b'Mentorship the world needs more mentors!Article and photos courtesy of Gee KnopikA few years ago, a good friends daughter got her first Fjord.admit, I had a blast that summer, and school came too This little mare quickly became the love of her life. Butquickly for all three of us.like any partnership, love can turn to frustration without guidance. Fjords can be opinionated, food-driven, andWith winter travel in our area being difficult, lessons were affectionateall at once. Christines little mare ticked everyreplaced by time at a local barn, where Christine traded box: dragging her around, stepping on her feet, and then,chores for instruction. It soon became clear that Else was when Christine was near tears, wrapping that big, thick,not destined to be a hunter-jumper.hairy neck around her to catch them.Spring returned, and so did our riding. This time we hit This is where I came in. Luckily, Christine had a patientthe trails. I invited them to a local 4-H ride as well as an mom who drove an hour each way every two weeks toovernight Back Country Horseman eventand we had a bring them both for lessons. We went back to basicswhoablast. Else found her inner Fjord Mountain Goat and did and go, turns on the forehand, turns on the haunches,Christine proud, trekking up and down the North Dakota more whoa, more go, light hands, gait changes, standingBadlands and State Park. Christines chore-training proved still, standing tied, no eating, and repeat. Before my eyes,useful tooshe kept water buckets full, hay nets ready, and Christine and Else connected and grew together. I mustpens cleaned. I sure appreciated her help.12 Fjord Herald Issue #156Fall 2025'