Zefir has graduated to Bridleless without a neck rein now <3
Today was one of those days when I think about how lucky I am to have embarked on my horsemanship journey 22 years ago. The real joy for me with horses, is the mental and emotional connection, and how by understanding this, the physical results you can achieve with your horse have 100 times more quality. I have goals which mean I will ride bitted or use a bitless bridle with my horses, but I love the fact I can do both! :)
I'm not a special talent. I wasn't the gutsy kid who was riding everything bareback and bridleless from day dot. In fact I was the opposite. I had my pony 8 months before I cantered for the first time, and it was only because he spooked at something.The plus side of being a scaredy cat, is that I prepare well. I don't take chances with a she'll be right attitude. I like to feel 100 percent sure I've done everything possible to ensure things go smoothly, and if by chance they don't, that I have the skills to manage the problems confidently. This has served me well with horses. I've made plenty of mistakes along the way of course but I've learned important lessons from them! :D
So today when I took off the neck rope for the first time in the vast expanse of Hoopers Inlet I knew we would be fine :) My wee buddy and I are a team, and I've worked very hard to help her feel confident and successful. I look to myself first when things don't go to plan and I am thrilled with how this philosophy is rewarding me. Life is getting juicy and I'm loving it!!

