View from the bench

Is it really broken or are you just hiding carrots in there??

Today was the start of a new chapter in Smokey's life.  Since my failed attempt at vaulting a couple weeks ago, I have unintentionally found a willing rider to keep my horse in shape while I am in a cast (5 more weeks...5 more weeks....not counting down or anything).  A friend of mine called last week and hooked me up with a girl she knew who has experience with young horses.  Now, the reason I said "unintentionally" was because I wasn't actively looking for a catch rider.  This is how I imagined that conversation with said prospective rider to go:  "Hi, I really want you to ride my horse while I am in a cast for 6 weeks because he bucked me off and broke 2 bones in my arm".  Click.  Hello??? 

So, enter Lacy Jinks.  And no, I did not need to beg (or bribe) her to test drive the Big Grey today.  I realized when I was watching her ride that I have not had the chance to see myself or anyone else really work him.  My, how things have changed since I bought the fit racehorse 2 years ago.  He has really blossomed in just a blink of an eye.   

September, 2010

April, 2011

The above show was Smokey's first Dressage show in April of 2011.  Since this was his first outing, my goals were to keep him calm and relaxed, and to have a good experience.  Frame was not a priority, obviously. 

August, 2011

Just 3 short months later, here we have a different looking horse.  He is on the bit.  He is using his topline, allowing him to reach further forward in his front and underneath his hind end.

Next time I watch Lacy ride him, I promise to bring my camera so I can get photos.  He is breath-taking to watch, and his trot work has improved dramatically.  His self-carriage has allowed his long sweeping strides to show.....I was just in awe of him...and then, was quickly reminded that he is just learning when he trips over his own legs!! 

Taking some time off has already been therapeutic for me, and Lacy has helped me see just how far he has come in less than 2 years.  It's important to be reminded of your accomplishments with your horse, and to keep your goals set realistically around you and your horse's abilities.  We riders are competitive by nature, and tend to compare our progress to the progress of others in our discipline (yep, done that), other horses of the same age (oh yeah), other riders of the same age, and on and on.  Check and check, I am guilty of it all.  It has been a challenge not to compare our progress to others, and I have to remind myself that there is no time frame required to complete the Smokey process...and something about how long it took Michelangelo to paint the Sistine Chapel....

I cannot wait for the good things to come, and with Lacy's help, I'll be able to pick off where I left off as soon as the cast comes off!!!  Did I mention that I have 5 more weeks?? 

On a side note:  I just want to thank my Mom and Dad for helping me out, especially my Mom.  She flew out to Kentucky the day after my accident, and helped me tremendously last week by stocking my fridge with easy-to-make foods, feeding all of my animals, and just being great company when all I could do was sit and elevate my arm.  Love you guys!!