The Space Between the Notes...

It is that time of year. Show season is in full swing, clinics are being scheduled, rodeos taking place, trail rides are happening...all the horse things are geared up and in full blast.

We spend moments grooming, tacking, riding, cooling down, hosing off and putting up. We are feeding, getting hay ready, scrubbing tack and filling over-flowing groom boxes and trailers.

That is all well and good, but what about the space in between.

Don't lose sight of the love and the quiet moments you have with your horse.

Are you pausing just to listen to them munch on hay (let's be honest, it's the best sound ever...) or just hanging out without a bustle filled agenda?

Have you pet your horse with intention? Making sure that your hands communicate the love and safety you want to bring.

Are you taking time to enjoy grooming your horse, hitting those itchy spots just a bit longer and giving just a dash of extra attention just because?

We all get busy and focused on the routine.

Don't forget the one who you are getting busy for. The one that will follow you onto a trailer, put you in that show ring, on that jump course, carry you on the trail and endure countless hours of sessions and work. Remember, your horse doesn't care one way or the other about the winning or high scores, they do care about the partnership they have with you and spending time doing what you two do best together.

Go have fun, enjoy your horse but don't forget the space in between the notes. Those pauses in the melody can be more healing and powerful than all of the notes combined.

Breathe and just be for a bit. You and your horse will be glad you did.

What is your favorite "down time" with your horse(s)? I love going out at night and just scratching or grooming and listening to them eat hay. I talk about my day or sometimes I don't say one word. I just enjoy my time with them in silence and pure happiness.