Today was the beginning of the National Police Horse Colloquium. Asbury had the opportunity to take two of our horses; Victor and Gatsby. This evening I stood in awe of all of the amazing women around me, working so hard to make this goal happen. From the freshman coming out to help, to the upper classmen getting ready, it was truly amazing to see God's goodness unfold each moment.
While everyone was bathing I took a minute to walk around the barns. The sun was setting on the Alltech Arena, and the noise of my team bathing their horses filled the barn. Happiness surrounded us. Unity was coming. The prayers I have prayed for so long suddenly seemed to be given a small answer. It was a time of reflection and thankfulness, as I walked around the barns in the back of one of the most well known riding arenas in the world. How am I, Olivia... a 20 year old college student, getting the opportunity to serve all of these girls in this club? I kept thinking, "Look at where we have come, God!" And what a journey it has been. When I first entered college I was so unsure of my faith, and could never dream that God would present this opportunity to me. I am nervous about what is to come in the next few days, but have a peace that can only come from God.
This week I asked my team to be praying for one way in which God can reveal his glory to us over the next few days. I hope we see him in a way that no matter how big, or how small, can unify us.
We ended the evening in prayer, and will start and end each day the same. In a time of reflection and thanksgiving, to the God that has brought us this far.
Monday, September 21, 2015
Thursday, June 25, 2015
Hope?
I remember one afternoon when I was ten years old, I took all of my horse stuff and put it in a box. I brought it down stairs and threw it on the ground in front of my mother. I was done looking at posters and pictures from horse camp everyday, when I wasn't allowed to ride more than one week a year. I looked at a horse and I wanted to know every aspect of that animal. My parents had always insisted that horses were too much money and not worth the time or resources. In my desperate attempt to show just how much my hope had been crushed of ever becoming a horseman, I shoved the box down. I told my mother I was done wanting anything to do with a horse, because I could no longer hope for something that was never going to happen.
Now, about ten years later, I can look back and envy that girl I once was. Ten years later I am still looking for hope, and so much more aware of how horses were never the answer to hope. The difference between that girl all those years ago and who I am today is simply the determination to master a skill. Just riding a horse brought so much fulfillment back then. I wanted to understand a horse more than I desired to breathe. Quite literally, actually. For a few months I contemplated taking my life when I could no longer ride. Today I look at a horse and think how crazy it is that we, as humans, build societies, structures, and parks to train and celebrate this animal. An animal that is infamous because it allows humans to crawl on its back and parade it around. When I look back over the past couple of years I can't seem to find what exactly made me loose my love for horses. It started with a horse named Duncan, I know that much for sure. It was initially my fear and inability to ride Duncan that made me so distraught. That was both the best and worst thing to happen to me. The best part is the kind of horsemanship and lifestyle the next phase of my horse career brought me to. It has also been a constant mix up of a traditional dressage riding style, and a horsemanship approach. In the world around me, there is no mixing them. There is no trainer to go to that I understands both and can teach me. The best I can do is try variety of approaches and mix it all together. However, I am quickly figuring out that it is impossible to learn that way. I have a fear of treating a horse the way I used to. I understand so much more of how the horse works now that I no longer feel comfortable shoving its head down with a device. But I also have little desire to be on a ranch or roping cattle. It was so much simpler when allI had to do was show up to a weekly lesson and learn how to ride a movement. Now I have the responsibility to the horse to do what is best for them. Only now, I have no hope that I can deliver on that.
I no longer love a horse like I did when I was ten. I'm lucky to even enjoy a ride on one these days. It does not matter the movement or ability of the horse, or the speed of the gallop. They are not the fulfillment I look for anymore. I wish so deeply that they were, but my heart is no longer in it. The funny thing is that I have spent the last ten years forcing myself to not let my emotions ride the horse. I've fought back anger when a horse didn't do what I wanted, and I've minimized the fear I feel when one takes off. Now that I no longer love the animal I built my life around, I have the ability to just keep on riding. Not letting my dissatisfaction rule how I treat or train a horse. Instead my fear is now in two things: the realization that I may never feel the same about the horse again, and the horror of what will come if I do leave this lifestyle and regret it every day after.
