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.

My first ride in 2 weeks

It's been a few weeks since I've been able to saddle and ride Brooks. It was a nice cool day at the barn, and I was the only one there. It was great to enjoy the silence and watch the horses be horses out in the field. Brooks felt good although a bit reluctant to work. I've been trying to stretch him after his workout, but he's not a fan. I think I'll keep trying and see if he can get into it. Carrot stretches always seem to work, though somedays I feel like I'm nothing but a walking carrot in his eyes. Looking forward to my lesson this Weds.

I'm Back!

After many ups and downs through out the winter and spring, I have finally completed my certification as an Equine Body Worker. I took a hiatus to buy a new (newer) vehicle than old mancamp, studied intensively, and found new friends in the horse world who let me into their barns to massage their beloved horses. I was fortunate to come across Talisman Farms in Aurora, Oregon. Talisman Farms is an Eventing barn with an amazing trainer by the name of Julie Hook. I met Molly McAllister, a friend of a friend through the Audobon Society in Portland. From there I was able to finish my externship on Molly's horse's as well as her friend Jenn's amazing buddies, Mixer and Nick. Nearing the end of certification I was excited at the opportunity to begin riding again. I began leasing a wonderful horse by the name of Brooks. With Julie's guidance and the opportunity to come out multiple days a week to ride I felt that I would be able to learn more than ever before. Just being around the barn lifts my spirits, and Brooks is a wonderful partner to practice my massage techniques on. I have also been working on my new website: www.nwhorsemassage.com
Hope you all are enjoying the summertime and I look forward to connecting back into the horse blogger community.