TWO OLD LADIES AND A HORSE

I have spent this year regaining my balance after the loss of my long time equine partner. Dressage is no ordinary hobby, it is a consuming passion. Keeping a horse at home is a way of life and if it's combined with a passion for dressage everything else is organized around riding and horse keeping. Getting another horse was one option and I spent many hours last winter shopping on the internet and fantasizing. In the meantime I was desperate for the touch and smell of horses and scared stiff of loosing my rider's fitness. My friend Caroline invited me to ride her horse Digby when ever I wanted to. At first I wasn't sure how this would work or how I would feel. I worried that I would get possesive or that I wouldn't be able to commit because he wasn't my horse. I also worried that Caroline would get sick of having me in her barn all the time. I put my worries aside and started riding Digby. Three days a week Caroline's work schedule made it hard for her to fit in riding time so I committed to riding at least two of those three days.

This menage a trios has turned out to be a big success.  Both old ladies ( we are in our 60's ) reap the benefits of support. We often talk on the phone in the evening to analyse the last ride and plan exercises to address issues. We both now have time to fit in exercising as well as work, family and many other things that might otherwise have fallen by the wayside. We alternate taking lessons with Dennis Munnelly, a talented teacher/trainer who comes regularly to a neighboring farm. And if one of us is unable to attend the lesson a detailed description is given that night on the phone. Digby is thriving, he is fit and pampered and progressing in his training.

Dressage is all about balance. As riders we must constantly make adjustments to maintain balance and harmony with the moving horse. Life too is a fine balance and we need to be flexible and able to make changes in order to feel happy and fulfilled. A very special friendship and one big chestnut thoroughbred have helped me find a new rhythm and balance. Forward we go!

Happy trails,

Suzy

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Trotting Park Workshop
169 Trotting Park Road
East Falmouth, MA 02536
suzy@trottingparkhorseart.com
Tele: 508-540-0349