Now, about ten years later, I can look back and envy that girl I once was. Ten years later I am still looking for hope, and so much more aware of how horses were never the answer to hope. The difference between that girl all those years ago and who I am today is simply the determination to master a skill. Just riding a horse brought so much fulfillment back then. I wanted to understand a horse more than I desired to breathe. Quite literally, actually. For a few months I contemplated taking my life when I could no longer ride. Today I look at a horse and think how crazy it is that we, as humans, build societies, structures, and parks to train and celebrate this animal. An animal that is infamous because it allows humans to crawl on its back and parade it around. When I look back over the past couple of years I can't seem to find what exactly made me loose my love for horses. It started with a horse named Duncan, I know that much for sure. It was initially my fear and inability to ride Duncan that made me so distraught. That was both the best and worst thing to happen to me. The best part is the kind of horsemanship and lifestyle the next phase of my horse career brought me to. It has also been a constant mix up of a traditional dressage riding style, and a horsemanship approach. In the world around me, there is no mixing them. There is no trainer to go to that I understands both and can teach me. The best I can do is try variety of approaches and mix it all together. However, I am quickly figuring out that it is impossible to learn that way. I have a fear of treating a horse the way I used to. I understand so much more of how the horse works now that I no longer feel comfortable shoving its head down with a device. But I also have little desire to be on a ranch or roping cattle. It was so much simpler when allI had to do was show up to a weekly lesson and learn how to ride a movement. Now I have the responsibility to the horse to do what is best for them. Only now, I have no hope that I can deliver on that.
I no longer love a horse like I did when I was ten. I'm lucky to even enjoy a ride on one these days. It does not matter the movement or ability of the horse, or the speed of the gallop. They are not the fulfillment I look for anymore. I wish so deeply that they were, but my heart is no longer in it. The funny thing is that I have spent the last ten years forcing myself to not let my emotions ride the horse. I've fought back anger when a horse didn't do what I wanted, and I've minimized the fear I feel when one takes off. Now that I no longer love the animal I built my life around, I have the ability to just keep on riding. Not letting my dissatisfaction rule how I treat or train a horse. Instead my fear is now in two things: the realization that I may never feel the same about the horse again, and the horror of what will come if I do leave this lifestyle and regret it every day after.
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
Thoughts on God teaching though horses
God’s Teaching through Horses
But if your eyes are on the cross
You’ll know I always have and I always will.”
God shaping us like we shape horses.
"You can be a leader without being intimidating. The horse can be your partner without being your slave. I’m trying to keep the best part of the horse in there. I’m not trying to take anything away from him." - Buck Brannaman
You ride a horse so that they can go off your leg in an instant, yet stop at the tilt of your pelvic bone. You want them to bend in a circle and the next stride stay perfectly straight and between your legs. God is similar with us. It’s not that he wanted to rip us of our rights or take away who we are. We are not God’s slaves because we are given free will. God wants to keep the best part, the part that was made in his image, there. He simply wants us to become more and more in tune to Him. He desires for us to go where he leads us. To be on one path - straight and in line with His will, but also be ready to bend around obstacles. The horse does this as well, and the more connected yo are the more the rider is able to lead the horse. The closer we grow to God, the easier it is to walk on the path God is leading us down.
One day, when riding Doug, he was spooking at everything. From the cat running around in the indoor, to any door moving in the wind. It quickly became clear to me that Doug was spooking when he lost his focus on me. I had to keep Doug constantly moving off my inside leg and bending around my body. It got the the point that I thought it was ridiculous how often I had to remind Doug to stay with me. It was every fourth or fifth stride. If I let him get too far away from me, he would fixate on an object. It all went down hill from there. The second he lost focus on me and gained focus on the object we lost our connection. Doug could not go around the arena comfortable and I was scared too.
Later, while looking back at the ride I saw similarities to my relationship with God. Too often I loose sight of Him. I lack time in my day to sit down and have any long amount of time with Him. But He always bring me back. I know for me I need to go to God multiple times a day. Sometimes I get sick of it. I just want to live how I want to live. But then life hits you out of no where and slams you on the ground. As Mark Hall, from Casting Crowns writes in one of his song:
"If your eyes are on the storm
You’ll wonder if I love you stillBut if your eyes are on the cross
You’ll know I always have and I always will.”
When we are focused on the cross we will feel the love of God, but when we focus on the storm we loose sight.
Zena, like most mares, is always willing to put up a fight. Zena is insecure, and she does not like to let anyone in. This is especially true when she is in the pasture. Today I was putting Zena out in the field, and like usual she went to take off before I could even get the halter off. Instead of letting her go I tied the halter around her neck. (This is because Zena will take off and throw her butt at you) This instance we worked all around the field until Zena hit a point where she couldn’t go on fighting. She was tired and worn. She went off of my feel and walked patiently beside me. When I let her go she walked behind me still, following me to the gate. The exact opposite direction she wanted to go. I put her through that not so she would have to be upset and confused and feel out of control. I did it so she would know where her feet are, how to use them, and how to trust me. God mirrors this with us.
