As we ring in 2014, I cannot get away with not talking about my goals for this new year. I have decided to set myself up for success this year and keep my goals simple and attainable. I was recently reading 3-Star Parelli Instructor, Jake Biernbaum's newsletter in which he reminded me to keep working on my horsemanship, keeping the phrase "positive, progressive, and natural" in mind. What a perfect theme on which to base my goals for 2014 (thanks, Jake)!
2014 Horsemanship Goals
1) Seek out more support to keep a positive attitude throughout my journey
2) Teach my horse something new every month to stay progressive
3) keep it natural, always!
What are your horsemanship goals for 2014? Feeling stuck? Take a look at the eight principles below to help you generate ideas!
Note: This photo is property of Parelli Natural Horsemanship.
Since my time spent at the 3/4 clinic, I have been actively working to better myself and my riding in particular. I've learned that my horse is capable of performing at a higher level and it is myself who needs to work up to that level of capability. I know that my riding is far from perfect, but I have really been working on using my whole body- focus, seat, and legs- rather than relying so much on my reins for control during the ride. I know Rydel prefers to have her head and not be micromanaged and it makes me feel much more connected to her to be able to communicate using primarily my seat and legs. I have posted a video demonstrating how I have begun to prepare for bridleless riding. As you will notice I use the "helicopter cheat" that Jesse taught me at the clinic. This is mostly for my benefit as it helps me remember to engage my whole body including my shoulders for turns. It is also helpful in case I need to use my stick to reinforce where I want her to go. My goal is to get better and better each week so that eventually I don't have to use the helicopter technique, and then don't have to use the stick, and then am able to achieve the same precision at higher gaits. Here's the video. It may be easier to view on youtube directly here!
In the past few weeks I've been trying to find ways to make riding fun for both of us. One of those ways has been to branch out and ride outside the arena. It's helped provide an area that's more fun to canter in and does not require quick turns. (Sorry for the semi-blury pics).
Although it may not seem like it, when I started this blog I intended to write about all aspects of the phrase "keep it natural", one of the central themes of Parelli. One of the things I want to help remind people is that natural horsemanship is a way of life that should extend beyond the barn doors. As a Parelli student, I strive to leave as minimal of an impact on the environment as possible by consuming organic products, minimizing my red meat consumption, eliminating the use of harsh chemicals, and recycling whenever possible. The relationship we should have with the environment is a lot like the relationship we strive for with our horses, and as with horsemanship, the attitude of justice is effective. In other words, as far as the environment is concerned, use only what you need and give back what you take.
A few weeks ago, Parelli posted this video on their Facebook page because it embodies what it means to live a natural lifestyle and really dedicate yourself to the cause. The video does a great job showing that it only takes one person to make a difference, and little changes add up!
So, in an effort to live naturally, and to help others do the same I am going to start posting "Natural New Year's Resolutions" to challenge myself (and all of you!) to keep it natural, for your self, your horse, and for life!
Natural New Year's Resolution #1: Turn Off the Lights
Turning off the lights in rooms you are not using is a simple thing to do but it can save a LOT of energy consumption, not to mention cut down on your bill! Switching from incandescent to CFL (compact fluorescent light bulbs) will also reduce your consumption while still providing the same amount of light. For tips on how to save energy and make the most of the lighting in your home check out AEP's website.
