After writing of a break-through with Mandi the other day, I need to write now of the deleterious consequence of such break throughs; i.e. my irrational leap to equate progress with utter and complete transformation. The leap translates into riding that is centered on my own expectation and assumption rather than on how my horse truly is in the world. Mandi developing the ability to trot with rhythm and swing in a lower frame doesn't mean her conformation has suddenly changed into that of a warmblood and her energy and mind into that of a draft horse. But I seemed to lose sight of those simple realities this past week, to Mandi's frustration and my disappointment in myself.
The reality is Mandi has great heart, potentially limited soundness, endless try, and a running horse frame and movement. I need to honor all of these facets of my mare, and not privilege one to the neglect of another, or the integrity of our partnership will be damaged.
So this week we're going back to simple walk, trot and canter work that focuses on relaxation only. That's worked for us for almost a year now. This afternoon, I'll find out if her year with Dr. Jekyll can trump two rides with Mr. Hyde.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment