Equipped with proper instruction and the encouragement not to get discouraged when I encounter resistance, Usache and I begin retraining our walk. Some days I think it would be easier if I could be instructed every time I ride. Besides being hard on the pocketbook, it is impractical in terms of scheduling and the greatest learning often comes outside the coaching session.
And there it is, the resistance. Marie told me to expect it. We would be asking Usache to work harder initially so that his work becomes easier. There is no way to communicate this with a horse other than to say work harder, so he can eventually discover the ease in his work. Given that, expect resistance.
There it was on day 2 of practicing on our own. Resistance causes you to question what you are doing. Yes, just like when we begin a new habit or launch a new project, we will encounter resistance (you can learn more about resistance in Steven Pressfield’s wonderful book – Do the Work!) Now as Usache resists working harder, and why wouldn’t he, I begin to question: Am I doing it correctly? Is this even the right thing to be doing?
Remembering Marie’s words of encouragement, I persist in asking for more. Maybe I am not quite doing it correctly, but I persist and there is some response.
Day 3 – We go backwards in our progress. Obviously I am not doing this correctly. Maybe this is just not meant to be for me and Usache. I can dive back into yoga or another pursuit, knitting perhaps.
Day 4 – I am not sure this riding thing is for me.
Day 5 – I am glad tomorrow is our off day. Wait, oh my, there it is. A shift. From me. A tiny little difference met with a relived response from Usache. Can we ride again tomorrow?
Day 6 – (after a day off) Can I do it again? Will I be able to replicate it? Do I still have it? Yes! There it is. What a wonderful ride we have. I am a good rider and Usache is a smart and responsive horse.
Day 7 – Where did it go? He forgot everything in a day? Wait. No, I was part of the challenge. It’s okay. It’s the messy middle.