Sunday 8 April 2018

Not A Unicorn

Aww, turns out Sovie isn't a perfect unicorn after all! :) We've had some pretty yucky weather so she's been in at night and only out in a small round pen during the day, so she' got a bit of excess energy right now! The barn owner told me she was a bit naughty to handle this past week, and I got to experience a little drama too. She's been out for a couple more walks and had her feet trimmed too - all very exciting for her I'm sure. She's very, very good, but the 2 second attention span combined with a bit of boundary testing keeps it real. Farrier was like " She's really sweet, but a bit of a drama queen, yeah?" Yep, I think so :) She's just feeling good and a bit more confident in her new home, which makes me happy.  Fingers crossed it dries up a bit and she can go out in her big paddock more regularly.

Still looking a little like a unicorn, tho.

Despite all the great things happening right now (job promotion, 4 day work week coming soon, NEW PONY!) I've really been struggling mentally, particularly with my riding. News flash: Bridget is also not a perfect unicorn! And I am not a master unicorn rider/trainer either :) We have gone through some really rough patches before, but I've had EC around to help keep me encouraged and motivated (and to also trade horses with temporarily when I'm feeling like I need a time out from pony drama). Being on my own a lot more, it's a lot harder to be positive and motivated when the rides aren't fun. Because we are in the mother of all rough patches right now. The forward into contact is broken...again. The work ethic from the winter is gone. And I don't know if I have it in me to keep repeating this same cycle over and over. Quitting is not something I'm great at, though.

Sleeping and eating is more her speed.

I've had a few long chats about my future plans and goals these last few months and I think I need to have a few more. I've recently been gently reminded that I'm maybe not as bad at this as I think...that just maybe Ms B is not meeting me halfway and maybe she would even like a different job. Maybe that this isn't the greatest fit anymore. Which, is not the first or last time I'll probably hear that with her, but it's the first time I'm feeling defeated enough to consider it seriously.

So, you'll have to excuse me while I drag out my western saddle and spend some time on the trails pondering. There are of course so many ways forward, and it always seems like some nice days on the trail are just the ticket for letting go and visualizing next steps.
Lots of grooming required right now too! They are both shedding like crazy. I've also been busy researching nutrition, Sovie arrived a little thin and tucked up which I attributed to her journey, but it's been a couple of weeks now and I think she could look better.






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20 comments

  1. I think everyone is having some form of "horsey/pony drama" they are going thru. I am going through it now as well, and it's not fun. :/ Sometimes I just wanna throw my hands in the air and sell the horse and be done with it.

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    1. I keep reminding myself that every horse partnership will have it's struggles, and progress is made through hard work. Look at how far you've come with your lovely Annie!

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    2. Oh for sure - everyone has "something" :)
      It's ok to be frustrated and stomp your feet around a bit. I am grateful to have an equine partner who isn't *too* crazy, lol!

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  2. It is a well known fact that Unicorns have a streak of spice. Now I’m hinking that Buttercup would be a great name (Princess Bride). I too am dealing with mare drama- honestly it would just be easier if she did the thing rather than testing, testing, testing. Sigh.

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    1. I get the feeling Sovie is a lot sharper than B, and more willing. So the testing happens, but then she's like "Yeah, OK, I'll do it your way" Fingers crossed she stays like that! B is so many good things, but the constant testing she does drives me nuts some times :)

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  3. This might not be the most popular opinion and I'm certain it doesn't go for everyone, but I probably learned the least and had the least amount of success (and fun!) with Gav when he was in full-time training, or any sort of pony bootcamp. It fried his circuits, and to be honest, it fried me as well. Maybe trail rides are just the ticket to get you and Bridg reconnected. I don't think there's anything wrong with taking a step back to reset. :) Damn ponies! They can be a huge source of happiness and pride, but also frustration.

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    1. I'm drawing similar conclusions - we were doing quite well this winter I think because I mixed it up a lot and honestly, I am a lot less demanding than my trainer. That's a bad thing when I'm progressing super slowly on a horse than could handle a bigger challenge or making compromises I don't need to, but I'm starting to think it's a good thing with Bridget. We had day 1 of reset yesterday and it was lovely :)

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  4. There are many of who have gone through doubts about our partnership with our horses, so know you’re not alone! It’s obviously a hugely personal decision, so just take the time you need to make the one that feels right ❤️

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    1. She's certainly saying "No" too often and I need to respect that. Lots of thinking ahead!

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  5. Oh my, judging from the comments and also my last post, I'd say several of us are going through very similar things. Hang in there and definitely head out on the trails. That's one of those places that re-inforces my love of horses.

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    1. I love my trail rides too, definitely a happy place! Fingers crossed everyone with the same struggles can get a nice reset!

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  6. I find time on the trail always provides the best answers <3 You'll find the right path for yourself and the horses with a little time!

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    1. Thank you <3 I foresee lots of trail time in our near future!

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  7. aw i'm sorry to hear you feel a bit demoralized. i hear ya tho. and pulling out the western saddle for some low pressure hacking sounds like a great alternative while you sort through your thoughts. you *are* good at this whole riding thing tho, and you *have* done a very nice job with Ms B. whether the future includes continuing to pursue that path, or deciding otherwise, you've got plenty of options and ability!!

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  8. awww i think trail rides on B will help it has been a long winter for us all. I think Sovie will settle right down in a bit. I bet there is a unicorn horn under that forelock:)

    I havent ridden since the show so I am a bit on the downs too. Just too much to do and too little time with Mark moving away.

    And the fact that it still feels winter here does not help!

    B looks adorable eating while lying down. her fave sport for sure :)

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  9. I’m also going through this right now and had a rough ride last night. I hear you on being frustrated when you don’t feel like they like their work or are motivated to continue. I would love to mix it up and can’t wait until I get to the new barn and can do just that!

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  10. They may not be unicorns and life might not be a fairytale but I think you are handling all the new things well and both ponies are fab too

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