Focused Foundations

I could sit and watch these two all day, (though we all know I've gotta be on the move, move, move most days). I still can't help but take the time to appreciate my charges. I can never forget why I'm here, doing what I'm so fortunate to have the opportunity to do. I am so blessed with every horse that comes my way. Their unique accents, their expressions, their honest personalities. That lip wiggle though. We all just adore him. @tinaboltfan

Got a pretty snap of the fresh harrow, lights, and the orange moon rising before officially playing in the dirt. I only flipped on half the arena lights that night. Otherwise I couldn't catch the moon in this photo. As one of our students said, "It looks like a stadium!". Thank you @shadowglenranch for maintaining the arenas for us!

Around this time last year we got a whole lot more rain. At the same time, I was blessed with the opportunity to give confidence to a horse known for concerns with water. We can see the things in our way as obstacles to be avoided, or challenges to be overcome. The beauty in maintaining a positive relationship based on fairness and trust is that it allows the best qualities of any living thing to shine through. Instead of utilizing punishment that can lead to anxiety and trus...t issues, we listen closely in order to understand whatever the horse or person needs in order to feel empowered, not just to follow us through conquering their fears, but also to lead themselves through. This is how we empower ourselves and others. In order to listen properly, we must always be willing to continue our own path of self growth and learning. Keep in mind that this is not an approach that works for every horse. We all learn in different ways.

This old Thoroughbred was left long forgotten until the rider on his back crossed paths with him. How beautiful seemingly tragic stories can turn out to be, when people step up, work hard, and believe. #thoroughbred #ottb #nighttimeriding #stadiumlights #horsebackriding #beautifulstories #oldbutgold