The Green Horseman

A friend of mine had lunch together recently and she noted “you’re such a learner.” I love that. I named this very blog after the pursuit of knowledge and forever learning. That said, I take every opportunity to learn and grow…regardless of whether I’m in the saddle or not.

In November I had a few amazing opportunities to learn from some incredible horsemen/women. I haven’t provided an update since then since life gets so busy but I’m excited to share.

In Early November Boyd Martin came back into town. He came for a two day clinic at the same farm I rode at in May (Horse Shows and BOYD MARTIN!) I jumped into volunteering for jump crew; I have bad hearing I can’t sit still, and it’s an opportunity to work closely with Boyd while learning and helping out. YES PLEASE.

For two days I watch Boyd work with green horses and seasoned horses alike. I was able to witness people grow. I really like that Boyd has a defined system. I recognized that system from May, but his exercises varied day to day. I enjoy his rideability exercises. And he had everyone warm up over a vertical in both directions, and an oxer in both directions. Horses then learned about combinations, liverpools, working with control inside the indoor arena with more limited space. At the time I was still walking around in my medical boot, but I managed to truck around and set rails, pick up poles, and reset the course.

A couple weeks later I had another opportunity to audit a clinic presented by our local GMO, ENYDCTA. The group brought Beth Baumert into town for 4 days…2 days at one farm and 2 days at a different farm farther north. I had to take time off to go, but it was well worth it. I only got to watch for one day but I went away excited to begin riding so I could put what I learned into use. Beth is the author of When Two Sines Align, and How Two Minds Meet. She is also a certified trainer and instructor with USDF and “L” graduate with distinction from USDF judging program.

I’ve been reading When Two Spines Align and there are so many great thoughts in this book. Come back later for my review. Not only is she a brilliant horseperson and author but she is an incredible instructor. She was very calm and explained her reasoning. Her feedback is honest and fair, and she doesn’t hesitate to compliment your strengths.

Again I attended this clinic while still in my medical boot. I left just dying to go get on Stanley and practice. I took a lot of notes though.

In the same week ENYDCTA hosted their annual banquet and awards ceremony. It was held at a local restaurant and we hosted Andrea Waldo as the keynote speaker. Andrea wrote my favorite book, “Brain Training For Riders” (The Sunday Review: Brain Training For Riders by Andrea Monsarrat Waldo). After dinner and Andrea’s talk, I approached her to sign my book. I nervously talked her ear off as I told her about how this book changed my life. Over the years I had taken a few scary falls that had built up tremendous anxiety in me, and this book turned it around. I also told her about my spill with Stanley (the boot is a real talking point).

Amongst the excitement of learning we also attended Equine Affaire. In the first ten minutes of arrival, we spent hundreds at the Back on Track booth. Stanley and I are now much better equipped with therapeutic. wearables! We took our loot over to the colosseum where we were able to watch two of our friends who were demonstrating the Morgan breed.

Despite being “laid up” I’d have to say I’ve been quite busy. Learning a lot, because no matter what, you can always learn something new!