First Leg
I know Pierre has made the first leg of the journey, and as
I write I’m not sure whether he is still waiting in a box stall in Minot, ND or
is on the trailer starting the 1700 mile journey to Santa Paula, CA. I will know
soon.
These final days of waiting create a wonderful space.
In the space between horses I have mourned and said goodbye
to Ozzie. I have cleaned, inspected and prepped my tack and supplies. The small
tack room I have created in my garage has some lovely timothy hay – Oh there is
nothing quite as delicious as the spring, green smell of good Timothy hay – a bag
of alfalfa pellets, and other stuff waiting to be moved to the new tack room
where I board.
As the days neared for Pierre to begin his journey from
Canada to California I got a gentle reminder from an incredible horseman, who
just happens to be a woman. She reminded me that this new horse is an individual.
Is not Ozzie. And I must be wary of comparing him to all that Ozzie was to me -
what an important reminder, and perfectly timed.
And while reading a book just now, a thought shot into my
head.
I was placing all my hopes, all my dreams on Pierre - before
I had even laid eyes on him. He is on his way to me. Being handed over from the
breeder, to a barn, to a hauler, then to me.
And here I was imagining all the things we would learn
together, all the miles of the trails we would explore. Wow. What a lot of pressure I was placing on him. He
had a lot to live up to. For a four year old horse.
I need to empty my cup.
My cup was so full it was overflowing with ideas, thoughts,
things I think I know, things to learn, to do – there were moments where I
would center myself, and remind myself of the unknown aspect of what was to
come – but then the excitement again would kick in… that is ok.
A new horse is coming. I can be excited.
But then and there I dumped my cup out. I want an empty cup
when I look upon Pierre for the first time. No expectations. Just curiosity.
Openness and space.
For whatever comes.
Open heart.
Open mind.
Hands open and soft.
I understand what you mean about expectations- I have to constantly remind myself not to get too ahead of as a endurance greenbean with my first horse that I pulled from auction a year ago; she's a natural athlete but mentally we have to go at her pace- be it slow or fast. So happy to hear that you've got a new boy to look forward to, looking forward to seeing updates!
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