My Little Pony
As promised, My Little Pony!Well, to be frank, and one must, he's not MINE, he belongs to my trainer, Poetry (So called because that's what she looks like when riding) and he's not LITTLE, nor is he a Pony. He's a Dutch Warmblood to be exact, a little over 17 hands.
(I have no clue what "hands" means as a measurement, not MY hands certainly, just think: BIG! His back is taller than my head)
He's also a Super Hero, when outside anyway. It is COLD here in the North, but horses like to get out and romp a bit anyway. So we dress them.
I ride indoors. Of course. And I am learning, studying would also be a good word, Dressage. I started training with Poetry in July last year, and in fact, it was that which led to me realizing exactly how out of shape and very NOT FIT I was. Asking her to teach me was one of the hardest things I've ever done. I couldn't ride, was so out of shape, and nowhere near the level of student I figured she would be willing to take on.But I've known since I was five I could do this, wanted to do this, needed to do this. And I wasn't going to let this chance go by. When you look at something and know it may well be the last chance you ever have to achieve something you've wanted your entire life, it's very powerful.
She said yes, and told me she didn't mess around. I wasn't going to either. She's not teaching upper level Dressage to put food on the table and I sure wasn't going to waste her time.
I joined a gym August 1st. (It will be six months next Tuesday and we'll have a little report on that next week)
If you had told that scared way out of shape girl six months ago within half a year she would be nipping into the stable, taking her trainers own horse out of the stall, tacking him up and riding Dressage moves confidently, she would not have believed you.
Well, she might have. When you know something inside, if you have the will and determination, you can do it. She knew this, even then, or she wouldn't have done it.
I've got years of work before I'll be able to ride. And a long way to go before I am FIT, like I know I can be. But I'm loving the journey. Riding is work, hard work. Make no mistake there, it's sweat, and brains and pain, and Poetry is, like all great coaches, not afraid to turn into Madame M and yell at me, and tell me off right properly.But I am miles ahead of where I was.
We did a couple short vid's yesterday, at the end of the lesson, I was pretty tired, (Ok, REALLY tired) and watching them, which I've done over and over, I can see where I'm going wrong, and know that I can do better. Which is a good reason for doing them.
Here's a bit of cantering. A couple weeks ago, Poetry, tired I suspect of telling me over and over not to put my weigh in the stirrups, took them away. My inside head sort of exploded into a chorus of "I am so going to die" but trust is a huge part of working with a great trainer, and I did it. Once again. This wasn't the first time the "I'm so going to die" song played, started with the first time I got on this horse, hauling myself up like a sack of potatoes.
I don't now. I get on confidently, and with grace.
There's grace and beauty in everything.
If you're willing to sweat and scream to get it.
It's so worth it.
Love and Ponies,
Lorraine
89 Comments:
There's grace and beauty in everything. If you're willing to sweat and scream to get to it.
Yes.
May I quote this?
Inspirational as always.
Lovely!
He's a very curious one, isn't he, looking to see what you're pointing at him!
I have no clue about dressage or anything, but you look strong on him, and seem to be signaling him effortlessly. You rock, Ms. MeDeadly!
A hand is four inches and horses' height is measured at the withers (shoulder) so a horse a little over 17 hands would be about 70 inches or 5'8" at the shoulder. That's a big "pony".
That is wonderful! i really love dressage myself, need to get back to riding.
Please post more videos as you continue on this journey :-)
"When you look at something and know it may well be the last chance you ever have to achieve something you've wanted your entire life, it's very powerful."
Indeed.
Any ideas on how to deal w/ others who are reluctant if not downright antagonistic to one's goals? And no, I'm not speaking family...but current situation, job, or money situation? Trust me, I keep working toward my goals but some days it feels I take one step forward and three back! And yes, part is FIT, but for myself, the bigger part is fitting into my life correctly...being on my proper path.
Lorraine. This is a great post and you are such an inspiration...thanks! Glad to see you on FB now too!
I can't believe I missed an entire two posts. bad Fiend, I should eb punished.
Anyway, the videos are great! Do you know I tell my friends and family about you? That you inspire DOING in me. I have a lot of internal inspiration for DOING, but it is always nice to have an external prod when one gets distracted.
Can't wait to see more vids!
Lovely!
A hand is 4 inches - I think from the width of your hand (OK, probably not yours or mine, but think mens hands)
I think I'm where you are, Pi. I'm also not even sure what my goals are. Not the big ones - the ones I need to become willing to sweat and scream for. Even if I came up with a list (I should, though I'm afraid to), how do I chose the few (one?) to sweat and scream for, since "all of the above" would never be an option?
Will have to watch the vids when I get home. Looking forward to it.
