Being Honest With Yourself....

Savvy Club DVD Feb 2005 Issue 7

This DVD was like a sequel to Issue 6. Pat of coarse begins with playing with Smart 7; he introduces a massager (clipper simulation), a ground pole, walking on a saddle blanket, tarp, pedestal, and yes even a trailer! Keep in mind Smart 7 is about 4 days old!! This is one of those clips that I may never get to practice out in real life, but it is so fun to watch and see that with patience and skill such a session can peacefully take place with a foal.

The second part of the fear makeover was still the home hitting segment for me. Dr. Stephanie and Linda discuss how to safely approach thresholds; while with your horse (on the ground or riding). Linda introduces simple ways to tell if your horse is right brain and how to know when to get off. What I thought was most interesting was when they talked about how we as people make excuses and reasons not to "do" something that causes a fear reaction in ourselves... Things like you would love to play with your horse but... and your list is always there full of excuses and reasoning's. Many of us are not even aware that we are doing it intentionally. How odd does that sound?

So watching this clip made me look closely and deeply at my feelings and reasoning's of not being able to play with my horses these past couple weeks. I started another part time job last week and my duties (mainly poop duty) where the horses live have been taking first priority. After careful consideration I have concluded that at this point in my journey, it is not fear related. I miss playing with my girls so much and hope that by next week I can  master a new schedule and balance out all of my priorities.When I think of working with either of my girls even as I sit and write this, I just want to go do it!

One other point that this segment made clear was horses are way more than riding; and we must not ride if we are not ready or the horse isn't ready!! I find myself fighting impulsion's to rush Gypsy along so I can ride her. I love playing with her and she really has come so far, but I find a part of me questioning my "horsemanship abilities" because I am not riding her yet. I have been on her a handful of times bareback, but I am sure most of you can relate to feeling like you haven't pushed far enough... luckily for my safety's sake and Gypsy's sake the "horse savvy" side of me knows if we take the time it takes for us both now, we will reap the benefits later. Our relationship and connection is growing and I can sense in both my girls that they miss me playing with them as well. That helps me know I must be doing something right!