I searched for him, found him, picked him, trained him, and I care for him every single day. June 5 Silver Dressage Show at Graystone Farm, Clayton ON
Triumphs with horses are few and fleeting. They simply must be paid for with many, many hours of hard work. Shortly after we brought Ludi home as a 2-year old, he hurt himself and I cleaned and dressed his wounds and injected medicine every day, for a long time. He had always been very easy to train, until these last 12 months. There were many times when I didn't want to ride him, and we weren't having much fun together. The dirt, sweat and struggle wore on me. The quote 'Time and patience are the two greatest warriors', from Tolstoy, is a sentiment that I appreciate now that I'm older. I turned 38 earlier this month. Ludi turned 7 in April.
I'm not sure exactly why the planets aligned at this latest show. Maybe it was because we are both a little older, now. I did employ an old horseman's 'trick' by turning Ludi out on the grass the night before the show, to make sure he had a full, watery belly to carry around and calm him. Good old Dr. Green. He flopped his ears and listened every time I communicated. We cuddled in the show stall, and I stroked his neck and told him how pleased I was, and how special he is to me. I was so grateful to my cheerful friends who came along despite the soaking rain to watch and help, and to share the moment. I swear that horse posed for the pictures.
Our next goals haven't been decided yet, but I think I will train at home until we can come out again at a higher level. I'd also like to see how Ehren would enjoy a low-level outing before the season's over. Once I feel that magic, I just want to catch it again.
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