tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037107797013641705.post869854009489863777..comments2024-03-26T05:15:39.663-07:00Comments on Equestrian Ink: Confessions of a Lazy HorsemanJami Davenporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05259390150273030284noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037107797013641705.post-8658296558956155792011-10-17T06:02:08.868-07:002011-10-17T06:02:08.868-07:00Breathe--What a neat metaphor. "Confusing the...Breathe--What a neat metaphor. "Confusing the end zone with the bench." That made me smile. And I agree, I don't ride for adventure--I guess I've made that clear. But like you, I do ride for connection, both with my horse and the world around me.Laura Crumhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15200878892304748308noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037107797013641705.post-7865152438238230262011-10-16T21:01:12.679-07:002011-10-16T21:01:12.679-07:00Happy marriages are drama free too. Just sayin......Happy marriages are drama free too. Just sayin...<br /><br />:)<br /><br />I don't ride for adventure, I ride for connection. <br /><br />Seems to me you've got that connection and lots of good rides. Perhaps it's a little like confusing the end zone with the bench. :)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13104422629934443842noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037107797013641705.post-6215494042051310162011-10-16T10:20:02.601-07:002011-10-16T10:20:02.601-07:00joyce--I think you've nailed it. There are man...joyce--I think you've nailed it. There are many different ways to enjoy horses--and ALL are Ok, if the horses and people are happy. As I said in a previous comment, in my youth I looked down on those who kept horses and didn't ride them, but I don't feel that way any more. <br /><br />And you've given me an idea for my next blog post (!) Thank you.Laura Crumhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15200878892304748308noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037107797013641705.post-29067882647542598272011-10-16T09:22:12.332-07:002011-10-16T09:22:12.332-07:00Laura--what you are doing is perfectly right for w...Laura--what you are doing is perfectly right for where you are in this part of your life. I think too many people think horses and horsemanship need to be this passionately driven thing, and it's not that way, really.<br /><br />I tinker with everything I do to improve my performance. It's not just my horse, it's my skiing, my yoga, my occasional ballet...everything. It's who and what I am. I'm a good candidate for a boarding horse owner in a stalled situation because I find it important to get to my horse on a regular basis and spend time with her. I find arena work relaxing because breaking down tasks and schooling helps me think about teaching kids and teaching processes. Sometimes it also opens up story ideas.<br /><br />But I also like a nice, relaxed outdoor hack. I just couldn't have that be my only form of riding. And that's okay for me. I'm a good owner for an arena situation because I don't drill and kill, I think of ways to mix it up and keep my horse mentally and physically engaged. I like doing many different things with my riding, that's how I enjoy riding physically. Many people don't like that. And that's okay.<br /><br />Not everyone finds pleasure in doing horse ownership the way I do. That's okay. Not everyone finds pleasure doing horse ownership in the way you do. That's okay as well. We all enjoy different kinds of horses in different ways. Your Sunny and Henry wouldn't be happy with the sort of life they'd live with me and the regular arena work, and Mocha wouldn't be the type of horse you'd want for the type of horse life you live--she'd be too hot for that (plus she has really crappy feet). And that is absolutely okay.joycemochanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037107797013641705.post-61361440500009958292011-10-15T14:29:52.222-07:002011-10-15T14:29:52.222-07:00Jackie--You always sound as if you are enjoying yo...Jackie--You always sound as if you are enjoying your horses and your life. Whatever you're doing, its working.<br /><br />Voyager--Oh dear, that sounds a bit ominous. Though I must agree that everything changes. But perhaps I'll be content with what happens next...you never know.Laura Crumhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15200878892304748308noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037107797013641705.post-72127346098085347942011-10-15T06:48:18.161-07:002011-10-15T06:48:18.161-07:00I agree with everyone else. Enjoy your contentment...I agree with everyone else. Enjoy your contentment while you can- it probably won't last.Fantastyk Voyagerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15065772565014490544noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037107797013641705.post-31842081389536791642011-10-14T16:02:03.865-07:002011-10-14T16:02:03.865-07:00I agree with all the above! If I lived closer to ...I agree with all the above! If I lived closer to trails so I could ride there from my house, I'd be doing a lot more of that, particularly now that we have lost daylight. So to keep from getting bored, we practice what I've read on the internet about training. Plus it's good for my two horses' minds to keep learning - they are just those types of horses.<br /><br />JackieHorsesAndTurboshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03607758320356759231noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037107797013641705.post-90385828739566530152011-10-13T13:15:14.524-07:002011-10-13T13:15:14.524-07:00Thank you, Leslie--I hope my son remembers his chi...Thank you, Leslie--I hope my son remembers his childhood as fondly as yours sons remember theirs.