As dressage riders, we strive constantly to keep our horses "connected" - that is, working "on the bit." A truly connected horse has a relaxed back, with power that comes from behind, moves over the back, and gets recycled back to the hind legs. When a horse is truly connected, riding is pure joy.

This is, of course, a state of being that takes correct training of both horse and rider. I am eternally grateful to have a trainer who has started many young horses, and is helping Sammie learn to use her body properly. As I stood staring at my girl while she was munching carrots at lunch today, I marveled at the changes in her body. No longer the pudgy baby, Samba is a trimmed-down, svelte mare. Unfortunately, with the changes in her body have come increased energy and confidence, and I'm sorry to say, new ways to express her opinions.

For instance, last weekend, while being longed in side reins, she apparently decided that coming onto the bit was not a good idea. Irked at being asked to work her hind end, she reared up suddenly, catching her trainer by surprise. She must have caught herself a bit by surprise as well, because she lost her footing and flipped over. Thank goodness for three things: (1) I wasn't there to witness it (because it surely looked scarier that it was), (2) Sammie didn't get hurt, and (3) Meg got Sammie moving forward right away and worked through the tantrum.

This brings me to the downside to Sammie's progress. My formerly quiet (to the point of laziness) mare went from me having to carry a longe whip just to handwalk her (because she wouldn't keep moving forward without being convinced), to me being unable to work with her unsupervised. I don't have Meg's experience or skills, and I can't take a chance that Sammie won't pull another dangerous move out of her hat. And various things (sprung shoes, bad weather, and just busy schedules) have prevented me from having full lessons for over two months.

As Sammie becomes more connected in her work, I'm feeling less connected with my girl. Last week, my hubby and I went to see Avatar. I loved the movie, but the "bonding" process that happens when the rider links his or her braid to the 6-legged horse's mane made me sad. If only bonding with a horse were so easy. Maybe it's just winter doldrums, but I can't shake this "doom and gloom" feeling that my bond with Sammie is slipping away, just as our 1st anniversary approaches.

Here's hoping February brings less rain than predicted, and more time for lessons and bonding.

From my blog: Green on Green