Hi, everyone.
We have all hard a great deal about connection as it pertains to training your horse. I’d like to get you thinking about your horse as a beautifully engineered marvel of design, and the true connection in your horse’s body, from nose to tail, from head to hoof.
Here’s a brief overview: your horse’s HEAD is connected to his FEET, from JAW muscles (such as the omohyoidius inside the jaw), which connect to muscles of the NECK (the cephalic muscles, for example), which connect to the muscles of the CHEST (some of which make up the bicep complex), which connect to the FOREARM (the carpi muscles), which connect to the HOOF (via the flexor and extensor muscles and tendons).
Think about it: head to neck to chest to forearm to hoof. None of these parts operates independently. What does this mean? Any tension or imbalance or strain in one part, will of necessity have an adverse effect on the rest of the system. A strain in one area means compensation in another area. Restriction of movement in any area is going to lead to problems, some obvious, some subtle.
The best thing you can do for your horse? Allow him to carry himself freely and in a relaxed way. A tense horse is not using his muscles to their full advantage. Look at your horse when he is moving, and pay attention to how he feels when you ride him. Do his strides feel even or choppy? Do his hooves make the same sound when each hoof makes contact with the ground? How does he carry himself? If you’re not sure what you’re seeing, ask someone you trust to help you. Asking questions doesn’t mean a lack of wisdom, it means that you know enough to know that you need to learn more.
Our horse’s bodies are truly wonderful.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Monday, January 9, 2012
What do you choose to see?
Welcome to 2012
It is hard to believe that time has passed so quickly and January is here and going fast.
We have been working on developing a winter workshop series that actually goes into May and I really hope it is not winter in May. I am really excited about the topics we will be covering. The first one is about being courageous and transforming how you work with your fears. It makes sense that this has developed into a workshop, we have discussed this topic before and now we want to give you some real hands on tools to use. So once again I ask: When do you act courageous? What does it mean to you to be courageous? What about your horse? Would you like to transform your fear into something you can manage?
What would it take for you to create a plan to make a change this year?
That's the sales pitch.....
The other thing I want to talk about today is something that happened before Christmas. Every year I send out an e-mail to my family asking, is there something you would like this year. My father, who is 92, replied that he would like for me to do a blog or something that would let him know more about what was happening in my life, the day to day stuff. I was really touched that someone (even my family) would be interested in my day to day existence. Hard to believe in these times of face book and twitter where so many share so much.
I now find myself looking for the things that have happened in a day or week that would be nice to share. I did not expect that this simple request would change my life. I find myself looking to have more fun in each day. I am looking for great things to happen and they are showing up. Somehow I could not give this to myself before, I have been struggling to respect myself and prioritize the things that are important to me. Even though I am doing this as a gift for my dad, it has become a gift to myself. Look for the good things that are happening in you life and you may be surprised by what you find. What we focus on really does get bigger. What do you want to choose?
Wishing everyone a wonderful new year filled with exciting choices.
Barb
It is hard to believe that time has passed so quickly and January is here and going fast.
We have been working on developing a winter workshop series that actually goes into May and I really hope it is not winter in May. I am really excited about the topics we will be covering. The first one is about being courageous and transforming how you work with your fears. It makes sense that this has developed into a workshop, we have discussed this topic before and now we want to give you some real hands on tools to use. So once again I ask: When do you act courageous? What does it mean to you to be courageous? What about your horse? Would you like to transform your fear into something you can manage?
What would it take for you to create a plan to make a change this year?
That's the sales pitch.....
The other thing I want to talk about today is something that happened before Christmas. Every year I send out an e-mail to my family asking, is there something you would like this year. My father, who is 92, replied that he would like for me to do a blog or something that would let him know more about what was happening in my life, the day to day stuff. I was really touched that someone (even my family) would be interested in my day to day existence. Hard to believe in these times of face book and twitter where so many share so much.
I now find myself looking for the things that have happened in a day or week that would be nice to share. I did not expect that this simple request would change my life. I find myself looking to have more fun in each day. I am looking for great things to happen and they are showing up. Somehow I could not give this to myself before, I have been struggling to respect myself and prioritize the things that are important to me. Even though I am doing this as a gift for my dad, it has become a gift to myself. Look for the good things that are happening in you life and you may be surprised by what you find. What we focus on really does get bigger. What do you want to choose?
Wishing everyone a wonderful new year filled with exciting choices.
Barb
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
The holiday season
Hi, all.
Here we are in the thick of the holiday season. How are you doing? Are you remembering to breathe, and take some time for yourself? I know, these can sound like platitudes, but it is vitally important that you take time to nurture yourself. At this time of year, it is so easy to get caught up in giving everything we’ve got to others, leaving us exhausted, drained, and with little time to enjoy what really matters—our family and friends.
It is easier to be generous to others when we are not running on empty. Allow yourself the time to do what feeds your soul—make a cup of tea, sit with a favorite book, spend time with a friend, two-legged or four-legged. Give yourself a few extra minutes at feeding time to bask in the company of your horses. I find that there is nothing that grounds me more than sitting in my barn, listening to my horses munching on their hay. Their contentment washes over me, and I am at peace.
