I have gotten into a “groove” as the trainer tim says. Actually when I think of that word, I have flashbacks into the nipit from Christopher Reeves’ book, about his riding accident atop his horse; Eastern Express. Christopher says he had really gotten into a “groove” with his horse. Ultimately suggesting that the team that had been formed, had been really moving along, having successes in their work together. It’s bittersweet to think about “groove.” Because it’s so easy to fall out of it, and then the stumbling that occurs when you miss a step and hit the wall. For Ink and I, it’s a groove that we are in. But a shallow one at that. If he steps outside of the groove, he will be gently helped back into position, along with myself. We take each-other lightly.
Riding yesterday was a lot of fun. I didn’t have a lesson, but I rode both Ink and Errika. The miss first and then Mr. Handsome. Errika was her old self. I can’t say much more about how she is under saddle, she’s how she’s always been; speedy, hot, spirited, sensitive. You get the idea. She is mentally stronger than that OTTB Art I rode on Monday, but she can be a ball of hot nerves if your not careful. So again, as like with Ink, Errika and I take each-other lightly. I have developed my approach through experience with her. With Ink, I am still green at his ways. Although he is a pretty easy going fella, you can push him, challenge and all without much fuss. Like I’ve said earlier, both my horses are like day and night. It’s really a good thing for me as a rider. I get teachers on hooves, like a fluent french teacher and a tough gym teacher. Haha, did I just compare Ink to a gym teacher? He would be utterly disappointed. Ink is a very smart man with the looks to match; tall and handsome. Beautiful dark, full mane and tail. He makes everyone melt. The charm, leaves something to behold though. Ink is not really the charming type. To me, yes. To strangers he doesn’t know, no. Another very distinctive trait about him is his strong intuition about people. He’s very, very quick to read you. It’s so interesting and cool to watch him feed off the energy of humans.
Ink stands quietly in the cross ties. A presence is exactly what he has. But as the weak human (emotionally: beholding, dis-honest) approaches, he immediately stands tense, pins his ears and will have nothing of this person. To the un-educated eye in the art of “Ink” this seems unacceptable. Horses should stand quiet, never speak their minds, and never lift a hoof to a human. But what respect do we offer them to keep a silent mind, and a lowered hoof? This person offers nothing. Ink says in his mind as he remains still, ears pinned; ‘give me a break person, don’t be something your not, I cannot understand you, thus you will never understand me.’ Human tries to pet this beast, but he doesn’t want anything to do with it. ‘Stop trying to be sweet to me, I know what you thought, I felt what you were thinking. Listen to me, and learn from what I have to say, because I am a true teacher, I am what those equestrians talk about. I am a great legend. I sell myself short, never. I know who and what I am, but you, you do not.’
All this I write, and feel, but saying it, I don’t get much opportunity, so I can’t really say what I mean it. So many times I wish I could read these things to people to help them understand me better. Certain things you may assume, would be very clear if you only read my writing. Maybe not just to better understand me, but my horses. I really take pride in myself through my dedication with my riding and horses, most importantly the horses. Sure I’ve made my mistakes, but the neat thing about horses is they forgive, not forget, but forgive and I do learn my lesson. Errika let it go when I got so frustrated in riding her, but she never gave up on me. She showed me a different place to go, embraced my true purpose and really helped me understand what to and not to do. When I ride her now, I feel happy, excited, proud, and thankful. Thankful, to have her in my life. I believe in the place behind the horses eyes. Read The Tao of Equusand be embraced. Finally someone wrote it out!! If you can not grasp the concept now, don’t give up, your time will come. But if you don’t even want to consider this, then I can’t say much for you, honestly. There isn’t much I’m very bigot-like with, but this, amazing place that we share with our horses, is something we should truly, at-least, try to understand or explore.
I didn’t ride today, however, because it was raining all day. Errika was moved out of her stall. I feel better now that some of things have been discussed and clarified with the barn owner. But I not yet have what I will assume is ”resolving.” For some odd reason I have a desire, a need, for the barn owner to understand me. I am not a crazy, wild, irresponsible 18 year old. I honestly don’t know what this person thinks of me, but I don’t think it’s really ”me.” Maybe I should just forget about this and move on. I don’t get everything I want.
In the rain tonight, taking Ink back to his pasture in the dark, fixing Errika’s temporary stall in a paddock up front, soaking wet, Matt complains. There is so much complaining, I don’t understand why the optimistic side of things is forgotten? How could you not be happy, even in the dark, soaking wet? I’d sleep with my horses in the rain. Ok maybe that’s taking it a little too far? =D Like Meghan said people are treating horses like commodities, when they are animals.
This is the photo eloquent pic of the week. Titled "Velvet." Errika!
