?When I look back over two decades of training horses, there are patterns I can see. One of the patterns I see is riding time vs training time. While they are closely related, for me there is a difference.?❄️I live in an area with four seasons. I have an indoor arena that helps but the seasons still impact my riding.
In general, all of my horses get more riding time in the summer. This is partly due to the weather being better, partly because I can trail ride, and partly because of the show season. It is largely because when it gets really cold here…I get really efficient with my rides: cold weather=shorter ride time.
?But shorter time doesn’t’ have to be less effective. In fact, I’ve noticed that I often get MORE effective when my time gets shorter. I tend to get more clear and stay on track…with the cold air holding me accountable.
?When I look back over the years I’m a bit surprised to notice that some of my most productive riding has been done in the ‘off-season’. I generally end the summer with horse shows, long trail rides, and a bittersweet goodbye to the warm weather.
?This is generally followed by what my friend Suzi calls ‘PPL’ or ‘Post Project Letdown’. It’s that feeling you get when something big ends and you have that empty void before the next project begins. I experience it as a bit of a lost feeling.
?Once PPL passes, I’ve noticed that as I put on the coat, the gloves, and the ear warmers…I also pick up that old habit of riding with more focus. Gone are the two-hour wandering trail rides I love…but they are followed by the clarity of riding with a purpose, in a shorter amount of time.
?As winter approaches and I find myself layering up and putting blankets on Presto, I need to remind myself that this, right now, is the time when we have a great opportunity to transform ourselves. If I stay diligent then in the spring when we shed these layers of coats and blankets…underneath will be the results of our ‘off-season’ work. ❤️
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I’ve owned Presto now for four years. He has grown so much and I’m finally ready to start sharing his adventures. You can find all of his posts here on my website.
What questions do you have for me about Presto?
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I truly love all of your advice!
You are such a wise person with your advice about training/riding horses.
I especially love your saying, “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.
Within a year of my soulmate husband dying I had to bury 3 horses. This year 2020 I have buried the horse that carried/pulled me on trails for 21 years and the dog that led us on those trails.
Thanks for sharing all you do and think with us.
oh Cella such heartache! I have been through the scenario also where it seemed that I was saying goodbye to so many of my beloved horses. It rips at your heart for sure. My condolences and prayers for you is that the good memories bring comfort and strength as you journey through this season.
Really good. Thank you.