MEETINGS & BLESSINGS

A MEANINGFUL MEETING

If you have been reading along with our “training journals” you know that: 1) Horses teach humans just as humans teach horses. 2) Inspiration happens when you least expect it. 3) True horsemanship translates to almost every horse. 4) If you put the “Good” out there, real blessings come back to you.

Well today we had one of those blessings. When you meet a true “student of the horse” it impacts your own journey. Helps you to look at this Art we love in new ways and usually creates a new friendship in the process. Sharing some laughter is almost always part of the experience as well.

We met another “student of the horse” and it was pretty darn cool.

Cearra was the reason for said meeting. This horseman was interested in her. The journal was really read, the videos watched and good communication happened. This horseman knew exactly where Cearra was at in her development and was ready to work with her. Positive beginnings!

The first meeting between New Human (in Cearra’s mind) and Cearra went well. Lots of the ‘getting to know you” actions happened like touching, talking, scratches, picking up feet and so on. Then we did some basic groundwork to show New Human what we have worked on and how we warm up before a ride. Then the New Human got in the pen and they did great. They worked out the differences in “conversation style” when Cearra communicated her unease how a particular request was done - New Human adapted quickly -  and then were off and doing great. New Human adapted quickly in the conversation, rewarded quickly and had a really great energy that Cearra responded to. It was inspirational and educational to watch!

Then it was time to ride. We saddled up and rode her for a bit to show how we cue and what we have been working on up to this point. Then we switched saddles (Hew Human had a real nice Dale Chavez that fit like a glove) and even tried a breast collar (we did not have one for Cearra so this was a first). New Human quickly adapted to Cearra and they did some pretty nice work together. At one point Cearra thought she was done and “tested” New Human’s seriousness on the matter of continuing to ride. A small crow hop offered up by Cearra led to a quick correction and some hustling of feet in small circles. Cearra understands that correction type and was very much “message received” with her New Human and they worked some more. A couple of thing stood out to be put on the “will work on that” list but overall they were smaller things that just need to focused on during training sessions as they really are the last vestiges of her old reality. Again, it was really cool to witness and (for us) very inspirational. Add to the fact that they looked really nice together was a bonus.

At the end of the day it seemed they really liked each other. At the end of the day WE liked them liking each other. In fact this was the best fit we had seen since this journey began. Seems New Human felt the same way and offered to help her on the next leg of her development. We agreed. Cearra has a New Family and New Home (we got to see lots of pictures of it…WOW…lucky horse) and headed home that day!

So, one chapter ends and another begins. We made a new friend in the process and we got inspired too! We feel good in our hearts and spirits that this was the match Cearra was supposed to have at this point in her life. She’ll be loved and guided to new levels of skill and understanding. We could not be more pleased. Yes, it is hard to let them go but when you meet a true “student of the horse” like this you know it was meant to be.

What’s Next? Well, we are taking a serious break from “project horses” for a while. Life has placed some new opportunities and challenges on our trail and we want to devote the time and energy needed to meet them head on. So we will focus on taking Ronan and Argent to new levels through clinics, workshops and lessons this year. There are some great equine professionals we hope to work with during 2017-2018 and now we can do just that.

Thanks for reading and being a part of this journey!