Almost Back in the Saddle

I am going a bit stir crazy. I miss the barn, the people, and especially the horses. The weather here in Oregon the past week has been so beautiful. I would have given anything to be on atop a beautiful horse buddy. I had acupuncture for my back pain a few days ago. That has been the best treatment thus far. I am going back for more! All of the amazing photos from fellow bloggers have been so inspiring. I used to be an avid photographer, I think I'll get back at it. I hope everyone is enjoying their horse friends and having a lovely autumn.

Tagged!

I've been tagged over at EquineMine.

Choose the book closest to  you.

Open to page 56

Go to the 5th sentence on that page and write down  a few lines.

My book is Centered Riding by Sally Swift

"It is nearly one-quarter of your weight and will hit the ground with a thump! Your leg might drop an inch or more with this technique, and certainly it will soften and lengthen. Done repeatedly, in your horse's rhythm at any gait, it becomes the basis for the perfect inside aid."

Sounds so mysterious, right? This is the chapter on balance and body rhythm. I keep this book close to me and refer to it often. I am such a visual learner that I get great benefit from her imagery. In doing this exercise I realized I am surrounded by horse books and more horse books, I need a little fiction in my life.

This is the first time I've been tagged. I'm not sure if I am suppossed to tag others or who has gotten this yet. I'll do a bit of research and get back to you all.

Thanks Equinemine!

Back Pain is the Worst

I have been absent for a few weeks dealing with unexpected back pain. Randomly last Sunday I was getting out of bed and a pain out of nowhere threw me to the ground. I laid in bed for the first 24 hours, then slowly started walking again the first few days. I have been to the chiropractor a few times and am now frustrated at my slow recovery. I feel like my life has been put on hold. I am becoming more patient each day but miss the horses. Needless to say I am bored of watching movies and icing my back. Unfortunately it hurts to sit so standing or lying flat have been my two options. I've been without internet as well. But the biggest and brightest news is that we have a new president. I am extremely excited and hopeful for the future!! 

Looking for a horse to ride

I have been working hard at organizing my marketing materials for my equine massage business. I think I am finally ready! Although I am now once again without horse. I was leasing a great guy to get me back into riding again, but he has decided that his job is retirement. I have been taking lessons this past month on a wonderful horse with such a bigger engine. Working on the basics and developing my seat. Wish I had been leasing him these past few months, as I have learned so much. Sadly, he is not for lease so I must wait to see if there is someone else I might ride. I am determined to continue, although financially it might not make sense. When have horses ever made sense financially? The fall here in Portland is beautiful, yet getting cold. I hope everyone is enjoying the fall wherever they may be. If anyone in the Oregon area knows of any riding opportunities please let me know. I am willing to trade work/massage for lessons. 

End of Summer

I spent the past weekend on the Oregon coast. It was amazing and beautiful, and best of all SUNNY! The coast is rarely this warm and without wind. I feel fortunate to have spent it with James and Bear. 

Feeling frustrated lately with riding. I want to progress more than I am. I feel great after a lesson but on my own I feel directionless. Finding it difficult to tell if it is me or the horse somedays. Looking forward to the day I can have a horse buddy of my own versus leasing. I am in love with one of the horses at the barn, although I believe I am not ready for him, and he is most likely too expensive. It is hard to justify the money I spend on horses sometimes. But we all feel like that at times, right? Patience and Diligence.

September 1st

The end of August here in Oregon was filled with mild weather and yesterday a typical fall day complete with rain. I convinced myself that it would be great to go out to the barn Saturday. I brought a good friend of mine out to take some pictures with me and enjoy some horse time. It is always fun to see one of your non horsey friends interact with your favorite animal. After having such a great lesson on Weds. I was anxious to see how much we could get done on this ride. Once again I leave confused, and a bit frustrated. I have so many questions and want to learn so much, I need to practice patience and not take it so personal. The horses are amazing and just being out on the property watching them interact is worth the drive for me. I look forward to more adventures this week.

Is it still summer in Oregon?

The last few days of August are here and already we here in oregon have had more than a few days that hint that fall is biting the backs of our heels. Although fall is my favorite season, I am in no way ready to surrender. I want more summer. I haven't had as many summer adventures as I had hoped. As a child summer seemed to last for a year. Now it's a few weeks. Let's all hope for that indian summer.