Study, Observation, and Practice

Rick and I were busy tonight, in the barn, playing with the horses at liberty in the arena - Although they were engaged, I also I think they were happy to have a dry place to roll and run (things are unseasonably muddy and rainy outside), working on the lounge (it is really in great shape at this point), exercising together using our Nordic Track Incline Trainer (his first time) - we are both working on our physical fitness, and studying some newly acquired Parelli videos.  I cannot begin to describe in appropriate detail and with the accurate level of excitement, how much enjoyment we have together always (we have been together for well over 26 years, married for 25 1/2 years), and now in our new zen space, we are experiencing another level of excitement, joy, and fun. He is diligently building our desk and entertainment center (it is going to be lovely) and our custom built sleeper sofa arrives on Wednesday, right before Christmas....I see movie night in the barn in our future!

Over the years, I have found that planning, study, observation, and then practice is a great recipe for success.  No matter what level of horsemanship, no matter the discipline, I believe that being with your horse, learning and growing the relationship and skill set,  is way more than riding although the riding part is the major reward!  I look at each interaction, every engagement, as a teaching and learning opportunity from entering the stall, to leading the horse, to just feeding them, playing on the ground, while in the saddle, all very important facets as well! I like equal doses of all aspects of my journey.  Over the years, I have experienced relocation and rebuilding of our farm, injury (horse-related and not), excessively busy schedule, and other things that naturally interfered with my horse-related plans.  Nonetheless, I always had something to turn to for the continuation of my plans.  Sometimes I've started from scratch, other times, a continuation of purpose.

Tonight while watching, "The Four Savvys, Level 2 Freestyle," I thought about the experience, was this worth my time?  I have seen this content presented in several forms over the years but each time I see something different and learn something new.  How the material is presented and the horse-human pairs always differ which is like watching varied lessons, it is really interesting to me. So the answer is yes, it was important and valuable.

Coming off of a serious Achilles Tendon injury, my horses and I have a lot of work and play to do.  If you've ever experience this type of trauma, it is painful, debilitating. and really ruins your horsey fun time! The injury occurred when I wore flip flops for an extended period of time on uneven terrain while camping.  One minute I was fine and then I wasn't, for many, many months, about 18 in fact. If you never learn anything from me, please learn this, wear appropriate and high quality footwear, always, no matter what. 

So, basically, I feel like I am starting from scratch (I know I am not) but thinking like this helps me put my journey into perspective.  I love helping others build a lesson plan and pathway for success.  Now is the time for me to do the same. I am looking forward to it and to experimenting with my teaching space (lounge and arena). I have implemented many things over the past few months, a library, technology, magnetic whiteboards, and so much more. I've got success charts to watch progress, pocket guides, and so many more complimentary tools.  It is time to take action and have fun!

Everyone can teach and learn and everyone is a student too, it is a great and important balance in life. If you are interested in my helping you with your plan and journey, please let me know!  I would love to help. Contact me at: info@naturalhorseloverfarm.com 

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