Ahliver Twist was born on our farm, Sugar Creek Haflinger Farm, Northern Cambria, Pa,  March 11, 2003. We spent many a restless night waiting for his birth, watching a monitor and listening. He was born at 4:30 A.M. in my arms, I was in love. He was imprinted at birth and learned trust from the beginning. I spent a lot of time with him, I didn't even want to go to work.

I continued teaching him new things until Paula Harrison from Massachusetts came to look at him  and asked permission to buy him. Paula asked all the right questions, worked with him and rode him. He was still a baby at 2 1/2 yrs old but She liked him and took him home to Massachusetts.

Paula was the ideal haflinger owner. She spent a lot of time with Ahliver, taking him to clinics and seminars. He was so sensible that He was a star. Paula always wanted the best for her horse and was continually expanding both her and Ahliver's trainings and exposures.

Paula met Bob Sadowski, a Natural Horse teacher and began using his Natural Horse " Mind Ship" techniques.

Bob is a CHA certified, Massachusetts licensed, official trainer for the Mustang Heritage Foundation. He teaches the human to develop a safe and healthy relationship with their horses without using force.

Paula sent me all the updates of what she and Ahliver were doing, along with videos. I had to travel to Massachusetts to see Ahliver and all his accomplishments.

Finally, the first week of December 2009, I was able to get away for my horse vacation.

I was happy to see Paula and " my" Ahliver again. He knew me and put his muzzle right on my nose and stared into my eyes. I had tears in my eyes.. I was thrilled to see such a happy horse and the wonderful home that he had.

I met Bob Sadowski, a very gentle man. He was exactly as I imagined him to be. I had watched his fabulous video over and over to familiarize myself with his teachings. He is a very passionate horseman. We talked horses for hours. What else is there to talk about??? There was a lot of information to absorb and Bob was very patient with me as we talked about his teachings and ideas.

The next day, I got to ride Ahliver in the Natural Horse Mind Ship way. What an experience. It was a start to my journey of training and riding my horses with no resistance the natural way. It is a soft, fun way to ride. I especially like the " no bit" method. The horse is so happy and carefree. It was so obvious. After almost a week of training and observing Bob, I had to go home to start the techniques with my horses.

All is going great, my horses have responded well to the new ideas. I plan on going back to Massachusetts to see Bob, Paula and Ahliver and continue my training. I would like to have Bob come to Pennsylvania to show all the horsemen in the area, what can be done with their horses, to be " one" and how to have a safe and healthy relationship with their horses without using force. Horsemanship is being "with" your horse, doing " for him and not "to" your horse. The results are truly amazing.

Thank You Bob and Paula for your wonderful hospitality, for such a fabulous experience and showing me how to be with my horse.

I think Ahliver Twist was destined to a fabulous life. He had a great start, with gentle hands, training, exposures and a loving home. He went on to be the center of Paula's life with lots of attention and guidance. He met Bob Sadowski and responded so well to his gentleness. He continues to trust and look for leadership with his humans. He is a star in all that he does, working at liberty and riding. Ahliver has the perfect life!!!!

                                Francine  Sugar Creek Haflinger Farm