Horsemanship
My retirement dream was to teach horseback riding. However I "lost" my lesson horses this past summer. All 3 had to be put down for various reasons. Horses kept me sane during the last 10 years of my career. And losing my horses almost broke me last year. However we now have 2 new wonderful horses in our lives. I am prepping them for their job as lesson horses. But I am finding that my focus is changing. Simply working with children teaching horse communication on the ground has been infinitely rewarding. I found my passion in life- and love to share it with others.
Horses reflect either our inner peace or turmoil. Encouraged because my husband's gelding is more settled in finally- less herdbound and I pushed both of our comfort zones today. They are so honest to us- can I trust you or not!
I’m glad I found your thread again. After updating the app the new look was confusing at first and I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to find you or not.
@braedenbhc- I understand- sometimes I spend too much time trying to find threads too. Happy New Year to you. Have you gotten any horse time in your schedule.
THis would be an appropriate place to document when I actually ride one of the horses. Did a bunch of horse chores- gave 2 of them a good brushing. Buried my face in Gus's soft fur- tacked him up and rode some circles- bending. He really seemed to enjoy it. My spirit felt the best is has in a long time.
@barncat This sounds like a really nice day :) I'm glad it lifted your spirits
@mytwistedsoul- I wish the same for you. I dont' know about you- but when I have a great day it is even more special- the light after the darkness.
@barncat Thank you :) you're right - those good days are so special. I wish we could have those more often
Silly me- I woke up at 6:00 am- worrying whether I had shut the hot wire for the lower field- to keep the horses in on the top section. Our neighbor just got another mare- and I was fretting that my boys were leaning over the barbed wire fence. Nothing like crawling out of bed way too early for me. Good news is I had shut the section off- but my husband left the area open to the hay shed- almost couldnt see Duke at first. So my intuition was on full alert for a good reason.
Yesterday I rode Gus again- this time he took advantage of me by putting his head down and eating grass- telling me "you are not control of me" ha ha. THey always reflect our inner feelings.
Mine always challenge me in some way every single day. They need to know if you are good enough to be the leader or not. They are prey animals and that is just an instinct with them, since if the leader isnt fully in charge they could get eaten by a predaator.
@Breezy2013- yeah another equestrian. WE let him get away with eating under saddle- he didnt get that chance today. I feel fortunate to be involved with horses during this era of understanding horse minds and language. THe dance between pushing them to their comfort level and staying safe is one I seem to take on every day. I really miss being at a barn with other owners- and having resources for training!
@barncat
Yes, it's a good time for horses. My two get their chances to graze, too, when I am leading them or they are under saddle.
Yesterday I pushed myself to do morning horse chores. Boy was I surprised to see the rope halter on Gus - I have never left a halter on our horses overnight. Guess it is the result of finishing chores in the dark. My husband rode Gus last evening- and i walked the other horses- didnt have my tack to ride Duke. But we enjoyed the long walk- all 5 of us.
Weather is getting colder-
Was hoping to have someon help us with the horses. Turned out to be incapable to keeping time schedule due to his bipolar and OCD. Tragic to meet a highly intelligent person disabled by mental health issues. I know it is not uncommon- but I was optimistic he could benefit by some rewarding structure in his life. Not to be.
Remembered how much I enjoyed teaching groundwork with the horses- so it was a benefit for us.
Snow on the ground for several days- now it is melting.
Rode Gus yesterday in the woods- such a good boy. He likes a rope halter- need better than with a bit. Then switched over and my hubby rode him back to the barn. REally winding- trees swaying- but he didnt care.
Boy I finally feel like we are getting back to where we rode "around the block"again. Took the new guys and Flash from the field to the barn- the long way past the beaches. Everyone did pretty well- Duke wanted to pony out in front at times. It felt really great to do this "commute". Able to increase the distance a little bit by the end of the week.
Another short but great ride on Flash, how horses help me be in the moment. Have to be present and centered.