The Changes in My Life

 

It’s been 2 years since I compressed two vertebrae and cracked a rib when I was on Major and fell off.  I’ve come so far since then, my life has changed so drastically from what it was back then.  I lost my job of 18 years because of the injury, but I now have a job that I really love doing.  My relationship has grown with Major, first working him from the ground and now riding him.  I love walking trails but that isn’t something I can do any longer but riding the trails on horseback doesn’t bother my back at all, so I can still go out on the trails.  I’ve learned so much about training and caring for my horse from some very wonderful people.  I feel so blessed that out of tragedy came so many new opportunities in my life.  I can’t wait to see what the next year has to bring.

Trail Ride at Letchworth State Park

I had the opportunity to go on a trail ride today at Letchworth State Park, I was a little nervous about it but very excited about going.  I wasn’t sure how Major was going to act since he has been so nervous around the barn but I wanted us to have this experience and I’m so happy that I decided to go.  Major was very well behaved; in fact he was having as much fun as I was!  We were hoping that the trees still had plenty of color but a lot of them had already lost their leaves but it was still a very beautiful ride, the weather was warm for the ride as well!  I feel so blessed to have gotten this opportunity!

Major Spooked

My barn mates and I decided to go on a trail ride after work earlier this week and one of the dogs was with his owner but stayed behind as we left for the trail ride.  The dog decided that it would be a good idea to catch up with us and came out of the woods behind Major who promptly jumped and took off at a run, I stayed on him and got him back under control within 500 ft!  So very proud of myself for not panicking and very proud of Major for responding to me so quickly!

Major and I are now on our own, my trainer has moved to another barn so we will no longer have training sessions but that’s alright, we have a very strong foundation to work with.  I continue to work him everyday with a day or two off.  He still is terrified to canter, but when we are both ready I’m positive it will just come naturally for him and me.