Do you think our stories break when we do? Or do they just get so tangled up that we can't find a view of the road?
I'm still struggling to figure it out - or at least looking for some high ground that might offer a bit of perspective. Who knew the search would be measured in years?? But the tangle, the fog, whatever it is that swallowed the map is the same thing that has dragged at my efforts to write to you.
This blog is a journey, just as much as the tales it chronicles. I guess it shouldn't be shocking that a journey involving horses has sinkholes, detours, & inexplicable roadblocks! Nonetheless, I apologize for my stutters, fits, & gaps of silence (although more than one person that knows me might say that last is a blessing, ha).
I'm working hard on the search for impulsion, though. Half-steps are hard for horses & people (dressage joke FTW)! I do feel like there's been some improvement in muscling!
Encore approves |
Encore & I did get to indulge in some desperately-needed trail therapy on Sunday. Sun & warmth & wait, was that a bud on that tree?
Riding has been a wee bit challenging for everyone this winter, so our rehab pretty much matches my posting attempts: sporadically possible, with moderate chance of fail. But there be muscles on the horse too!
We've combined hill-walking, W/T transitions with roundness, some collected walk with lots of topline stretching, & occasional bursts of weather-permitted trot sessions. While we're hardly ring-ready, Encore's been pushing evenly behind (one of my big indicators) & happily loped over some 18" obstacles.
Getting back in the woods was a wonderful treat - many thanks to lovely neighbour Vanessa for pony daycare, as poor Solo can't keep up with giant TB strides for two hours anymore.
And my gratitude to you for all the forms of support & patience, no matter how small: they always means so very much!
Deep breath then, & we shall attempt another step.
I'll never tire of my sky! |
I have heard that voice many a time when asleep
and, what is strange, I understood more or less
an order or an appeal in an unearthly tongue:
day draws near
another one
do what you can.
-Czeslaw Milosz