Greener Pastures

Today I rode Duncan, surprise! It was an actual good ride. I can not describe to you the relief I feel finally getting somewhere with Duncan. I came to Houghton in September and a month later I started noticing he was having severe problems picking up the left lead, and his overall health and demeanor were changing. It has taken until the last few weeks that I finally felt as though I had my horse back. Today was a ride that made it all worth it. Zach was working with me on my position. At first I had my stirrups up where I like them, and Z told me I needed to put my legs back. It was pretty near impossible so I took my stirrups out and did it that way. Zach then told me I should probably lengthen my stirrups. He was right, as was Sarah when she did it in class. It’s hard to find my balance with my leg back, but in the moments that it happens it feels really good. I’m excited to keep working toward that. I also worked on transitions. Today was the first day that I have ever felt like I could do a trot to walk transition without him bracing. He was there, round, and accepting the bit the entire transition. Right when he did it I let him halt, gave him the reigns and praised him. I think it is important to just pause for a minute and let them soak it in. I know it seems small, but I have been working at that for a long time! I ended the ride by working on squares to get his hind end engaged, and asked for a canter from a walk, on a square, and got left lead canter! After that I got off to reward him. Two great accomplishments in one ride, it feels great.

A concept I also want to start applying is devoting my rides to God. So often in my mind i separate God and horses, but they are so close together. God made horses, and He gave them to us. He made them powerful enough to pull hundreds of pounds, but gentle enough to respond to a slight tip of the hip. This is a miracle. It was actually the exact opposite - God is so intertwined in our equine partners. I am going to start praying with Duncan before each ride. Asking God to take it and make it for His glory, as well as asking for guidance throughout the ride. I am excited to see the result of this.