Round pen with Frasier
When a horse is scared all we want to do is pet them. We want to run to their rescue and tell them it's ok. But as any good horseman knows that is not the way to help a troubled horse. A horse needs to move their meet. A horseman will ask them to move their feet around them and ask them to give their hind end. Often times the horse gets in trouble, so to say. They don't want their feet to be directed by us because they feel safer in control of themselves. But we continue to direct their feet and eventually they let us guide them. We often have to pick up on the reign of lead line heavily or keep the pressure on until they learn. But if the training is done correctly a horse will not only learn to listen to the rider but feel safer. They will know how to move their feet and go to the rider instead of bolting.
I think God does this with people too. How easy would it be for our father to run to us and give us exactly what we want? To hug us and bless us with gifts. But just like a skilled horseman, God knows that comfort is not what will grow us. He has to allow us to hurt and be scared in order to teach us how to get through it.
Monday, May 19, 2014
Ramble Again
It's been an exciting couple of days here on the ranch. Yesterday was my first day off in six days. That felt like a long time to be working. And by day off I mean I get the time between morning and afternoon chores off. None the less we went to Colorado Springs and went biking. It felt really good to be on a bike again and it was a nice 10 mile loop. After that we went up to the Garden of the Gods and went rock climbing. There were some great views, but the altitude starts to hit you when you're climbing at 10,000 feet. We ended with lunch at this really cute little place in Old Colorado City. It was very nice to get off the farm for a little bit.
God has blessed me in remarkable ways. All I could think yesterday was how fortunate I was for all He had done for me. Bringing me to Colorado, learning this horsemanship that brings the meaning of riding to an entire new level, and getting to see all of these places. The sky and the clouds out here scream God to me when I look at them. The Garden of the Gods was really created by one God, my God. His handy work is all over it. Being in such a beautiful place was truly a sign of how great my God can be. I never would have thought that my life would turn out how it has to this point, and I am thankful for a God that can create better plans for my life than I can.
Being on this ranch it is clear that I am the least experienced with this kind of stuff. Give me a dressage saddle, sure I can do that. Dressage people have this way of doing things that just makes sense in my mind, probably because that was my foundation. But doing things out here is completely different. Things that were logical back at dressage farms are not the same here. Like at every other barn you got off your horse and led them to be untacked, here you ride them everywhere you can and open all of the gaits on top of them. There are just enough little things like that that can really wear you down after awhile. I would start to get frustrated that I wasn't taught this way from the beginning, because it is not easy jumping into it and being expected to do it. But then I have to stop and think about what Jesus has done. Jesus has prepared me for my path. Not Mindy's, Terry's, or Erin's journey, but my own. He has given me every experience that I will need to fulfill His plan. And ultimately, if I'm doing what God intended for me to do than that is all that matters.
Oh, and He has certainly given me some control over a rope. Slowly but surely it's coming.
God has blessed me in remarkable ways. All I could think yesterday was how fortunate I was for all He had done for me. Bringing me to Colorado, learning this horsemanship that brings the meaning of riding to an entire new level, and getting to see all of these places. The sky and the clouds out here scream God to me when I look at them. The Garden of the Gods was really created by one God, my God. His handy work is all over it. Being in such a beautiful place was truly a sign of how great my God can be. I never would have thought that my life would turn out how it has to this point, and I am thankful for a God that can create better plans for my life than I can.
Being on this ranch it is clear that I am the least experienced with this kind of stuff. Give me a dressage saddle, sure I can do that. Dressage people have this way of doing things that just makes sense in my mind, probably because that was my foundation. But doing things out here is completely different. Things that were logical back at dressage farms are not the same here. Like at every other barn you got off your horse and led them to be untacked, here you ride them everywhere you can and open all of the gaits on top of them. There are just enough little things like that that can really wear you down after awhile. I would start to get frustrated that I wasn't taught this way from the beginning, because it is not easy jumping into it and being expected to do it. But then I have to stop and think about what Jesus has done. Jesus has prepared me for my path. Not Mindy's, Terry's, or Erin's journey, but my own. He has given me every experience that I will need to fulfill His plan. And ultimately, if I'm doing what God intended for me to do than that is all that matters.
Oh, and He has certainly given me some control over a rope. Slowly but surely it's coming.
