Gratitude creates it’s own attitude. It can give you a new perspective, a new focus. I am going to use this day as my opportunity to see those things.
One of Lily's very first rides.
Today, I would like to pay homage to all those horse trainers that I have learned from. Without the likes of Bill Dorrance, Ray Hunt, Mark Rashid, all who’s books and writings helped me gain insight, see new ways to look at situations and think outside the English lesson barn upbringing that I had. I had learned that you can’t, “Let them get away with stuff.” and that you have to, “Show them you mean it.” Since then, I am grateful that I am learning a better way.
I will include in my list, the blogs that I regularly read that reaffirm that I am on the right track. They often speak of issues and solutions that I have or am working through myself, as well as those challenges I am yet to face.
Mugwump Chronicles
JP Giacomini’s The Centaur Blog
The Barb Wire
Enlightened Horsemanship Through Touch
And the people who have personally helped me.
My first excellent dressage teacher, Barbara Carlson, who got through my teenage mind and set many things there that stuck.
Emmett Brislawn, from whom I learned much by simply watching as he worked one or more young horses loose in the stockade at the Cayuse Ranch. Those times gave me an example of the sensitivity and feel that everyone else talks about.
Susan Catt, who’s encouragement, support and coaching on gait and Spanish Mustangs has been invaluable.
And the clinicians that have helped me the last few years in various, specific areas; Diane Sept for gait and connected riding; Suzan Atkinson and Megan Sibiga, both with whom I have had one lesson each, concerning long lining and driving from the ground. Having the in person work from these two trainers helped confirm what I was doing correctly and what needed adjustment and improvement.
I hope that I continue to learn and grow in my relationship to the horses that I handle. I really enjoy the trainer’s journey. May it never end.
Take a few minutes today to create your own Thankful Thursday.
How:
Sit back and consider what you have to be thankful for. Listing three to five things is nice, but one will do.
Post about gratitude on your blog.
Then link back here or leave a comment.
Feel free to tag other bloggers, if you like to do that, but it’s not necessary. This is not a meme that obligates you to do anything, but look for gratitude. Oh, and link back, and comment, that’s all I ask.
If you don’t have your own blog, go ahead and write about what you are thankful for in the comments of my latest Thankful Thursday. post instead.
If you are on Twitter and you found value in this post, please retweet. Thanks!
Lovely post.
Now I know I have to track down Susan Catt. I did not post a Thankful Thursday post today.
Well, I missed last week. I didn’t want to let that happen again. Ray Hunt’s passing really made me think about what my life with horses would be like, if I hadn’t found the likes of him, Bill Dorrance, et al. I might still be in the “cram and jam” school of horsemanship, with my horses getting heavier and duller with each ride, instead of the opposite.
I’m right here Kim at THE PONY EXPRESSION.
Thanks Simrat, I love you girl! You are invalueable to me too. I’ve learned of so much to strive for from you. I wish we were closer so we could continue to refine our “Way” through osmosis and good horsemanship “feel”.
Yes missing last week was shameful… How dare the “horses and real life” get in the way. I think you are excused from posting when that happens. However, I checked your blog every day just in case you couldnt help yourself.
And, since I was in a hotel with wifi, I couldn’t resist!
http://www.akalranch.com/2009/03/like-father-like-son/
Susan
I am such a moron, forgive me.
I found more Thankful Thursday blog posts through twitter….
http://www.upcountrysmiles.com/?p=896
http://www.thedailybalance.com/2009/03/26/how-does-blogging-affect-your-health/
http://reshawverfam.blogspot.com/2009/03/thankful-thursday_26.html
http://curlyfrysc.blogspot.com/2009/03/thankful-thursday_26.html
http://meglittlestudio.blogspot.com/2009/03/thankful-thursday-rethinking-genius.html
http://sahmrambling.blogspot.com/2009/03/apple-of-my-eye.html
[...] I read Akal Ranch’s last Thankful Thursday post with great interest. Simrat Standing On the Shoulders of Giants, thanking all the trainers she has learned [...]