The Pit of Despair–It’s There for a Reason

I have had a busy few weeks, unfortunately very little of which involves actually riding my horse. If you’ll recall, in my last post I explained that Bravo would be going to Patrick’s to get some education. If I do say so myself, that is going just swimmingly! It took B about a week to settle in (i.e., he took poor Patrick into the trees every day that first week), but now they are trucking right along, thick as thieves! I’ve been out there 3 or 4 times for lessons on B, which is enough to solidify that this is the right thing to do at the right time. He may stay there a bit longer than originally planned.

I have snuck in one ride on my (daughter’s) pony, Emmi. She is 13 hands of MAGICAL. Oh, how I sometimes wish that I were smaller or she were taller. I need a little bit of Alice’s “Eat Me” cake for that fabulous little mare. And of course, another 6 hours in each day.

I scribed for Lisa Hyslop at the Labor of Love show, which was interesting and educational (scribing always is). Lisa was fantastic to work for and is über knowledgeable about equine anatomy and rider biomechanics, as well as being a stickler for test accuracy (a whole point off for circles too large, transitions that failed to be at the letter, etc.–let that be a lesson to you!). While she judged Training through Fourth level rides, the majority of the day was Second and Third levels and it was like watching dozens of little 6 minute clinics narrated by her. (As a side note, if you don’t scribe regularly–YOU SHOULD!)

But moving along, part of my putting Bravo into a training situation was because I was “done” with Second level, and ready to “get on with” Third level. Watching my horse be professionally ridden, scribing, and talking with Patrick and with friends who are also working on the leap from Second to Third levels has realigned my perspective yet again. For those of you keeping count, this is the 342,109,498th time. I’m sure it’s not the last.

In these ruminations (I LOVE that word), I’ve re-discovered some very astute (and obvious) things. I’m writing them down again to re-remind myself how “wise” I am in my moments of clarity, how much I have to learn from those who are teaching me if I will “listen”, and also to re-read to myself when necessary.

• The REAL point of dressage is the journey, not the false “end points” we place on ourselves (medals, horse of the year, etc.).
• When you can fulfill the directives for each test movement (the ones listed next to the test movement on the actual test sheet that virtually no one pays any attention), you will also be getting the big scores, regardless of the type of horse/movement you are riding.
• Second level, pit of despair that it is, is not something to “finish” so that you can concentrate on the changes.
• Third level is NOT just Second level with changes added in. A whole new level of engagement, collection, and thrust is necessary over and above that needed at Second level.
• The Zen approach: You must not just “get through” Second level, you must embrace and fulfill Second level. You must become one with Second level. You must become best friends with Second level and take it to lunch. Only then, when you and Second level are that intimately involved, will you be ready for Third level.***
• Neither I, nor my horse, has a “problem” with the changes. We are green to the changes and making green mistakes. No one expects Bravo to have a finished change at this stage in the training (nor should they).
• I need to ride with a MINIMUM of 50% more engagement, thrust, power, and connection than I think I do. All the time.

What’s embarrassing is how often I have to “re-learn” these lessons. Or I guess that’s being a bit harsh, it’s not like I forget, I just need to be reminded of what I already know.

So in my “down time” (I literally laughed out loud when I typed that–like a single parent working full time has down time…), I’m catching up on things I often push to the bottom of the list–like this blog.  I’ve redoubled my efforts to find and make a decent loaf of Gluten Free bread (and think I succeeded yesterday). I’m breaking out the sewing machine to work on Ruby’s Halloween costume and spending extra quality time playing with that munchkin. I’m working on the HOY gala for the NCDCTA (oohhh, it’s gonna be good…). I’m running two 5K races in October. The bottom line is, I’m on the right track. In fact, I was never off it. And while there are many different roads to Rome, it’s important to not just focus on getting to Rome, but also enjoying the scenery along the way. Rome isn’t going anywhere, and I have no doubt we will eventually get there.

*** I am struggling with this myself now. I’ve become good friends with Second level this year after being “frienemies” for many years , and we’ve had laughs over dinner and drinks many times. But once I dipped my toes in the Third level pool, I very quickly realized where I had short-changed Second level. So I’m repairing our friendship, as it were, so that the next time I cheat on her I don’t have to come running back with my tail between my legs.