As a horse owner, you always want to see your horse succeed in anything it may do. Many people want or expect to see progress on Day One, and others know it may take time. From all the horses I have had in my life, the biggest thing I have learned is that every horse is different, and every horse needs different training opportunities. Yes, all horses need the same type of foundation, but it all comes in different times and different ways.

The first time Marisa Isbell rode Jonny Be Bueno at Redwings Horse Sanctuary in Paso Robles, Calif., she could feel that he was a special horse. Even from the walk, she could tell that he was attempting to communicate with her and understand her with every leg aid that she applied.

Jonny seemed eager to converse with Marisa through the only way they could: body language. He was an incredibly sensitive horse, so he always responded right away, eager to figure out what Marisa asked.