In Difficultly, There is Opportunity

Let me start off with an apology, it has been entirely too long since I last updated everyone, but oh my do I have some stories for you all! There’s two weekends of shows to catch up on and lots of training and practice to go over. And the best part about this post… Lots of pictures!

Let’s start with Maggie and her progress. At this point right now, I’m really feeling on the same page with her and feel that we’re really starting to build a connection together. A lot of it is me being able to relax and trust her, and her settling down and trusting me as well. Two weekends ago she was a fiery ball of belligerent sass and attitude and I was getting worked up to the point that I was fighting tears the entire time. After the first show I completely lost it and Kelly and Dave had to “talk me off the cliff” I was so distraught.

I ended up giving Maggie the rest of the weekend off so we could both have a mental break from each other and ended up riding Penny instead. Penny is wonderful and even though she had her sticky spots, the rest of the shows went great. Since Penny is comfortable with shows, I was able to trust her, relax, and not worry, and feel that Penny gave me a wonderful lesson in how great these horses can be when you relax and trust them. I was able to walk away from the weekend feeling extremely refreshed and successful, despite my initial frustration.

The past two weeks I really focused on giving Maggie that release and instead of always chocking up on my reins in anticipation of a mistake, giving her the opportunity to make that mistake and then offering a correction. Dave’s mantra has been “Ride the body, not the face” and it really does make a difference. I’m working on slowing down her cadence and showing her that she doesn’t want to put in a lot of work to go fast and get excited, but instead it’s better to go slow and collected. This week I was able to ride at the quintain both directions and get the rings while keeping Maggie calm and relaxed, which is a huge success for her. Today I was able to work on slowing her down and riding her with my seat and not my hands.

And practice has really been paying off! By the end of the weekend, Maggie performed the best she has yet. I was able to canter her both directions during the passes, she ran wonderfully for the dry lance passes and for the quintain, and only has one or two panic moments. I felt so relaxed during the shows, and really felt that reflected into Maggie. Her progress over the last 2 weeks has really astonished me, and once again, I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to work with her. Considering how a few weeks ago, I had to constantly back her and do circles to try and settle her because she wouldn’t stand still; to this weekend, where she was standing quietly and very willing to do what I asked. It’s very encouraging to have good days like that and see that much progress.

Maggie and I after our show. Extremely happy with her!

Tara and I figuring each other out. They just love to put the tallest girl on the smallest horses….

In other new, I’ve been working with Tara quite a bit in armor and Dave has really been pushing us together in preparation for Minnesota. I really enjoy Tara, and Dave has done an excellent job training her. She’s so very willing and ready to work, it’s been really good for my confidence as well. I have high hopes for us together, and really hope we can connect and have a great future together. I’m working on riding one handed in my armor with my gauntlets and it’s such a challenge! Today I felt we did really well and had some good passes. Wish me and Tara Bear luck with our training!

would have to say that the best part about the weekend was my momma being here to visit and getting to see me and Maggie work together. I’m really glad that Maggie and I had such a smashing weekend and now that my mom has seen exactly what I’m doing, my parents will be a little more at ease. I’m still very thankful for their support in my endeavors and am so grateful to them.

Unfortunately, my laundry is almost done, so it’s time for me to finish up this post, but enjoy the pictures and I promise I’ll post twice next week! This will be the last weekend with the whole team here, as we have to split to finish up Sterling and start Minnesota. Love this group of people though! Look how good we all look!

Alright, enjoy your evening everyone! Much love!