| |

Leave Impatience Behind before Stepping into the Saddle

Sweat drips down your back as you walk to the corral.

Horses take one look at you, turn, and walk away.

Frustration forms before you even catch your horse. It’s been a long day. Or you woke up tired.

Why even ride today? It’s hot and I’m tired.

So, why do we ride? Because horses are like oxygen––we have to have it. We have to step up and step on. We have to breathe in our horses because it’s what we do. It’s how we survive some days. They are as much a part of us as our husband, mother, father, children.

That’s why we need to leave our impatience on the ground before we step into the saddle. Or we may land on the ground ourselves.

I ride in the morning, and by noon, I’m spent. It’s hot this time of year and the heat drains my energy. But like I said before––I live and breathe horses. It is my therapy. Feed, tack, vet bills, it may not be cheap, but it works. They are my motivation for the remainder of the day. Some of you may work during the day and can only ride at night. The air can be suffocating. Bugs swarm you and your horse. You might be on your last nerve. Kids are cranky. Co-workers were stubborn all day.

Some of you may work during the day and can only ride at night. The air can be suffocating. Bugs swarm you and your horse. You might be on your last nerve. Kids are cranky. Co-workers were stubborn all day. But it must happen because you know after, you’ll be revived. Yet until then…the moment before toe slide into stirrup…

It’s time. Your time with your 4-legged friend. So don’t waste it with negative emotions and thoughts.

Take a deep breath. Brush your horse a little longer. Be thankful. Breathe in their scent.

Too many times we become impatient with our horses due to lack of knowledge or unrealistic goals. Raw emotions can magnify our lack of patience. You may only have 30 minutes to ride and know you want to work on side passing, for example, and that goal may take an hour or so because the last session didn’t go so well.

  • The first thing I’d suggest is to gain added knowledge if needed. Hook up with some videos or a recommended trainer near you who is Natural Horsemanship savvy.
  • Take the time for additional ground work not only to blow off steam but to get your horse to use the thinking side of his brain.
  • Perhaps pick a goal or task that your horse is good at and then shift to a new task or goal.
  • Some days you just have to walk around and take a break from training and just ride.

Either way, focus on remaining patient with your horse. More than likely, he is still figuring out the answer to your question. Remain quiet with soft hands. And smile, it works!

What is one task or goal you are currently working on with your horse that you struggle with?

Connect with Carmen

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

2 Comments

  1. Jean Sutton says:

    Nice description of how to unwind and relax.. Sewing works for me.

    1. Carmen Peone says:

      Thank you, Mom! Yes, sewing is your gift, and I love how you use it to bless others.