So earlier this week I had a little party about how my professionally-trained-for-years horse was acting like a professionally-trained-for-years horse. That even though he’s a little out of shape and out of a consistent program, he’s still a super capable steed with lots of buttons that can Do The Things. Because while I know it’s pretty normal for a trained horse to remain trained (especially one with his disposition), I’ll never stop being giddily grateful for my shmancy pony.
We had our first lesson since August this week, meaning we jumped for the first time in 3 weeks. I certainly didn’t ride at the level that I was at during show season- my muscles are much weaker, I was cursing out my trainer while doing our no-stirrup work, and our turns were…creatively angled. But Frankie packed me around cheerfully, adjusted his stride promptly when asked, jumped cute, and was overall an absolute prince for me. Seriously, I could gush about how great he was for hours.
But I won’t. Because today I want to give myself some kudos.
I arrived home from my lesson beaming from ear to ear, and told my fiance all about how great Francis was, how the jumps stayed around 3′ but that was kinda a welcome step back since I’m so out of shape, and how glad I am to have a horse that can take care of me when my riding is decent-not-awful-but-definitely-not-great.
And then he reminded me- only about 3 years ago, jumping 3′ was my white whale. It was my hump that I had never conquered in all my years of riding. Counting up my years in the saddle, it took a solid 10 years to get to the point of jumping 3′ with any sort of consistency. And because he is a lovely person, he gave me a big hug and told me how he thought it was pretty cool that something that had been a mental block for so long now feels easy enough to be a step back. He was there when I got back in the saddle, he was there when I jumped my first 3′ jump with Addy, and he was there when I came home from a show with a ribbon from my first ever 3′ division. He has many clear memories of my endless monologues about the journey to 3′. He’s been there for every move up over the past few years and he’s cheered for all of them.
So yeah, he reminded me to give myself some grace. I’ve been kinda disappointed about stepping back after being on such an incredible trajectory for the past few years. I needed that reminder to consider the bigger picture, and give myself some credit for the progress we’ve made instead of being glum about what we’re not currently doing. Because what we’re doing is still really cool.
Thanks for bearing with this remarkably self-indulgent post, and we’ll get back to the pony-indulging posts shortly. We all know that Francis is the real MVP 😉
That is amazing! I think it’s important to look at ourselves now and then to remember how far we’ve come – just like we do for our horses.
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For sure, it’s MOSTLY Francis but I need to remember to give myself some credit too haha
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I love this! When you’re super ambitious and always focusing on your next goal, it can be hard to remember how far you’ve already come. But that progress is important to remember (and to remember that progress is not always linear, and it’s okay to sometimes take a step down/back for a period of time).
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So true! I definitely needed that reminder, it’s easy to forget!
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Heck yes to all of this. Especially the fact that you have such an amazing man in your life who can help you step back and realize how awesome you are! Crazy that it’s only been a few short years since that height was your white whale. ❤ =)
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Dude he’s the actual best, for realz. I’m one lucky girl ❤
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You’re sure marrying the right guy. I say this having been married for 25 years to someone who still asks me about my rides. It really matters having someone who gets it, even if they aren’t into horses themselves. Nice job on cruising 3′ as well!
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It’s so amazing to have him not just tolerant, but actively supportive of the whole thing ❤
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You’re village is the best. Between Francis and Buddy Fiance, (and all the barn fam, duh) you’ve got a great support system. You’re still killing it, even if you’re on a semi break.
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Literally the luckiest person with the best fam ❤ ❤ ❤
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When I pat Cosmo and say good boy after a good round, trainer always says “Good Carey.” Don’t forget to give yourself a pat.
It takes two to tango 🙂
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I love that!!! What a great reminder 🙂
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