We are entering PRIME riding weather here in the Southland- cooler, less humid, less bugs. Phat Boy is perky and bright eyed, ready to rumble. Tater is literally begging for a job- he waits at the gate every time he hears any of us outside, head up, eyes happy, ears as far forward as they can get- begging, begging, PLEEEEZE!! Come play with ME!!!
And yet... there they sit. Oh, their needs are tended and coats clean, hooves trimmed... but work? Yeah.. not so much.
I need to find some motivation. Set some goals to reach. I used to rely (way way way Back In The Day) on show dates. Every day, I'd look at the schedule and plan-- OK-- "X" amount of time until this show. We still need to work on this, this, and this. This week, we tackle THIS job. It's been ten years since I showed. The thought of showing does not do much for me- right now it is a happy memory of times (long) gone by. Would I show again? ..... (pause while I ponder the thought....)........(hang on... still pondering.....)................. (wait- might have it....)...................(ooorrrrrrrrrr not......)........................................
Huh. If the length of the pause is any indication, I'd have to say probably not. Not like Very Best Friend and I used to. Maybe another avenue, but then again... maybe not too. The shows available where we are currently located are either hunter/ dressage type stuff or .... shoot, honestly I think that is about it. Our other option to socialize with other horse folks is on trail rides where 200 plus people routinely show up. (ACK. Golden Hermit Status rules do not allow me to attend rides with THAT many people.)
I'm not sure which direction to go in.
I do have one goal- that every day this week, at least one of the horses will get worked. Goals for Tater are somewhat easy- he needs education in everything. Phat Boy.... not as easy. It looks the best goal for him right now would be fitness. (He says he HAS a shape- ROUND is a shape and he is beautifully round.)
So help me out peeps. Give me a swift kick in the arse. Help me set some goals and figure out where the heck we are going these days. Cause right now.. I'm a wee bit more clueless than normal!
13 comments:
My only advice is to start out small, with something you can actually live with. Starting out by forcing yourself to work every single day might set you up for motivational failure. See how you do with 3-4 times a week. Chances are your progress will motivate you to try more. Set yourself up to succeed!
I find the one horse a day rule (weather permitting) is a good way to get back in the groove - with me, it's a matter of establishing a habit and once I do that, things are easier. I also use my 15 minute rule when I'm really demotivated (is that a word?) - I can do anything for just 15 minutes, and once I get the ball rolling things seem to move along.
Try thinking of just one thing to do with each horse - could be as easy as learning a head down cue (for the one who does everything), or backing softly in hand, or doing a turn on the haunches or forehand, one slow step at a time, or shortening/lengthening stride at the walk . . . and so on . . .
Good luck - let us know how you do.
I meant "the one who needs to learn everything" . . .
If you are having trouble getting motivated for yourself, how about for the boys? Is there an equine 4H club nearby- do they even do that in the east?
If not, I suggest a monthly goal, and break it down to 4 weekly goals, and then each day do something to work towards your weekly goal.
For example, for Tater, a 1 month goal could involve ground work, like leading anywhere on a loose lead, including sideways and backing. Weekly goals to achieve that could involve walks where he is taught not to dive for grass.
The main thing is to make it fun, so that you'll want to do things with the horses, and to involve the boys- they are never too young to learn about teaching horses.
Get your butt to a dressage show. You would do great. All they want at the lower levels is consistency. That is an easy goal to work towards!
for me , just posting that I needed to get at it seems to help , kind of built in some accountability and started posting my progress
I feel the same way. My guys have been so neglected.. between this excuse and that excuse.
But, they do get their basic care and they look and act quite happy with the world! So, that's good, too!
Mrs Mom--Don't worry--we all go through this. Giving yourself permission not to ride when you don't want to (or work with a horse) actually helps me to feel when I do want to ride. Getting sucked into the guilt thing makes the whole horse deal feel like a burden. I turn mine out to graze on the property, or hand graze or something pleasant and not "work-like" when I'm not motivated.
That said, my kid's desire to ride can and does motivate me to ride. Maybe your kids might be a spur?
And, my horses don't NEED riding--they're broke and can stay unridden for weeks in their big corrals and its just fine. Horses that need training are in another category. I like Kate's fifteen minute rule and her one horse a day rule for that situation. Since young horses really do need work to become broke horses. But it can be a little at a time.
Also, do you have a good, safe place to tie? Standing tied for good long periods is the horse trainers standby. This is how you get them broke without working too hard.
Remember--you're taking good care of them and that's what counts. Don't beat yourself up. You'll be having fun with them soon...its just a cycle we all go through.
You have to ride for me. Queen Estes goes to fat pasture in a few days and I won't be riding (unless it's one of Mom's grays) until April.
Prime riding weather? Hah! That was gone a long time ago around here.
My motivation to ride through the winter is $. A group of us rents an indoor arena for an hour and a half every Sunday, December to March. It's pay in advance. We haul all winter - even if it's below zero. On those days I blanket more than usual, saddle/unsaddle here at home, and plan my work so that she doesn't get wringing wet sweaty.
Maybe you could get someone to ride with you or at least come over and watch! If I was closer I would ride with you. Warm temps would be awesome!!
I like the idea of someone to ride with you - me, ME, ME, MEEEEE - if we were closer, I would so be there for you. I'm dying to climb back on again, but the weather here is way below prime, as in 14*, windy, and oh yeah, let's throw in some more snow (another 2" last night) - so I don't want to hear any whining if you have prime ride time. Go get 'em, lady!!!!
Bionic Cowgirl
Leah- with the weather that looks to be headed towards us (Lord PLEASE let it rain!) 3 to 4 times a week might just be the way to go. 2 days each for each of the boys would work well.
Kate- 15 mins is an excellent idea- thank you!! Phat Boy can't tolerate more than that at this time, so that time frame is perfect for him. And honestly it is about all Tater has the attention span for.
Shirley- Cub likes to ride, and he spends a good bit of time with the horses (when I am out there). Wrecker... well.. his interest comes and goes a bit- kind of depends on how the wind is blowing at the time ;) We started taking walks with Tater a bit last week, and I was shocked at how well he took things in. More walks might be the way to go- thank you!!
OTB- I really really do not know if I want to get back into showing. Its hard to contemplate when my favorite show partner lives across the country now.
FV- I'm hoping that by following your example that posting and keeping folks updated on progress (or lack thereof,) will help too ;) (See.. I may not get to comment much but I do read!! ;) )
Dreaming- Yup, your boys DO look fantastic!! They are so handsome, and you tell such great stories about them!
GunDiva-- Wait-- what??? Her Majesty is going to fat Pasture??? I thought she was going to chill at the Lodge all winter with the herd. Whats up wid dat??? And I'll ride for you. Will get some ear cams for you too.
AK- I think that honestly is a big part of the problem--- there is really no where to ride here on the property, and hauling off is not something we are set up to do right now (no trailer nor truck suitable for hauling it.) I know one lady here I'm comfortable riding with... but honestly? That is about it. I got so very very spoiled riding with my best friend for so many years that finding someone I trust to ride with is difficult.
Hmmm, what about looking around for a few like minded individuals? Kinda start a little group of your own (I'll refrain from going so far as to say "club") Maybe put posters up at a feed store or online?
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