As summer unfolds, Mountain Country Rescue (MCR) is excited to introduce Sydney Hetterich, the newest addition to their dedicated training team. Sydney brings a wealth of experience and a unique passion for equine well-being, particularly with American Mustangs. We sat down with her to explore her journey with horses and her philosophy on training.
Sydney’s Equine Journey
Sydney’s lifelong love affair with horses began at the tender age of five, initially with English riding lessons and jumping. However, her true calling soon revealed itself in the realm of Western horsemanship. Under the guidance of a dedicated mentor, she honed her skills in riding, training, and the principles of natural horsemanship, always emphasizing a light and responsive touch. Her teenage years were marked by active participation in rodeos, practical ranch work, and the rewarding task of training local quarter horses. This foundational experience was further enriched by international travel, where she sought out and learned from diverse trainers across Germany, Ireland, and the American West, broadening her horsemanship perspective.
A Special Connection with Mustangs
Sydney’s journey has led her to a particular fascination with American Mustangs. For the past year, she has dedicated herself to working with these unique animals. Before joining MCR, she gained invaluable experience at another mustang rescue, delving deeply into the gentling process. It was here that she developed a profound appreciation for the innate sensitivity and inherent curiosity that define the American Mustang. This connection has consistently drawn her back, solidifying her commitment to their training and welfare. Sydney’s expertise with these animals is a significant asset to MCR, offering a specialized approach to their rehabilitation and readiness for new homes. You can learn more about the nuances of horse training and the dedication involved by exploring resources on horse training principles.
Understanding Mustang Training
Training wild mustangs, Sydney explains, presents a distinct challenge compared to their domestic counterparts. “The mustangs are so sensitive when they first come in,” she notes. “They are incredibly light and so attuned to every movement and feeling that I have.” This heightened sensitivity, while demanding, is precisely what makes their training so uniquely rewarding. It requires immense patience and a consistently gentle approach, as their initial reactions can be pronounced. However, Sydney emphasizes that when mutual understanding is achieved, the bond formed with a mustang is unparalleled. The journey of building trust and communication with these resilient animals is at the heart of her training philosophy.
Highlights at MCR and Favorite Equines
The diversity of horses and the varying stages of their training journeys at MCR are what Sydney finds most exhilarating. “I get to work on everything from first touches with wild horses to advanced groundwork and under-saddle lessons with others,” she shares. This dynamic environment ensures that each day brings new learning opportunities and challenges, constantly pushing her to refine and expand her horsemanship skills across all disciplines.
When asked about her current favorites, Sydney’s eyes light up when mentioning Orion and Golden. She describes them as exceptionally intelligent and sensitive horses. In her experience, such horses may require more time to build trust, but the resulting partnership is exceptionally strong and reliable. Sydney is thoroughly enjoying the unique challenges these two present and is captivated by their charming personalities.
A Fun Fact and Future Aspirations
Beyond her dedication to equine training, Sydney is also pursuing a master’s degree in anthropology, with a specialization in bioarchaeology. Her thesis research focuses on the fascinating origins of horsemanship and the historical process of horse domestication. This academic pursuit further enriches her understanding of the human-animal bond and the deep-rooted history shared between people and horses, providing a unique theoretical underpinning to her practical training methods.
Sydney Hetterich’s blend of practical experience, academic rigor, and genuine passion for horses, especially mustangs, makes her an invaluable asset to MCR. Her approach emphasizes patience, sensitivity, and a deep respect for the unique nature of each equine partner.
