There's never a problem finding fun things to do in the summertime, we can ride the feet off our horses if we want to. It’s what to do during the cold, icy, windy, snowy, blowy, frigid, freezing season. (I know what you’re thinking, besides moving somewhere warm.) For those of us who are stuck, literally, in a snowbank, we have to find our inspiration to ride.
I gently muse during the business of the summer, “Oh for the quiet rest of winter.” Then, amid the snow drifts, I think, “Oh for the hot, green meadows and the hard-ridden trails.” Whatever. Both seasons can be spectacular and satisfy the passionate blood of “horse” that courses within our veins. My horses roll everyday, in any season, happily inspired to renew their pledge to enjoy whatever the day brings. Roll-over, roll-over, roll-over, and…go! We can too—refresh our bones that is.
If you have never ridden out during a snow storm, “Lily-bell, git yer dancin’ shoes on!” Nothing can match the surreal splendor of the countryside, nor transcend what the terrain can make you feel. The “we’re not in Kansas any more” experience while the snow is coming down and closing in.
There is a trail ride today, your trail ride, and all of them this winter, that can be ridden with purpose. As I said to my horse, “Take your time riding through the woods. Don’t worry about anything. Oh, the snow is deep? Not much time to be silly, spookin’ at every little thing that jumps up the trail,” and that’s what winter riding does, it levels out your horse and charts a course for the rest of the year. Don’t waste the time, let the adventure lead you into a wondrous 2017. Get belly-deep in an experience. The Promised Land always lies on the other side of the wilderness. At any rate, who doesn’t need a better-broke horse, and if you get lost, you know you’ve traveled far enough away from the barn.
I have been training horses for over 30 years and value the western horse lifestyle in my approach to training. Giving clinics and seminars on how to reach your full potential with your horse through the training foundation of Cowboy Dressage makes me happier than a full breeze from a corn-eatin’ horse.
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