If you canter in the arena and no one sees you, did it really happen?
Like the famous “tree fallen in the forest” analogy, does it follow that if you canter in the arena and no one else sees you, did it really happen?
Have you ever had a great day with your horse, just you and your horse? That’s a special kind of magic. Lots of folks get into horses to ride with friends, to show and impress their peers. That’s okay, but even better, is when no one is looking, and your horse just finally figures out what you want. It means a great deal when hard work pays off. It means even more when it’s your horse that benefits from it instead of your ego.
The first time this happened to me was early in my horse career. I’d learnt about flying lead changes and dedicated week after week after week to figure it all out on my less than perfect horse. Then in one special moment, just me and my horse in the arena, it happened. The planets aligned and I got my first, real, communication based, technically sound, perfect footwork, flying lead change. And no one else saw it.
I found myself alone, looking around the arena for anyone that could bear witness to this incredible feat. I wanted validation. Crickets…, no one saw it. And then it began to settle in. The only one to share my success was taking deep breathes inches below the leather saddle I sat in. I began to realize the importance of the connection between me and my horse. No one else needed to share that with me. In fact, no one should.
The truth is, we are human, we want other humans to celebrate with us. But in the act of riding, we become part horse. The only validation we really need is from our four legged friend. There is a special, personal magic between riders who “see” their horse and meet them in their emotions, their spirit, their world. Embrace that magic next time you achieve something great.
Go ahead and tell people later if you want, I know I did, but remember, it’s your horse that really cares, not your friends. Spend some more time with him or her. Bond deeper. You and your horse are on a spectacular journey together.
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