Catherine

After having not ridden in 30 years, I was a bit apprehensive and nervous, but excited, before my first lesson with Midori in October 2007.  She, and her beautiful horse, "Saint" Red, quickly put me at ease.  Midori is a natural teacher, very patient and most encouraging.  I am 54 years old, not a couch potato, but not extremely active either.  After the initial thrill of being back on a horse again faded, and we got down to the serious work of learning to sit the trot, I found (and still find) myself very grateful for her patience and sense of humor, and yes, her continual positive feedback.
The other aspect of her teaching that is amazing is the way she works with the horses, and is teaching me too, as well.  Forming a relationship with Red and learning to read his signals requires that I be totally present when I work with him.  After a morning in the kindergarten, I am usually ready for a nap, but I find that after my hour's lesson I have more energy than when I started, and am joyful and ready to bring that sense of aliveness into my home and work.  
As a teacher, I think that the way in which Midori works is very beneficial for children as well.  It is a healing work, just being with a horse in this way, with such a master teacher.  I find her so inspiring that I'm thinking my next step may be to get my own horse, just to be able to work with her more.

You may contact me by e-mail if you like: cjoye@comcast.net