Well, summer has finally arrived, and with it, the oh so comfortable heat and humidity that comes with living in NC! Bug has been on vacation since Bromont, and I just spent the last week in Florida with friends. I must send out a huge thank you to Eric and Daryl Bush for treating my husband and I to an amazing trip to Ocala and Orlando!!
During this trip, I did a lot of thinking about my horses, competition, and life in general. With the Olympics upon us and stress levels so high, it is hard to remember that sometimes, we just need to let go! All horse people, pros and amateurs alike, tend to get swallowed by this thing that we live, breath, and love. I know that I spend 95% of my day thinking and doing horse things. When I’m not with the horses, I’m probably planning something horse related or writing something horse related or dreaming something horse related. Sometimes, I catch myself telling my poor husband the twentieth horse story of the day. I find it very hard to turn that part of me off, as it IS who I am. I am sure that I am not the only one that feels that way!
However, I believe that it is so important for we horse people to live “normal” lives now and then. We tend to get so involved with our horses, that we sometimes forget how to deal with humans. Love them or hate them, we still have to be able to deal with others on some level! Professionals must learn to deal with humans if they want to be prosperous in this sport. Let’s just be honest, those that are good at dealing with people are doing much better than those that are not. Sometimes, it is not the best trainers that have the most students and horses, it is those that can talk the talk and deal with others. Unfortunately, those that get along great with animals are not always the ones that interact with people very well.
I tried very hard on my vacation to act like a “normal” human being. Of course, my husband and friends will still tell you that I talked about my horses and texted my working students regularly to check on my “babies.” However, I did put forth a concerted effort to be normal. Not only did my horse need a break from me and the sport, but I found that I feel so much better after my trip. I had time to get away from the stress of everything and take a look from far away. Sometimes, distance can make the picture so much clearer. Stepping away made my path for this journey that much clearer to me.
I am back from vacation and ready to rumble! I have new plans and new ideas. My brain is clear and my body is ready to get kicked into shape! I hope that after all of this Olympic stress, that all of those involved will get a good brain cleanse too!
How many of you are planning some way to be non-horsey for a bit this summer??
