Charm ~ Under Saddle

I rode Charm! Wow! Dan took some pictures. I was very nervous. She took care of me though. My second ride was so much better! I cannot wait for our next ride in two or three weeks!

Photo's from Feb 23, 2013. SIGH. Can't wait to go back down for more. The largest lesson I am learning is that - Stripping the fear from my mind has been like peeling an onion; peel, tears and peel again. WOW, relaxing my mind, letting go of fear also has a direct correlation with my body. Interesting process, interesting result, fear causes brace in my body. I honestly had no idea. 

This first picture is of Adency and Charm. I love their focus!

The peeling of the onion, I had to approach that stirrup MANY times before I could even touch it. WOW.

                                                             Breath Debbie, Breath!

Our first point for Point to Point! I was very stiff and worried, she did a little spoke when the snow fell off the roof. Carol said something to make me laugh. I think it was, "Well, we had our first spoke and you survived!" Charm went down like a cat, but stayed put. She did not spin or bolt, LOVED it. Rode it and started to peel another layer off the onion.

Our second Point to Point. Carol brilliantly put Adency at this corner. Charm went to her, as I focused on her. WOW, that was a LONG WALL.

Dan took this short clip of us. It was during our 1st ride. Upload failed, I will try again later. 

The first ride was over. WOW, breath, sigh, lick, chew, relax. tears... that was a huge onion skin.

Second ride. I was able to get my foot right into the stirrup. WOW, that was certainly an interesting moment and feel. 

The difference was DRAMATIC between the first time I tried to put my foot in the stirrup to get on for the first ride and this second ride. I believe a HUGE fear had been released, so my leg/body was able to respond easily and freely.

I was moving with my horse much better to the right. Even though I forgot the pattern for the cloverleaf, I felt more relaxed.

I must say this thing called "fear" is so very interesting to me, how it effected my body was particularly interesting. This new awareness is very powerful for me to remember and let go of, so I can be the best me I can be, in all areas of my life. I keep thinking that I am right where I should be on my journey. We all are!

 I love the look on her face. I was thinking and I suspect, biting my lip, LOL.

I had tears when I got off. She is growing up and maturing while being there. She loves Adency, which is wonderful. She is doing a great job with her. I saw huge changes between the last time I was there and today. 

Granted, I saw changes in me too! Carol coached me 2 weeks ago, and again today. WOW. Just an hour or two every couple weeks is making changes in me too! (I think anyway!) I was a stiff board - NERVES - when riding the first time, the second time I felt a bit better. Carol had me get my hands moving with her front legs, which helped me to relax and breath so much better. HMM, I was holding my breath. I still have a long ways to go. Fear is certainly an interesting experience for me. 

A few days later... as I was driving to work, I realized I was TIGHT and AFRAID. As I turned a corner and carefully merged with traffic, I remembered what I had felt like when I was not able to get my foot in the stirrup because I was so afraid that my leg kept being to tight to lift. Well, today when I felt this fear moving over me, I realized I needed to practice relaxing in that very moment. The roads were horrible, snow was everywhere and I was gripping the wheel with 2 hands. SIGH! Fortunately, becoming aware of my fear and tight muscles worked. I instantly relaxed, and took in long, slow, deep breaths. I figure becoming deeply aware of what it feels like, will certainly help me with my moments of fear!!!