Scale

I thought about writing a post about the awfulness that was last night, triggered by me stepping on a scale the night before (note to self DESTROY ALL THE SCALES) but have decided I don't really need to dwell on that hot mess. Suffice it to say, I ended the night in tears considering never riding again. Not because of Ashke, but because of my self-loathing. N, who had also had a fairly eventful ride (I'm sure our combined energy was setting off our horses), talked me off the ledge and listened and kicked my butt when I needed it. That was good. So, happy horse owner I am still.

So, instead, here are ten things:

1. Two years ago I was significantly out of shape with a back I thought would break at the slightest misstep. Today, I am stronger and more fit than I have been since my accident. I have also done a lot of research about lower back issues and have discovered that pretty much everything I thought was bogus. The worry can just slide away. The residual pain I have been experiencing is directly related to tight, unfit muscles. Combine that information with the information I picked up from the Mark Rashid seminar, and I have been doing stretches to help loosen my lower back. I also try, when I am riding, to consciously relax those muscles, allowing energy to flow.

2. I can't wait for my Alta Escuela.

3. There are bits of absolute brilliance in our ride last night. Ashke moved in a turn on his haunches, and a turn on his forehand, with the slightest touch. We sidepassed over the pole in both directions without any issue. He stepped over and paused, waiting to know which direction he was supposed to move before moving. And our canter to the right was good, but the canter to the left was unbelievable. For the first time, I was transported back to riding when I was a teen.