Training & Life Balance
by Elizabeth A
Cinney
As a rider I have had Epiphanies
of awareness when I take lessons on my horse or those I’m unfamiliar with. When
I schedule lessons with a quality trainer, I allow myself an opportunity to “show
up.” This is a lifestyle truth for me.
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| Elizabeth & Titian |
I’ve had my horse Bold and Reckless, aka Titian for 13
years. Patterns have inevitably
developed. Doing the training myself, I sometimes
avoid working on “difficult” things.....
LIKE……
Transitions. Titian is Hot! Transitions sometimes set him off.
Standing.
Sounds simple…but it’s a test on my patience.
This horse is off the track and stimuli can catapult him into
a nervous ninny. Said Stimuli of: horses
being lunged in arena next to us, group of horses going on a trail, line up in
arena for a group jumping lesson or line up at a horse show awards
Upper
body leaning too far forward. My shoulders are over horse’s shoulder in
compensation of very forward horse and/or lack of core strength.
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| Elizabeth & Titian approach a fence |
So when I have a lesson I get to work through patterns and habits
with my “life timer” horse partner or an unfamiliar ride. Riding under the supervision of a trainer
encourages me to uproot, examine dysfunctions, then ultimately change or shift. This focus time carries through to riding on
my own and a life of “doing it differently.”
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| Elizabeth riding Lanzar during dressage lesson taught by Tane McClure Arendts |
All this said, I esteem to develop a balanced schedule where I
may ride, take lessons, run my personal business, walk on the beach, and have
fun with friends.
All that said, I feel the anxiety of
“How shall I accomplish this
all?!?!”
I am reminded of The
Four Agreements, written by Don Miguel Ruiz.
Do Your
Best
“Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will
be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstances
do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse, and regret.
When you do your best you learn to accept yourself. But you
have to be aware and learn from your mistakes. Learning from your mistakes
means you practice, look honestly at the results, and keep practicing. This
increases your awareness.”- Don Miguel Ruiz
I am personally and formally (in writing) committing to allow
time in my life to be a student, to be open, Do My Best, and show up
on time with a tidy turnout.
And so it is!
Elizabeth
A Cinney offers clients a unique perspective with being an equestrian, horse
owner, and 17 years’ experience providing Acupressure for people & horses.
ElizabethACinney.com
