Mike and Delahny share the enthusiasm for Tennessee Walking Horses that grew out of Delahny’s first ride on one. While in the Seattle, WA area, Delahny was looking to return to horses after a much-too-long absence when she found a Tennessee Walking Horse for lease.

 “On the first ride, I was out in front of Blue’s owner who was on her other, non-gaited, horse. We were riding along a concrete wall that was at my shoulder height. Blue moved into a very fast but very smooth gait that I later would recognize as a running walk. My shoulder stayed level with the wall – I could have brushed my hand along it. And, we were flying! But better than that, the owner behind me was posting her heart out, trying to keep up and still losing ground! In all the various disciplines I had ridden, I never had been so excited about a ride.

 “Needless to say, I was spoiled for life!”

 And as with so many owners, one horse purchase lead to another and now Sweet Grass Ranch is home to a family of Tennessee Walking Horses. Along the way, Delahny showed in the Western Washington/Oregon “A” circuit, winning in all-breed shows, as well as TWH’s. “Imagine the surprise of an open-show audience when I would move into a flat or running walk when asked for a trot! I give many a judge credit for shifting gears and judging me against breed standards and not hunt-seat…” She was successful in both Western 2 & 3 gait classes as well as English; flat-shod and plantation. Working with several Washington trainers, Delahny learned the subtleties of gait and how to get the best out a horse’s potential.

 Mike joined Delahny at the shows and has become her best coach. His understanding of what any particular judge will tie in the ring is the competitive edge that leads to success. Although Mike doesn’t come from a horse background, he quickly became comfortable being with the herd and now is an important partner in every aspect of Sweet Grass Ranch.

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