I tell myself every day that what I want is to ride Zum easily and effortlessly. I am steering my mind towards my goals. I rode Zum in the round pen and then I took him up to the ridge and around the corrals. He was so happy and this made me joyful and confident that I will be riding Zum on the trails soon!
I love to ride Huszar into the mountains of the Santa Fe National Forest. The cliffs, ridges and high views are breath-taking. Huszar is sure-footed and quick on these narrow and steep mountain trails so I feel safe.
Kamar exhales air through his nose and it sounds calm. It seems like he is saying ‘Life is good!’
Yesterday, my fourteen year old Chihuahua, Mimi, died of old age. A friend gave her to me when she was a tiny puppy. It is very difficult for me when a beloved pet dies of old age. But I try to remember that I am so lucky and grateful that I have my pets for as many years as I do and that my pets bring me so much joy and affection.
Every morning, each one of my horses greet me with a friendly nicker. Huszar’s nicker is loud and clear as if he is saying ‘Hello! It sure is good to see you again!’
Horses are a remarkable species full of subtle emotional expression, social behavior and body language. I love to observe my horses. I enjoy learning about my closest animal allies.
Now that I understand the language of equine ears, I can take one glance at Zum and know his emotional state. This is extremely helpful to me as I know what I need to do to prepare our lesson together.
Ears that are constantly moving, turning this way and that way, show that the horse is shifting attention and interest. Mobile ears are picking up new sounds in all directions.
Pinned ears or ears flattened against his head signal that Zum is angry and he is ready for a fight. It is a fight over dominance. Zum still wants to be the dominant horse. He wants me to be submissive to him. I am trying to show him that I am the boss mare. I don’t want to fight with him but I have to show him that I am in control.
When Zum’s ears are flicking and twitching, I know that he is on the verge of bolting. Despite my own feelings of panic, I have to calm Zum down.
