Fresh pasture, they call it 'Dr. Green' for horses
It's cool and rainy day here today. June is closing at warp speed and as we finish a week of holidays and gear back up for our office jobs, we reflect. I took Ehren for a long, healthy trail ride with friends early this month and he was terrific. I also got Ludi out for another training session; this time we took a dressage lesson with Ron King at Dewmont Farm near Ottawa. I was expecting the same tension and insecurity he'd shown when we arrived at Franklands last month, but he calmly strutted around the grounds, took very little notice of the other horses, had no interest in the arena mirrors, and we got to work. Ron picked us up right where Gina had left us, and we worked on maintaining balance, rhythm and straightness.
I try very hard to be neutral in my position and emotions while riding the youngsters. I am very aware that the concepts I'm teaching them for their first time are going to echo in their training for years to come, and that 'undoing' is simple on a computer, but dreadfully hard when horse-training. My coaches are guiding me on when and how to get active to progress correctly. I am finding this work is benefitting my students as their horses work on all the same concepts, and I can deliver better lessons since I'm walking the talk!
I try very hard to be neutral in my position and emotions while riding the youngsters. I am very aware that the concepts I'm teaching them for their first time are going to echo in their training for years to come, and that 'undoing' is simple on a computer, but dreadfully hard when horse-training. My coaches are guiding me on when and how to get active to progress correctly. I am finding this work is benefitting my students as their horses work on all the same concepts, and I can deliver better lessons since I'm walking the talk!
Ludi in lesson with Ron King at Dewmont Farm June 2015
Ludi in lesson with Ron King at Dewmont Farm June 2015
Around the farm, the horses are on fresh pasture, we have a new riding trail, the gardens are just getting into full bloom, and the site for the new indoor arena has been cleared and the beams are on order. We even found time to have company and a quick fishing trip! The days are long and tiring, but I've realized that we thrive on it, and there is nothing more satisfying than relaxing after a full day of work outside.
Poppies and Lamb's ears. These poppies were from my grandmother's garden.
It takes time, patience and effort to build anything worthwhile, no matter if it's a building, a facility, or a green horse!
RSS Feed