This was so, so fun to read. And watch. You positively BEAM with pride and joy -- and you should.
You have the will, Lorraine -- and with that, comes the way. In short, you rock.
Hands, by the way, are roughly four fingers. Hold your hand parallel to the ground, fingers together -- that's a hand. On the horse, you measure from the tip of the withers down.
The stirrup thing? My mom was also my trainer when I was younger. She took away my irons for almost a month. Longest month of my life, I think. But it helped me, so I suppose it worked out.
Thanks for sharing this -- for being an example of the positive. It's inspiring to see someone go after what she wants. :-) ~Ali
Thanks All!
Grey, of course you can quote me! Anytime.
Thank you JAB! Good to know.
Pi, I would say, don't listen to them. Keep at it, and yes, one step forward 2 back. We're going to talk about just that next week. You know what you want. Get it.
There's no overnight sensation. It doesn't just happen.
Been listening a lot to ACDC's Its a Long Way To the Top, if you wanna Rock n Roll.
Uh-huh.
Beautiful! Absolutely beautiful! You will get there; I know you will!
You're looking great, Q. Great riding, great in general. :)
So his back is taller than your head, and you're taller than me, which means I'd be, like, ankle height to that horse. Yup. He's a big'un.
I'm glad when you post stories like this, because it reminds me to keep working for the things that I want, even when other things start intruding. Also, it nudges me to be more FIT, even if it's up to me to move my furniture around and get up and dance.
That's a great horse for you. You look great together.
tick and HI!
This is such a wonderful reminder the these things don't happen overnight - you are an inspiration Lorraine.
Off to rock. Going to be a great night. I am wearing both purple plaid and purple leopard print.
Nothing says Rock like fashion.
Comment me nice things to read on my breaks, my Fiends. See you after midnight.
I've had half a bottle of wine. That's nice. Isn't it?
That's very nice Jess..enjoy
Looking good in the saddle, Q! I'd like to try an English saddle without irons someday, I always felt like the stirrups were the wrong length or something. And what a lovely big boy this warmblood is!
So glad you're on FB more regularly, it helps me not miss posts anymore:)
Plus, the bee shirt is so very cool.
I just woke up, and can't sleep (it's 5 a.m. here)
is this because our Fearless Leader demended comments to read, midnight Quiche-time? Because I'm not sure I can manage 'interesting' under these conditions.
And I guess asking you to play a lullaby would not fit with the Rock.
(of which I hope there is lots)
Just home from a delicious meal with interesting companions, and enough wine. Alas, that makes me less than interesting. Hope Rock rocked and a fine time was had by both the band and the audience!
Rock was had, but not without pain. Fods, it hurt tonight. And there was a whole lot of drunk going on, which makes for more work. (not ME, audience)
We won, and El showed up and gave me Massage during second break.
She did it so well, I pretty much played one song third set.
Paul learned The Cure for some drunk people throwing 20's, and we attempted Slade.
I really hurt. Rock is not easy.
I hope a hot bath, or hot tub helped.
I am feeling very bouncy as have just arranged with some friends to see David Tennant & Catherine Tate in 'Much Ado About Nothing' in London in august.
Should be well worth seeing, plus an opportunity to spend time together:-))
That's still on when we're over next. Thinking about it. We may have to think fast. Looks nearly sold out. :/
Good Morning!
Gig head here. But I have coffee, and so , have high hopes for the day. SO far.
(OOPS! Wrote this hours ago. Gig Head did not send it)
*tap* *tap* *tap*
Hello?
Wassup - where are you all?
I'm trying to prepare for a string of insabnely hot weather...2 consecutive days of 40C (104 F) then high 30's, in a house that is a heat trap...arghhhh.
Send me all your spare snow please
Can't believe I did not comment here yesterday!
This is a great post Q! Very inspirational.
Like some others I too have lost sight of what it is that I really want to do, what my goals are, and that makes doing that hard work toward them even harder. But I think I am coming out of the fog and I look forward to the Doing!
You are such a good example to follow! Hope the rock happens tonight.
How come I've missed the call for this blog? No wonder my email in-box had become less rabid than usual...
He does look like a super hero with his cape and mask. And maybe he does go out in the night to succour Assistants in Danger?
Hah, now you've said that Nathalie its all I can see...Superhorse!
Zooming through the woods (somehow avoiding the trees).
He pushes an inner button and a device opens on his forehead, revealing the horn of the unicorn (I bet you guys were wondering why there wasn't Unicorns anymore: They went into disguise. Telescopic horns are all the rage) and CHAAAARGE!
Its all the coats and hoods he wears - they repel anything that dares to get in his way.
