Lessons From Drake: Lesson 1

Lesson 1: Being Confident Doesn't Mean You (Have to) Know it All

3 year old Drake is his stall, not quite sure about my camera.

The second day that I, or anyone else for that matter, ever worked with Drake, I was all alone with him. In the back of my mind I was terrified that something tragic would happen leading him between his stall and the arena.  As I placed the halter on Drake, his anxiety was palpable and it took everything for me not to take on that same feeling.  I took a deep breath, stood up tall, and tried to be as confident as I could. I spoke softly to him and told him and myself everything would be all right. We made it without incident, but it was nerve wracking for both of us. Until I came along all of Drake's interactions with humans had been to move (scare) him from one place to another. He was wary of people and distrusting, but he was also intelligent and curious. We began to work things out. With time I came to understand that Drake is a bit of a "scaredy cat." Being a prey animal, his instincts are to flee from a scary situation, but usually he doesn't go too far. And eventually curiosity will win out and he will come back to investigate. The more that I remain confident and calm, the easier it is for him to stay calm and confident himself.

As I drove away from the barn after a successful second session with Drake I was exhilarated, but the weight of what I was attempting to do hit me like a ton of bricks and I could feel myself begin to panic. The evil voice in my head told me I had no business working with a green horse, that I had no idea what I was doing and the possibility of getting hurt or hurting the horse was entirely likely. But before these thoughts could over power me completely and turn my excitement and euphoria into doom and gloom another thought broke in and said, "Today was a success. You don't have to know everything. Just start with what you know, do that, and build from there." And that is what I did. Admitting to myself that I didn't know it all and that I didn't have to was incredibly humbling, yet it freed me to be open to learning and listening to Drake.  That kind of confidence isn't arrogant or prideful, but open and creative and usually gets the best results in any situation. 

If you would like to read my previous post about Drake, please click here. 

***Disclaimer***
I'm not suggesting that someone with no experience with horses go out and train a horse, there is a significant amount of knowledge required in horsemanship and working with an experienced trainer and taking lessons is the best course of action and is the one that I took myself. I was being supervised by a trainer, but was also practicing what I was learning on my own with Drake.

Unexpected Beauty

Walking into the grocery store the other day I noticed this sculpture that I had never been aware of before. Just 15 feet from the entrance to the store I go to at least once a week. I was shocked that I had never seen it before. It was a little piece of inspiration and beauty in an otherwise ugly American strip mall. I was moved and had to take a picture of it! It is a good reminder for me that if I stay present and in the moment I may just find delightful things around to make my day just a little bit brighter and more joyful.

Lesson's From Drake

Drake, walking around the barn on a sunny winter day. (photo taken by me)

This is Drake. He's a nine year old Tennessee Walker. I have known Drake since he was three years old. He had an interesting first 3 years of life. He was born at a PMU ranch in Alberta, Canada. An amazing nonprofit organization called the Animali Farm, that is dedicated to rescuing PMU horses, shipped him and a bunch of other horses like him to Santa Maria, California. From there, he was adopted by a woman from whom I then adopted him. When I met Drake he was completely green, he wasn't even halter broke and he was terrified of the world. The first day that I worked with him in the arena and first pet his neck is a day I will always remember. I recognized something in him that resonated within me in a profound way. The challenges that I faced working with Drake, the mistakes and the triumphs have forced me to grow and reflect on my behavior and inner emotional state. He has been my mirror for the last six years and it has been one of the most rewarding relationships of my life. The lessons that I have learned from Drake can be applied to all areas of my life, especially my relationships. Periodically I will post a lesson or two that I have come to realize through my day to day interactions with this sweet soul.

For the record, I am not a horse trainer. I have been around horses throughout my life, but I do not claim to know how to "break" a horse or train a horse for competition. There are many excellent trainers and schools of thought about equitation and horsemanship. I do not follow a certain discipline or profess to know the "right" way to do things.  Like any sport or hobby, there are many differing perspectives, theories, and techniques. I will not discuss the technicalities of horsemanship here. This is intended only as insights that I have gained through interacting with Drake.

Next Post, lesson 1, will be coming soon. :)

Drake and I at a Western Riding Clinic in Woodside, CA. (photo taken by my husband)

Risk

Take a risk, even if it's a little one. Do something creative, even if you aren't perfect at it.  Commit to making one of your "I always wanted to do..." come true. No matter how out of reach it feels like it is, you can make it happen. Don't let the excuses of your mind get in your way.

My problem is that there are so many things that I would like to have more time to do that I have a hard time deciding what to put my focus on. Regardless, I am going to make a commitment to listening to my quiet desires and the subtle ways that my subconscious lets me know that I am doing something that brings me joy even if I feel vulnerable doing it. There is no growth with out struggle. And the most fulfilling things in life usually come through some sort of growth and struggle.

My risk is to commit to posting on this blog every week.

What have you always wanted to try and haven't yet?

(Quote by Anais Nin, photo taken by me and edited with ABM app)

Mushroom Hunting

 After a much needed rain and a week or so of drying out, my friend invited me to go mushroom picking. It was more just an excuse to get out into the fresh air for a hike in the surrounding forest.

 The creeks were flowing, the sun was out and the damp forest floor was the perfect environment for mushrooms to grow.

 I am always awed by the amazing formations that nature can create. Getting outside and looking at the small details around me really help me stay centered and appreciate life.

Walking the Path

Hiking up an arroyo one beautiful fall day in Baja I came across this peaceful little watering hole. Although the hike started easily enough, as I got further along I was increasingly avoiding vicious spiny cactus and brush, keeping an eye out for scorpions and snakes. In some places I had to scale huge granite boulders, not to mention that I found mountain lion tracks near the dry river bed. I didn't know what I was going to find hiking up into the mountains in the middle of the Baja peninsula, but when I arrived at this pool I felt as if all the sweat, scrapes and cactus needles were put in my path so that I may be able to appreciate this lovely place that much more. Once there, I was able to relax and regain my strength for the long hike back down. The entire journey made me feel capable, confident and strong while at the same time keeping me humble and showing me just how fragile I am in this great big world. In order to stay safe I had to stay calm, present and in the moment along the way. Imagine if we all applied this principle to our day to day lives. I find it so much easier to do when I am in nature, but not when I'm driving in traffic... 

New Year, New Beginnings

A new year is a fresh start. One could say that each moment is potentially a fresh start, it doesn't have to be only at the new year that we make resolutions or create new habits and let go of things that no longer serve us. This year, more than others in the past is significant. For me, the closing of 2014 and the beginning of the new year is meaningful and welcome. I am ready to let go of the past and walk in the present moment while expectantly looking toward the future. I don't know where the path will take me, but I know that I am on it and moving forward.

Happy 2015!

 (Quote by unknown, photo was taken by me in Baja California Sur, I used photo editing app A Beautiful Mess)