What my horses have taught me

As inspired by Viva Carlos, the lessons that my horses have taught me.

Terry (Open Gate Secretariat)

Terry gets a special mention because while I didn't own him, he was my very first equine partner.  From the age of five to the age of ten, this pony was my nemesis and my best friend. 

• You can do more than you think
• You have to do it yourself, no one else can do it for you
• Never, ever look down at a fence
• When in doubt, kick
• Some days you're going to lose no matter how hard you worked for it and that's okay
• Quick Silver should not be left on for an hour, it won't work better

Allen (All In Good Time)

My very first horse who arrived at the same time that I was discovering horse life as an adult.

• Don't be afraid to let go of control, he's better at this than you are
• You will get there when you get there
• Schoolmasters are worth more than diamonds and gold
• You don't dominate a horse, it's a team sport
• If you get the chance to do something big, just go for it, you won't regret it 
• Courage is being scared to death but saddling up anyway
• Go.  FORWARD.
• Never, ever pull to a fence 
• If you get dumped in a fence, you probably deserved it
• When the old man says he's done, let him be done

Fiona (Can't Drive 55)

My princess.  A Craigslist find for $800 that taught me all about taking chances.

• Sometimes you've just got to take that leap
• Listen when they say they don't want to do the job
• Don't rush talented horses
• The horse is more important than the discipline
• Galloping down to a big fence is freaking amazing with the right horse
• Chestnut TB mare is not profanity
• Dressage is fun
• Selling a horse is hell

Theo (Expect the Unexpected)

The former school horse turned show horse.

• Things are not always as they appear
• Experts can be wrong, horses don't read the training books
• Inside leg to outside rein is more than something my trainer yells at me at random
• Great mind > fancy moves
• Amazing tails are overrated
• People will never forget the past
• When you know you've found the right horse, freaking buy it
• Dressage is not about checking moves off a list
• Don't forget why you started
• Positive reinforcement works
• Make time for random trail gallops, jumping, and hour long curry sessions; the dressage arena will still be there tomorrow
• Black bay horses look amazing in every color