By Kathy Schmidt
This summer, I've been reminded of the old saying, "Variety is the spice of life." It is so true, not only for us, but for our horses as well. Variety can keep us from getting into a rut with our ground work and riding. Variety can help a worried, grumpy, bored, or complacent horse become a willing and eager partner who meets you at the gate wondering, "What are we going to do today?"What brought this up? During the dark, cold evenings or rainy weekends in the winter months, I often just do the chores and 'fool around' with my horses if there's time. When I started to ride more this spring, I had a grumpy mare. Hazel did not want to march into the arena and 'behave' during a lesson. We had gotten stuck in a rather boring routine - all work and no play. We needed to have more fun!
We started watching the kids. They are so imaginative and their horses are happy and willing! I decided to be a like a kid and try something new every day. Sometimes I'll copy one of their activities and other times we just ride around, using whatever 'obstacles' are available.
We found jobs - on line and riding. Jobs give a common focus - your horse is not working for you, you're working together. Find a real job, let the herds out or bring them in (the bonus - 8 to 10 gates to practice with a purpose!). Take your horse along on-line while pushing the wheelbarrow and cleaning up. You can even make-up jobs like checking the fence line and pretending to fix it (Thanks Mary M.).
We went rail riding or walking. We use the Discovery Trail, Robin Hill, or other trails within a short distance. It is fun and refreshing. You can even take a walk around the farm.
We took risks. Nothing dangerous, but challenging, like the scary teeter-totter or working at liberty.
We joined as many group lessons and activities as possible like the Sunday Cow Working and Adult Lessons. That way, we can try something new in a safe and supportive environment. There's always so much to learn from Mary as well as watching other students with their horses.
Recently, I had just finished a great lesson with Mary. We were talking about how much fun Hazelnut is now and how far she has come. I suddenly realized we had been at Freedom Farm for ten years. We have two healthy, happy, safe, and versatile horses and are still learning and improving every day. Just this month, I've done ground work, herding horses, jumping lessons, a dressage lesson, cow working, and gone trail riding all in the same week! It's been an amazing journey, thanks to the opportunities and support we get at the farm.
Thanks Mary and Jerry - Freedom Farm is the best!
(Originally published August 2013)
