• Lifestyle & More
  • Tips
  • Training
  • Care
  • Interviews
  • Inspiration
  • How To’s
  • Faith
  • Seasonal/Holiday
  • Recipes
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

The Narrow Trail

Words for the Soul

  • The Narrow Trail
  • About
  • Home
  • Blog
    • Category Index
  • Contact
  • Rescouces
  • Work With Me
  • Prints

Search

Home » That Mountain Horse Girl Interview

That Mountain Horse Girl Interview

Share

0 shares
  • 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

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

From Crazy to Crazy Good

Healing From loss with a Mustang

The Best Horse Documentaries – You don’t want to miss

Adopting a Wild Mustang

Footer

Follow on Instagram

thenarrowtrail

Jesus loves you where you are. It doesn't matter w Jesus loves you where you are. It doesn't matter what you've done, said, or where you've been. 
.
.
.
.
#Jesussaves #Jesusloves #becausehelives #iamfree
It was a hard week last week but these words were It was a hard week last week but these words were ringing in my mind this morning. He's always there in our darkest and most painful times. I've seen and felt His love with the loss of my infant daughter. 

#faith #struggles #loss #Jesussaves #godsgoodness #annaroan
Went to halter my horse and there was a butterfly. Went to halter my horse and there was a butterfly. I'd had such a bad day too. It was a sweet reminder that it will all be okay. Thank you Lord.
The hardest day of my life was saying goodbye to y The hardest day of my life was saying goodbye to you. Happy heavenly Birthday my sweet Anna Roan. 
.
.
.
.
#infantloss #infantlossawareness #112minutes
This week's blog is really special. My daughter An This week's blog is really special. My daughter Anna's birthday is the 6th. I've shared about losing her, my journey since then, and adopting a wild mustang. How doing that has helped heal my heart. I hope you are touched and encouraged by it. 
Click the link in my bio and then on most recent articles. 
.
.
.
.
.
#wildmustang #mustang #wildhorse #wildhorses #horses #wildmustangsforever #blmmustang #infantloss #horselover #grief #griefjourney
I know we have all these questions. Why is there s I know we have all these questions. Why is there so much suffering and pain? Why did this happen to me? Where was God? It's hard to imagine a God that allows suffering to be good, but I promise He is. I assure you that there can be a purpose to your pain. No God didn't spare Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the fire, but there appeared a 4th man in the fire with them. Neither did the fire consume them. (Daniel Chapter 3) It proves that God can be glorified in and through our suffering, if we allow Him. I believe we will come out stronger. 
My hope and prayer through the loss of my infant daughter, Anna, that God be glorified. Whatever you're going through, whatever the pain, no matter what someone has done to you, God is bigger still. He's with you through it all especially in the fire! 
.
.
.
.
#scripture #infantloss #painandsuffering #godslove #dailybread #encouragement #godsword #thebible #truth #godisgood #allthetimegodisgood
God you are on high forever. You have all the powe God you are on high forever. You have all the power, all the glory. 
.
.
.
.
.
.
#dailydevotional #devotional #bible #jesus #bibleverse #god #christian #faith #dailybibleverse #biblequotes #biblestudy #verseoftheday #love #jesuschrist #prayer #church #worship #biblejournaling #dailydevotion #dailybible #godisgood #bibleverses #dailyinspiration #christianity #hinduism #pray #jesuslovesyou #bibleverseoftheday #godlovesyou #dailyverse
Just love those horse kisses . . . . . . #trickho Just love those horse kisses 
.
.
.
.
.
.
#trickhorse #liberty #libertyhorse #tricks #bridleless #englishpony #mustang #americanmustang #adorkable #bridlelesshorse #fordtherealmustang #fordthemustang #ford #mustangtrainer #mustangblessed #wildtowilling #demandthebrand #crazyhorselady #crazyhorse #fordquirk #libertymustang #westernpony #mustangproud #horse #horsesofinstagram #equestrian #americancompetitivemustangclub #acmc #horses #equine
Believe it or not this is her first time with this Believe it or not this is her first time with this trick. 😆
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#trickhorse #liberty #libertyhorse #tricks #bridleless #englishpony #mustang #americanmustang #adorable #bridlelesshorse #twh  #mustangtrainer #horsetrainer #wildtowilling #demandthebrand #crazyhorselady #funnyhorse  #westernpony  #horse #horsesofinstagram #equestrian  #horses #equine #horsemanship #Tennesseewalker
It's a work in progress. 😄 . . . . . #horsetrai It's a work in progress. 😄
.
.
.
.
.
#horsetraining #horse #horses #horsesofinstagram #equestrian #horseriding #horsemanship #equestrianlife #horselove #equine #horselife #horselover #horsebackriding #horsetrainer #dressage #showjumping #instahorse #pony #horsegirl #horsejumping #naturalhorsemanship #horserider #pferd #horseaddict #horsepower #horseoftheday #horseofinstagram #quarterhorse #horseworld #horselovers
Interested in adopting your own mustang? You'll wa Interested in adopting your own mustang? You'll want to read this week's article which covers the requirements, process, tips and more. 
Follow the link in my bio and click on most recent articles. 
.
.
.
.
.
.
#blmmustang #demandthebrand #horsesofinstagram #mustang #horse #horsetraining #wildhorse #mustanghorse #wildhorses #adoptalivinglegend #wildtomild #horses #wildtowilling #mustangsofinstagram #blmmustangsofinstagram #mustangheritagefoundation #americanmustang #ridethebrand #naturalhorsemanship #mustangtraining #horsemanship #wildmustang #blm #horsetrainer #mustangtrainer #equestrian #equine #equinephotography #mustanghorsesofinstagram #coltstarting
There are so many keyboard bullies anymore. I just There are so many keyboard bullies anymore. I just want to be inspired by others on here and hope to do the same for someone else. But I witness a lot of negative comments and it makes me sad.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#horsetraining #horse #horses #horsesofinstagram #equestrian #horseriding #horsemanship #equestrianlife #horselove #equine #horselife #horselover #horsebackriding #horsetrainer #dressage #showjumping #instahorse #pony #horsegirl #horsejumping #naturalhorsemanship #horserider #pferd #horseaddict #horsepower #horseoftheday #horseofinstagram #quarterhorse #horseworld #horselovers
He crossed his legs 😁 Its a trick I'll have to He crossed his legs 😁 Its a trick I'll have to show off in a later video. 
.
.
.
.
.
#horsetraining #horse #horses #horsesofinstagram #equestrian #horseriding #horsemanship #equestrianlife #horselove #equine #horselife #horselover #horsebackriding #horsetrainer #dressage #showjumping #instahorse #pony #horsegirl #horsejumping #naturalhorsemanship #horserider #pferd #horseaddict #horsepower #horseoftheday #horseofinstagram #quarterhorse #horseworld #horselovers
God's word has been an anchor for my soul. It's he God's word has been an anchor for my soul. It's helped get me through the death of my daughter. I cling to His promises. 
.
.
.
.
.
.
#scripture #bible #jesus #faith #god #christian #bibleverse #love #jesuschrist #prayer #biblestudy #christianity #gospel #church #holyspirit #godisgood #hope #christ #truth #pray #blessed #grace #believe #verseoftheday #worship #amen #bibleverses #jesussaves #biblequotes #peace
It feels pretty dang good bookings will go fast. It feels pretty dang good bookings will go fast. 
.
.
.
.
#funnyhorse #horse #horsesofinstagram #horses #funny #equestrian #horseriding #pony #horselover #horselife #equestrianlife #funnyhorses #instahorse #equine #horsefun #horselove  #horsepower #instagram #riding #horselifestyle #newhorse #horsebackrider #horsefail #horsestagram #horsememe
I just love him! ❤️ . . . . . #besthorse #mft I just love him! ❤️ 
.
.
.
.
.
#besthorse #mft #foxtrotter #horsetraining #horsetrainer #horselove #horsesofinstagram #equestrian #horseriding #horsemanship #equestrianlife #horselover #equine #horselife #horses #horsebackriding #horsetrainer
Ben Longwell, a self-proclaimed student of the hor Ben Longwell, a self-proclaimed student of the horse. He has dedicated his life to learning more about them and passionate about sharing that knowledge with others. Those things resonate greatly with me. His humility, practicality, and faith make him a great teacher. I am so excited to share his interview with you on the blog. Thank you Ben for your faith in God, your dedication to your family, and your love of horses! 
You can follow along with him at @true_west_horsemanship 
To read the full article click the link in my bio and then on most recent articles. 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#narrowtrailinterview #horsemanship #horselover #naturalhorsemanship #loveofthehorse #loveofhorses #horsesofinstagram #horseriding #equestrian #horselove #equestrianlife #horselife #equine #instahorse #horseofinstagram #horsebackriding #horserider #horsephotography #horselovers #horseaddict #buckaroo #horsestagram #cowboy
It's too hot to do much else 🥵 . . . . . #horse It's too hot to do much else 🥵
.
.
.
.
.
#horsetraining #horse #horses #horsesofinstagram #equestrian #horseriding #horsemanship #equestrianlife #horselove #equine #horselife #horselover #horsebackriding #horsetrainer #dressage #showjumping #instahorse #pony #horsegirl #horsejumping #naturalhorsemanship #horserider #pferd #horseaddict #horsepower #horseoftheday #horseofinstagram #quarterhorse #horseworld #horselovers
Have you lost a loved one? I hope this prayer brin Have you lost a loved one? I hope this prayer brings you comfort. Inspired by Psalm 23 and the loss of my own daughter. 

