I have had an amazing couple days with my babies.
I rode Bacardi on Sunday and worked on calmness and being a good citizen in the arena when other horses are working. He spent quite a bit of time throwing his head around and generally having a temper tantrum for not getting his way. Baby horse got to canter and jump and he had to walk or trot over poles and jumps and STOP after. Not just run off and pull the reins through my hands. Once we got calm and worked on schooling our halt and NOT blowing off my aids, he got rewarded with a nice walk out the pump house on the property and back to the barn.
Today after having an unexpected day off for some auto repair, I went out and rode my big girl. It was a pretty short ride, but we made it REALLY successful and was able to do some walking pole work in the outdoor arena and working on focus and confidence. She seemed very anxious about what was going on outside of the arena. Horses coming in, cars on the road, etc. But we were able to work on walking calmly, not trotting off because we were anxious, not balking or backing up. Walking over poles really seemed to give her something else to focus on. All in all it was a very successful ride and I was pleased.
These two are in VERY different places in their training, but it feels amazing when I get to have breakthroughs with them! With Bacardi I am really working proper equitation and him being less… rambunctious… and minding me instead of having a baby brain. Ruffi and I are really working on her confidence and attitude. Lately she has taken to testing me to see if I REALLY mean what I am asking for. She also has seemed to regress in her confidence and so we are working on having faith in each other. I have to trust her if I expect her to trust and have confidence in me.
It means I am doing something right. Even being an adult ammy with a lot of help. I have several amazing friends who are willing to help and coach me through things when I am struggling. It is MASSIVLEY helpful as I know I don’t know everything.
This journey of brining these two along is my life’s work. It bring me joy and gives me focus, especially when I feel like my other life goals outside of horses are stalled. It can help having successful rides with my kids when I have anxiety about other parts of my life. They are a balm for my soul.
Happy Riding!
A+B+R