Before we moved to Oregon, Ruby (my horse) and I were in a great place. We were fast approaching the next level and I was super excited to be that far along. And then we moved to Oregon..
Needless to say, that changed everything for us. Ruby was now out in a pasture all day, rain or shine, with other mares. When it got cold, she had to wear a blanket, something she had never experienced before. All of these changes threw her into a tailspin and made it next to impossible to catch her. With lots of patience, help from trainers and time, I was able to catch her fairly quickly, bring her in, work with her and take her back out to her new found friends. That process took over six months!
Enduring that was challenging, to say the least. But we persevered and soon were back into a routine of two lessons per week with me riding on my own once a week. That was fantastic! Until one day in December 2018 when due to my own negligence I came off of her while riding and broke my right foot. Six weeks no riding.
In February, just after I had reached the six week mark, I had elective but in my mind necessary surgery. Guess what that meant? Six more weeks without riding. Fortunately some really good riders at the barn volunteered to ride her as well as one of my trainers. That kept her in shape and progressing. After a few weeks I was able to spend time with her doing ground work. Not my first choice, but better than nothing.
Now for the past three weeks I have been back in the saddle, but due to three months of not riding, I feel like I am back at square one. Well, at least square 3 or 4. I could bemoan my fate, screaming at the dark, and be miserable. To what end? Just to be miserable? That’s not fun. I needed to embrace it. I had to let go of my previous goals and accept my new journey, even though it was not where I expected or wanted to be.
I enjoy each lesson, re-learning some old ways as well as acquiring new ones. I am thrilled to be back on her back. Any time spent in the saddle is good. It’s like the expression there is no such thing as a bad day of fishing. Kind of like that. I changed my mind set from frustrated and disappointed to eager to learn and enjoying the ride, pun intended.
This is life, isn’t it? You have a goal, start out towards it and then BOOM! Life interrupts and turns your world upside down. Sometimes you get lucky and get to start the journey over again, like me. Sometimes you have to give it up altogether and choose a new goal. It’s called being adaptable, flexible, going with the flow, as they say. It isn’t easy. In some situations it can be the hardest thing you have ever done. But there it is, you have two choices. Fight against your new reality, leaving you and those around you to suffer, or embrace the changes and look to a new journey. The new one, by the way, may be far more rewarding and enriching than the old one. Think about that.
The next time life interrupts your plans, let go of your plans and go with the flow. You may be pleasantly surprised to find where you eventually land. But start off with an open heart and mind. Life isn’t about reaching your goal; it’s about the journey. Enjoy it!
God bless.