Here’s wishing you all a truly joyous holiday season, and the best to you in 2012!
Here we are in the thick of the holiday season. How are you doing? Are you remembering to breathe, and take some time for yourself? I know, these can sound like platitudes, but it is vitally important that you take time to nurture yourself. At this time of year, it is so easy to get caught up in giving everything we’ve got to others, leaving us exhausted, drained, and with little time to enjoy what really matters—our family and friends.
It is easier to be generous to others when we are not running on empty. Allow yourself the time to do what feeds your soul—make a cup of tea, sit with a favorite book, spend time with a friend, two-legged or four-legged. Give yourself a few extra minutes at feeding time to bask in the company of your horses. I find that there is nothing that grounds me more than sitting in my barn, listening to my horses munching on their hay. Their contentment washes over me, and I am at peace.
Here’s wishing you all a truly joyous holiday season, and the best to you in 2012!
Friday, November 4, 2011
Weekend plans!
Heading to a two-day Equine Biomechanics clinic tomorrow, taught by Dr. Deb Bennet, a noted expert in the field, with Dawn Jones-Low of Faerie Court Farm. Positively can’t wait!
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Choice
Yesterday, I had a conversation with a friend that complements the ideas of courage and fear. So.. I wanted to share some more thoughts and see what other people have to say on the subject.
I have been working on becoming clearer about choosing what I want and how to move forward to make it happen. This has been challenging for me. Because, I have spent a large portion of my life trying to make other people happy in order for me to be "safe". I am the master of figuring out what everyone else wants so that I can fit in, they will like me, and then I will be safe. (This is childhood stuff that I learned at a very young age in order to survive. Now that I know where it came from I am consciously choosing to change it.)
Part of the process of getting clear about what I want has been about listening to my heart and not justifying everything with my head. This takes courage to overcome my old survival fears. I don't always have the courage to follow what I know is right for me in my heart. I often begin the process of justifying or recycling some reason why I can't do or have what I want and before I know it I have immobilized myself from being able to take any action. I make a decision that feels right for me and then I begin to second guess myself into stagnation as I sort through what the outcome might look like and all the details in between. (not to mention the onslaught of opinions from everyone else) It becomes a mess of made up assumptions about how it won't work; As I slip further and further into the fear (false evidence appearing real) of what might happen if I make the "wrong" decision. The truth is there are no right or wrong decisions. If I don't like it or it doesn't work I need to make another decision and keep moving sooner or later I will create more of what I want if I keep choosing what works for me. It is just like using a half halt, re-balance and take another step. You don't know how long it will last or how soon before you need the next half halt you just keep being in the moment with your horse in as balanced a way as you can.
Yesterday, while I was riding I had a choice to think my aid had not been clear and I was doing it wrong or to say excuse me my aid was clear and you need to listen. The clearer I am and the more I pay attention the more aware I become of the choices I have. My default reaction of "I have done it wrong" is changing into choice. The more aware I become, the clearer I become, the more my horse responds with ease and grace. The more joy I have.
I couldn't see it and I never would have believed it a year ago.
Where can you change a default reaction into a conscious choice?
Choose to create your life the way you want it to be.
Barb
I have been working on becoming clearer about choosing what I want and how to move forward to make it happen. This has been challenging for me. Because, I have spent a large portion of my life trying to make other people happy in order for me to be "safe". I am the master of figuring out what everyone else wants so that I can fit in, they will like me, and then I will be safe. (This is childhood stuff that I learned at a very young age in order to survive. Now that I know where it came from I am consciously choosing to change it.)
Part of the process of getting clear about what I want has been about listening to my heart and not justifying everything with my head. This takes courage to overcome my old survival fears. I don't always have the courage to follow what I know is right for me in my heart. I often begin the process of justifying or recycling some reason why I can't do or have what I want and before I know it I have immobilized myself from being able to take any action. I make a decision that feels right for me and then I begin to second guess myself into stagnation as I sort through what the outcome might look like and all the details in between. (not to mention the onslaught of opinions from everyone else) It becomes a mess of made up assumptions about how it won't work; As I slip further and further into the fear (false evidence appearing real) of what might happen if I make the "wrong" decision. The truth is there are no right or wrong decisions. If I don't like it or it doesn't work I need to make another decision and keep moving sooner or later I will create more of what I want if I keep choosing what works for me. It is just like using a half halt, re-balance and take another step. You don't know how long it will last or how soon before you need the next half halt you just keep being in the moment with your horse in as balanced a way as you can.
Yesterday, while I was riding I had a choice to think my aid had not been clear and I was doing it wrong or to say excuse me my aid was clear and you need to listen. The clearer I am and the more I pay attention the more aware I become of the choices I have. My default reaction of "I have done it wrong" is changing into choice. The more aware I become, the clearer I become, the more my horse responds with ease and grace. The more joy I have.
I couldn't see it and I never would have believed it a year ago.
Where can you change a default reaction into a conscious choice?
Choose to create your life the way you want it to be.
