That is one soggy and dirty horse. I let him loose after I untacked him, and he very happily went for a good long roll on the ground. I spent the next half hour drying and cleaning him with towels - a nice rub-down after a good work-out!
BOY! Did I need a lesson! Not that Bruno has been "bad"; I don't think he has ever had a bad thought in his life. But, in riding, there is a progression. In dressage, the idea is to improve the horse's thinking and movement, so that you achieve a horse with better balance and muscle tone, a horse that is more graceful, powerful, flexible, fluid and more in tune with the rider. And it is definitely not one-sided; the rider must improve in much the same way. I LOVE it - find it compelling and fascinating! It is such a thrill to build one's sensitivity and communication with such a subtle and noble and elegant creature.
So, this is my other great passion. And if truth be known, if I had to give up one of the two, it wouldn't be riding!!! |
I really have missed a lot during my absence, but have thoroughly enjoyed looking back and catching up. Your work is gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteApart from wishing you a Happy New-Year, I wanted to say thank you so much for your touching words about Codi, our dog. They really do mean so much :0)
Sounds like a wonderful lesson, Kathryn! Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteVery, very interesting post. I loved it. I have another friend that loves to ride and show her horse and it really helps me to understand where she is coming from.
ReplyDeleteI have no personal experience with horses, but I have always been fascinated by them ,....must be a wonderful relationship that develops between a horse and his owner. Wish you a great riding year!
ReplyDeleteSo wonderful to have such a passion and lucky you, you have your art too.
ReplyDeleteThere certainly is something magical about being in tune with a horse. I used to ride when I was younger and found it wonderful. I'm glad you have such a great tutor and such a friend in Bruno xx
ReplyDeleteah - written as well as you paint. I never tire of your photos of Bruno, and I didn't know he raced (?) All your animals are wonderful, but as horses go, I just find Bruno so photogenic. You seem so in harmony in the lesson.. I'm envious! And I can't wait to see how you translate the photo collection.
ReplyDeleteKathryn, I loved reading your words as your passion, excitement and love of the horse and riding certainly come through. And the photos are such a treat to see. Hopefully, you will never need to give up either of your passions!
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