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Today was the first full day riding on the ranch. I rode Duncan first, we went in the prairie and checked some cows and looked for a calf. That was fun and Duncan settled down quickly. It was amazing to me how I could just get on him and not be scared at all. If that was when I first went to Terry's last year I would have been crying. The second ride was Concho. He is a steady guy and always a good ride. My saddle was not fitting him though so I did not do too much after I finally got a saddle to fit him. The third ride was Butter. I really enjoy that horse. He is drafty, but Mindy has done a lot of work with him and I really enjoy riding him. Today we worked on walk to canters, transitions and leg yielding. Fun stuff and good to play around with. By the end little Butter (who is almost the size of a dinosaur) was going pretty well. Overall a pretty good day.
I still feel a little out of place, not because I'm in Colorado, but because everything is different out here. The people are very direct and to the point. Those relationships tend to be great in their own way, but are not what I am used to. Also, NO ONE TALKS. Except for the girl who doesn't speak much English. I probably wouldn't notice it as much if I didn't just come from college where there were a million people around to do stuff with all the time. But I'm getting better at the silence thing... but it's a struggle sometimes. Some rides I get off feeling great and some I feel like I am never going to be as good as those around me. This is day one, and I've already learned a ton, so I'm trying to tell myself it will get better and I will learn a lot more than I expect.
Oh and Kevin told us today that we better start practicing roping because we're all he's got for branding.... So in other words I should pick up a rope.
I still feel a little out of place, not because I'm in Colorado, but because everything is different out here. The people are very direct and to the point. Those relationships tend to be great in their own way, but are not what I am used to. Also, NO ONE TALKS. Except for the girl who doesn't speak much English. I probably wouldn't notice it as much if I didn't just come from college where there were a million people around to do stuff with all the time. But I'm getting better at the silence thing... but it's a struggle sometimes. Some rides I get off feeling great and some I feel like I am never going to be as good as those around me. This is day one, and I've already learned a ton, so I'm trying to tell myself it will get better and I will learn a lot more than I expect.
Oh and Kevin told us today that we better start practicing roping because we're all he's got for branding.... So in other words I should pick up a rope.
Monday, May 12, 2014
Random Ramblings
Instead of Giving yourself reasons why you can't, give yourself reasons why you can.
We live in a world where everyone is quick to tell you that you can't do something. We live with people who do not believe in the power of God and the miracles He can preform. We live in a world who believes in them self, but sometimes that just does not give you what you need.
For myself I often believe that I will not matter if I am not the best. What does it mean to do something well if someone else can just do it better?
It is hard to move 2,000 miles away from home and pick up where you left off. The West is a different way of life, and one I want to embrace. It is hard... I am scared, but I know that my God put me on this path and He did not make me to fail me. His plan may not be what I want, but it is a plan that will serve Him. I have to learn how to rope in a month... That terrifies me. But that's okay. That does not mean I should listen to the voice in side my head that tells me I can't. I should give it everything I have. Be vulnerable. Learn. Listen to the Lord. Rely on Him.
What would you do if you knew you would not fail?
We live in a world where everyone is quick to tell you that you can't do something. We live with people who do not believe in the power of God and the miracles He can preform. We live in a world who believes in them self, but sometimes that just does not give you what you need.
For myself I often believe that I will not matter if I am not the best. What does it mean to do something well if someone else can just do it better?
It is hard to move 2,000 miles away from home and pick up where you left off. The West is a different way of life, and one I want to embrace. It is hard... I am scared, but I know that my God put me on this path and He did not make me to fail me. His plan may not be what I want, but it is a plan that will serve Him. I have to learn how to rope in a month... That terrifies me. But that's okay. That does not mean I should listen to the voice in side my head that tells me I can't. I should give it everything I have. Be vulnerable. Learn. Listen to the Lord. Rely on Him.
What would you do if you knew you would not fail?
Monday, April 28, 2014
Dressage Show
“Thus says the LORD: ‘Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight,’ declares the LORD.” -Jeremiah 9:23-24
I rode in four classes at the dressage show. The first was Intro B, which I received a a 69 at, and the second was Intro C, which I also received a 69 at. Those were both with Duncan. The third was 1st 1, which I received a 72 at, and the last one was quadrille, which we received a 100. Overall I was very pleased with this show. Here is a run down of my classes...
