dancing horses

dancing horses

Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Meditative Dressage

“Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor.” 
― Thich Nhat HanhStepping into Freedom: Rules of Monastic Practice for Novices

Carmen has been slowly feeling better with her medication. I've been riding since the clinic- going slow and letting how she feels guide me in how far to push.

And, you guys, the rides have been so good.



I had no idea what was getting unlocked in me on the clinic weekend but it is paying off in spades.

What is this miraculous transformation that has turned Carmen into a magical unicorn you ask?

It's me.

What finally made it home to me from the weekend clinic was that I MUST provide a relaxed anchor for her to grab onto when her brain is whizzing in a thousand directions at once. I do that by my breathing and making myself consciously relax. Obviously this is not a new thing- but it seems to have finally sunk into my body. Before, even when I was trying to help her relax I was tense and tight. Not so much from worry (although sometimes) but because when I'm really concentrating I stop breathing and tighten up. Which is fine when I'm studying for a test or writing my GREs but not so helpful when working with a sensitive, reactive princess.

Carmen has definitely noticed. When she gets excited and tight I breathe deep and drop my legs. I spend a lot of time sighing- making sure that my breathing is coming and going slowly. I use my seat to help guide her pace. I love how that is working.

What Camren is doing now is flicking her ears back and seeing what I'm asking. I am not trying to break through the white noise of her brain, she's seeking out my input.

It's not that she doesn't spook at all- she has. A grand total of twice in the past 10 days. Both times I was able to stay calm and relaxed so she could relax with me. We're not fighting- there are discussions of course.

I've also figured out that when I put on my right leg I tend to clamp my left as well. That's what was pissing her off. I've been figuring that out and also getting her to cut me a bit of slack. The first time post clinic that I asked her to trot right she would throw in her haunches but as soon as i went left that stopped. I spent some time asking for a bit a right but switching direction before she had a chance to really pitch a fit. That worked and she seemed to forget about it. But going by the gate she began to throw her haunches around- I reached back and gave her a tap with the crop and the discussion ended right there.

Tonight she was very mellow to start. We were working away - she would get tight- I would breathe and we carried on. I'm becoming very aware of my own tension and trying to relax. It's occupying my brain so I can't worry about what might be worrying her. We finished with a walk around the field- I hand walked her. I'm hoping that i will safe enough to ride her but I figure the hand walking will help.  I have ridden her out of the ring and down around the barn. It was cool to be practicing 10 metre circles around a tree and having her blow out and relax as we did it.

We're starting to feel like dance partners and that is so cool.






21 comments:

  1. I love breakthroughs (and posts!) like this. Enjoy your unicorn horse!

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  2. You guys look simply amazing in that photo. Congrats on the breakthrough! I love how wonderful those feel.

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  3. Love, love love! 😍 I think I do something similar with getting tense and your posts are always a reminder to me to check my breathing on my rides.

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    1. I think it all comes with the achievement/perfectionistic part of us. :)

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  4. What you are describing is not easy to do. Any time you can change a habit or ingrained reaction, it's something worth celebrating.

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    1. Yes- I'm not out of the woods yet but it's getting easier.

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  5. This is wonderful. Of course, you do have a mare so there will always be discussions. I am often reminded of the saying "you tell a gelding, but you negotiate with a mare." I love how you are both learning so much from each other.

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    1. And they change day to day which keeps it interesting. :)

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  6. So glad you have come over the hump and it is clicking. It really is a great feeling when the horse starts working with you instead of flatly against you.

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    1. It really is- when they are with you and spook it's not as scary.

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  7. I'm happy for you--now you're at the gloriously fun part of the partnership. She's probably much happier, too. I'm getting glimpses of it with Leah. Fingers crossed.

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    1. Yes i do think that she's much happier now too. Leah will get there!

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  8. That's wonderful! I like the expression of the rider being the calm anchor :)

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    1. yeah, I might have mixed up a metaphor there but it made sense to me. :)

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  9. That's wonderful! A breakthrough is always a nice feeling.

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  10. How fantastic! Love this and you getting to where shes seeking you!

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