Scarberry
TYRONE TOWNSHIP, Michigan -- Most horse owners know how tough it can be just loading an animal onto a trailer.
Tim Scarberry's horses will climb up on the roof.
All he has to do is ask."I see people all the time fighting with their horses at trail rides and fairs, really struggling to get their horse to accomplish the simplest of tasks," said Scarberry, who runs Windwalker Farms in Tyrone Township.
"The secret is using the communication skills horses have with each other and implementing them into everyday handling.
"Horses talk to each other all the time, but they do it with their eyes and body language. It's all about asking the horse in his terms if he'll allow you to do these things."
The self-described "horse whisperer" uses techniques of natural horsemanship popularized in the 1998 Robert Redford film, combined with personal methods honed through years of trial and error.
"I have only met one perfect horse in my time and he is owned and trained by Tim," said Greg Weirauch, vice president of Horses for Hope, a Flushing-area nonprofit that provides horseback adventures for children with cancer. "His horse doesn't even hesitate to do what Tim asks. His horsemanship will astound everyone who witnesses it."
Scarberry, 35, grew up riding horses on his family's farm.
"I've been handling horses since I was little, but I didn't have a clue. I was taught that cowboy attitude where you show them who's boss," said Scarberry.
About six years ago, he learned about the philosophy of natural horsemanship, based on seeing the world from the horse's point of view and understanding the predator-prey roles inherent in the man-horse relationship. Fascinated, he decided to give it a try with his then 15-month-old Kentucky Mountain Horse named Top Secret.
"I may not have been doing things quite right but he kind of knew what I meant and we learned together. As much as I've taught him, he's taught me way more," said Scarberry.
"He taught me how to talk to a horse, how to read that body language. I was able to see it in him and then apply it to any horse."
Mountain trail rides in Tennessee inspired him to a whole new level of training.
"I was so impressed with how well those horses negotiated rocks and ravines. Everybody thinks horses are big clumsy animals and they're anything but. It's just that we've got them walking in a daze so they've forgotten how to think."
He came home and built obstacle courses, encouraging his horses to rediscover their natural ability to climb, jump and scramble.
As a result, Scarberry's horses do some extraordinary things. They willingly hop up on boulders or in and out of a pickup truck bed, climb steps to the top of a horse trailer or kneel in a praying position.
Word of his talent is spreading through the equestrian world as a trainer and rehabilitator of problem animals. He's been invited to demonstrate his techniques at equestrian shows as far away as Kentucky.
• What: Three-hour clinic, 11 a.m. March 14
• Where: Kahal Arabians, 6481 Morrish Road, Gaines Township.
• Details: Limited enrollment. Register by calling (810) 287-2415.
• Cost: $15 at the door or $10 for those who preregister.
• On the Web: www.windwalkertraining.com.
"The crowds were so impressed with the versatility of Tim's horses that he was the talk of the show with trainers saying 'How the heck did he do that?'" said David Hufana of the Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse Association.
Scarberry says his faith is the real secret of his success. He's begun taking his show on the road as an inspirational speaker for Christian youth groups and organizations such as Horses for Hope. He and his siblings hope eventually to convert apartments on the farm to host retreats for church and therapy groups.
"My main message is my horse has ultimate faith in me. He will do anything I ask without hesitation because he believes I know what's best for him," said Scarberry. "If we all would trust to God, only following the lead He gives, the problems of the world will fade away."