My first test with Duncan I was a bit nervous for. I hadn't ridden him in the indoor in awhile and he can be spooky about some sides. Well, I can be spooky about some sides if we're being honest. But in a show I know I have no other choice, and we do it. This leads me to believe that we could do a lot more if I would just tell him we could. He does play off me a bit too for his own good sometimes. I was soft and waited for him to go round and then I gave. If he didn't, I used my leg to get his attention and did not force him at all. It was really a calming ride after a hectic warm up, and was actually fun. the judge helped a lot as she was so kind and really looked for the best in everyone. I can not tell you how much I appreciated her kindness. Duncan had a great first test and was very calm. The warmup there was a lot going on, but I remembered what I did when I first started riding with Walter, and mimicked that in the warmup. I started by petting him when he relaxed and just calmly walking him around and letting him relax. One he was relaxed I picked up on the reins gently, and waited for him to come to me. He had moments, but when he was distracted I slowly brought him back. He was able to do a free walk with his head down and stretching in the chaos. I was proud of him.
For Intro C it was a bit of a mess. I did not warm him up at all for a few reasons. The first being that he did not like the warm up ring and it added way too much stress, and the second being that Et needed to be braided and that was the only time I had to do it. It was very hectic there for a little while. I put my bridle back on him and walked into the ring, mounted and proceeded to do my test. I did not memorize it fully because I had 4 tests to memorize and that was the one that got neglected. My friend attempted to read it, but read it very wrong and late and quietly, so I did not do the pattern exactly as it called. I still ended with a 69 in the class because the judge liked the way I rode him. He was more relaxed in this test and was listening pretty well. He had very nice moments where he gave and was round. He only missed his lead once and did the free walk beautifully. The judge said it was refreshing to see a horse who trusted their rider and was not forced. It was nice to hear, as I was anticipating a bad test. I loved how the judge appreciated true riding that was in progress over bad riding that appeared fancy.
My first level test with Et was AMAZING. I have never ridden a test so powerful and true. The night before I was praying for both tests, and truly feel that God enabled us in that test. I was worried that Et would be tired after his first rider got on him and rode her first level test, as he is older and does get tired easily. It was also intimidating because I was going up against everyone from the upper level dressage class who had worked on this test a lot more than I had. Not to mention I had missed a few classes for vet things and wisdom teeth issues, so I had not gotten much help on the test. I have ridden first level before, but it was not a very good score and I was a lot younger. My basic thing for riding Et was to give to him. Every time he did what I asked I would give in my elbow, just enough to give him a release without throwing him away. The more I gave to him, the more willing he was to give to me. I spent the entire warmup walking him on a loose rein. He did not need to work, he was warmed up from his previous test and knew what he was doing. When we went into the ring I worked on transitions at the walk and trot. And then would almost walk him and then trot. This seems to help keep his attention and keep the energy. When we went into the test he perked up quite a bit and knew his job. He was alive and ready to preform. We entered the centerline and halted square. Our trot work went well and we did a good one loop, which we had struggled with inside before. The first lengthening was good, and then came the canter. That canter was incredible. I asked for power, and he gave me power, and then some. My abs have never worked so hard to ride everything that horse was pouring out to me. I asked for a lengthen in the canter and that boy gave me that and more. He was going so much I could barley keep my but in the saddle to ride it. He started to get a little tired at the second canter, but luckily I had spurs to give him a little encouragement and we were off again. He did break a few steps early, which brought us down half a point, but I don't think he's cantered that well all year, so he was pretty tired. When I looked up I saw people coming over just to watch this test. The power that horse gave me was unreal. The last lengthening I let him go as much as he could since we had nothing left but the centerline. Just as we got over X his legs were flying off the ground and I could feel him flying. It was so big I could almost not post it anymore. He knew what he was doing and he gave it to me. This test was profound and a gift from God. It was almost as thought I could feel the mighty hand of God picking Et and I off the ground as he carried us through the movements. Nothing felt better than saluting that test not only to the judge, but to the creator of the horse who had just places his heart in my hand.
I will never forget that moment. This leaves me in awe of the power of God with horses, and the only thing I can do is boast in His greatness. It was not me who rode that horse from my talent, but God who gave me that opportunity. The people he gave me to learn form starting when I was 11. The combination of horsemanship and dressage in order to know how the horse works best. The passion He gave for this sport, and the horses He made, knowing that one day I would be on him and have that very test to His glory. I want to ride in a way that honors Him, and today I did.
I rode in four classes at the dressage show. The first was Intro B, which I received a a 69 at, and the second was Intro C, which I also received a 69 at. Those were both with Duncan. The third was 1st 1, which I received a 72 at, and the last one was quadrille, which we received a 100. Overall I was very pleased with this show. Here is a run down of my classes...
