Horesy related stuff and TMI
Went to the Horse Expo this weekend. It felt like coming home.
Some of you know, some of you don't but I was almost killed nine years ago due to a horse related accident. I had to sell my mare, I just couldn't ride anymore. It wasn't her fault, or anyone's fault really. I was on the ground when it happened. Which is probably why I got hurt. I have always felt safe ON a horse but on the ground things can be so much more dicey.
But this weekend with the familiar smell of horse manure and the cadence and rhythm of a dressage test or a jumping exercise I felt almost good about it.
I listened to educated clinicians talk about stuff like, roundness and scope, impulsion and forward. And I nodded along because I got it, you know. You never really forget shit like that. I saw when a green TB off the track found a simple distance too short and popped a little X. I explained to my girlfriends little eight year old (and mine as well) how an oxer works and that it encourages roundness and bascule. Noticed when a half pass was less then perfect (not being critical mind you, just was aware) I found myself talking to horsemen with the ease and familiarity of family. Because it is a family of sorts, one that I have been excommunicated from. My doing mind you. They can't take away your horseman's lifelong membership card, not really.
So there is this ache in my heart. I miss it. Like coffee, or alcohol or well, in Dean's case....pie. I am not quite sure where I am going with this, or if I am going anywhere with this but I am at least thinking about it. Maybe sneaking off for one lesson. Just one. See if I can put my foot in the stirrup again.
I don't know yet, but I feel like I have taken a step. I may not take another till next year's expo. I am not expecting too much. I am not expecting anything really.
Some of you know, some of you don't but I was almost killed nine years ago due to a horse related accident. I had to sell my mare, I just couldn't ride anymore. It wasn't her fault, or anyone's fault really. I was on the ground when it happened. Which is probably why I got hurt. I have always felt safe ON a horse but on the ground things can be so much more dicey.
But this weekend with the familiar smell of horse manure and the cadence and rhythm of a dressage test or a jumping exercise I felt almost good about it.
I listened to educated clinicians talk about stuff like, roundness and scope, impulsion and forward. And I nodded along because I got it, you know. You never really forget shit like that. I saw when a green TB off the track found a simple distance too short and popped a little X. I explained to my girlfriends little eight year old (and mine as well) how an oxer works and that it encourages roundness and bascule. Noticed when a half pass was less then perfect (not being critical mind you, just was aware) I found myself talking to horsemen with the ease and familiarity of family. Because it is a family of sorts, one that I have been excommunicated from. My doing mind you. They can't take away your horseman's lifelong membership card, not really.
So there is this ache in my heart. I miss it. Like coffee, or alcohol or well, in Dean's case....pie. I am not quite sure where I am going with this, or if I am going anywhere with this but I am at least thinking about it. Maybe sneaking off for one lesson. Just one. See if I can put my foot in the stirrup again.
I don't know yet, but I feel like I have taken a step. I may not take another till next year's expo. I am not expecting too much. I am not expecting anything really.