Feel

I have been thinking, I'm actually okay with not finding my unicorn yet. That may sound odd after my posts about horse hunting, vetting and losing. However, while I am still looking, I am getting the chance to ride some other horses.

I cannot even begin to describe, how hugely valuable I have found it riding multiple horses. I would guess in the last three years I have probably ridden around sixty or so. Lots of them were while I was a working student for my dressage trainer, we were based out of a few different barns which meant there were lots to get ridden. I have also sat on quite a few at the Horse Rescue when I was volunteering there, then also at at a neighborhood riding school. Plus a few tourist type trail rides in the Colorado mountains.

Each of those horses were different, their movement, their response to cues, their training level and their personalities. I credit these amazing horses (and fantastic instructors) for helping me to begin to learn feel and timing. I may still be a long way off being polished, but I am at least on the path.

Whether I was simply walking a horse under saddle to warm them up, trail riding or having an intensive lesson, they have all taught me something. How lucky I feel, to have had the opportunity to ride them.

I have to end by saying, what wonderful beings horses are. To allow us to sit on their backs. To trust us to tell them when, where and at what speed they should go. A special animal indeed.