I continue to battle a nagging sense of guilt for "not doing more" with Annie towards our goals as I continue to juggle the current (but temporary!) demands of my regular human job and everything else. But with that said, I've continued to saddle her if even for short periods and make sure to continue creating really positive associations for her with the saddle.
I took advantage of the amazing weather we had this Easter Sunday and got a ton of cleaning done. I was able to wash all of Annie's blanket liners, her fleece halter, and her brushes. While those were drying in the sun, I groomed her outside at my trailer before I booted her up for a little adventure. We alternated between hand grazing and walking around the property to soak in as much of the weather as we could.
We also engaged in a great energy/bodywork + aromatherapy session earlier this week where I can see how far I have come in learning to read and respond to her needs in a way that continues to surprise me.
I've always loved anatomy and I know that helps with the bodywork portion of this work, but I never saw myself as someone who had the natural abilities to engage in energy work. I definitely see now that that is not true and it's so freaking cool.
With all that, on one hand I feel like I didn't get much done this week with Annie, but on the other, what we did do was all really positive and I'm so thankful that I keep coming back to the same horse who is willing, affectionate, and resilient in both body and mind.
All of this brought up thoughts about all of the horses we hear about who "need to be worked every day" or "need to have a serious job."
When I hear that, my first thought is - that horse's needs are not being met.
Why? Because horses were not put on this earth to have jobs. They are not designed to be ridden. They are designed to roam and graze, and be a part of a herd.
So if a horse "needs" to be worked every day in order to be "cooperative" with you, then what I hear is that they likely are not getting enough forage, friends, and/or freedom.
In my experience, when all of those basic needs are consistently being met, you can leave your horse alone for a few days, a few weeks, etc. and they're the same horse as they were before you took a break.
They may not have the same fitness level depending on how long they were out of work, but they're not absolutely losing their minds.
So if you have a horse who "needs" to be kept in work or else they regress in their training or struggle to come back into work, I hope this prompts you to evaluate the rest of their lives to see where their needs may not be being met. Taking stock of and adjusting their lifestyle to meet their needs as horses will set you up in ways that no amount of lessons or training sessions will.
Empowering Observations:
We're all energetic beings which means we all have the power to be energy workers with our horses. I know how pervasive the thought is that you have to be "special" to work with and influence your horse's energy because I used to think that, too. But if you're open and willing to let go of that limiting belief, and you work with others who help you learn to tap into your power in this way, you'll be surprised to learn that we all have these capabilities within us.
If your horse "needs" to be worked every day in order to stay sane, this is your sign to evaluate if their needs are being met. Horses were not designed to be worked for our benefit. They were designed for foraging, experiencing freedom, and being part of a herd. Even though we are not designed the same, if you were imprisoned in solitary confinement with one hour of each day dedicated to exercise, of course you're going to go come to rely on that one hour, so taking that away when your other needs are being met will take its toll on you. The horse likely feels the same!
Things I'm Loving This Week
Pivo technology! I've personally had one of these pods to record my work with Annie for over a year now, but this week I was reminded how great it is that they also allow me to meet with students and their horses for live virtual lessons. You attach your phone to the pod, fire up the Pivo+ app, and the pod swivels your phone to track your horse. They're relatively inexpensive for what you're getting out of it even though they can be a little quirky (they don't love the bitter cold!) but if you're looking at one, I certainly recommend going for it whether you just want it for yourself or if you want to meet with trainers or professionals who aren't in your area.
With all of the mud we're living in, I'm super thankful that a while back my farrier pointed me to Life Data Hoof Clay as a great way to treat and prevent thrush. Rather than being a liquid or powder, the non-caustic clay can be pushed into the foot wherever you need it and really clings to the hoof. That being said, make sure the foot is dry before applying or else it won't be able to stick as well! I like to either pick Annie's feet first and then apply the clay last thing after grooming her so her hooves have dried, or I pick her feet, work her in the arena, and then apply before turning her out again so that the arena dirt helps dry her feet out.
Equestrian Reflection
Journal Prompt: The things I can do to maintain or improve my relationship with my horse are...
Some of the things I can do to maintain my relationship with Annie are to continue incorporating what she enjoys into our routine, especially as we come into spring and are coming into the time where I can hand graze her. I can also continue to intentionally make time to simply play with her as well as continuing to schedule time to offer her energy + bodywork to support her physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Affirmation: It is safe for me to spend my time with my horse doing things that they love.
Equestrian Oracle
Theme for the Upcoming Week
Take Your Time
Where in your life are you forcing yourself to achieve something in a specific timeline? You are being so strict and hard on yourself because you have decided that this thing must happen by a set date, and if it doesn't happen, it might mean that you have failed. Failed because you are lazy, unorganized, or perhaps you just aren't disciplined enough?
This is complete BS. If there is something in your life that you feel like you have to push, force, or make yourself do, that is simply feedback, you need to take a step back and take your time. There is a reason you are feeling some resistance in this area, and it's time for you to face that shadow.
It is safe for you to address your concerns, focus on enjoying the present moment and know that it is completely okay to take your time.
*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!