Dear Father in Heaven, I’m standing in the shadow of death. The sun is shining, but my days are dark. I’ve suffered so much heartache and trauma. At times I can hardly bear the pain. I need comfort and relief. You, my shepherd, are the only one who can give me the comfort I need. When I am tempted to turn to other things for comfort, I pray Jesus you take my hand and walk me in the path of righteousness for your names sake. It feels as though I’m drowning in my tears. They fall and fall. My head is bowed and my spirit is aching and thirsty, but here you are to anoint my head and fill my cup. No one else can do that but you, Jesus. Calm the waters and give me rest. Let your goodness and mercy fill my life forever. -Amen

This prayer and more are on my blog. 

https://thenarrowtrail.com/prayers-for-the-loss-of-a-loved-one/
How unforgiveness can affect your horsemanship. Th How unforgiveness can affect your horsemanship. This week's blog. 

Link in my bio under most recent articles. 
.
.
.
#horsemanship #horses #horsesofinstagram #equestrian #horseriding #horselove #equine #equestrianlife #horsebackriding #horselife #horsetraining #horselover #instahorse #naturalhorsemanship #pony #horsegirl #horseofinstagram #horserider #libertyhorsemanship #libertyhorse
Load More... Follow on Instagram

About the Author

Hi, I'm Rachel. I am the creator of The Narrow Trail. I've been riding horses since before I could walk. I was the horse obsessed girl that just never grew out of it you could say. I'm like most people, my days are busy and filled with taking care of my kids, running a house, and running my own business, but I always find time to have fun with all- two-legged and four-legged alike. Welcome to my site! Read More…

Copyright © 2023 · Darling theme by Restored 316

0 shares