<br /><br />Grey Horse--I agree about the not overthinking things too much. But also, as I'm sure you guessed, I sometimes ponder this stuff because it makes a blog post--and perhaps one that others can relate to. Or I hope so, anyway.Laura Crumhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15200878892304748308noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037107797013641705.post-40695896791372866452011-10-13T09:08:31.139-07:002011-10-13T09:08:31.139-07:00I wouldn't say your lazy, I'd say you'...I wouldn't say your lazy, I'd say you're happy with the way things are and see no need to change them. I feel the same way. Showing horses is out of the question for me, I did enough of it over the years and have no desire to go back to that life. If your son ever gets the bug to do something different I'm sure he'll let you know. For right now he's happy with what he does and so are you. I love just meandering around the fields and trails with my daughter, we have a good time and no pressure and it does form a bond between us. <br /><br />I guess my thoughts would be if it ain't broke don't fix it. We should always do whatever makes us happy with our horses and not over think things too much.Grey Horse Mattershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05837575441967937196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037107797013641705.post-42548771926146134932011-10-13T08:20:24.227-07:002011-10-13T08:20:24.227-07:00No Laura, you're definitely not a lazy horsewo...No Laura, you're definitely not a lazy horsewoman. I'd go with enlightened and content. Allowing ourselves to relax and enjoy the little things in life is the reward of aging, in my opinion. <br /><br />Your son will look back at his childhood with fondness and appreciation. I'm betting on it! <br /><br />My two sons are grown and they often mention the camping trips we took,the mountain camping trip in Idaho, the trip to Alaska where we hiked and kayaked. All the engaging types of activities we did with them. So, you are enriching your son, you just may not see it or hear about it until he's grown. Keep on enjoying him and those little things!Lesliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00224646742863478548noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037107797013641705.post-1518375649157972102011-10-12T13:38:22.633-07:002011-10-12T13:38:22.633-07:00Thanks Mrs Mom--I know you, like me, are teaching ...Thanks Mrs Mom--I know you, like me, are teaching your kids about horses and riding...I'm sure you know the questions that arise.Laura Crumhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15200878892304748308noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037107797013641705.post-92172661588971539012011-10-12T13:27:01.743-07:002011-10-12T13:27:01.743-07:00I feel you totally here Laura! Kate got it right- ...I feel you totally here Laura! Kate got it right- content works! ;)<br /><br />Love the pix. Love how relaxed you are with your son. Nothing in the world like teaching kids to stop and smell the roses- or the horses- and show them how to enjoy things. Keep it up!Mrs. Momhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15269132012512166439noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037107797013641705.post-24167652419938770992011-10-12T13:24:12.936-07:002011-10-12T13:24:12.936-07:00FD--And that is yet another way of looking at it t...FD--And that is yet another way of looking at it that I hadn't thought of. We have horses because we get pleasure out of them--and if we each find pleasure in different aspects of horse activities...well, why not? I have to admit, in my youth I looked down on those who had horses but didn't ride, but I don't feel that way any more. I get it that there are all kinds of ways of enjoying horses, and I don't judge any one who has a way that works for them and their horses. And I do admire those, like you, who really enjoy the striving to be better horsemen. And I think "enjoy" is the key word there. As you pointed out.Laura Crumhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15200878892304748308noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037107797013641705.post-28190866478795698502011-10-12T12:50:43.148-07:002011-10-12T12:50:43.148-07:00I don't think you're lazy - after all,if H...I don't think you're lazy - after all,if Henry or Sonny stopped being what you needed reliably I'm pretty damn sure you'd work as hard as necessary to fix that - you just don't see the need to fix what isn't broken, which honestly, I sometimes think more people could stand to be like. I loathe hacking out with people who can't ever let their horses alone and are always fiddling Also, I don't love people who let problems slide especially when they moan about them - now that's lazy.<br /><br />For me the merit in the whole striving, continually improving thing is that I enjoy it - there's no moral there, just pursuit of pleasure. You're enjoying the moment, not the process, and I fail to see why where the pleasure comes from should be relevant.FDhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01485030894416936129noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037107797013641705.post-18120208472556432282011-10-12T12:19:23.699-07:002011-10-12T12:19:23.699-07:00Kate--Now that puts it in perspective. You're ...Kate--Now that puts it in perspective. You're right, what's wrong with being content? And it sounds so much better than "lazy".<br /><br />Dreaming--Regarding the wild ride on Sunny--though I never did that on Sunny, I have had a few wild rides in my past--and used them to help create the scene.