Got Trainer? August 27, 2007
Posted by kimayars Arena Work (Horse)
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Today was Ray’s lesson day, and we decided to work on his anxiousness. He will allow me to mount, but then he takes off, almost as if he’s waiting for me to smack him or something. No doubt, this is dangerous. One day I won’t be ready, or he’ll go a direction I’m not expecting and the next thing I know I’ll be on my way to the emergency room.
One thing that our two fiesty little girls have given me is patience. I put that into play today.
It was over an hour of setting him up to be ridden, walking around with him. Patting him, letting him relax, then taking him for a walk. Just letting him know that nothing severe was going to happen to him. Everything was slow, carefully controlled, and when he got tense, reassuring him that it was okay.
About 45 minutes in I got to the point that I could lead him to the mounting block, step up, and lean into the saddle. At first he braced, then he pushed back into me. That is a huge sign that he’s accepting what’s going on. 15 minutes later I was able to put my foot in the stirrup, set myself in the saddle, and still keep a loose rein while he stood there. It was a huge milestone.
This is why I have a trainer/instructor. She helps me stay on the right path, helps me stay the course, and gives me enouragement when I think it’s time to give up. I think no matter who you are or what sport you are in, a trainer can do wonders. For me, she’s that person who can help me squeeze out that little extra 10 or 20%. For example, today it wasn’t about strength or endurance, but instead about finesse. She helped me refine my skills to be firm, but delicate. I got that much more out of Ray because of her. If I were on my own, we wouldn’t have made it as far as we did today.
Think you’re good? Get a trainer. You can be better.
I know now that someday Ray will be something fabulous. He’s talented, athletic, and has a personaility that couldn’t fit me any better. And with my trainer by my side, we’ll go far!
When we were done today, I hung around to watch my friend ride her drop-dead gorgeous Arab. While I did, Ray groomed my ponytail. It was a perfect end to a great morning. Of course, now I have horse snot in my hair…
Comments
I second your message on how much trainers have to offer us.
“Three cheers to the trainers!”
I never would have become the yogi I am today if I didn’t have great teachers helping me stay on track & giving me the extra push when I needed it. I only hope my mentorees say the same about my skills as a garden mentor/trainer/coach.
btw: is Ray Arabian (at all). They can be so skittish!