Credit due

I'm not writing this to toot my own horn or even to pump myself up.  I writing this for all of us that get stuck looking at the daily grind and forget to give ourselves the credit we deserve.  The credit for the beautiful care our horses get.  The acknowledgement of the research we do for the products we use.  Credence to the mental fortitude to be patient and not to resort to anger or hysterics in the most trying of situations.  Most of all, today though, I'm remembering to give myself the credit for the progress of my horse.

A few posts ago I acknowledged the 'winter training elves' and time off.  I always acknowledge my horse and how great he is, how hard he tries, his talent, his memory for the skills he learns.  I might talk about the things I am doing with him, but in my own head I never take that moment to be just a little proud.  I'm not talking hubris here, just that little pat on the back.  'Good job self, this horse has made progress, you have guided that progress, you deserve a hug.'

He didn't learn to canter like this all by himself

 Do you understand what I'm saying?

Last year was a struggle, I've talked about 'muchness' and confidence.  I've talked about learning to not beat myself up.  So, I guess the next step on this journey to healthy mental maturity is to move from the safe zone where I no longer berate myself into a zone where I am willing to recognize the good things I do with a horse.

Or to use his neck like this

Instead of looking at where we are in our training and feeling upset for not being further, I need to look at where we are in our training and throw a little party celebrating the journey so far.  Ok, so we haven't been to a USEA event yet, but we can do pretty solid shoulder in, we did win a jumper class, we can canter in a manner suitable for first level.  My horse's topline continues to develop as does his confidence.  These are all things that don't happen while he stands in his stall or pasture.  These are things that happen as I take up the reins, and I put on my leg, as I reward his effort I also need to reward mine.

Hello topline development not gotten while grazing

This is for all of you as well as myself.  Remember where you started, remember where your horse started.  In your journey to the finish line don't forget where that starting line was.  It is that distance between goals in which you can so easily get lost.  So, keep acknowledging the progress, keep readdressing the direction, and always remember to give yourself credit where credit is due.

Enjoy all the steps