<br /><br />Mikey--As you say, I'm trying just to enjoy what I have. In a little while my son will be grown, and who knows how long he'll enjoy riding with me.<br /><br />Minus Pride--Yeah, I am so not wanting to be the mom who pushes her kid to excel and makes everything no fun. I may be going a little too far in the opposite direction.<br /><br />redhorse--Your comment made me smile. I never thought of it that way before.<br /><br />Shanster--I am going to keep repeating that when I doubt myself (a regular thing) "content is good".<br /><br />Terri--Coming from you, those words mean a lot, as I know you are deeply familiar with the world of learning/striving/competing. I did enjoy all that at one time and do see the value in it--its just not where I'm at now.Laura Crumhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15200878892304748308noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037107797013641705.post-48780992889401170102011-10-12T12:03:28.634-07:002011-10-12T12:03:28.634-07:00Laura you are neither lazy nor boring. For as much...Laura you are neither lazy nor boring. For as much as my life revolves around competition and striving to get better, it is the little, simple things that keep me motivated and bring the most joy. Just rubbing down my horse Pete who shows every once of his enjoyment, or bathing Uiver so he he shiny and soft, those moments bring more contentment than horse shows. And as far as your son, you are teaching him the most important rules of horse ownership - quality care, kindness, love and bonding. As you know, boys progress at their own rate and if he wants to do more he will let you know. I think you are doing him a much greater service than the horse show Moms that I encounter that push their children so much they end up disliking horses altogether.Terri Rocovichhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08222380250153504890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037107797013641705.post-6204706417283013402011-10-12T10:02:06.097-07:002011-10-12T10:02:06.097-07:00You've also experienced much that many never g...You've also experienced much that many never get to... so you've truly been there and done that. shrug. Don't see anything wrong with that at all.... content is good.Shansterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04397551985965117012noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037107797013641705.post-68751845293486783522011-10-12T09:38:11.949-07:002011-10-12T09:38:11.949-07:00Nope, you're not lazy at all, you're to be...Nope, you're not lazy at all, you're to be envied. Well anyway, I envy you. I am still trying to become a better horseman, but my goal is to become a lazy one. I haven't been riding my current horse for very long, nor does he have a lot of experience, but once we become contented in our partnership, I think we'll both be pretty lazy. I look forward to it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037107797013641705.post-8493551927099492712011-10-12T09:21:33.917-07:002011-10-12T09:21:33.917-07:00I'm 22 and never really go tthe horseshow bug,...I'm 22 and never really go tthe horseshow bug, but it brings me a lot of joy to get Sugar out, and go down the trail, now that I know she can and is really happy to do it. <br />I don't think you're unmotivated. My barn owner had her kid in shows and stuff and the kid is burned out, barely rides her awesome horses now...I think you are doing your son a favor.Minus Pridehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10554342160024959549noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037107797013641705.post-71171382074677424082011-10-12T08:00:22.744-07:002011-10-12T08:00:22.744-07:00I'm right there with you. I feel like I should...I'm right there with you. I feel like I should be doing more, like I used to, but I'm tired. I want to go slooooww, lol. It's hard when you're not motivated and sometimes I think the horses aren't motivated either. Enjoy this time you've got now. We all go way too fast and do too much these days. It's nice to just relax and enjoy.Mikeyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03574914465998507310noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037107797013641705.post-75857481015339378962011-10-12T06:49:43.516-07:002011-10-12T06:49:43.516-07:00I think Kate nailed it... it's contentment and...I think Kate nailed it... it's contentment and I see nothing wrong with that! After all, if it ain't broke, don't fix it! Besides, you live the other side of riding vicariously through the characters you create in your writing! Like Gail's wild ride on Sunny. (Yup...just finished... it's about time, eh?!)Dreaminghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02113432418609414054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5037107797013641705.post-74449603486928653542011-10-12T06:12:20.123-07:002011-10-12T06:12:20.123-07:00You're not unmotivated or a lousy horsewoman -...You're not unmotivated or a lousy horsewoman - you sound to me like someone who's content, and what's wrong with that - absolutely nothing! I also like it that you don't push your son to do more than he's interested in doing - the fastest way to take the joy out of something for a child is for a parent to push since things become the parent's rather than the child's agenda - I've seen it happen many times in the horse world.<br /><br />You're to be congratulated on reaching the place you're in for now. I agree, by the way, on how wonderful the little things are around horses - I love morning feeding time too, and caring for them, and grooming and just hanging out with them as much or more than the riding.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com