Proud
There are days that I couldn't be prouder of my horse and today was one of them. I've been riding Achates pretty consistently over the past week and it feels great to be getting back to where we were. Since September I've been trying to change how I ride, focusing on getting away from using my hands and concentrating on more of what my body does. It has been both fun and frustrating playing around with exactly how each shift in my own body effects the way Achates moves. Thankfully during those frustrating times I was able to turn to a wonderful friend of
Falling
Today was not the greatest day for me. I fell off of Achates when I went out to ride him and wasn't able to get back on, not exactly the happy reunion I was hoping for. My fall resulted in a plethora of bruises, some more severe than others. I went to the doctor's after to get checked out since I had also hit my head when I landed. Thankfully I got the all clear and was told to take it easy this weekend and then reassess, going from there. Falling off horses and accidents in the equine world happen everyday, all the time.
Backwards but Forward
The barn Achates and I are at recently finished installing their outdoor arena. This is a VERY exciting development considering that our indoor arena is slightly larger than a 20 meter circle and I am more than excited to have some more room. The new arena isn't quite finished but I couldn't resist trying it out today. I decided to lunge Achates in it instead of riding him. Why? Because it's a completely new environment than what we've been working in this whole year and he deserves a chance to go through his emotions and let any steam he has out. The way I
Reflection
So it has been a REALLY long time since I updated this blog. I honestly don't have an excuse for this laziness, but a couple of events have been key in keeping me away. About a week after my last post my trainer was rushed to the hospital. As much as I don't want to admit it this event shook up my world more than I care to admit. My trainer, Dorothy, has been a major part of my life since I was 18. The thought, or idea that she wouldn't or might not ever be there again seemed unfathomable. Aside from my
Breakthrough Moments
I've been really reluctant to post anything for the past couple of days. Mostly because I wanted to hold on to the wonderful feeling that these past few days of training Achates has given me. As anybody who works with or trains horses will know, not everyday is a "breakthrough day". Most days are like chipping away at a block of marble. You have the finished image of what the sculpture will look like in your mind, but the actuality of what's in front of you is far from it. But every once in a while something will come upon you out of