Black Horse Riding LLC - Katy Spell Horsemanship

02/19/2025

Recently I have been listening to some podcasts with other horsewomen and it has been inspiring and educating.
Thinking a lot about what’s next…
After losing Flame in September and completely retiring Wilson it became obvious to me that the days of teaching horseback riding lessons using my own horses had really come to an end. These 2 horses are the reason my little “at home” business was successful. These 2 Black Horses that ended up with me changed my whole family’s life also…those boys are one and million and I owe them everything. Betty and Bingo are wonderful but they are not suitable for the kids and the beginner rider that had been my main bread and butter since 2012.
Again, life changing circumstances make you who you are today.
I let my last student go in January… As I write I am thinking of all the horses we have owned over the past 20 years…the good, the bad and the terrible and so happy that as my knowledge grew and as I bettered myself, better horses came into my life.
The journey along the way with Frannie was one of unexpected success and heartache. She taught me to stick with things and not give up…she was difficult at times and could be quite a handful but over time we did become good friends…unfortunately selling her to someone did not turn out well and by the grace of God she landed in a wonderful home with my friend. I won’t ever sell another one of my horses again…
You can’t always know what the right thing to do is.
Of course, Betty and Bingo have their own special place with me, and they will be with me hopefully until the end…
Psalm 37:4 “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart “
Who would have thought that I could train a horse? It seemed like this far off unimaginable thing that only someone who was more knowledgeable than me could do. One day I had the thought that I did not know anything about children either and my 2 kids sure did turn out well. Just like raising kids you have your ups and downs but if you commit 100%, things do turn out pretty good.
Bingo is kind and obedient and makes anyone look good who rides him. He floats across the ground at the trot and his lope is smooth and easy. Flying lead changes used to be this unthinkable maneuver to me…Bingo can do them like he is skipping along. HE taught me how to do that well…again the lessons with a good teacher make all the difference!
Having him recover completely after his foot fracture has been such a blessing. I know what I have in him as my horsepal that I don’t want to take that for granted. I also know what he is and what he is not…The dream of owning an amazing show horse is gone and replaced with the reality that I own a very nice horse. A horse that will pretty much do anything I ask and is happy about it, we can go to the forest and get lost in the trees, or he can come to a clinic with me and help other horses learn that being calm and quiet is a good thing. He helps me show others how to do the most basic maneuvers that someone may need to learn.
The reality is he is not a cow horse or a reining horse, so those things are not on the horizon to accomplish. Maybe one day I will have a horse like that…but for now…I sure am happy with what I do have.
Because I do make money with horses, I am subject to ride in the open classes which require a lot more than I can do, more than my horse can do…so that is ok, concentrate on what we can do. (referring to cattle work)
Sure, I may still go to a local show occasionally, which is always fun with friends. However, my focus has changed…no longer feeling the need to chase that buckle or blue ribbon. (Not that I was some big winner) The need to prove that I CAN DO THIS is passing as I am aging, and more important ideas are coming to the surface. I do finally realize what I have done over the past 20 years with horses and people, I am humbly aware of God’s grace that he has given me to be so fortunate to get to live this life. At times it is so important to really understand where you are in life. This horse journey of mine has been one of the best things that I have done…reflecting I know it was what I was meant to do.
So, what’s next?
I am concentrating on doing clinics to help others really understand their horse, how to ride well and be the best they can be with their horse friend.
Recently I was unfortunately reminded that not everyone is prepared for when things go wrong. I want to help folks prepare for that scenario and try to keep them as safe as possible. Building confidence in the rider by establishing routine with their horse is key to understanding the horse human relationship.
How does my life affect others? How do others affect mine?
What’s important? Is what I am doing completely stressing me out, but I do it because I think I must?
Where are you doing with your life?
Sharing knowledge with people is one of the best things we as humans can do…I still take lessons and want to keep learning as long as I am living.
Riding with Brannaman again this spring is an exciting thought of course and I have lots I need help with…
If someone would have told my 37-year-old self 20 years ago, the path I would be on today I think that young lady would not have believed it. Life is so good…
So, here’s to new things as we become older and wiser and more educated…
- kms 2025

02/13/2025

Michelle Savage Skawronski

02/12/2025

Hello all - this is the next clinic I am doing in March, to concentrate on the beginner rider or horse owner. To improve your relationship with your horse is one of the best things you can do as a rider. Are you prepared for the unexpected? Would you survive if your horse took off with you? Do you understand what it means to be in the correct lead and how a horse is balanced to carry you? We will discuss all of these subjects during our time together. I hope that you can join me on the wonderful journey with horses!
We will be riding at RedHorse Reining Stables in Montgomery Texas - This facility is a beautiful safe environment with wonderful ground and peaceful energy.
Each session will only have 5 spots available so we can really spend time together learning. You can DM me or call me 281-543-6755 if you would like to talk about if this is for you.
Here is the google link to sign up -

Event Timing: Saturday MARCH 29TH 2025 - Arrival at 8:00 am MORNING session starts at 9:00 am - 12pm AFTEROON SESSION 1:30-4:30PM Event Address: RED HORSE REINING STABLES - 10261 FM 149, Montgomery, TX 77316 - Park BEHIND the main barn Contact us at 281-543-6755 - Katy [email protected]

11/25/2024

11/18/2024

The biggest competition in western equine sports is back as a new group of riders tries to reign in $1 Million 🐎💰An all-new season of “The Last Cowboy” pre...

11/18/2024

In my movie collection alone with National Velvet, and many others.
I love this movie.
I had a black horse growing up and then when I grew up I had two more…
This is why my business is named what it is.
The ever famous …the Black

𝐕𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐨 𝐈𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬: The Black Stallion. One of my personal favorite horses on the movie screen. Cass Ole, born March 6, 1969, was National Champion in Arabian Western Pleasure in 1975, National Reserve Champion Arabian Ladies Side Saddle in 1976, and U.S. Top Ten Arabian English Pleasure in both 1975 and 1976. He won over 50 championships and over 20 Reserve Championships in his seven-year show career and was high point winner of the King Saud Trophy of the American Horse Show Association all before his movie debut!

Horse trainers Glen Randall, famous for his training of Roy Rogers’ Trigger, and his sons J.R. and Corky Randall found Cass Ole in San Antonio Texas. After quick negotiations with Ole’s owners, the Cuello family, Ole shipped out to California and then Canada to train for his role, including multiple riding sessions with costar Kelly Reno. Like all movie stars Ole also had “beauty sessions” which included dying his white star and white socks black as well as weaving a wig into his mane so that he better resembled the stallion of lore. Ole, upon his owner’s requests, did not do his own stunts such as the shipwreck scene, so three other horses were also bedazzled to appear identical to Ole on screen. Cass Ole became an instant celebrity after capturing the hearts of audiences in The Black Stallion as well as his reprisal role in The Black Stallion Returns.

In 1980 he won the Humane Society Award for The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals at the International Horse Show in Washington, D.C. He visited the White House and was present at the Inauguration of President Reagan. He performed before international audiences for the rest of his life with his last performance in Tacoma, Washington. His retirement show was under the direction of professional horse trainer George Gipson of Tenaha, Texas. He stood at stud at his home ranch in Texas, siring over 130 foals. Cass Ole was euthanized on June 29, 1993 after suffering from severe colic but will live on forever in the hearts of all those who beheld him, in life or on the screen, as The Black. (𝐕𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐨 𝐈𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬)