Let's all agree that this winter has been too long and too cold. The new riding ring here is icy and the horses need lots of conditioning before any vigorous schooling will happen. Despite the excitement of the Olympics, world-record scores in Dressage, and seeing beautiful pictures of equestrian competitions in Florida, I need some motivation. Enter Ava and Sapphire:
Ava is a 6 year old Thoroughbred cross mare at a local riding school. The indoor arena there is well made, dust-free, and by joining in the weekly ladies lesson on Tuesday nights, I've met some great gals and gotten a chance to ride regularly and comfortably. The instructors have great eyes for corrections to my position and Ava makes it fun and relatively easy by being so willing to work, even as she is still learning to balance herself and be supple.
Sapphire is a 15 year old Dutch mare who lives at Queenswood Stables on the east side of Ottawa. QWS is a serious training facility full of champion horses and riders. Sapphire is a serious show horse successful at Intermediaire-level Dressage. When I sank into her saddle I felt her power, articulation and incredible sensitivity. Trainer Oz Lazzuri guided us through movements up to Third Level. I worked hard at keeping my position correct and quiet, to not disturb Sapphire, and she gave me a fascinating glimpse of her abilities.
It occurred to me that although these two horses are very different, their lessons for me run along the same themes: set them up correctly and let them perform. Ambition, desire to do it right, and the pure excitement that comes from the pleasure of riding are qualities that bring many rewards, but they are qualities that can also interfere with an equestrian's communication with their mount, communication that is most beautiful when it's quiet and soft. Dear Ava, Dear Sapphire, I'm trying to find that balance. Here's a carrot to say Thank You.
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