I've always maintained that it doesn't matter at all to me whether I train my horse or someone else does. The relationship with the horse matters and having good rides matters, but how we get there is a non-issue.And that's still true--I mean, the horse I loved the most came to me broke-to-death at 17 and we had a glorious two years together.
But lately, Courage has impressed me. He's learning a lot. He's trying hard. One day, we'll get somewhere cool (2nd level?) and I'll be able to say that I did almost all his training myself. I don't mean to downplay the fact that he has had trainer rides, but he's never been in a regular program with anyone other than me.
In the past year, it really has been all me. My dressage trainer has sat on him twice.
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| August 2013 |
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| September 2015 |
For as much as I've always said that I didn't care, it actually feels really good to be able to say that I did this myself.We have a long ways to go and a lot still to do. Truth be told, we're just starting to dip our toe in to the hard part of the journey--we're very close to maxing out my dressage knowledge.
Which means a whole new chapter. Together.
I can't wait. <3
This is awesome, so excited for you! :)
ReplyDeleteNow that I've gone through the process with Foster, I will tell you, it *definitely* feels good to say you've done it all yourself. Especially if then a trainer gets on and says it's all correct. That has been one of the best feelings yet.
ReplyDeletePat yourself on the back, you guys look great!
ReplyDeleteWonderful ! :)
ReplyDeleteYou guys are doing so well these days, it's so fun to see! I really like doing it all myself, it's a different kind of rewarding I think.
ReplyDeleteKnowing you made a nice horse yourself is an awesome feeling.
ReplyDeleteYes yes yes on this. Knowing that you've done so much work on a horse and helped them learn stuff and become an overall nice horse is such a great feeling.
ReplyDeleteYep, I love this feeling too!! Making something from the ground up is pretty badass.
ReplyDeleteYou should be really proud of how far you've come with him! It's not an easy thing to accomplish.
ReplyDeleteHAHAHA.
ReplyDeletenothing wrong with admitting how rewarding it is to bring your horse along and we a whole world of possibilities open up - definitely something to be proud of!
ReplyDeleteSo happy you, Courage, and dressage have finally managed a friendship. It's a great sport and any of the training you do will carry you into the jumping arena with maximum skill.
ReplyDeleteYou would notice.
ReplyDeleteBe proud at what you've accomplished. Looking sooo good!
ReplyDeleteSolo & I's dressage trainer is a good friend, who always said, "Adult amateur training is very much trial & error & trial & error & trial & WIN!" (she's also an adult ammy in the big D) As much as I wish I could go back 10 yrs & start over with Solo, knowing what I know now, it was all those errors that taught us both so much about each other & made our relationship so special!
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