A lifestyle that includes horses is a busy one. Caring for them as well as finding time to ride adds a lot to a person's plate. I know that with myself, it seems that there is always a horse related project that I am either working on or preparing to get to. Along with the day to day maintenance and upkeep of horses an ongoing project list will grow rapidly if not tended to. In addition to chores and lists, riding, to me, is a must. A big reason that I have horses is for the joy that comes while riding.

This past week was very productive around here. We finally got all of our hay put away for the coming seasons. It feels great to be stocked up and prepared for the winter. I also spent quite a bit of time scraping and scooping manure. There are certain areas of our horse habitat that had been neglected for quite some time. I built up a nice compost pile that will need to be spread out before winter.

In addition to the winter prep I have been trimming hooves. One of the constants around here that I can get behind on if I don't stay on top of. I also built and put out another feeding station. Horses tend to be rough on things so I am hoping my upgrades will help it hold up to the test. I have another idea for an additional feeding station that will most likely get put up later this week. More feeding stations help to make feeding a smoother process around here.

On top of everything, I have been riding as the weather allows. This time of year mounting up to ride can be touch and go. Fall weather can move in rather quickly here in the rocky mountains. The blue sky can rapidly change to storm clouds, bringing with them rain and occasionally snow. In addition to my own riding, I continue to give lessons to a few remaining, hardcore students. Though we have rescheduled a time or two on account of chilling temps and sideways rain.

With all of that said, it will come as no surprise for me to tell you that horses take up a HUGE part of my life. I love it. The work associated with horses is a welcome part of the journey. The main joy comes though from riding. There is nothing in the world like it.

I am not talking here about the hopping on and plodding along down the road or trail with complete disregard for how a horse is moving. I am talking about riding with quality. Having a horse be soft in your hands and light to your cues. Tuning in to the horse and feeling their same focus reciprocated back. Moving together in balance and harmony. Having a ride turn into something more likened to a dance. Where a horse is following my lead as we waltz around the arena or down the trail.

That to me is riding. And the joy I receive from it is immeasurable. That is the feeling that drives me to continue advancing my horses. That is the reason that I teach. I offer instruction in hopes that someone else may too feel that sense of connection. That sense of bond between horse and rider where the two meld together and operate like a Centaur.

Advancement to this level does not come easy. It takes drive and determination to rise up. It takes practice and study. Outward as well as inward. I still strive to achieve this bond. I occasionally stumble into it and am driven by those fleeting moments. It is the reason that I ride in the wind and the rain. Those moments are the reason I am thinking of riding mere minutes after brushing down and putting away my horse. Thinking of ways to improve my timing or better get across my ideas.

I will continue with my own studies. I will strive to get better. I will work to maintain a horse habitat that is fitting to my horses. Those creatures that inspire me to my own greatness.

Eric

Easton Horsemanship