Suffice it to say we have rented our house out and don't have a place to live. It seems pretty challenging to move this time of year, when everyone and their brother wants to move. Several good options have disappeared under our feet before we can even look at them.
So I'm a bit philosophical. It's going to take some time.
Instead I'm working hard to embrace the now. I'm a nester, miss having my own nest, but you've got to enjoy the place you are. Life does not exist in the tomorrow. It doesn't live in the yesterday. It lives now, and that's the only place joy will be, if I focus on it, embrace it.
Lily and I went out with Stephanie and Cibolo today, she was tender at the trot, so we kept it at the walk. I believe a long warm up and conditioning will help her, but I need to slow it down. Our solo ride on Saturday had a little too much speed. As I researched how to condition a horse I realized that I need to bring her back more slowly, take a few weeks doing nothing but walking.
We had a great time, I can't get over how relaxing it is to ride Lily, how fun it is to be on a horse this broke. At one point on our ride there was a shuddering noise behind a storage building. She stared at it, a bit startled, but kept going. I laughed.
"If I'd been on my other horse I'd be halfway back to the barn," I said.
Stephanie laughed too. "And my horse would be chasing yours," she said.
But because we have a calm horse, everything remains calm.
We worked on a trail obstacle, a large flat rock a lot like the one on America's favorite trail horse. Initially Lily refused, but on the second try we worked through it and she walked right over it. Cibolo required a bit more conversation, but he went over it and snorted with relief at the end. LOL
Lily and I are cleaning up our side pass. I learned to tie my lead rope properly and to use it as reins instead of carrying the separate lead rope. Just all the things that are fun to do.
I brushed her tail until it was smooth, and her coat gleamed. On the trail Stephanie found some flowers. I worked them into her rope halter.
 |
| Lily Two Flower |
I remember the countless times when people have told me it's supposed to be fun.
And now, it is.
10 comments:
Glad you're having a good time in that part of your life - and love the flowers!
I too am having to slow down with my horse Luke who has gotten pretty out of shape from being sick and unridden. He's healthwise better now but needs some muscle put back on. Can't wait to go trail riding!
I've been following for some time, and while I was sorry to see Smokey go, you are right that it is supposed to be fun.
I made the difficult decision last fall to stop riding my second horse, who belonged to my mother, because we just never clicked and she made me incredibly nervous. She is 23 years old and so selling her was not an option (not emotionally for me, either since she is a remaining tie to my mom). She is now simply the companion to my riding horse.
I am glad that you are rediscovering Lily - my boy was retired for many years before I brought him to live with (near) me, so we are having a new beginning ourselves, detailed in my blog.
~ Lara
'Lily Two Flower' fits her perfectly. You should braid some silk flowers in her halter, for reals; she's very pretty in yellow! So glad the horse life is going better; I like your philosophical view on the rest.
Bionic Cowgirl
So, where are you staying now? Are you still in your old place, but being rushed to get out? Staying with relatives or in a hotel? What a stinky predicament. All I can say is trust that everything is for a good reason and in time will work out for the best.
A long time ago my husband and I were homeless. I couldn't see any good in the situation. However, when my parents stepped in and let us stay in their vacation home, and my husband tried to get a job with the State, there was a hiring freeze. The only way they could employ him was as a contractor, which doubled his previous salary, and when they lifted the hiring freeze, they took him on as a permanent employee at a salary range that would have required him to work for the State for 10 years before he would qualify. But they had to pay him the same or more than his contractor salary. So, basically, for a few uncomfortable months of being homeless, we were rewarded with a big raise.
Breathe,
I'm sorry you're having so much difficulty finding a good place to live. I didn't realize so many people are out there renting. I hope you find a great place soon!
I know what you mean about the joy of riding a broke, comfortable horse. My horse is like that and I can't thank him enough for making riding fun, yet still challenging as I try to become a better rider. It is wonderful! I'm glad you and Lily are developing such a wonderful partnership!!
Saw the first post in Reader, and I've got a ton of sympathy for you. The good thing about the market moving that fast is that you'll have a lot of new properties every week to look at. Just grab the first one that will suffice. I'm pretty sure that's what we're going to face in two weeks - we'll get the first house that meets our basic requirements.
So glad you're having fun again!
I'm such a sap. I'm sitting here crying. With joy for you.
I am where you are you and I feel you...right where it counts, my friend.
Our heart horses have found us...and what a journey it has been to get to this point on our horse paths.
We held on...and didn't give up. And the rewards are huge, aren't they?
And yes, I'd like to share my all time favorite quote that I remind myself of anytime life gets tough:
"Bloom Where You're Planted"
And please take a moment to listen to a very special song that has always spoke to me. I hope it speaks to you, too.
"I am exactly where I need to be"
by Amy Steinberg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWcxKehDrxk
~Lisa
Wonderful post. You are such an insiteful good writer. And you are so right, if it isn't fun, why bother.
I'm so happy it's fun for you again. :D
Yep, conditioning needs to be slow. It only takes a month to condition their cardiovascular systems, but it take longer for muscles and ever longer for tendons and bones! Good for you doing the research.
Post a Comment