The Narrow Trail

Stories of Grace, Growth, and Horsemanship

  • The Narrow Trail
  • About
    • Services
    • Contact
    • Meet My Herd
  • Home
  • Blog
    • Category Index
  • Resources
  • Shop
    • Cart
  • Member Log In

Search

Home » That Mountain Horse Girl Interview

That Mountain Horse Girl Interview

Share

  • Facebook

Interview with That Mountain Horse Girl

I have enjoyed following along virtually with Sterre on her trail rides through the mountains of Spain. Her content has always encouraged me to listen to my horse even when they tell me no about something. I’m not so inferior to them that I want them to obey me all the time and not allow them space to have feelings about our sessions or riding.

Photo taken by Sergio Lopez Diaz

I was so excited when she agreed to an interview so I could not only learn more about her background with horses, but share with all of you some really great insights. On top of the great knowledge Sterre offers her pictures are worth a 1,000 words. She actually inspired my sunflower pictures I did with my horse last year.

We all have something to share and learn. I hope you enjoy this interview as much as I have!

Can you give a brief history of your background with horses?  

I’ve always been drawn to horses, but didn’t come from a ‘horsey’ family. I started riding when I was 9 at a traditional riding school.  

When I was able to buy my own horse from my pocket money at the age of 15, my search for a different way with horses started.  

But, I didn’t have access to the internet, and all I had as a source of information were a couple of books from the library, which I read over and over again.  

All I knew was that I wanted friendship and connection more than anything, but I soon found out that the combination with a green three-year-old mare was more than an interesting one 😉  

But a start was made, a seed planted and over the many years to follow i developed my ideas about horsemanship and I’m still learning new things every day. 

You seem to really try to listen to your horses. How has that improved your experience riding?  

It’s everything to me! For me, it all starts with connection and having a bond.  

I absolutely dislike getting on a horse that I don’t know. It makes me feel incredibly unsafe and not fun at all.  

It’s one of the reasons why I hardly ever ride on holidays. As much as I love the idea for me, it just doesn’t feel ride to ‘just get on’ a horse that I don’t have any kind of connection with.  

When I ride out, I want to have a partner at my side that I can trust. One that knows he’s allowed to express his feelings and doubts, and one that equally enjoys going on adventures. Riding should be fun for both horse and rider. 

You ride a lot alone in the mountains? Are you ever nervous about that and would you encourage others to ride even when they don’t have a buddy to ride with?  

Yes, I ride alone a lot and have always done so. It’s my favorite thing in the world, when it’s just me and my horse and endless adventures waiting for us.  

There are always some safety precautions that I take.  

First of all, I always wear a helmet. For me, that has nothing to do with trusting your horse, but with common sense. I once had my very trusted, stable horses who I owned for years stumble on a silly rock and cartwheel right over me. It was the scariest thing ever.  

I always make sure someone knows that I’m riding out, plus how long, more or less.  

My phone is always traceable and attached to my saddle is a little label with both my number and that of my husband, in case anything happens and I get separated from my horse. 

But most importantly; when I’m riding out alone in areas, I don’t know I don’t take risks. I always play safe. I don’t take the long route that has no turning back. I rather turn back than climb the trail that looks just a little too steep. I rest when my horse is still fit and always make sure I have enough daylight left or don’t end up having to ride in the hottest part of the day. 

Can you give an example of how you’ve learned there is no cookie cutter training method for every horse?  

Oh, I can think of so many! For example, working for a cookie. For a lot of horses a treat is a lovely reward and positive reinforcement with a food reward can be a great addition to training.  

Zaf included! He loves his treats, it makes it extra clear to him when exactly he’s doing ‘the right thing’ and it absolutely motivates him to go beyond and offer something himself. He loves little puzzles and guessing games, where he has to find out my intention and get a cookie when he does.  

For Faro though, treats are not a big motivator in my training.   

Faro is naturally more drawn to fitting in and letting him guess can easily make him nervous. He much rather have me guide him through the steps and show him what I mean. He does like his treat afterwards, though. 

What is something that people misunderstand about you?  

I sometimes feel people can have a hard time putting me in a box when it comes to horsemanship.  

I work at liberty with my horses, ride with a rope halter, yet I also ride with a bit.  

I do like dressage and find it important as a way to work on my horse’ physical fitness and to help him carry me and himself in a better way, yet most often you can find me on the trails (where I also do dressage, just on the trails).  

I find a whip or stick a wonderful piece of equipment that I use a lot, but never ever to hit my horse. Yet, the sight of me riding with a whip puts people off at times.  

I don’t go around voicing my opinions whenever I’m around other riders, but that doesn’t mean I agree with everything I see. 

The current possibility of gaining so much knowledge, though, for example Instagram and YouTube, and wonderful online programs can really help you develop your horsemanship way beyond boxes and prejudices, and I think that’s a good thing! I always like to learn more and I find that in almost every method there’s something found to learn from. The more you know, the more ways you have to tailor what you do to you and your horse. And in the end, that’s what matters. 

