Today's confession is that I didn't ride a single horse Saturday nor Sunday. Between chores and various social obligations I didn't have time to ride them all either day. And so I just opted out. I rarely ever do that. Especially not two days in a row. (I did ride Monday, our usual day off, to make up for one of the days at least.) But you know what? The horses are fine. A couple of vacation days didn't hurt anyone.
I've always been apart of programs that rides six days a week. And it feels like some sort of failure when that doesn't happen. But honestly? On occasion, it's not the end of the world for the horses to have some time off. After being in a less than ideal program the past many winters (the most recent winter excluded), I had gotten it drilled into me that not riding six days a week meant I was lazy. That I wasn't dedicated. That the horses would be unfit and unruly. But none of that is true. Sometimes life happens and we need to partake in it. And if you're truly in a successful horse management program a couple of days won't make or break your horse's fitness nor his/her temperament.
So in conclusion, the horses alright. And so am I.
It’s funny how we can totally buy into the ‘must work everyday’ mindset. Taking time off is fine. For us AAs who are not taking aim at the olympics does it really matter?I think horses enjoy the down time. I gave mine the last few days off post show. It’s been great.
ReplyDeleteI don't think it matters much at all honestly! The horses are content as long as I feed them regularly. Haha!
DeleteI’m honestly a huge believer in taking time when we need it. One of the biggest lessons I learned from Charlie, after all the time off and periods of rest etc, is that the horses retain the training- they don’t NEED to work every day to remember the job. Little breaks can be good for everybody imo, esp if a couple days here and there help with feeling refreshed and energized. I’m always amazed at programs that dictate “How It Must Be Or Else You’re Wrong” … like horses are so adaptive and flexible lol, they can thrive in almost any lifestyle, gimme a break
ReplyDeleteI agree so much! Everything doesn't have to be the same every day and every week. The horses probably are grateful when we mix things up a little.
DeleteAs someone with health issues that flare up occasionally (frequently), I've learned I have to listen to my body and rest when needed. Pushing through to work the horses just because I have a certain number of days per week in mind is a good way to get injured (like falling off if I'm having a "bad brain day") or worsen the flare up. The horses never seem to mind, and I don't have issues with them forgetting lessons over the course of a few days. I just have to manage my expectations as far as their physical fitness (and assess caloric needs of the air ferns).
ReplyDeleteThat is probably my main worry, at least for Shiny and Eros. They gain weight so easily that they DO need to work pretty regularly. But an extra day off here or there shouldn't put them over the edge.
DeleteI also have an autoimmune issue and I've always just pushed through. But as I get older, some days it's really hard to do and I pay for it with brain fog for days after. It can be very frustrating!
I can 100% relate. It can be extremely frustrating.
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