First of all, thank you everyone for the kind words about Quaid. He's responding really well to the medication and seems like his old (young) self. He's perky and hungry and wants me to do things with him again. It's a nice thing to see.
Longtime readers of this blog know that Carmen and I have come a long way. They also know that there is always a certain amount of tension between us when she's being ridden. It is rare that I don't feel a need to manage her emotions or direct her feet.
To be honest, I have accepted that as part of our relationship. It's not even that the tension is necessarily a bad thing. Sure, sometimes she's agitated or reactive. Other times she's forward and just wants to go. But it always feels like there's a certain level of push and pull between us and that is how we find our balance.
In our last lesson I was blown away by how relaxed she was by the end. I think she was too. When I have been able to ride I've been trying to recreate it by following what we were doing in the last lesson. I've been asking her to flex but softly and slowly and then releasing the same way. I can feel it working and it's neat to add this our sessions.
I had a lesson last Sunday and we picked up from where we left off. Jane had me suppling her by getting her to move her body through various gymnastic exercises: leg yield across the arena, shoulder in to straight, shoulder in to renvers, shoulder in to haunches in, shortening the walk and then letting her out again. Jane would call me on every time I held too much because Carmen's mouth would gape. I had to have my legs on but not hard.
shoulder in |
offering a softening of the rein to invite her to stretch a bit |
behind, but also reaching? |
flow-y canter, 10/10 stars |
We finished with a lovely, balanced counter canter. We stopped and discussed and then Jane said 'we do more but look at her, I just want to leave her here. Like how much more could she give us?
I was in total agreement. I think our ride was around 50 minutes, it felt like forever and also five minutes. Jane thinks that this is getting unlocked because of the focus I've (finally) put on keeping her rhythm. That makes sense to me.
How cool is it that we can change our pattern from balance through tension to balance through softness? I'm sure we'll be tempted to fall back into old patterns but that's horse training for you. If riding/training was easy then everyone would want to do it, lol.
balanced counter canter |
I just love this! You and Carmen have always been a wonderful pair, but now you're kind of meshing into a single unit.
ReplyDeleteI have found without work/job stress, my rides are also less tense (most days...). Funny how that works. And maybe that's happening for you too.
That is definitely happening. I love being retired.
DeleteWhat an incredible feeling!! You guys are looking so good together, like it’s all clicking
ReplyDeleteIsn't it so amazing when you are so in tune that you just think about doing something and it happens? You've worked hard for it, enjoy the feeling!
ReplyDeleteClearly missed something with Quaid. Next click I am heading back to find out what I missed.
ReplyDeleteI think you described your communication and ride/s with Carmen wonderfully!! I enjoyed the video. What a treasure.
Your homestead is beautiful. You are living your best life and enjoying partnership with your horses to the fullest!
I was traveling and missed a few posts. The focus on rhythm goes with the theme of your blog title, you’re dancing.
ReplyDeleteI didn’t know about Quaid. How scary for you. I’m glad it seems to be resolving. We have EHV spreading around here. All the horses are on lockdown and being monitored. A fever in any of our horses would probably make our hearts skip a few beats.