Something positive
18 July 2010 01:03Today we took Zorro into the school and I did some groundwork with him for the first time in six weeks or so. I cannot express how frustrating it is to have the first summer where the sun shines in the last four years and to have put myself out of action for it. I was worried enough about not being able to move forward in my horsemanship earlier in the year when it became clear I wouldn't be able to go out to Australia last spring. Part of the reason I was happy to be taking Rollo on for training- at least a chance to put some of what I have been learning over the last few years to good use and to develop my skills a little further. Well, so it goes. I can't change that now and I am getting better at a steady rate.
It was really nice to just be able to do something with my horse, even if it was just a bit of leading a few turns and some of the standard backup into turn on the hindquarters and circle to shoulder in to sideways type work. Managing to do some of this with only one hand is an interesting challenge and undoubtedly good for me as you really can't do any of the lead-a-little-with-this-hand-then-push-a-bit-with-the-other thing that is so temptingly easy but typically ends up with you pulling on your horse. It really needs to be all push and a lot more focus and energy from me rather than filling in with a swing of the rope. So in that respect, useful.
It is hard though, watching these bright days pass and being unable to ride.
It was really nice to just be able to do something with my horse, even if it was just a bit of leading a few turns and some of the standard backup into turn on the hindquarters and circle to shoulder in to sideways type work. Managing to do some of this with only one hand is an interesting challenge and undoubtedly good for me as you really can't do any of the lead-a-little-with-this-hand-then-push-a-bit-with-the-other thing that is so temptingly easy but typically ends up with you pulling on your horse. It really needs to be all push and a lot more focus and energy from me rather than filling in with a swing of the rope. So in that respect, useful.
It is hard though, watching these bright days pass and being unable to ride.
no subject
Date: 19 Jul 2010 11:18 (UTC)Glad you're getting out and about at least a bit!
no subject
Date: 19 Jul 2010 22:36 (UTC)