Am I still listening?

I think the most important thing we can do for our horses is to shut off our busy brains and just listen to what they are telling us. They are always telling us a story and if I stop and think about all the horses I have been blessed with, Blu is probably the most expressive. So why do I not take the queues he is so generously offering? I think the simple answer relates to my humaness. The only time I really have a quiet moment is when I am with Blu so I frequently find myself re-hashing my day or dwelling on those issues I can't seem to resolve to my satisfaction. Blu is my lesson... stay present... listen to me...listen to what is around you... Let me share a real life example that is unfolding.

I have blogged about the delicate balance I have to keep between Blu's back, his shoeing, saddle fit and general joint maintenance. When one is out of whack they all eventually suffer. With Dr. Liz and Danny the farrier in Blu's corner, I have been able to do a world of good for Blu. The saddle continues to be a problem and I am actively trying to manage that to a quick resolution (why should this be so hard... that is another blog in the making...) So when Blu starts to pin his ears when I bring my saddle out or when he steps wide with his right hind do I take notice? Yes, I do but my reaction as to taking the next step is not always immediate. I get caught up in thinking about other issues and truly do not focus on what Blu is telling me.  I need to learn my lesson so Blu can be as sound and happy as possible. Dr. Liz saw it the last time she was at the barn but she saw it after I warmed Blu up. She did not see what he was like cold under saddle. Did I connect those dots when she said to me he may need hock injections in the next couple of months? No I did not. It did not hit me until my next ride when I really struggled to get Blu to use his right hind. Even last night I had to be reminded by him that he had an issue and when was I going to listen? Bingo! I got your message Blu! Finally at long last! I called Dr. Liz's office and asked if she was going to be in the area anytime soon if she could come back out and see Blu and possibly provide him with some injections... Whew... I finally got the message! So I guess the moral to the story is that I am harder to train than a horse :-)

Here is a picture of the most beautiful Blu and a lovely ride we had at a Gil Merrick clinic.  He is truly the very best horse!!! Pictures provided by permission of oatsnews.com

Helloooooo....

Perfect harmony