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.

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.

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.”

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