“Trying to understand is like straining through muddy water. Have the patience to wait! Be still and allow the mud to settle.” – Lao Tzu
This week in one of my lessons with Belinda Trussell the mud settled.
“You need more bend!” “More angle! Bring the hindquarters!” This is what Belinda would endlessly be telling me as I went down the longside in travers (Haunches in) or when I was in half pass to the right or to the left. I would think: “I’m giving Biasini all the aids. Why can’t I get more angle? Why is this not enough bend?”
Just for reference the featured photo in this post is of Belinda riding a half pass. That is the bend. That is the angle. Those hindquarters are not trailing.
It has gone on like this for the past year. Biasini was just waiting patiently for me to get it right. This past week the importance of timing the half halts fell into place. The mud cleared. I could feel Biasini’s hindquarters swinging in the direction we were travelling. I could see the bend and feel he was bending round my inside leg. BOOM!
What had changed? It was me. I finally got the timing of the aids right. At last Biasini could understand exactly what I wanted and he responded!
I know we frequently blame our horses for not doing what we are asking them to do. We see it as being their fault. Don’t get me wrong sometimes it is their fault. But often it is our fault. We are the ones who are impatient. But this week I had sterling proof that it was me. I had not been getting it right, and when I did Biasini responded with exactly what I was asking for. He responded because at last I was asking clearly in the way he could understand.
This because you two are a wonderful team 🐴😉
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It is a unique sport in that it involves a team of two species! Thanks for your comment Ribana.
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That’s amazing, Anne. I learned something like that today with my camera. Cee was telling me if I held it right, my arm would support. Today she asked me if I was left handed. I’m not, but sometimes I go at things as though I was. I was holding the camera upside down when I tried to take portrait pictures. OMG, what an eye opener. It’s good to hear that you have been struggling to get this right for so long. It gives me encouragement that It does take a long time to do things just right. 🙂
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Never give up ! I think that is the lesson for both of us. I think Cee’s suggestions are very helpful.
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Well done on both of you. It is the same with handling a dog too (as in my case) If you don’t give the right instructions due to your own way of trying the animal reacts to what you tell him. I love working with animals.
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We are lucky to be able to have our animals. They give us so much.
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Yes, and they give their all to you too.
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Yes! Thanks for reading the post and leaving this comment.
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Well done, Anne. You both have much patience and endurance. 😊
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Thank you Irene.
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What a beautiful post Anne!! Clarity and getting it right and having the correct response from B! Must have felt wonderful!! I always love to read and hear about your progress, so happy you shared! ❤️🐴❤️
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Thanks so much Diana. I appreciate hearing that you get something from my lesson posts.
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You two have the best relationship ❤
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Thank you Susie. Having a close working relationship with another species is what makes equestrian sport so special.
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Very special 😊❤️
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Your post provides perfect advice for all of us…whether we are horse or human. The initial quote is brilliant.
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I often find Lao Tzu has wisdom I can benefit from. Thanks for commenting!
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