Vinnie!
Even though I was unquestionably grateful for the use of an indoor arena for the better part of the winter, leaving the cold, compact area behind has been rejuvenating. As I have mentioned before, the winters seems to revolve around drills and practice. Of course, there’s always time set aside for wintry trail rides, but the majority of my time in the saddle was spent indoors.
Each week I gave myself various assignments and small goals to work towards. Whether I wanted to focus on my position or the quality of the canter, I usually arrived at the barn with some mission, whether grand or diminutive.
Most winters I am unable to travel south for various reasons. This month will be the second time I have ever brought a horse to Southern Pines. I am not a regular north/south type of equestrian. My traveling and my horse life is completely dictated by my pocket book and what I am leaving at home. Luckily all my ducks were aligned this winter, which allowed me a quick getaway. Not to mention I am sitting on the world’s most incredible horse, and I could not think of a better time to come down here.
Every winter spent in Vermont, I am inevitably working toward that first outdoor jump school with Denny. This jump school might take place in April or May, or sometimes earlier depending on the year. It doesn’t matter if I am working on half pass, or counter canter, or riding in knee-deep powder, I am aware of the inevitability of that first jump school. The first jump school in a way kicks off the season. The first jump school means more to me than I can describe.
Well, what do you know? I kicked off the season yesterday and could not have been more thrilled! I hacked Vinnie over to Tamarack Hill Farm and have to mention that I was wearing a T-shirt even though I don’t have any photographic evidence. This event did take place. Not only was I about to jump my favorite horse EVER, but I was about to jump on a beautifully warm and sunny day. Honestly, what more could I want from life? I am only slightly joking here!
The jump school went remarkably well. I say “remarkably” because if anyone is going to mess up a jump lesson, it would be me and nobody else. I am so inside my head at times, and because I am ridiculously competitive and eager, I sometimes get ahead of myself by overriding. Luckily I managed to keep my cool, but everyone knew Vinnie and I were pumped to be jumping again. Vinnie even let out a small, but expressive buck! It was pretty cute!
The most interesting part of yesterday’s experience was not what I was able to accomplish with this incredible horse, but rather, the homework and practicing that occurred ALL WINTER LONG WHILE RIDING INSIDE completely paid off. Everything I worked hard for and everything I studied and analyzed all came together. It wasn’t a coincidence, and nothing was by accident. I am getting to know Vinnie better and better, and our relationship is evolving, and I could not be more ecstatic about this connection we are making.
At the end of the day, yes, I am beyond appreciate and grateful to be down here practicing. But even more than that, I am thrilled that I pushed myself and Vin this winter. Every time I thought about staying home and sitting next to the fire as opposed to riding, I always chose to ride. Snow storm? So what … my car had snow tires and all-wheel drive. Ridiculous wind and frigid cold days didn’t stop me from riding.
I worked hard to get to where I am, and what’s really cool is that nobody can take that away from me. I earned what I am getting, like a grade you received after studying for an exam. There’s such a thing as good luck in the horse world, but there’s a greater power which revolves around making your own luck.
So, to all my fellow New England riders, your time will come. Your hard work will pay off. And whether you have to wait three days, or two months, it’ll all be worth the time and energy you put into your riding this winter!