Gig rocked. Beyond rocked. Was as good as lasts nights was decidedly NOT.
Bed. Now. Ouch.
That's all I got.
Of course you rocked. You always do.
Sleep well.
Yay for rock. Hopefully followed by long, deep sleep.
Yay for rock, and yay for videos that are oh so beautiful to watch. :)
And yay for the inspiration too!
(Sally, I don't envy you your insanely hot weather. Hope you manage to stay cool, e kare.)
It was a great sleep, except for Lear, who is a Leopard of set habits, and was distressed when I did not get up at 6.
Allie Gator, who skates for Madison is coming to stay with me today, we're going skating of course and she will teach me all the skills!!!!
Then we hot tub.
My hands hurt.
That looks amazing, Lorraine, really amazing.
You look very graceful on your Little Pony!
Good skating and hot tub today. :)
Hi all. I don't knit...but found this sock pattern on Boing Boing that is absolutely awesome!
http://www.boingboing.net/2011/01/30/beowulf-sock-pattern.html
Hey! I missed this post!
Yay ponies! Yay inspiration and determination! Yay you and everyone!
I'm coming out of my sinus-lung-cold haze slowly. Catching up on the interwebs.
Ohhh, Pi, I wish my knitting was good enough to make those socks - they are awesome.
Hey Fiendish Knitters - I'd pay someone to make those socks for me, I have a serious taste of want.
Ms T, I don't envy me this heat either! we did at least have a coolish change come in last night that dropped the temps for a pleasant (still wrm) night. Tonight we won't be so lucky.
Enjoy your skating and tubbing Lorraine...and can I keep my head now please?
RI is getting another foot and a half of SNOW. Sounds ... fanfrickintabulous. I love snow, but there are things on my agenda apart from throwing snowballs.
But LiEm, snowballs are such fun!
I'd love to be throwing snowballs right now, for instance. Mmmm, nice cool snowballs.
Snowballs are awesome! But I need to go places too!
You have persevered, Ms. Fabulous. You've been pursuing this dream for more than six months, but needed a different teacher/trainer to get you through a roadblock. The right teacher/trainer at the right time for you. :)
More new Fiends! Welcome rderrett, Jessica, Grey Listening, JAB, and Jenn! Here is your very own white buckled jacket. If you look around, you'll find anything you need to personalize your jacket; they needn't remain white. Please, speak up again! :)
ticccky
<3 horsey posts. those ast few lines are super awesome
"There's grace and beauty in everything.
If you're willing to sweat and scream to get it.
It's so worth it."
truth, and for more than horses
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If I was closer I would love to! I got this great Athena/Diana costume for this last Halloween and didn't get to wear it because I was sick!
Yikes! I had it in my head that the WI event was in 2012.
Okay, guys, I need some Fiendish power! We were originally supposed to just get snow (18 inches, but that's okay) but now they're saying ice. Ice is bad because it makes the power go out when it takes out power lines.
So can you please petition the weather $deity to send us snow?
I've been pointing out to Dan all day that he's supposed to be in charge of the weather, but he just laughs at me. *hrumph*
Can't help ya. We're already supposed to get "significant" and "damaging" accumulations of ice, and 5-8 inches of snow mixed in.
What's a "damaging accumulation of ice," you might ask? Why, that's half an inch. Of ice. All over everything. During the conference we're hosting.
At least I'm not travelling, but our out-of-town guests may be stuck here for some time.
I will sacrifice a dish of Ranch Style Beans to Flatulus, the God of Wind.
<hijack>
For those who don't follow my every move on FB and twitter...tomorrow is Worldwide Waste Reduction day and the 5th grade at ben's school is doing a big event. To participate, all you need to do is take a picture or yourself picking up one piece of trash tomorrow and email it to them. I know most of the trash is buried under feet of snow but if it's possible, the details are here.
</hijack>
Thanks you guys :)
I feel for you, Phiala, I do. Just to the south of us, in Indianapolis, they're supposed to get up to 2 inches of ice and high winds. That means they're going to be without power (and cable, and possibly phone) because that's enough ice to snap all the cables and bring down plenty of trees to help. And most of the transmission lines are above ground, even if the connection to the house isn't.
There are days I wish we hadn't moved to the boonies of NW Indiana, this isn't one of them.
Here comes Fluffy with an edited version of the previous hijack.
If anyfiend is attending the Discworld con in Madison, WI this July, and would like to participate in the opening ceremonies, please email me! I need men and women who like wearing costumes and would like a chance to participate in a very fun part of the Pratchett convention.
Fluffy,
I am so interested in going. where are the details so i can look at flights and hotel and commit?
if i can make it, you can count on me to do your bidding.
