31/12/2025
Hoping you all had a wonderful News Year eve and welcome shortly to 2026 the year of the Fire Horse.
Starting Crosby has been very different to horses I’ve started in the past.
Years ago, while I wasn’t harsh, I did tend to soldier on. I didn’t always stop to consider how a horse was feeling in the moment. What that can create over time is anxiety, or a horse that shuts down and becomes robotic. Neither is what I want.
These days, I notice the smaller things. The subtle signs that, if ignored, can become much bigger later on. When I see tension, I step back and address it rather than pushing ahead.
I want Crosby to trust me at a deeper level. If we ever find ourselves in a difficult situation, I don’t want him to default to flight. I want him to pause, check in, and trust that I’ll support him through it, not put him in danger.
Yes, the process is slower.
But it’s more thoughtful.
And I’m finding it far more rewarding.
Looking forward to being back home in a couple of days to start the next steps. 🌹