Ariel Grald emphasizes the importance of developing strong relationships with horses, particularly through producing young horses and understanding their unique personalities and needs. She values the process of building partnerships with horses from a young age, as it allows for a deeper connection and more successful outcomes in the long run. Grald’s approach involves spending time getting to know each horse individually, problem-solving when issues arise, and focusing on communication and trust through groundwork.
Grald’s dedication to developing young horses is supported by a smaller barn size that allows for personalized attention to each horse’s training and needs. She emphasizes the importance of flexibility in training, recognizing that success with horses is not always linear and may require adjustments based on individual responses. Grald also values time off for young horses, as it can lead to improved performance upon their return to work.
Overall, Grald’s approach to horsemanship involves a deep understanding of each horse’s personality and needs, a commitment to building strong relationships through communication and trust, and a focus on celebrating progress and making adjustments as needed. She highlights the rewarding journey of learning and adapting with horses as one of the most fulfilling aspects of being an event rider.
