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| But Encore-face, impossible to not love... |
Also, never write about "winds of change". They snicker & knock you down next time you walk out the door.
The silver lining is that change is, well, changeable. I was disheartened last week when Encore was cooling out on the long lines...and started limping. At the walk. And post-grooming revealed stifle soreness. Again.
I tried not to go completely bonkers, after all, I've had plenty of practice. :/ He is out of shape & I had just asked him to really use himself, albeit for a very brief session.
Work stepped in, I had to go flail around in mosquito clouds in the swamp, so he had a week to think about what he'd done anyway.
I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous when I climbed on today to feel things out & at least get a road hack in. You want to know but you don't want to know, you know?
Exhale.
I kept our lines wide & straight in a brief W/T/C/hop over a couple logs warm up. He started out with that anticipatory tightness that something might be sore. But I just asked him to move forward through the bridle, & waited. Not uber round & compacted, just connected to a soft feel & working over his back.
When he began to stretch down & swing a bit, it was a shared relief! (Offer valid for the next 12 hrs only, terms & conditions may apply...)
I didn't ask more than about 10 minutes of moving out before we looped out into our road route, about a mile & change with some rolling slopes to walk.
It's (another re-) start, but such is the nature of our much-loved, yet maddening partners. Circles both real & metaphorical & no predicting how small they'll be.
The goal & challenge will be to rebuild consistency - garnering what energy I can find & keeping my butt in the saddle so Encore has the strength he needs to support work & play. At least until he thinks of a new trick.
Um, anyone want to ride a very cool horse while I'm stuck in meetings?
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| Scenery included at no charge |
I would!! If I wasn't also stuck in meetings or in a car driving to and fro
ReplyDeleteThey are so terribly inconvenient & energy-sapping aren't they?
DeleteOwning a horse has significantly increased the range of anxiety that I can feel about any given thing, but also taught me to learn to let go. You'll get there. The other great thing about horses - they're never in a rush. :)
ReplyDeleteVery true -- except when it's dinner time! :D
DeleteWhen stuff like this happens I just have to remind myself that horses have no agenda. Also, what gorgeous scenery, if I lived closer I would totally come ride!
ReplyDeleteThank you & that is a well-phrased reminder! Except perhaps their agenda for "how can we get her to hand out more cookies???" (hint, Solo: stay on the right side of the fence...)
DeleteThis sounds a lot like me last week, slow & steady. I worked my horse in the ring for the first time in a while. My main thing is keeping it fun!!
ReplyDeleteHmmm, I think you could make some money with a forehead tattoo only visible in mirrors that says, "KEEP IT FUN!" Always good advice.
Deleteugh i hate that constant worry of 'is he? isn't he" - glad Encore is currently starting to feel better :)
ReplyDeleteShhh, don't tell him... ;) But I do hope he'll let me at least wander around for a little bit.
DeleteHorses give you the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Somehow, we love them even more for it
ReplyDeleteVery much so -- they are excellent reminders that the joy of accomplishment cannot exist without its polar opposite. I wouldn't mind if there were an easier way, though!
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