What has been your most humbling experience?  

Every time we climb a new mountain, went up a new rocky, stony tough trail and reach the summit, I look at the view and see how tiny the world looks from up the mountains and I feel incredibly small. That feeling makes me feel more connected than anything. We are all part of nature, and nature is a part of us.  

What is the most important thing horses have taught you? 

To be patient and to go with the flow. There’s beauty to be found everywhere and in every activity. 

If you’d like to follow along with Sterre, Zaf, and Faro, you can find them on Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/thatmountainhorsegirl/

I want to thank Sterre for sharing her knowledge and experiences with us. If this doesn’t make you want to visit Spain and ride in the mountains, I don’t know what will.

If you’re new here considering subscribing, to read more articles like this one!

Visited 1 times, 1 visit(s) today
Rachel
Rachel

Related

«
»

Interviews 2

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sarah Burgner says

    July 12, 2023 at 2:56 am

    So enjoyed this interview! Can’t wait to follow along!

    Reply
    • Rachel says

      July 12, 2023 at 2:31 pm

      Glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Follow Me

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

Blog Categories

Featured Articles

Taking the Confusion Out of Bits

horse eating grass

Ground Manners for Horses

Winter Activities with Your Horse

Useful Tricks to Teach Your Horse

Books I’ve Written

  • Lessons in Faith - A Bible Study of Rahab (EBOOK) Lessons in Faith - A Bible Study of Rahab (EBOOK) $5.00
  • The Gift of Horses (ebook) The Gift of Horses (ebook) $10.00
  • 112 Minutes of Miracle 112 Minutes of Miracle $17.99

Footer

Follow on Instagram

thenarrowtrail

I feel so lucky to have this little mustang. 🤎 I feel so lucky to have this little mustang. 🤎

#libertyhorse #trickhorsetraining #funwithhorses #horsetraining #trickhorse #blmmustang
Praise the Lord; praise God our Savior for each da Praise the Lord; praise God our Savior for each day he carries us in his arms. Psalm 68:19

So thankful God carries me and holds me. It's not just in hard moments it's not just when we repent. It's each and every day. Draw close to him today. He's closer than you think.
There is about a million blessings a day we can pr There is about a million blessings a day we can praise God for. Can I get a hallelujah 🙌 
God's goodness is everywhere!!! If you don't see it. Then be a blessing to someone today!! Can I get an amen? 🙏

#thankyoujesus #praisehim #godsgoodness #horsetraining #libertyhorse #funwithhorses #trickhorse #trickhorsetraining
Just have fun! ❤️ Just have fun! ❤️
We all need love ❤️ We all need love ❤️
Cold weather keeping you out of the saddle? I got Cold weather keeping you out of the saddle? I got you covered! Check out the latest blog for some ideas for you and your horse to spend some much needed time together this winter! 

Follow the link in my bio and click most recent articles. 

#winterhorse #winterequestrian #equestrianwinter #winterideas #funwithhorses
I recently had the opportunity to listen to a prof I recently had the opportunity to listen to a professional horse trainer speak. At the end he opened it up for a Q&A. A few of the riders wondered how to ‘fix’ the problem of their horse taking off before they are fully mounted and ready. It’s a bad habit for a horse to have. Not to mention unsafe for the rider. But he had a great point, he said, “I’ve seen it happen with colts even after a few rides. No habit was formed they just want to take off.” The practical advice he gave was spot on. Suggesting they start over each time their horse takes a step before they are ready. And to also pause at the mounting block taking a few moments to just pet your horse. 
When reflecting later on about what he said my mind went to the Lord and how He asks us to wait. The Lord is ready to go with us, but we are trying to take off before He is ready. Therefore, He’s gives a, “whoa.” Putting a pause on our plans or making things a bit more difficult for us. 
For reasons only He can know does He ask us to wait. Maybe things haven’t fully aligned yet to accomplish His plan. Maybe He is growing our character. 
Just like the trainer said it’s in our nature to be in a hurry and ready to go. No one had to teach us to be this way. But rather, we must learn to wait. God always has something to teach us in the waiting period. 
I know He has great and wonderful things up ahead on the trail for us to see and do, but we must go when He is ready. Let us sit still for a minute while He pets on us and reassures us that everything is okay. 
He will let us know when the time is right. He will give the signal. But learn to wait. Take pleasure in it. By waiting we are doing God a great honor. We all want that horse that doesn’t take a step without the rider’s prompting. Let’s stand firm for the Lord. 
Scriptures in the comments...
#waitonthelord #renewyourstrength
I love how there is a monster truck in the shot 😄 
I have so much fun with Poncho. 

#thebesthorse #hearthorse #libertyhorse
Meet Chico, the newest addition to our herd and fa Meet Chico, the newest addition to our herd and family. He is a 3 year old miniature horse. He is so well behaved for his age but still has lots to learn. Needless to say, we love him and so grateful God brought him into our life.  Excited for this new chapter.