Here's the link: North American Discworld Convention 2011
Also happening in the same area of downtown Madison is the huge:
Art Fair on the Square - Organized by the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art; features music, entertainment, and outdoor dining, as well as fine works of art in mixed media, ceramics, drawings, graphics, prints, fiber, leather, furniture, glass, jewelry, metal, paintings, photographs, sculpture, 3D mixed media, and wood.
Then of course there is the House on the Rock about an hour away. Weirdest and most fascinating place I've ever seen.
Fluffy, what would make a simple costume to try to put together for when I go and see Pterry talk?
Sally, if you make yourself a Greek tunic with some white sheets and put a laurel in your hair you can go as The Lady. Also, carry a pair of dice.
Ahhh, that sounds perfect
And sandals. Don't forget those! With 39C weather, you probably have that covered.
Yup, no shartage of sandals here.
And on the subject of things costumey...oh fods, I've just realised it's the Rugby Sevens this weekend! I forecast hordes of rampaging bananas (pyjamas optional), tribes of wandering prom queens and cheerleaders, and slightly confused "lifesavers" attempting to swim in the 6 inches of water in front of the Supreme Court (it's on the way to the Cake Tin, er, stadium).
Actually, it's kind of fun to observe from a safe distance. And even more fun watching the a couple of giant Shrewsbury biscuits try to get on a bus. :)
Are you all planning a party???? I got all lost here...
I mean, there is some excuse. IT'S COLD. AND DARK. AND I AM ALL ALONE AGAIN.
Bah.
As long as I can fly on Saturday, this week can do as it pleases.
What? Hiding? Ah, I get it, you were planning a party but not inviting me, and you figured I wouldn't SEE these comments...
Not hiding, just working.
So cute!
I want a horse! :-)
No, Ms. Quiche, we're talking about the Discworld Convention in Madison this summer. I'm recruiting people to wear costumes and march in the opening ceremonies in honor of Sir Terry Pratchett.
And Sally is planning to see him in Melbourne soon and wanted to dress to impress.
We has a snow day today. Not much snow, but last night's sleet froze slick under it. And it's not thawing anytime soon.
Yeah, Fluffy, we didn't get enough sleet for the schools to close here, though all the schools north and west of us did.
Na, you really didn't need to send us your wind. Really. There's a possibility that our wind chill tomorrow, while balmy compared to yours, will be -2F. I live further south than Jerusalem, Israel. At least there's no ice.
Don't think we can make it to the discworld party. But I'm not going to give a definite no....there is an advantage to my in-laws being in chicago, we can justify those crazy midwestern party trips!
I seem to be on the mend from this plague. Yay for steroids and antibiotics! (there is a time and place for pharmeceuticals and i found that time and place on friday!)
I have to get outside and get a picture of myself picking up a piece of trash somewhere. I know most of you can 't do this because you wont see the ground until spring :(
I've got a mound of laundry bigger than my bed to fold. Fun day!
Since the Discworld thing took me by surprise, I'm not sure if I can fit it into my budget this year. But keep us all posted. If it turns out to be a Fiendfest too, I might try to shoehorn it in.
Is this an Indy weekend, Lorraine? I'll be in nearby Bloomington Sunday-Thursday. So close, and yet so far away!
I miss all you Fiends, but whenever I do pop in, I'm feeling so negative, I think I'm best off keeping quiet and just trying to let the inspiration sink in.
I was sleeping...
now I'm up and trying not to stress about my family in the path of a Category Five Cyclone. Mother Nature is not very kind so far this year.
Distraction ideas Fiends? I've tried writing, but my mind keeps slipping.
Audiobook? Movie? Hmmm. Lots of wine?
I'm thinking movie - at the moment the interwebz is being good to me!
Hope all of the fiends stuck in Icemageddon are safe. And, ((((((Sally))))). I hope all of our Aussie friends and family of Sally are also safe.
Thanks Wendy, to say I am absolutely petrified for all my family and friends in Townsville is an understatement.
Sally, are they heading inland?
Into the outer suburbs - which hopefully won't be affected by the storm surge. All they can do now is wait. Even 450 kilometres inland the storm will still be a Category 3. It really is inconceivable.
Sally, I'm just catching up.
much love & good vibes for your family
thanks sweetie. I am at the trying not to cry stage now.
bloody storms.
Pretty strange weather going on this week! What's up with that???
Just freaky cold and dark here. May get light soon....
Ok, Fiends! Wake up and come back! New blog post is UP NOW!!!!!!
Hey!! OMG! No stirrups and everything. You rock and look amazing. Both of you.
Sorry to not be around. It's been insane getting Lance ready to go. I have him all packed. Now I'm just waiting for the call to load him to go meet his ride up north.
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