Happy horse day! Well, for me it is. Sunday is the only day of the week I normally get to visit and ride our horse during the school year. Now, before all my fellow horse people become concerned she is boarded 30 minutes away at an amazing stable with fantastic care. Plus, several ladies ride her a several times a week which is crucial because she is 25.5 years old!
My work schedule has me at school in the evenings and Saturdays, so you can see why I LOVE Sundays!
When I have to skip the occasional Sunday I can feel something different about myself. The term un-grounded comes to mind. Why is that? It’s because being in a barn with loving barn cats, friendly dogs, and horses is heaven on earth. It is quiet, except for the sound of nuzzling noses moving hay around, the pitter-patter of dogs and cats running down the aisle to greet you, and can I say it smells amazing? Hay, grass, leather, and the sweet musky smell of a horse is intoxicating. It is like coming home!
When I am at the barn preparing to ride, my senses seem to be in overdrive. It is like I am taking it all in and becoming a part of the environment. It is great but also overwhelming sometimes.
Today I realized I was more focused on grooming than usual. My mind was not empty but not busy. Brushing the dried mud off my horse’s neck, picking her feet, and feeding her carrots was just happening without thinking about it or other things like: How will my riding lesson go? Are the lessons running on time? How is my horse feeling?
Horses, as horse people know, are unbelievable bio-feedback machines. If you are nervous, sad, angry, or distracted your horse will react in different ways. They may become tense, wary, jumpy, or spook at things more easily.
But, if you are really in the moment with your horse they are more calm, relaxed, and trusting.
Mindful riding is always better than distracted riding. There is no comparison. On the back of a horse the two become one, if you are lucky. You can feel the horse’s hooves touch the ground and they in turn can feel the slightest change in your seat, hands, even your breathing!
My best rides have been when I am purposefully breathing in a relaxed way. I’ve tried to simulate how my body feels meditating while riding. Mindfully focusing on only you, your horse, and what the two of you are practicing can produce the loveliest effect.
When I am not Mindful, trying too hard, nervous, or focused on other things, my rides can be disappointing. But, It is never the horse’s fault. She is responding to my lack of focus.
Find an animal in your life that resonates with you. Observe their behavior. Animals live in the moment! Spend time with your furry friend and see how much more Mindful you may become yourself.
Especially in uncertain times like these, animals can be marvelous anti-anxiety medication.
Gratefully,
Mary