Zaina

My registered name is Royal Midnight Star - a title befitting a princess. 

I am 3/4 arabian, 1/4 paint. When I had just turned six years old in May, 2001, I came under new human guardianship. 

I spent nine years with my human at the Atlantic Dressage Centre. We learned a lot about dressage technique, and established the Zaina Fan Club (official members are Patty, Shelley, Sarah, Robin, Terry, Barb, Claire, Hannah, and Robert).

Even though I seemed to progress at dressage, things just never went right. I didn't understand a lot of what was wanted, and that made me afraid. I ran around a lot, and my back hurt. I know people tried to help me, but it was not working out very well.

In the fall of 2010, I started to have a lot more difficulties. I was really sore, and everything scared me even more than before. Something just wasn't right.  In December the  vets figured out that my left eye was not as good as it used to be - no wonder I kept getting "surprised"! They later gave it a name, progressive retina atrophy.

So, I  moved to a smaller barn. It was really quiet there, and no one got mad or impatient when I need time to figure things out.  I had a green paddock and big field, and the other horses seem to really like me - naturally. I loved it.  

Then my human began what she calls Parelli Natural Horse.Man.Ship. I call it fun. She finally seemed to understand what I am trying to tell her, and that makes me want to tell her more. She was really listening. I began to think that I can do anything, maybe even not run away when there are sudden noises; maybe even jump over that pole????

While my human was always nice to me, now she's really special. I look forward to her coming to play with me. She doesn't get upset, and knows when I need her to help me not get over- excited, and when I can't do more than she's asked.

Since the end of 2010 I moved to 2 more times, and in doing so have met more humans and horses. I'm starting to get used to this trailering stuff. I don't feel really sick anymore when it happens.

In the summer of 2012 a 10 year old girl, called "A" joined my play sessions.  I really like her. At first she only asked me to do things I already knew.  Later she started asking me to learn new things so I started to give her a hard time, just to check if she really meant it. She does, but only in a nice way.

At the end of May 2013 I moved again. It's a bigger place. I wasn't sure about that trailer stuff, but the gal helping me seemed to understand. The horses and humans here are really quiet. Even though there's a lot more of them,  everyone is calm. I think it is a very safe place.

I hope this story of my experiences  help others who are looking for a better way to do things.