
Maestro came into my life already broken in and trained to Medium level dressage. I inherited his past—his handling, his training methods, and his emotional "baggage". His reactions tell a story—one of pressure, drive, and a lack of softness. He’s a black, 17.2hh Friesian x Stockhorse with a commanding presence (and Frenchy-moustache) and a heart that’s always empathetically scanning for safety—for himself and everyone around him (horse and human alike).
He’s always been agisted alone (until Thor and Gwen came along in mid-2024), with neighbouring horses he could see but not touch. I didn’t have the time, space, or money for a herd, so we made do with what we could. And despite that, he knickers softly every time I arrive. That sound is my reward—it’s his way of saying, “I know you’re mine.”
Training background: Prior to me purchasing Maestro, he was trained using the Australian Equine Behavioural Centre (AEBC) method. While effective, it was a driven approach that left him anxious and spooky. The previous owners were wanting to use him as their "ride to the pub horse"!
Emotional sensitivity: He struggles with separation—especially when Thor is out of sight—and still finds solo trail rides overwhelming.
Progress together: Over the years, we’ve explored Adult Riding Club, dressage competitions, Working Equitation, and Showing. I’ve taught him to de-escalate in scary situations, but his anxiety—whilst significantly reduced—still lingers.
Connection: Despite his nerves, Maestro tries his heart out but does need more support than your standard "plod-along" and is not a "beginners' horse" to learn on. I always thank him for his time, patience and attempts with me, offering relaxing grooming sessions (and the occasional Smoochies/liquorish snack). It's one of my ways of making him feel good from the outside in. He's also a gentle socialite and loves politely saying "hello" to any horses he sees out and about.
To paint you a picture: Long-reining or riding Maestro is a slow, deliberate process. He’s heavier in his responses and needs regular reminders to lift through his thoracic and carry his body, functionally, as best he can. But he tries his heart out! And that effort means everything!
I've worked hard with Maestro through consistent training approaches to show him how to de-escalate and self-regulate as best he can! People who meet him now, don't realise he's previously bolted on me at a clinic, and I've come off a couple of times (it's a long way down for this old girl—I splat not bounce with this body!). So that really made me dig in to find how I could help him (and me) find, feel and move with softness. And boy did I make sure I put in the blood, sweat and tears for that process over the years. So much hard work goes into horses, so when people say Maestro looks effortless when I work him, it is a humble reminder of where we have come from.
💛 Thor: The Feather-Light Future
Thor is my fresh canvas. Currently, a 16hh, bum-high, dark grey Friesian x Andalusian. A 2-and-a-half-year-old with a gentle start, he was handled by an experienced breeder and trainer who avoided driven pressure (profound thanks to Lauren from Black Pearl Horses). His training now blends Mark Langley’s horsemanship with academic principles—and it shows. I've now had him since August 2024, and am excited for our pathway ahead.
Emotional resilience and connection: Thor never calls out when separated. He grazes calmly, chases kangaroos for fun, is the first to canter up to me in the paddock and will always give me big schnoz (nose) kisses. He waits at the gate saying, “When is it my turn and what are we doing today?”
Physical development: With his rapid growth (he's already taller than his Mum at 16hh), I’ve focused on building musculature to support his immature skeleton. For his age, his balance and body awareness are remarkable. He moves like he knows his body, and he trusts me to guide it.
Training style: Long-reining Thor is like holding a feather. He finds feel on the rope aids effortlessly and learns with lightning speed.
Thor’s confidence is quiet but powerful. He doesn’t need reassurance—he builds it from experience. And that makes him an absolute joy to work with. He still has those young, baby, moments, but that is expected and understandable.
🐴 What They Teach Me
Maestro reminds me that healing and nurturing takes time. That inherited training can be unlearned, and trust rebuilt, and how forgiving and humbling horses can be. Maestro also is the kind-hearted Uncle to Thor and they play with each other every day, and I love that they are having fun together. Thor shows me the power of softness, curiosity, and starting right. And I am still pinching myself at how remarkably well he is progressing. Each day seems to bring new milestones and achievements that I never anticipated Thor would reach so quickly. Witnessing his growth has been nothing short of inspiring.
There are days where I just go and sit with them in the paddock. Most days, they fall asleep as a herd right near where I choose to sit—Thor will often use me as a pillow for his naps. I love providing them with space to just be and know they are being watched over and protected. I do feel like I am part of the herd, because I take the time to just be at peace around them. It has also taught me how to ground myself and leave the world's troubles "at the gate". And sometimes, even when you plan on working your horses, to take the time to stop, take it all in and just be there for them. There is no rush; There is no need to overwhelm.
Maestro teaches me patience, empathy, and the art of listening beyond the obvious. Thor teaches me the power of a good start, and how softness builds confidence. Together, they remind me that horsemanship isn’t about control—it’s about connection with softness. It’s about showing up, every day, and saying to your horse:
“I see you. I hear you. I'm here for you. Let’s figure this out together.”
As I reflect on this journey, I can't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude and pride. Every small victory adds to the larger picture of who Thor and Maestro are becoming, and it fills me with hope for what the future holds. The potential they both show is endearing, and I am particularly excited to see Thor's journey ahead. Each day is a new opportunity for both of my boys. I want them to be happy, healthy and shine brightly in this world.
Together, they reflect the spectrum of horsemanship—from undoing and redoing, to nurturing and growing. And in between, they remind me that every horse deserves to be seen, heard, and understood.
Comments