Ace is coming along so wonderfully. He is starting to build muscle, he is learning how his body really moves, he is learning that saddles will not eat him.
I like to think that I am coming along just as wonderfully. I'm learning more and more about how to ask him to move from the ground so that I can understand how to ask from his back. But, most importantly, I'm learning that "Old Ace" responded with fear because of pain while "New Ace" is sometimes just cranky or sore from all this work he is doing now. I over-think it because of his history. Really, he's just a horse. And I need to remember that. This was of course pointed out to me by Michelle who doesn't let me get away with any more silliness than she allows Ace.
It's nice to gain outside perspective. And it leads to fabulous lessons!
Ace used his brain, I used my brain, and then I rode him at a walk and trot further from Michelle on the rope than we have done before. Next week we're going to go even further from her- and maybe (maybe!) even come off of the rope and go solo.
To say I'm very excited is an understatement.
In related news, it felt SO GOOD to be on MY OWN horse again!
My first trainer said to me once, when my ten-year old self was amazed as she swung up onto a little mustang in training bareback on her 50th birthday, "Your body never forgets. It's like riding a bike. Once you know how to ride a horse- it all comes rushing back as soon as you settle into the saddle."
She was very, very right.
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