I am updating my blog from Starbucks where I am enjoying a pumpkin spice latte. Yes, I know you can purchase it during the off season, but it isn't the same as when you sip on the pumpkin spice latte and feel the cool temperatures and see the orange and yellow leaves.... I'm going to start off my blog with the bad so we can end on a positive happy note :).
Monday was the worst ride I have ever had. I couldn't do anything right. It was not only frustrating, but discouraging. It felt like I was learning how to walk all over again. What made me the most upset with myself was that I had really improved last week only to hit the brick wall on Monday and totally fail at the riding portion of the class. The beginning of the ride started off great. I was in a superb mood and had my horse tacked and ready 15 minutes ahead of schedule. As we headed off to the field, everything was going fine. The trouble began when we entered the small sectioned-off portion of the field to start our ride. When Chris asked us to trot, it was like I forgot everything. My feet were too far forward. I was humped over like a turtle. I couldn't post if my life depended on it. When Chris asked me to go from a trot to a canter, I couldn't shorten my hold (move my hands up the reigns very slowly and smoothly). My hands looked like they were on a caffeine high. They where going everywhere. When I finally did shorten my hold and took the 2 point stance, I couldn't maintain my balance and confused the heck out of the horse. After the ride, all I wanted to do was hide in a corner. I wasn't mad at the horse, or at Chris for getting upset at me. I was annoyed with myself because I couldn't effectively complete my tasks. After the class was over I went to the NARA exerciser room and worked on my technique.
Last week, I tried to focus on the little things that matter. My basketball coach always told our team that no matter how good we were as an individual, if we couldn't complete the simple tasks of boxing out, hustling, or diving on the floor after loose balls, he would take us out of the game. Chris told me the same thing last week. If your tack isn't on properly, the keepers aren't in their place, the saddle is too far back or too far forward, or the reins are twisted, everything else will fall apart. It is the little details that not only prevent accidents, but make it possible to ride. Chris said if you can't remember the little tasks, later on down the road you will struggle because the learning only gets harder.
After the bad news and the lesson of the week, it is time for the Best News ever. The dragon lady, "Jezebel," has vanished from her lair. She can no longer tear me down and keep me from my dreams. Last Friday she was banished from Area. I am now happier, much more excited to wake up in the morning, and able to ride in peace.
From the Starbucks coffee shop, have a great week and pick up a pumpkin spice latte when you can. It is a great treat this time of year :)
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