Now that was BEAUTIFUL!

Holy Cow! Did that just happen? That was either really good, or a zero... I'm not sure which...

This past weekend Reiny and I were in Cedar Rapids, Iowa at a Horse Show. Together, we had been working hard and were excited to show again. When I walked into the barn, Reiny turned his head so he could see me and snickered! It was funny because I was just as excited to see him. It had only been a few days, but it felt a lot longer!

In our last show, Reiny and I started to plus 1/2 some maneuvers. That was very exciting, but at the same time, we were also marking negative 1/2's and ending up with a score just south of 70. So our goal this show, beyond simply having fun, was to focus on eliminating the negative 1/2's. Assuming that if we did that, the positive scores would get better...

On Saturday we showed twice. First in Green and then in Rookie.

Green Ride. Now breathe, always remember to breathe...

As Reiny and I walked to center, I could feel him underneath me. He was very calm. Comfortablwe, and just waiting for my queue. I asked him to spin right, and after starting him... only kissed once - essentially letting him pick the tempo. It was just right! Not too fast, not too slow! He did the exact same to the left, picking a beautiful tempo. His creschendo was perfect. Matching his spin to the right...

Now the circles, big-small-big.

Focusing on a straight lead departure, I asked gently for his left lead and off we went. After a single kiss, Reiny and I came to a good speed and focused on riding circles the size of a FULL MOON!

After the circles, was the lead change. Usually I over queue when asking for the lead change. This time, keeping our goal in mind, I decided to "under" queue him to see what would happen, trusting him to do it right. He did! In fact, it was so good - for the first half of my next circle I was wondering if he changed or not. It was so smooth I wasn't totally sure! Since no one was yelling "change leads" I decided we must be ok!

Our circles to the right were just like the circles to the left. We were working together. I was gently asking, and waiting for his response. Another lead change. Again, I didn't even feel it! WOW - that was incredible!

I was thinking " How in the world do they train him to do this?"

Ok good so far, I think... Now three stops

Brian has been working really hard with me to have control of the stop from start to finish. Using my body to ask for a little more, and then let him match my ask. Note: Reiny knows what to do, my job is to not screw him up!

Reiny stopped becautifully once, twice, wow - three times! Another amazing ride and learning experience...

For the first time, Reiny and I were totally connected.

That said, I would be remiss if I didn't mention Sunday... After scoring 72 twice on Saturday, we scored 0 twice on Sunday! But honestly, it was equally fun and I learned a couple really important lessons.

First, if you focus on the score, you're missing out. The joy is in the connection with the horse. Sunday Reiny and I ran a NEW pattern for us. I was uncomfortable with it so guess what - so was he!!! I find beauty in that. And I loved us sharing that experience together just the same - makes our bond even stronger.

And second - and this is a BIG one. I fell in love with the BEAUTY of this sport. Initially I saw pretty horses, pretty riders, colorful shirts, and pads. And the chaps and spurs are seriously - just COOL! I've even said to many of you "you look so beautiful, I want to be beautiful"... But when I watch my videos, I don't see beautiful. We are always so critical of ourselves - at least I am.

I needed to score a 72 (knowing how unbelievable that was) and watch my video. As dumb as it sounds - I still didn't SEE beautiful, I FELT it!!!

Beauty isn't in the eye of a perfect score, or the age, size or shape of the rider. It is in the feeling in our hearts when we see someone riding who is totally connected with their horse.

Thank you REINY for teaching me what beautiful really means.

A HUGE thank you to Brian Welman, the whole Welman Family, Lisa Palen Schoenecher, and my husband Dean for making my dreams come true.