Play With The Horse That Shows Up...A Mantra For 2015

Play with the horse that shows up- Pat Parelli

As we enter the New Year, I've been searching for a resolution to which I can truthfully abide, and I think I've finally found it. "Play with the horse that shows up", a Parelli principle that I have come to learn while dealing with three different horses, two of which have a cusp "horsenality". 

However, this past year has taught me that this phrase has meaning beyond the horse world. In fact, it is the application of this phrase in general life, that inspires me for 2015. "Play with the horse that shows up", meaning- embrace what life throws your way, embrace change, and most importantly, have fun doing it!

If there is anything that 2014 has taught me, it is that life doesn't always go as planned, and when it doesn't, there is certainly no point in stressing over it. 2014 was a year of whims, and craziness, and as such, it was full of adventures that I never would have gotten to experience had I been unable to embrace what life sent my way. I also learned to listen more to my gut, my intuition, and not get bogged down in over-thinking. Remember, the mantra states- play with the horse that shows up. One definition of the word play, is "to engage in". That's what I want for this new year. To be engaged in my life, in every aspect of my life, to jump in wholeheartedly and play with whatever metaphorical horse that shows up. 

Here's to 2015, and I can't wait to see what shows up. 

Positive, Progressive, and Natural!

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.

Back To Basics.

I have a feeling the first part of 2012 will be about mastering the fundamentals. I have big dreams, but I will never be able to do the fancy stuff without first having the basics down to a science. This is not to say that I will be starting completely over, as a lot of tasks are second nature by now. However, there are a few holes in my horsemanship that need to be patched before we can move on. In fact, I believe part of these holes developed because we have been working through the program and Rydel has gained confidence. For example, sometimes Rydel challenges me during the Porcupine Game- a game that I could easily win against my submissive Right Brain Introvert. Now that she has learned to be more confident she sometimes tries to be dominant and pushy and instead of getting frustrated with this I just smile and play the game right back until I am the winner. I never want to destroy the confidence she is gaining, I just want to ensure that she maintains respect.

As I mentioned before, another fundamental we have been working on is the passenger lesson. In a previous lesson, Juli pointed out that perhaps Rydel had been too introverted in the past to really express how she felt during riding and now that she is coming out of her shell more I have to deal with her opinions, both good and bad. This is why I am slowing things down and going back to passenger lessons before trying to do much more advanced freestyle riding. Not micromanaging our rides has really given her a much better impression of riding and this will pay off later when I start asking more from her.

My goal is to send in my Online Level 2 audition video by the end of the month. I have purposely been putting it off because I have been trying to really get the fundamentals down- isolating the patterns into component parts and trying to achieve tasks using the smallest phase possible. I'm hoping in the next few weeks our video looks far better than our first attempt both in technique and rapport. Only time will tell but I think taking the time it takes will really pay off!
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Natural New Years Resolution #4: The 5 Ingredient Rule. This is a difficult rule to follow (especially as a college student) but the idea is to eat the most pure foods possible. So, when you are in the grocery store, try not to buy anything that has more than 5 ingredients in it. This mostly applies to ingredients that aren't natural and are things you cant pronounce.

It's A Brand New Year.

Thinking back on 2011 has made me realize just how far Rydel and I have truly come. As I was going through old Facebook posts one day, I came across the date that I moved Rydel down to Columbus with me: September 14, 2010. It's amazing to think it has only been a little over a year that I have had her here with me, but what's even more amazing is the fact that my first lesson with Jesse was August 28, 2011- Almost an entire year since Rydel came to Columbus- and that was really where it all came together for us. From that day forward, the rest of 2011 had become a whirlwind adventure full of horsemanship, an incredible new friendship, and consistent improvement.

The Holidays flew by with a blur but were wonderful and relaxing as always (Ok, they were a little busy too considering I have not had a chance to update on here). Anyhow, I received a fantastic gift from Emily, an engraved leather bracelet that bears the phrase "live your dream", an incredibly symbolic and appropriate gift with which to start out the New Year.

As cheesy as it sounds, this bracelet reminds me that I have the ability to hold my dreams in my hand, to take charge of my life and stop making excuses for myself. My new years resolution is to never lose sight of my dream with natural horsemanship, to always strive to reach my goals and to never settle for less than better than best. I love that Emily has one too, reminding us that we are in this ride together as best friends, personal cheerleaders, and horse lovers.

I am so excited for whatever this year will bring, and I'm sure it will be full of surprises but it will also be a year of living my dream and building on that dream and making it bigger. I'm ready for some incredible transformations in my relationship with my horse and in my life in general! 2012, BRING IT ON!
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And of course, I didn't forget. Here is my Natural New Year's Resolution #3: Make the Switch! Whenever possible, switch to organic products. I have always used organic cleaning products such as Greenworks dish detergent, but I also just recently switched my makeup and makeup brush to all organic products. I recommend Physicians Formula Organic Wear and Covergirl Natureluxe products. Let me know what organic products you love!

Christmas Is Almost Here!

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas this year! Whether you are lucky enough to spend the Holiday with your equine partner, or whether you are traveling or with family, have a safe and wonderful weekend!

Natural New Year's Resolution #2: Dump the Disposable! I'm guilty of keeping a lot of disposable forks and spoons around because I hate doing dishes. This year I'm going to go greener by getting rid of all those and promising to reuse my silverware. There are so many things you can do to cross this one off your resolutions list. Buying reusable razors, batteries, and shopping bags are a great start! Get creative- even ink cartridges have refill packs!

Keep It Natural

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. 

More resolutions to come! *Happy Holidays!* :D