In addition to being a horse mom and entrepreneur running the jump-building business, and writing the blog (and occasionally practicing photography) I DO actually work full time.
I wrote a whole paragraph describing how unhappy the environment in my work life has become but it felt too whiny; that’s not me. I’m normally a happy person and can see the good in many situations. I like the actual work I do. That said I have been surrounded by toxic negativity for months and lately it has poisoned my spirit.
I took a much-needed vacation to be away from my toxic colleagues. One week is not enough but it’ll have to do.
I didn’t go anywhere, just rode my horse, and attended clinics and shows. I learned. I took my time. I sat down for breakfast. I surrounded myself with people I love and happiness. I restored my soul.
Last Thursday my friend and I loaded the horses up for our first trail ride this year. It was also Stanley’s first trail ride (with me at least). I decked him out in our cross-country gear to ensure it fit him well and he was comfortable going in it. He looked so fancy!
As we departed the trailer he was super brave and marched along leading the way. He has a fast march (I think we’d do well with endurance someday). As he settled in he slowed a bit but it was still a larger walk than poor Tiger who, despite being the same size, has to trot to keep up sometimes.
We took turns leading and both horses seemed happy in either position.
Coming to the trail we had low expectations; a calm walking low-key ride was the goal. It was going so well so we added in some trotting. We walked along and through a campground. We passed two boys doing wheelies on their ride-on lawnmower. Stanley was brave, curious, and didn’t flinch once despite the boys lacking the etiquette to kill the engine and let us pass. They drove along and nodded to us while we walked in the opposite direction. We came across a dirtbike as well. He immediately pulled aside and killed the engine. The boys were super. I’m seriously thrilled with Stanley’s bravery. We even crossed two bridges. The second was understandably more scary with open water on both sides. It took some convincing but he walked over it a few times for good measure.
We also brought the horses to a small area in the woods with lakeside access. They really didn’t want to go near it but Tiger eventually caved. At the water Tiger happily stepped in and took a drink, letting the cool water cover his legs. He stood quietly while Stanley figured it out.
I channeled my learning from the recent Tik Maynard/Sinead Halpin clinic from last week (See: Two Days with Tik and Sinead). Each clinician helped a rider with similar issues within those two days. I didn’t rush to dismount at first, and it turned out I didn’t need to.
Staring at the lake it was a huge body of water. There were canoes and kids out in the middle of the water. Who can blame a horse for being scared? I felt Stanley trembling under me…TREMBLING!
I took it slow. I told him he couldn’t go left or right and couldn’t back up. Calmly I allowed him to stand and rewarded him anytime he stopped and dropped his nose to look at the water. It didn’t take long at all (less than 5 minutes) for him to have looked at the water a few times and even offer to move closer. He got to the water’s edge, dipped his front toes, and took a sip.
And just like that, all four legs were in the water. He had a drink, walked a few steps, and started to play.
Stanley went from trembling in front of the water to pawing and playfully enjoying it so quickly.
At home, we’ve trotted and cantered through large puddles but there you can see the way across. The lake was a whole different story and he accomplished it beautifully.
After the lake, we found a nice spot and brought the horses up for a short canter. It was uphill and Stanley wanted to gallop it. I brought him back to a forward canter pretty easily and as we leveled off and started a slight downhill we came back down to trot and then walk.
For our first trail ride, I have to say we far exceeded our expectations. We trotted along the trail until we got to the trailer and walked around the parking lot to cool down. Stanley kept looking at a small clearing in the woods so I let him investigate. Something told me he needed to wee. After every ride Stanley normally pees, and I have him trained to go to the manure pile at home to do his business. I hopped off and let out his girth a few holes. As soon as I whistled to him he stretched out to relieve himself. I love the bond we have and how we communicate with each other this well already.
The next morning we did something a little different…we did a little self-care. We went to a local spa and enjoyed an 80-minute Swedish massage followed by a fancy lunch. The little shop called “The Whistling Kettle” is a local favorite that offers a huge variety of teas. We enjoyed some iced tea, a cup of soup, and split a tower. The tower had a crepe (ours had spinach, bacon, pesto, tomato, mozzarella, and artichokes), a salad, and a slice of lemon berry mascarpone cake.
It was SO GOOD!
Days like this are essential for feeding the soul. After having this week off I feel so much more restored. I still resent having to go back but my reserves are reloaded to help me through until my next vacation.
The Green Horseman 
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