Woody Pear Horse Park

13/11/2022

24/01/2022

A small snapshot of holiday time spent with horses. Focus on connection, relaxation, and refinement - which suited the hot weather! Shout out to Fiona for the photos - thank you xx

28/11/2021

Exploring new riding paddocks now the hay is cut, and practicing ponying Phoenix. 2 weeks till school holidays and then this can be a daily activity!

12/10/2021

Enjoying 15min ONLY in the buffet paddock 🌱🤤

11/10/2021

Holiday reading, Susan D Fay's 'Sacred Spaces'. Phoenix approves 😊

04/05/2021

From bad bronc to best bud and loyal friend Helium taught me many lessons. Many that were very specific to horsemanship and riding techniques but the one that I will share with you today is this one. Never, ever, ever give up on your dream. Our dreams may change or our course may be redirected as we evolve and grow but that is different than giving up.

Helium was one of my most challenging horses ever, a mix of extreme fear and strong mindedness. He was a powerful spirit and not easily intimidated like so many horses. There were many times when I thought I would never break through with him. For so many years he tolerated me riding (which he only did because he liked me) but we did get to where we had amazing rides together. I had to learn a lot and had to change everything !!!! - I had to learn how to synchronize and harmonize completely - if I was one hair off he wouldn't be happy !!!! I could not lock up, brace or be rigid in any way, even in my mind. I had to learn to have a powerful focus but with softness, to be totally present and without judgement of anyone or anything - myself, him or anything else around us.

My biggest breakthroughs would always come just after it seemed things were at their worst - when we were at rock bottom and when I was getting caught up in my head and thinking that I would give up, its all too hard and its never going to work. When I could pull myself out of that place and ask better questions like "What do I need to do different" or "How am I causing this " or "What's the lesson here "I would get an insight or find someone or something that helped point me in the right direction or gave me an answer.

Even though my head would tell me to give up I would tap into the deeper part of myself and keep going. In the depth of adversity is the height of opportunity just like the darkest hour comes before the dawn we just have to stay open for the answers.

So no matter how tough things get keep going - the true learning is in the hard things and your horse soul mates are not always the easy ones - some of your toughest teachers are your biggest soul mates.

So if you are having a hard time, hang in there, stay calm, stay focused and never give up. Giving up is the only sure way to not get there and remember that I am here to support you. So get in touch, come along to a clinic , or send me a video for some video coaching if you are needing a hand.

Who is one of your great horse teachers and one of the biggest lessons learned?
Or what are you currently struggling with?

With love,
Mel