Embracing Changes
Dear Gorgeous Readers,
As I write this, I’m sitting on the swing bench on the back porch, listening to the birds chirping away. It’s a gloriously warm and sunny day, with a refreshing breeze in the air. This might be thanks to Tropical Storm Chantal, which just made landfall in Charleston. We’re right on the edge of it, and every so often the wind picks up …a ripple effect, I believe.
Just two arm lengths from me is the sugar-water feeder we’ve put out for the hummingbirds. It’s incredible to watch them flit and buzz around – each one no bigger than my thumb. One moment it sounds like I’m in a Star Wars movie, the next they’re gone in a blur, as quickly as they appeared. May the force be with them.
There’s definitely change in the air. My upcoming trip to China has been put on hold. I received a message last week from my rider in Kunming letting me know her horse needs surgery and will be out of work for a few months. The timing was uncanny – I had just received my passport back from the Chinese Embassy in Washington D.C., complete with work visa, and my flights were already booked. It’s disappointing all round, but that’s horses for you.
So I took a moment, dear readers, to reflect. Maybe this has happened for a reason. First things first – I called my trusty travel agent, Graham, back in the UK to figure out what to do with the travel plans. I had intended to stop over in the UK for a few days to visit family, then head to L.A. for a two-day conference. Oopsie!
Then it hit me! I’ve had two failed attempts at renewing my South African passport – once at the embassy in London during my March trip, and again more recently when I was back in the UK. So why not head to South Africa and get it sorted? I suddenly had three weeks freed up anyway. Thank you, Universe, for lining it all up!
The very next day after learning China was off, I booked flights to Cape Town for a three-week stay, followed by onward travel to London. Thank you, Graham – you’re a star!
I got in touch with my notary in South Africa, who originally helped with the letter of retention. She’s now guiding me through the next steps for when I arrive. This trip will also give me the chance to connect with members of the South African Equestrian Federation, team selectors, and fellow dressage riders. I’ll be giving a clinic or two as well.
The last time I was in the Cape was back in 2012 for a friend’s wedding. (…I styled her bridesmaids’ hair, just saying!) I’m looking forward to revisiting some of my old stomping grounds from childhood. I’ll also get to see the incredible woman who first taught me to ride, Hillary, and her husband, Willem.
Thanks to Facebook, I’ve reconnected with a childhood friend. Our mums were friends even before we were born, and I haven’t seen her since I was about 14. She and her family now live in Stellenbosch – which happens to be where I’ll have my passport interview – so we’re planning to catch up. What a blast from the past! And here’s the kicker …her name is Chantal. Talk about a sign, as Tropical Storm Chantal skirts by us here in South Carolina! Here’s hoping this Chantal isn’t quite as forceful and destructive. …Only joking, if you’re reading this, Chantal!
Now, for a little horsey chat…
After a recent lesson, one of my riders and I had a great conversation that inspired me to leave you with this thought:
The art of dressage is being able to communicate with the lightest of aids, allowing horse and rider to dance between the white boards. When we watch the top riders in the world, we see this artistry in motion. It hardly looks like they’re doing anything at all, yet their horses perform with power, grace, and finesse.
This level of harmony comes from years of training, patience, and developing refined skills. If those riders were heavy-handed with their aids day in and day out, they would never achieve the effortless harmony we admire in the competition ring.
The more riders work on their core strength and develop an independent seat, the easier it becomes to apply subtle, balanced aids. Off-the-horse exercises are incredibly helpful in achieving this. While riding regularly is essential for rider fitness, strength, and balance must also be developed away from the saddle.
Studio Pilates with a knowledgeable instructor is a brilliant way to build that foundation. I work out with a personal trainer each week and do daily workouts at home, and it really does make a difference in the saddle. We ask our horses to be athletes for us; it’s only fair we strive to be athletes for them, too.
Until next time friends, colleagues and riders …chins up, heels down!
Shaun
