Funny Business
I'll be the first person to acknowledge that I'm serious in my training and at times a bit too serious. To me every moment that I'm around my horse is usually spent trying to figure out how I can better the both of us. Or more accurately what I can be doing better. So I'm surprised to say that our training has become a bit more playful over the past week or so. I'm even more surprised to say that his training is progressing faster since we made this shift. Admittedly, I do get arena bound. And with show season coming up my focus
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
Less is More
After working Achates today I also worked with one of my trainer's horses. Bling is an adorable paint pony who is as sassy as he is cute. Whenever I'm working a horse in our indoor arena he comes up by the back gate and scrapes his teeth on it incessantly until I look up and acknowledge him. I haven't worked with him to much so I decided to stick to lunging him for right now. This way I was able to see how he was moving and balancing himself. I decided to use some side reins as a training aid. I know, when
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
Mental
Today I wasn't able to get to the barn. When I texted my trainer about my disappointment she brought up something I rarely put into action. She told me to ride mentally. Why I've never put this idea into effect is beyond me, it seems like the obvious way to keep your mind engaged even when you're away from your horse. Since my main issue with Achates is getting him to come through and forward I pictured myself riding him this way. I felt him moving balanced underneath me, and light in my hands. I went through an Intro level test and rode
Back to Work
After weeks of waiting today I was finally able to saddle up Achates! I think the both of us were reverberating with excitement over it. Achates was in full form, perking up his ears when he heard the jingling sound of the girth, and constantly turning around as I put the saddle on as if to say "Hurry up! Hurry up! I'm ready to go!". I think that his positive anticipation is a true testament to what building a relationship through your training can do. Having that emotional working bond with your horse goes a long way and opens up a line of
Get Motivated
Lately I've been having trouble getting motivated. With Achates laid up it has been hard to keep focused on exactly what my goals are. Honestly, I've been getting a little down on myself which is never a good thing. Thankfully I have great group of friends who support and keep me on track. They remind me that I should be living in the moment, the here and now, and not worrying about what's coming. That I should enjoy every small success that comes my way. So while my faithful warrior rests up I'll take stock of where I'm at and where I