#minihorse #firstpony #kidshorse
I was trying to roll the ball under him. Something I was trying to roll the ball under him. Something I do with my other horse, but Mathias being only 14 hands, it didn't quite fit. 
I work him completly at liberty. Therefore, he could've ran off. But instead he ran a short distance and turned and faced the ball and me again. Showing great bravery by standing his ground as the scary object continued to advance towards him.
It reminds me how God gives us free will. He wants us to willingly follow Him. Then when somethings scary happens in our life He asks us to look to Him and trust Him. So many people run away and miss out on God's best for them. 
What is the ball stuck under you? A cancer scare? A wayward child? Finacial debt? Whatever it is face it full on with the Lord. You have no spiritual armor on the backside. Stand therefore! Don't let it make you run too far from the Lord. He is there, full of compassion, ready to comfort you. 🤎
In Christ alone is salvation, freedom, peace, merc In Christ alone is salvation, freedom, peace, mercy, truth, and joy.
I heard this recently, and I thought about the mos I heard this recently, and I thought about the most profound moments I’ve experienced in my life, and they aren’t the ones you typically celebrate, but they’ve been so profound that they will stick with me forever.

The day my daughter was born, she also died in my arms. I will remember and hold this moment forever in my heart. It was beautiful. It was painful. It was life changing.

Fast forward a week to the day of her funeral. I lay in bed crying out to God. How do I do this? I decided to put worship music on. I found myself with arms raised, worshiping God amidst the most painful time in my life. That moment, that feeling will remain with me the rest of my life. I was so grateful for the gift of having a beautiful baby girl. But was devastated at the loss of her. Pain and joy mingle in the strangest ways sometimes.

This moment on my horse I am wearing a skirt that has been worn by countless other women all over the world who have experienced such a loss. It is beautiful, but it represents pain and loss. But so much more than that. Though we have scars, we are fighting the good fight. We are more than conquerors through Him who loves us!

Thank you to @journeyforjasmine for the opportunity to participate in project finding your rainbow. 

#infantloss #griefjourney #faithinchrist
So grateful for all God has brought me through and So grateful for all God has brought me through and how He he's turned all things into good even my most tragic. Only Jesus can do that! 

#tricktraining #horsetraining #libertyhorse
When you are your horse's biggest cheerleader 😄 When you are your horse's biggest cheerleader 😄

#horsesofinstagram #horsetraining #funwithhorses #sidepass #libertyhorse
Typical day athe barn as a mom. I wouldn't trade t Typical day athe barn as a mom. I wouldn't trade these days for anything. I want to wish all the other moms out there a happy Mother's day. 
#trulyblessed
Sometimes I pray about something and doubt whether Sometimes I pray about something and doubt whether God will really come
through. But what if you changed the narrative? Instead of doubting, get excited about it!

God, I can’t wait to see how you are going to answer this!

Because the truth of the matter is God is in the business of answering prayers. He even delights in it.

I tell you what, pray, and keep praying because if God doesn’t answer right away, He is strengthening your faith muscle.

You can’t get in shape after one workout.

And there are some things in life that are simply worth praying over for years. Think eternally. Don’t pray for material wealth. Think about what
really lasts. This is the kind of currency God accepts at His bank. And those kinds of prayers earn high yield! Compounding for years to come.

No prayer goes unheard. And neither does it go unanswered.
I feel called to share my faith and help others by I feel called to share my faith and help others by encouraging them.
I believe this platform can be used for good. To not just share highlights of our life, but connect and grow in God's word. 
I recently wrote a Bible study about Rahab. Her faith is so inspiring. I'd love to send it to you. 

Comment Rahab and I will send you the link.
If you're wanting to buy a younger horse maybe che If you're wanting to buy a younger horse maybe check out these reasons why you should consider am older horse. Comment horse and I'll send you the link!
Great news!!! As some of you may know this little Great news!!! 
As some of you may know this little guy came up lame last fall. The diagnosis was an OCD lesion. Which I was told required surgery. Not being familiar with this condition I came across a supplement called OCD Pellets during my research. I decided to start him on that while we saved for the surgery. I began to notice improvement more and more. He wasn't limping at all anymore. I took him in Friday to have him x-rayed again and to my delight he showed 50% improvement in 3 months. 
He has been cleared for light groundwork. We will take him back in 3 or 4 months to see where we are again. 
I wanted to share this for several reasons. One it's awesome news. Second, to share the OCD pellets. I will leave a link for that at the bottom of this post. And lastly, to offer you the book I wrote to raise money for him absolutely free when you subscribe to my email list. Thanks be to God for answered prayers! 

FREE ebook
link in bio

OCD pellets
https://www.docsproductsinc.com/
This is a fun exercise to work on drawing your hor This is a fun exercise to work on drawing your horse and pushing them away. Spacing the cones out far enough helped and so did my speed to the next cone. 

#libertyhorse #horsemanship
Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2025 · Darling theme by Restored 316