lesson notes, mmxvii-vii-xv

Lunged and rode Hot Shot at a walk through some cool arena patterns under Kelly's guidance. Between some of the weight he's gained and his new shoes, he is moving marvelously. He's so awesome - when I get my seat right and my head up and I have my eyes on our destination, he gets me there, without me having to ask any louder than that, like he's telling me, look, I know what I'm doing, you just fix yourself. After my lesson I did a gratitude walk in the labyrinth; it felt nice to try to return a little spirit to the place.

field notes, mmxvii-vii-xiv

snippets, 7-14-2017

Common sense about horse communication (Relaxed and Forward). "Be curious in silence."

Tania Kindersley, in The Happy Horse, shares a similar sentiment: "...the really great horsemen and women have the gift of stillness. One of the greatest presents you can give to your house is to leave it in peace..."

Beyond communicating, I believe there's even more going on here. John O'Donohue, as quoted in Terri Windling's blog post, The philosophy of compassion (Myth & Moor): "Because the animals live essentially what I call the contemplative life, maybe the most sacred prayer of the world actually happens within animal consciousness."

I might have more to say on this topic but I think I'll just shut up and practice.

trail notes, mmxvii-vii-xiii

horse notes, mmxvii-vii-xii

Champ and Hot Shot

trail notes, mmxvii-vii-ix

horse notes, mmxvii-vii-viii

We did some fun groundwork in the round pen and then went for a quiet trail walk.

trail notes, mmxvii-vii-vii

trail notes, mmxvii-vii-vi

horse notes, mmxvii-vii-v

As I was driving away I turned on the classical station and they were playing Aaron Copland's "Billy the Kid."

great grandma came for a visit

:)

trail notes, mmxvii-vii-i