I wanted to share a big ah ha experience for me with my horse Lordy. The past several months I have been focusing our play sessions on Liberty in preparation for videotaping our level 4 Liberty audition. Now before I go any further, I am a strong type A personality that can become very direct line. The Parelli program has taught me to play and think laterally but from time to time I can slip back into being direct line!
Before the focus of preparing for the level 4 audition our liberty play sessions were fun and both of us enjoyed free jumping the most. Lordy and I would run around the arena or field and go from jump to jump. I would point to the jump and he would aim proceed straight, honest and with exuberance. His recalls were prompt and his expressions always bright and connected.
As the weeks passed, our focus became task driven more than free form and fun. I was narrowing our focus to perfecting the figure 8’s, changes of direction with flying changes and compulsory movements. I am sure I had more drive and draw and over time my horse became a reflection of me. It was eye opening. Each play session I was getting less and less. Lordy was more distant and when given a choice in the open area he would promptly leave. As Pat always says “Liberty is the Truth” that is so very true. I found myself running around in attempt to suggest that Lordy aim and jump and when I would look he was headed quickly in the other direction. Yikes! I knew I needed to stop, refocus and look at our sessions with an open minded lateral thinking perspective.
When I really took a few moments to evaluate how things had progressed over the past few weeks I realized I had become “audition” driven and along the way I had lost the connection to my partner. I lost that sparkle in his eye to want to please and respond with the lightest suggestion. I immediately STOPPED playing at liberty and spent undemanding time with him for days! After a week, I found our connection growing again. I believe he realized I cared…….
I have re-entered the sessions of liberty with my partner keeping my intention lateral and not direct line! Although a HUGE challenge for a type A individual like myself, I realize that is “my” emotional fitness journey and I thank my partner for leaving me at Liberty to teach me this valuable lesson. Horses really do teach humans….. if we are open to listen and learn! Savvy on –
