Keep on learning

This post on Buckskin and Bay not only reminded me of my lesson last week, but of the things I swore I'd work on after the Mark Rashid clinic we audited last year. Things like moving with the horse, balance, staying out of their way so they don't have to fight with us to do what we're asking.

Oops. I forgot.

Luckily, I remembered a little bit today. Damn. It sure felt good to be relaxed and happy in the saddle on my horse again. And Calabar responded to it. I won't say things were perfect, but I seemed to do a better job of directing while staying out of his way. My focus was really to be soft in my seat an hands, to feel the rhythm of his body and match it with my own so I could direct instead of react.

Still a little sore, I admit, but rocking with my horse's movement made it worth it. Having him respond and not fight me, actually seem like he was trying to figure out what I wanted and do it?? Not to quote a credit card commercial, but it was priceless. Absolutely priceless.

So he got to munch grass. And he got all the happiness I had to give him. (And isn't he looking good??!!)

Calabar and I have had an up and down road so far, but he continues to teach me. He also continues to learn. As long as we both keep giving, I don't think there is anything we can't do.

Love this horse.