#109 That Set up for Success Thing

Molly - the renegade mule - saucy little wench .

I haven't ridden Molly for about 3 months.  One day, out of the blue, or so it seems, she just decided she is not going to leave the front barn area for hell or high water - VERY frustrating - obviously my patience was at a low ebb - and we had several battles - needless to day say, I lost each and every one of them.

So, I do know one has to ALWAYS QUIT ON A GOOD NOTE and I settled for just a puny 10 steps in the direction requested - when she did them I got off.  Did not get on her then for months - knew patience was not a strong point for me this winter.

Yesterday, it was time to get the show on the road.  Did not want to but knew it needed to get done and at least the weather was cooperating.

  

Tried to figure out how to set the two of us up for success - meaning no battles and discouragement on either end (and knew I'd best prepare mentally for the worse).

 Hit on the idea of tying one of her buddies up in the middle of the whole area where Molly would see her and had refused to ride earlier.  Ended up riding all over for about 1/2 hour including out to the road and out of the pasture - no problems - idea worked - yeah baby ! 

I decided that was enough for the day and quit on a good note.  And, a good day it was.

Set up for success - for both you and your little darling - it generally works.  At least I did have a set of brains on yesterday.

Adventure Horse Riding in NYS    Smilla13@gmail.com  (Mary Dixon)                                           www.RideNYS.com

Tip # 108 Helmets

                          4/08/14         Helmets

Occasionally we receive flak or really snotty comments from folks that notice some of our guests ride without helmets.  These people think it is appalling that we do not insist on helmets and some are very vocal and/or downright nasty about it.

Now, I am not stupid.  I am very aware of how dangerous horse riding can be and more often than not I wear a helmet.  I don't every time.  I also would prefer it that our guests wear helmets.

 BUT I am a strong believer in allowing adults to make their own decisions when it comes to helmets, safety vests, political affiliation, religious and political beliefs, sports participation, etc. As far as I am concerned we have way too much gov't interference and political correctness in our lives today. I can't stand it. And, I can't stand "well-meaning folks telling me what to do and I do not intend to be one of those obnoxious people to tell you what to do.    

with

without

Adventure Horse Riding in NYS            Smilla13@gmail.com  (Mary Dixon)         www.RideNYS.com

Tip: Joy and Frustration

Many horse riders get irritated, aggravated, crabby, frustrated and stressed out when riding their horse.  Generally, it is because the little darling is not cooperating and doing what we want.  We get angry because we are so goal and task oriented and either the horse or us is not making the goal.  The point being:  we are no longer riding for pleasure and enjoyment and instead we've made riding the darlings into work.  Now, why would we do that?  We got into this sport because we loved horses and enjoyed riding so much - then we've gone and ruined it.  The next time you are with your horse - try to remember the real reason for having him.  It is for joy and pleasure.

Adventure Horse Riding in NYS -- RideNYS.com