Barb
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Courage and confidence
Let’s talk some more about courage and confidence, especially as it applies to your horse. (Check out cegavt.blogspot.com/2011/07/courage.html) If courage is about overcoming fear, and confidence is not having the fear to begin with, what does this mean to your horse?
Courage in your horse is asking your horse to give a little more, push himself a little harder, try something he hasn’t done before, trust you. Confidence is all about that “look of eagles” that some horses have—they don’t know the meaning of can’t!
What happens when your horse is not feeling courageous, even fearful, about the task confronting him? He becomes tense, rigid, tight. His back may hollow, his jaw may lock up and clamp down, his neck becomes rigid, his gaits lose their fluidity. His muscles will tighten as he prepares to “fight or flee”. What does this mean for his performance?
A horse who is rigid and tight is only going through the motions. He may be technically doing what you ask, but something will be missing.
What is your job in this? What can you do to help?
The first thing, of course, is to know your horse, his personality and how his mind works. Does he thrive on challenges and learning new things? Does he need plenty of time to absorb the new task? Does he get tense, wound up, and have to be pushed/helped through his tension? Or does pushing him make him even more tense?
Some horses are naturally courageous, some are not. You can help your timid horse to be more courageous by first helping yourself to be more relaxed, of course-if you are anxious, you can bet your horse will pick up on it! Remember to center and ground yourself by using three deep breaths to release your own tensions. Ask your timid horse to expand his comfort zone incrementally, whether it’s leaving his herdmates a little farther behind, or tackling a slightly more challenging series of jumps. Praise is always a good thing, as long as you are praising for actual good behavior. And if you feel yourself becoming frustrated, take a break—don’t add to the stress level.
And remember that our horses are so often mirrors of ourselves. Take the time to really examine what’s going on, and ask for help if you need it.
What techniques do YOU use to help yourself and your horse relax and gain courage?
Courage in your horse is asking your horse to give a little more, push himself a little harder, try something he hasn’t done before, trust you. Confidence is all about that “look of eagles” that some horses have—they don’t know the meaning of can’t!
What happens when your horse is not feeling courageous, even fearful, about the task confronting him? He becomes tense, rigid, tight. His back may hollow, his jaw may lock up and clamp down, his neck becomes rigid, his gaits lose their fluidity. His muscles will tighten as he prepares to “fight or flee”. What does this mean for his performance?
A horse who is rigid and tight is only going through the motions. He may be technically doing what you ask, but something will be missing.
What is your job in this? What can you do to help?
The first thing, of course, is to know your horse, his personality and how his mind works. Does he thrive on challenges and learning new things? Does he need plenty of time to absorb the new task? Does he get tense, wound up, and have to be pushed/helped through his tension? Or does pushing him make him even more tense?
Some horses are naturally courageous, some are not. You can help your timid horse to be more courageous by first helping yourself to be more relaxed, of course-if you are anxious, you can bet your horse will pick up on it! Remember to center and ground yourself by using three deep breaths to release your own tensions. Ask your timid horse to expand his comfort zone incrementally, whether it’s leaving his herdmates a little farther behind, or tackling a slightly more challenging series of jumps. Praise is always a good thing, as long as you are praising for actual good behavior. And if you feel yourself becoming frustrated, take a break—don’t add to the stress level.
And remember that our horses are so often mirrors of ourselves. Take the time to really examine what’s going on, and ask for help if you need it.
What techniques do YOU use to help yourself and your horse relax and gain courage?
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Courage
What is courage and what is confidence?
Confidence is knowing you are able to do something, or to figure it out safely and fairly accurately and perform with a reasonable expectation of success.
Courage on the other hand is doing a thing even if you lack the confidence you wish you had.
For some folks, just putting that foot in the stirrup requires great courage, and the send of accomplishment when settled into the saddle is no less exhilarating than for someone clearing a 3' wall in the hunt field.
When we take a next step in our riding--first canter, first crossrail, first horse show--we often find that through the doing we lose a lot of the trepidation and grow in confidence. It takes courage to take the new step, every time.
Look for areas in your life and your riding where you have confidence, look for areas where you need courage, and look for areas yet to be conquered. With knowledgeable supportive help and conscious practice, you can gain confidence where you had none, and courage to tackle areas where once there was only fear.
What is courage? What do you think?
We'd love to hear your stories about you own adventures!
Confidence is knowing you are able to do something, or to figure it out safely and fairly accurately and perform with a reasonable expectation of success.
Courage on the other hand is doing a thing even if you lack the confidence you wish you had.
For some folks, just putting that foot in the stirrup requires great courage, and the send of accomplishment when settled into the saddle is no less exhilarating than for someone clearing a 3' wall in the hunt field.
When we take a next step in our riding--first canter, first crossrail, first horse show--we often find that through the doing we lose a lot of the trepidation and grow in confidence. It takes courage to take the new step, every time.
Look for areas in your life and your riding where you have confidence, look for areas where you need courage, and look for areas yet to be conquered. With knowledgeable supportive help and conscious practice, you can gain confidence where you had none, and courage to tackle areas where once there was only fear.
What is courage? What do you think?
We'd love to hear your stories about you own adventures!
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