It's just been one of those weeks where everything just felt right. Even with the little hiccups, they seemed to be there for a reason and none were so unsurmountable that they totally threw me off my groove. Maybe it's just because it's spring, a time where I feel ultra energized and hopeful. Or maybe it's just that I'm cultivating this new layer of trust in myself that I've got this. Either way, it's been a really great week in my world and I'm excited to share!
I'll start with my Annie update! While I'm still burning the candle at both ends with work, I've been able to sneak in more time to continue working on conditioning Annie for riding. We've been doing lots of transitions and slowly adding in pole work. I was so thrilled with her this week as lessons are starting back up at the barn so we're spending a lot more time sharing the arena with small children and their families. She's pretty used to our quiet time together so it's great to see her handle the extra noise and distraction so well. I'm just beyond proud of her. I also think she is doing much better now that Parker is no longer out with her and Phoebe.
At the end of last week, it became glaringly apparent that having Parker pastured with Annie and Phoebe was not working as we had hoped. While they were getting along 80% of the time, the other 20% of the time Parker was pretty aggressively pushing the mares around to the point where they were both frequently slipping in the mud, and in inclement weather, neither Parker nor Phoebe were allowing Annie into their run-in shelter. We had hoped that allowing them time to acclimate would change this, but it started to get worse.
In his efforts to keep Annie out of the run-in during a heavy rain storm last week, Parker began striking out at her repeatedly. While this wouldn't normally bother me too much, he recently had metal front shoes put on. I talked to our barn owner and between myself and the other owners, we decided that it was best for everyone if we found another horse for Parker to live outside with. He was moved into a different pasture with one of the barn owner's horses the next day.
That change seems to have made a huge and immediate difference for everyone! Within a day of the move, Annie's muscles, especially in her neck, were noticeably softer. I thought she had been a bit more stiff when I would initially bring her in from the pasture due to working through the mud but now I'm realizing she was likely preemptively bracing around him.
This experience was a perfect example of why it's important to honor your horse's unique situation rather than blindly abiding by the science. I had been hopeful that adding Parker to the herd as a third horse would be good for everyone. Mixed herds have been shown to move more, and sure, our horses were moving more, but it was not for the best. We had hoped that having a third horse would reduce any separation anxiety caused by taking one horse inside. That also proved pointless, too, since if either Phoebe or Annie left the pasture, Parker would become almost frantic even though there was still one of the mares there with him. Now that he is out with another gelding, he is not displaying these same behaviors. Moving him was the best thing for everyone even though his place in our little herd looked good on paper.
During my time at the barn this week, one seemingly small act of kindness from my barn owner really reminded me how thankful I am to be at her farm. We had shared the arena for her last lesson of the night and as I was wrapping up with Annie she poked her head in to ask if I needed anything (something she always does when she leaves, which I think is so thoughtful). I said I was all set, then she mentioned she was going to get an ice cream from the local shop that had just opened up for the season and asked if I wanted anything. Anyone who knows me well knows that ice cream is my love language. There was no way I'd decline!
I had untacked Annie, let her hand graze for a bit, and returned her to the pasture just as the barn owner returned with my ice cream which she refused to let me pay her back for. Another boarder stopped by briefly, and the three of us stood and chatted while I ate my ice cream. When I left the barn after that, I was thinking about how truly wonderful it is to be in so many welcoming, community-based equestrian spaces now between my little corner of the internet and at the barn.
For a while there, while I had my late gelding, Jäger, and in my first couple of years with Annie before I moved to my current barn and before I leaned into The Positive Pony, I definitely felt like a loner in my local equine community. Sure, I had a few horsey friends, but it was just a couple. They were also not quite on the same journey as I am so we lacked some vital common ground.
I can't say that anymore now! I have and continue to attract the most amazing, like-minded horse people into my orbit who are all so vulnerable and supportive. I'm so freaking grateful for that and for each and every one of them.
So if you're struggling to feel seen, to feel heard, just know that your tribe is out there. You just need to keep showing up as yourself. Keep putting yourself out there so the right people can find you. I promise they will if you want them to.
Empowering Observations:
Sometimes you think you're making the right move based on all the scientific information, but your situation doesn't fit the mold. Science is obviously wonderful and studies are helpful, but they often exist in a vacuum. You can do your best to follow the science and still find out that the science just doesn't fit with your unique situation. And that's okay! You need to do what is best for you and for your horse.
You will find your tribe if you haven't already. So long as you keep looking for them and putting yourself out into the world for them to find you, the right people will come into your life just as they're meant to. Believe it when they show up!
Things I'm Loving This Week
Okay, I'm always obsessed with these and I keep amassing more colors but I adore the LeMieux Vogue Halter & Lead Rope sets! I get asked about Annie's halter(s) all the time in my DMs so I wanted to make sure to give them a shoutout here. They come in SO many colors, are super soft and well-padded, the hardware is amazing quality, and I appreciate that they come with matching lead ropes.
I ended up buying this treat pouch on Amazon on whim and I'm freaking loving it! It's got a huge main pouch (that I use for forage pellets) with a magnetic closure top that can also be wiped clean, a mesh pocket that fits my phone, a front pocket that I'm using for higher-value treats, a carabiner clip I use for my Pivo remote, a belt clip, waist strap, and shoulder strap, and it's actually affordable! At the time I'm writing this, it's on sale for $13.99.
Equestrian Reflection
Journal Prompt: My why behind having horses in my life is...
My why behind having horses in my life is the fact that they are constantly teaching me about and guiding me through my life in ways that are nearly indescribable. They bring me a sense of peace and joy that I have never found in anything else I have experienced. They create community and deep understanding in ways that I have not felt from other hobbies or lifestyles. Just being around them truly just makes my soul happy.
Affirmation: My why is the greatest motivator of all.
Equestrian Oracle
Theme for the Upcoming Week
Open Up
It is so easy to wander throughout life wearing armor to protect yourself. The layers of this armor form when you try to express yourself but others misunderstand you. So after those moments, you decide that opening up isn't safe, and instead, you form a shield around you to protect yourself and stay small.
It's time for you to realize that this armor isn't serving you anymore, but instead, it is only hindering your life experience. You are ready to cultivate a safe space around you full of adventures and people that light your soul on fire so that you can begin to open up.
So, where in your life are you hiding behind armor? What do you need to allow yourself to feel safe, be seen, and finally open up?
*The Equestrian Reflection and Equestrian Oracle cards are courtesy of Felicity Davies and can be purchased directly from her here. Full transparency - I receive no financial gain from sharing these, I just love them and find them to be helpful on this journey!