Dave Minteer had graciously started teaching me the basics of roping and I couldn't wait any longer to try my new skills on horse back. Now mind you I had only swung the rope for maybe a week before I pulled Simon out of the pasture and went to town!
Trying something new got me thinking about how we not only limit ourselves but our horses with our sometimes all to focused goals. I have chosen to ride and show hunter jumpers from a very young age. My goals and dreams have always been centered around the hunter jumpers. When I purchased my green, OTTB, Simon my goal was to turn him into an equitation/jumper to show. I've owned Simon for 5 years now and I cant say he is the equitation horse I set out to have, nor has he proven himself in the jumper ring.
With that being said I wouldn't have traded the journey that I've had in retraining Simon for the world. When I picked up a rope and hopped in my English tack for a few hours I forgot my equitation, jumper goals for Simon and we both enjoyed trying something new. Not only was it refreshing for myself, Simon thoroughly enjoyed himself too. The next day when Simon and I went back to our daily flat work lesson I was happy to have a refreshed partner who was more willing to do what I asked.
I think we all get into our showing mind set or even a simple goal driven attitude and forget why we ride horses in the first place. Its always good to take a step back and even try down a new road to see if you actually might like something different! I don't think Simon and I will be handing in our short stirrups and Charles Owen helmet for a cow any time soon but I would gladly jump at the chance to try working a cow or chasing a dummy any day.
On a different note, Lollypop farms Judge has found a new home!
I am so happy to see him happy with a fellow buddy from Lollypop as well! Best of luck to Judge with his new family!
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