Now, Now

Allison & I discussing a lesson

I'm going to be honest. I have a problem. It is something many of you can probably relate to, or not, depending on where you want to go with your horse and what type of riding goals and dreams you have set for yourself. Here it is. I have huge expectations of my horse and myself. That is good, but I think I get too serious at times and am not stopping to appreciate what we've accomplished, and the joy that is right there between my legs (oohhh that sounded a bit...off :) and at the end of my reins. I am IMMENSELY impressed with how far Jackson and I have come in just one year, but sometimes instead of appreciating that, I find it not enough, and wanting more, more, more.

 I have no real good pictures of our lessons because my face is so serious I look mad. I assure you I am not mad, but when I concentrate deeply I look mad! I would like to keep my  focus and gain the experience of the joy in a lesson. Learning on my horse. I love it, but at the same time, get so driven that I forget about the love! So I must lose the Type A stuff which is probably even impeding our learning somewhat! I just want perfection immediately, and that is not the way with horses. I am not saying that on a trail ride or while loafing around, I can't enjoy myself, because at those times I COMPLETELY relax. But I really want to become a proficient dressage rider and turn Jackson into a jumper. Of course, I know these things take time. I'm just impatient. Does this strike a cord in any of you? If it does, I'd love to hear about it!

Here is a quote that I love from Mark Rashid's book, Horses Never Lie.

 "I'm not saying that I think goals are bad. They can give direction and purpose. But the problem I see with being too goal-oriented is that it can be awfully easy to lose sight of the moment, to become so focused on the destination that you miss the journey." "I am beginning to realize that a person never gets 'there.' This is really a journey with no destination. It is an unending process. Everything that is important is 'as you go,' not 'when you get there,' because there is no there!"

So there it is. The words of wisdom to live by. It's the journey, not the destination!

And I must give thanks and kudos to Bre over at G is for Greta  for making me my fantastic new banner! Check out her blog, it's wonderful! And thanks again, Bre!

FYI Equine dictionary definition: horsecorser- A dealer in horses, particularly a tricky one.