Reveling in Brilliance, and the Road to Passion

Relationship Based Relationship

I used to play golf. I loved the game. It could be extremely frustrating at times, but the near-perfect swing resulting in the brilliant shot always brought me back to the driving range and the golf course. Having made two holes in one, I always thought I was destined for more.

Life circumstances meant I had to give up golf, which eventually led me back to horses as a way to reduce the stress in my life. Looking back, it looks like divine guidance, something I strive not to ever dismiss.

I found that golf and horses had something in common. It’s the moments of clarity and brilliance that get me up in the mornings in anticipation of more of those kinds of moments.

I’m pretty sure my horses think some of our time together is a slog.

There is another commonality between the two. Practicing golf or the practice of horsemanship is often a slog. Some days even feel torturous. Physical, emotional, and mental stability can be strained to the maximum. What keeps me going on those days are the moments I get to revel in brilliance.

Like the feeling of a horse that is moving from the hind leg; the joy of riding horseback as the sky fills with the magical lights of a sunset; the eclat when my horse and I are moving together as if we are telepathically linked; the splendor of riding a perfectly rhythmic canter; the harmony of dancing at liberty with a horse on the ground.

Walker and I were in harmony on this day many years ago. It was a feeling like no other and one hard-earned.

I read recently that some judges like to award horses and their riders in the show ring when they see moments of brilliance from competitors vs. those who have the best overall performance. I have personally seen this and it explains why a judge’s decisions at first glance may not have made sense. I understand this reward of brilliance because when you see brilliance, you also see a glimpse of future, even grander possibilities.

I have been asked how I came to feel my passion for horses and horsemanship. I’ve never had a very good answer, but this idea of reveling in brilliance is certainly the core of it. The answer also lies in where I choose to focus my attention. I always have a long list of things that must be done, and those are often not what I would call ‘fun’ tasks. If that is where I focus my attention, then I think my passion for our horses and my time with them would fade very quickly. It doesn’t mean those less exciting tasks aren’t important. They are often critically important as a means to those moments with my horses that bring me to a higher level of attainment, acuity, and aptitude. But it’s not what I think about as I take my long drives across the state or before I fall asleep at night.

I carry my personal moments of brilliance and clarity with me everywhere I go. Those moments are a promise of a future filled with more such experiences. They are the embers that fuel the flames of passion that I have for this horsemanship journey I’m on.

The journey is made even more satisfying when I consider the horses involved who are willing and wanting to have a relationship with me.

Young HAAP FLAPJAX, a yearling in this picture, has already learned to trust and anticipate good experiences with us.

Part of my horsemanship journey is getting horses ready for their life journey with a human of their own. If you think this is the kind of horse you want, we invite you to visit the HAAP Farm and get to know the wonderful horses we have available here, horses bred with love, caring, and the training they need to become a great partner.

For more information about the amazing horses that have been and are being bred on the HAAP farm, go to www.arabpinto.com

If you have questions for me about any of my posts, please feel free to contact me at isabellefarmer@gmail.com or visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/arabpintos