My first test with Duncan I was a bit nervous for. I hadn't ridden him in the indoor in awhile and he can be spooky about some sides. Well, I can be spooky about some sides if we're being honest. But in a show I know I have no other choice, and we do it. This leads me to believe that we could do a lot more if I would just tell him we could. He does play off me a bit too for his own good sometimes. I was soft and waited for him to go round and then I gave. If he didn't, I used my leg to get his attention and did not force him at all. It was really a calming ride after a hectic warm up, and was actually fun. the judge helped a lot as she was so kind and really looked for the best in everyone. I can not tell you how much I appreciated her kindness. Duncan had a great first test and was very calm. The warmup there was a lot going on, but I remembered what I did when I first started riding with Walter, and mimicked that in the warmup. I started by petting him when he relaxed and just calmly walking him around and letting him relax. One he was relaxed I picked up on the reins gently, and waited for him to come to me. He had moments, but when he was distracted I slowly brought him back. He was able to do a free walk with his head down and stretching in the chaos. I was proud of him.
For Intro C it was a bit of a mess. I did not warm him up at all for a few reasons. The first being that he did not like the warm up ring and it added way too much stress, and the second being that Et needed to be braided and that was the only time I had to do it. It was very hectic there for a little while. I put my bridle back on him and walked into the ring, mounted and proceeded to do my test. I did not memorize it fully because I had 4 tests to memorize and that was the one that got neglected. My friend attempted to read it, but read it very wrong and late and quietly, so I did not do the pattern exactly as it called. I still ended with a 69 in the class because the judge liked the way I rode him. He was more relaxed in this test and was listening pretty well. He had very nice moments where he gave and was round. He only missed his lead once and did the free walk beautifully. The judge said it was refreshing to see a horse who trusted their rider and was not forced. It was nice to hear, as I was anticipating a bad test. I loved how the judge appreciated true riding that was in progress over bad riding that appeared fancy.
My first level test with Et was AMAZING. I have never ridden a test so powerful and true. The night before I was praying for both tests, and truly feel that God enabled us in that test. I was worried that Et would be tired after his first rider got on him and rode her first level test, as he is older and does get tired easily. It was also intimidating because I was going up against everyone from the upper level dressage class who had worked on this test a lot more than I had. Not to mention I had missed a few classes for vet things and wisdom teeth issues, so I had not gotten much help on the test. I have ridden first level before, but it was not a very good score and I was a lot younger. My basic thing for riding Et was to give to him. Every time he did what I asked I would give in my elbow, just enough to give him a release without throwing him away. The more I gave to him, the more willing he was to give to me. I spent the entire warmup walking him on a loose rein. He did not need to work, he was warmed up from his previous test and knew what he was doing. When we went into the ring I worked on transitions at the walk and trot. And then would almost walk him and then trot. This seems to help keep his attention and keep the energy. When we went into the test he perked up quite a bit and knew his job. He was alive and ready to preform. We entered the centerline and halted square. Our trot work went well and we did a good one loop, which we had struggled with inside before. The first lengthening was good, and then came the canter. That canter was incredible. I asked for power, and he gave me power, and then some. My abs have never worked so hard to ride everything that horse was pouring out to me. I asked for a lengthen in the canter and that boy gave me that and more. He was going so much I could barley keep my but in the saddle to ride it. He started to get a little tired at the second canter, but luckily I had spurs to give him a little encouragement and we were off again. He did break a few steps early, which brought us down half a point, but I don't think he's cantered that well all year, so he was pretty tired. When I looked up I saw people coming over just to watch this test. The power that horse gave me was unreal. The last lengthening I let him go as much as he could since we had nothing left but the centerline. Just as we got over X his legs were flying off the ground and I could feel him flying. It was so big I could almost not post it anymore. He knew what he was doing and he gave it to me. This test was profound and a gift from God. It was almost as thought I could feel the mighty hand of God picking Et and I off the ground as he carried us through the movements. Nothing felt better than saluting that test not only to the judge, but to the creator of the horse who had just places his heart in my hand.
I will never forget that moment. This leaves me in awe of the power of God with horses, and the only thing I can do is boast in His greatness. It was not me who rode that horse from my talent, but God who gave me that opportunity. The people he gave me to learn form starting when I was 11. The combination of horsemanship and dressage in order to know how the horse works best. The passion He gave for this sport, and the horses He made, knowing that one day I would be on him and have that very test to His glory. I want to ride in a way that honors Him, and today I did.
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