Saturday, June 30, 2012

The BIG 5.0.

Fifty followers.

I'm not sure entirely what I expected when I started blogging, but I can say, that I'm glad I did. There have been times that I've struggled with the realization that I've let people "into my head", knowing that I've confessed my fears, failings and weaknesses to the public at large, and worse yet, a small collection of folks who actually know me.

The strange thing about this sense of exposure, is that it's actually kinda nice in the end. It takes a lot of getting used to, yet at the same time, it seems that people are able to have clear expectations and a better understanding of who you are and how you think. Certainly never the intended outcome of this blog, but a nice little side benefit.

So to the 50 people wilfull enough to follow myself and Mr. Moon, I want to say thanks. For understanding, questioning and adventuring right along with us.

Yesterday, coach W had a barn "movie night", which was educational in focus. We all gathered (the regular barn plus the satellite crew) to watch some videos pertaining to horse biomechanics (aka. movement) and the different training styles.

Now we as a barn are taught in a very classical French style. To me, this has never really meant much, as I've sat around oblivious to the fact that there's these rising factions of "rightful" dressage training techniques, and the world is off dividing itself into different parties, all at war when it comes to riding and training.

The competitive world certainly started to open my eyes to this great variety that exists, and how each one applies its methodology. I've often said that I don't like to pick a camp and wage war on the others, without spending some time at least examining each of them. That is the researcher, the scholar in me.

I certainly believe strongly that the classical french way is the best way for myself, and for my horse. That being said, I do think there's methods and training styles that can be stolen from all factions, and put to good use.

After watching the collection of videos, I found myself inspired. The coolest thing, glancing around the room of fellow riders, all whom own a vast variety of type, size, style and experience of horse, was how inspired THE ENTIRE ROOOM was. I mean, literally everyone was watching these horses prance around on the video and wanted to run out to their respective horse and give it a go.

It was awesome. And equally inspiring. You can rev people up, push them forward, with something as simple as a video of beautiful riding.

Yet again I could see this "disease" known as Dressage in action.

I will admit, I had to contain myself from bringing every video home with me and watching it last night. I was equally captivated when H2 gave me a book she had found on creating musical freestyles, where they spoke about this beautiful dance one does with their horse. I too, want to go out there and ride beautifully with my MoonSox.

Inspiration. Belief. Passion. Optimism.

Too bad I have to wait until Monday to express it from horseback.

5 comments:

  1. Oh girl, I think you have more than 50 followers! I follow you, and am not on the google list. There must be more people like me! :)

    You and Moon are doing so well! I love to read about it!

    ReplyDelete
  2. :) Phillipe Karl and his Ecole de Legerete (school of lightness) there are several movies and books by him and his wife. it is the most beautiful riding ive ever seen and its not only done on magnificent horses but simple ponies and horses far less gifted! it gives so much hope to those people whose heart belongs to one of those!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Congrats! I am almost there! I really enjoy watching you and Moon make progress and achieve your goals!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Congrads on 50! Been a followers since nearly the beginning, and I always will be! I luffs my Mooners<3

    ReplyDelete