I didn't see any change in my weight, although I do feel a little "slimmer" so maybe it's a "re-distribution" week. I know there were a few things I could have done differently - I didn't drink enough water, I didn't do ANY of the work outs I was supposed to do (I was feeling a little "off" this week), but tomorrow starts a new week!
Totally off topic; (Amazing Luck/Horse Story alert!) we had an unexpected, and very welcome house guest Sunday night and Monday. I may have mentioned the "Californio Traditions/Vaquero" facebook groups I belong to. I've never 'met' so many truly kind people, willing to help and share their experiences and advice.
Before you freak out and say "You're letting people into your home that you've only met ON LINE!?" I have to tell you - That is not something I would normally, under normal circumstances, do! But this is a small, private group, made up of carefully selected individuals (many of whom have met and worked with each other before). Ranchers, horse trainers, veterinarians, clinicians, historians, enthusiasts, traditional Vaquero gear makers/craftsmen, etc. How I was somehow chosen to be included in this small group of wonderful folks is beyond me, but I'm not going to say anything and hope they don't notice that I don't have a lot to bring to the table!
We have our fair share of beginners, but even the beginners have far more horse experience than I have. What we all share, however, is the passion for this training method and tradition. The California Style Bridle Horse/Vaquero path that we've chosen is a challenging one, to say the least, and not for cry babies (which I can be from time to time). The help we're able to get from this group is priceless. The history that is shared, the stories, the topics of conversation and discussions are always useful and interesting (well, sometimes late at night it can get silly!). I've spoken with several of my "Vaquero friends" on the phone, and through private messages/emails, and of course on the Facebook wall, where I often lament that I need help with this or that, what is my horse doing? What am I doing? What am I doing wrong? HELP US!!!!
On one particular day, feeling especially lost, I put it out there that I needed to actually ride with someone. I needed hands on help. It's wonderful to get all the written advice, but without knowing exactly how to apply it correctly, with no one watching to see if I was doing it right, no one in the flesh showing me, it was proving to be just a bit beyond challenging. It was time to start looking for people in my area to ride with (I can tell you, there aren't a lot of people in my area that follow this method). I don't have a horse trailer, so in a sense, I am isolated. This has caused me to lose a little hope and confidence at times.
But then....
And here is where my story gets interesting! On Sunday morning, I get a pm (private message on line) from Cody Deering. He is the one who founded one of the two groups I belong to. He lives in North Dakota but has family in the bay area and was coming through town (a bit unexpectedly, long story). He wanted to know...if I wanted him to stop by the ranch? Maybe show me and my horse a few things? WHAT!?!?!? (I cried a little).
One thing led to another through our logistical planning, and I invited him to stay with us! I had to call Rob to let him know that "I think I just...may have... invited a cowboy to spend the night. Would that be ok?" Of course Rob already knew that Cody was planning on coming out to the ranch and possibly coming for dinner. So without skipping a beat, Rob said "Yeah! I'll go out and get more beer!" (I love that man). You see, Rob loves my group too. He has seen me go from dejected to confident (I can do this!), with just a few key strokes on my computer. He has learned a lot about this tradition and we often discuss the parallels between this style of horsemanship and his art. He feels like he knows a lot of these people, he trusts my judgement of character, and of course, we do have an open door policy with friends and family so...
Cody stayed with us and spent an entire day working with me and my horse. I learned so much, I can't begin to explain it all here. He did some body work on her, some ground work, a few different riding exercises to help me "help her" to get her feet and body right, and probably most importantly, showed me how to set her up to listen for the cues and how to deliver the cues properly with the hackamore/bosal (where I definitely needed hands on training).
This is Cody Deering on his bridle horse, Lena. Rob and I consider him a friend and a Vaquero. And maybe a little bit of an Angel (or Leprechaun as he might say). Even if we did meet on line!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYPWHeqSa7I
And this is me and Maddie working on one of the exercises:
1 comment:
It sounds awesome Auntie. I'm so PROUD of you! This week I stayed were I am. No gain/loss so win win I guess. Kept up the good work. We will always have weeks like this. Love ya!!!
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