Riding lesson

It was a sunny, cool fall morning with a fog still heavy in the air.  We started with ground work.  Asking him to work out his stiff muscles and pay attention to my requests.  After a little coaxing he was happy to be working again.  An ex barrel racing horse, worked hard and long.  Now he is just being asked to trot and walk and stretch out his legs, he obliges.  With the saddle on i ask him to bare with my inexperience and stick with me.  I don't have plans to show him or race him, all i want is to feel comfortable on him so we can ride trials and i can see the forest from his eyes.  Horses are a mighty animal, fierce and strong but under the hands of a knowledgeable rider they are safer than any ATV and much more peaceful.  My goal is to be that rider.

This morning was my first official riding lesson. Pete did great. Hes such a good boy.  Its amazing how working with another animal, getting over your fears and theirs can boost your confidence.  I could tell how proud he was of himself.

Human beings fate has been intertwined with horses and all other animals for that matter, for centuries.  We need each other.  He was just as proud of his hard work as i was.  I could see the spark in his eye return after a few requests to do tasks he forgot, and remembered.  My friend and trainer kelsie was there boosting my confidence and his.  Making me feel like i could sit out those little hiccups, where normally i would doubt myself. Wonder what i was doing wrong. Why he wasn't turning or trotting when i asked him.  Doubt would creep into my mind.  This is why i love farming so much.  The tasks i do on this farm translate into so many other parts of my life.  What, from the outside, appears as just a woman and her horse is actually a deep spiritual journey.  How to overcome our fears and build confidence and faith in ourselves.  I love that he helps me with that.

*blessings*