One thing I am certain of, horsemanship is not a new phenomenon. It would be arrogant to think that horsemanship didn’t have a part in the very domestication of horses 6,000 years ago. This is not to mention the many civilizations since, who claim to be the godfather of horsemanship. Whoever was the first, today it is great to see so many more people consciously challenging how they work with horses and trying to improve. As we say at home, “do your best until you know better, then do better”. Whatever method we follow and whatever our end goals, as I get older, ‘play’ has an increasingly important role for me.
However, I will never forget just how painful it was to take that step from unconsciously incompetent to consciously incompetent during that clinic. Sometimes I wish that step had been slightly less public, as I stood in the middle of that dusty arena, in 35 degree heat. The crowd peered down at me as I struggled to comprehend just how many different ways you could hold a rope whilst Peter repeatedly mocked ‘nope’ at my every attempt and the tears began to fall. In hindsight, this was my awakening, the only way remaining from the bottom – upwards! Being publicly vulnerable can be particularly difficult in today’s society where judgement appears from every corner and if you make a mistake someone is sure to gloat or worse still, post about it. It sometimes feels like everyone is out to get you and willing you to fall flat on your face. I’ll remind you; horses are prey animals and perhaps know a thing or two about this feeling. Vulnerability is not weakness.
If you would like to continue to follow my story, keep an eye on this space as I publish my next two blogs in this wee series I am calling ‘For the love of play’.
Thanks for being part of my story. Keep adventuring, Cara xxx
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Wilder WaysAll our latest news here. Archives
October 2024
CategoriesNewslettersNews straight from the Horse's Mouth
Newsletter 006 - May 20
Newsletter 005 - Jan 20
Newsletter 004 - Jan 19
Newsletter 003 - May 18
Newsletter 002 - Aug 17
Newsletter 001 - April 17
|