Paul's Story

The story of STEPS Co-Founder, Paul Ziehe

​DooDad was not a gentle horse. He wasn’t mean, but he was large, strong, and clearly had a mind of his own. When I first met him, after a few rides he intimidated me and I would- well, not dread riding him, but would definitely be trepidatious when saddling up. He had the best trot in the world, but his lope would break your spine, and he would buck out of (I thought) the blue. Strong as he was, even a little crow-hop was enough to unseat you.

Then one day I listened- really listened- to him. He bucked when he knew I wasn’t paying attention- to him, to our surroundings, (sometimes) even myself. He was telling me we were out to work, and if he was going to give me all he had, I had damn well give him my best. From that point on, he became my favorite ride and I knew we could do ANYthing. Even, at one point, face down a herd of buffalo (although fortunately I was able to convince him that discretion was the better part of valor and maybe we should just vacate the area).

He demanded more from me, and when I realized that and gave it to him he went from being a horse I preferred not to ride to being a trusted friend that could handle anything.

Except for strange noises coming from thickets- but that’s a story for another day.

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