April 4, 2022
Starting fresh with better habits and a more empowering mindset after a week of moody, unmotivated and negative vibes from me. This experience is teaching me to keep pushing forward by staying present in each moment. I developed a pattern of rushing through the challenging things instead of taking the time to work through them. This internship is so valuable that when I began to fall into autopilot and rush through this bittersweet homestretch, it felt so uncomfortable and I realized I needed to change my behavior. By redirecting my energy from my anxious thoughts into physical work and education, I allow myself to feel fulfilled.
Today I woke up with purpose and carried out my day maintaining that feeling. Wendy came to the barn to check teeth - she is a natural balance dentist who works on the molars and incisors. Most teeth floats only shave down sharp edges of the molars. Wendy not only files down sharp points on incisors and molars, but goes with the natural angle of the teeth so there is all around occlusion, which gives the horse proprioception of its feet. The mandible can only slide when there is proper occlusion and no blockages in the incisors. Sliding mandible allows lateral flexion and relaxation.
We got a new horse from the competitive dressage world last week and I watched Meg work her today. She immediately flees from any heightened pressure, especially from the whip. She is so forward in the walk that she forges and throws herself onto her shoulders. Still she took to the work and will be a cool project.
Karl was outwardly thinking in our lesson today and has felt slightly off, may be a stone bruise. Doesn't show up until after the canter under saddle and isn’t consistent (just since Friday 4/1). Starting to carry himself well in the groundwork. All about bringing those shoulders up and in. My seat is improving! What was a not so good ride today would have been an exceptional a few months ago. He is so relaxed and we are in constant communication that is clear. I am finding softness in my lower back and legs.
Sculpting the body.
