Have you been classed as horse-mad for part or all of your life? Can you think, dream, smell, see, and hear horses wherever you go? Sometimes getting to the point that you have your own horse isn't so much about the riding but the connection you have with them.
You might get to a point with your horse that you don't ride as much and there could be many reasons for this. Maybe you don't want to, maybe you have had a fall or something has scared you or your horse. You just aren't as confident as you would like to be and this is having a knock on effect on yourself, possibly your horse and the relationship you have with him/her.
You start to feel like you are letting your horse down, they deserve better than you, you aren't good enough for them.
You feel like you are letting yourself down as you should be able to do this.
You are feeling self conscious, concerned about what others are saying about you, your riding and your horse.
Your expectations, and or other people's expectations are effecting your mindset. You can never seem to get there, always falling short of that goal, that aim, that expectation. This also means you start to feel like you aren't good enough.
So how do we manage these feelings, these expectations so we don't forget how much we just love our horse, the connection and the fun of riding?
Photo of Tiegan and Gigi by Kim Jackson
First, you need to ask yourself; what do you actually want - do you even want to ride? What do you want from your horse? What is important to you and what do you think your horse would enjoy? Where do you feel most at peace, most connected and happy?
Secondly; how can you get there?
Thirdly; what are the possible obstacles that could get in the way?
Fouthly; how can you be ready for those obstacles and make sure they don't have a negative impact on you or your horse? Don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
Last but not least; lets get started!
It is easy to get caught up in all you 'should' be doing until you really ask yourself, when are you and your horse the happiest and what do you really want from this partnership. This can make everything so much clearer and allow you to focus on what is important to you. This is your choice, in consideration of your horse and allows you to feel free to focus on what is the most important of all...that connection.
Whenever you are feeling overwhelmed with all you have to do, go back to basics and just take time to groom, sit in the field whilst they are grazing, go for a walk, in hand, anything that means taking a step back, taking your time, breathing, connecting and allowing your senses to be full of everything that is your horse. They will enjoy this peace and calm and so will you. Having a horse is not all about competing or riding as much as you can, it is being with the gentle soul of the horse, who allow us to be with them and enjoy our company when we just stop and live in the moment.
Enjoy some peace, filling yourself with gratitude for all you do have x
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