I love my horse...

Today I had an absolute break through. I fell in love with my horse all over again.

For those who dont know: I have a 16.2hh deep bay TB exracer. He's 11 years old, a mummy's-boy, and a total comedian. I've had him for 5 years, and he is my heart and soul. He keeps me sain and I know him better than anyone else on earth.

..but lately...

With the outbreak of Equine Flu and the heavy quarentine sitch here in Aus (scary!) there are no events or travelling with horses. Indefinitely. So life's been a bit monotonous. No riding with friends, no hacking out, no shows to plan for. Hum.

So we've both felt a bit sour of late. Our work has felt a bit pointless and lack-lustre.

Anyway, since we cant even have lessons at the moment, I watched a video my mum took of a lesson I'd had a long time ago, with my level 3 dressage coach Barb Vial. I tried to remember everything she said and how it felt to ride then, and decided to try and give myself a lesson 'by proxy'.

I thought, "i'm just going to completely relax and be quiet, and think 'what would Barb say now...?'". She's a brilliant trainer - the horses are so soft and relaxed after a lesson with her. She makes the horses sweet, and the riding easy and joyous again. None of that "push-push-push, forward-forward-forward, jam-your-legs-on-their-sides, business" - which I hate. Just freedom of the horse, softness, and roundness.

It was the best ride I've had this year, I'd say. Will went so soft and supple, and felt forward and more relaxed than I'd been able to get him in ages. He took up the contact with a beautiful round frame and soft mouth, and just floated along in the arena. It was like flying. For the first time in ages, i literally cant wait to ride tomorrow!

I love my horse :)