Karin Zehm

After graduating from the University of Montana Western I established Slick’s Training Services in 2020. I named this business after my first horse and the one I went through college with: Slick. He is all that I could ever ask out of a horse and has become the mold I hope to model every horse after. I've focused more on colt starts, two to three year olds, but do welcome leg ups and fine tuning! I have opportunities to work cows and find it crucial to ride in and out of the arena. Most of my riding ideas are based on basic ranch horse requirements such as riding out alone in any sort of country, opening gates, rope work, elements of reining, and basic cow-work consisting of cutting and trailing. I base my horsemanship on the language of horses. Herd dynamic consists kf a pressure and release approach. That is nothing new to the equine world. What takes equine language a step farther is being aware of body language and the pressence of emotion and air. A horse can feel a fly on its back, and can sense a storm coming by air pressure. To me, langauge with a horse is paying attention to a foot cocked, a raised head, an eye turn, tense muscles, an exhale out. Adding these together tells me what that horse is trying to say. Then applying these to teach a horse something foreign to them takes extra consideration. Each horse, like people, comprehend the same concepts but at different rates and approaches. Creating a foundation in a horse is most important to me. And like all foundations, mine are also built one stone at a time. One of the first elements in my foundation consists of a horse knowing how to respect me in terms of space and leadership. Another element includes a horse knowing how to be reasonable in the face of fear and unexpected pressures. A third element includes being a mindful partner to what each rider in instructing them to do based on the riders body language and cues. These elements are important to me in a horse's foundation because it developes a level of respect and safety for the horse and rider. Which in turn creates more opportunity to grow in responsiveness and softness which is what makes riding so fun for us all. Whether the horse will be used for trails, cutting, reining, standing on teeter-totters or for the occasional ride in the pasture, I believe it is important that every horse is listened to but also respects us as leaders. One of the most incredible effect horses have on me is they keep me honest with myself. I assert myself as a leader, but am i worthy or kind enough to keep that status. Am I paying attention to how they're growing and if they enjoy their job enough to learn more. As I've mentioned riding should be fun for horse and rider, and we will only grow and advance together if we are working together in a safe and respectful way.