Transformational Journey versus a Continuation Journey.

Transformational journey versus a continuation journey.

When I think back over the last year, I realise I’m a different person today than I was a year ago, and I was a different person a year ago than I was ten years ago. In the last year, I've changed and grown so much. My technical skills, which were quite low, have improved significantly, becoming a hundred times better. I reflect on how I am with my horses and with people, and I see that I’m hugely different now. I interact with people in a new way, a stark contrast to how I was 20 or even 15 years ago. Back then, I was like a mouse, barely speaking at clinics, or anywhere in fact. I would say only a few words, like my horses and my name, and that would be it for three days. Now, you often can't shut me up! The passion, the voice for our wonderful horses, has driven me to grow and change.

Horses have given me a job and a purpose in life. When I reflect on who I was a year ago and where I was, I’m astonished. I had a meeting this morning and actually understood everything being said. I’m amazed at my growth over the past year and even the last six months. It shows that no matter how old you are, you can still grow and learn new things, deepen your knowledge, and even let go of old things that no longer serve you. I think about how I've handled horses over the years and realise I did the best I could with the knowledge and feel I had at the time. My feel for horses is greater now than it has ever been, and I have a different view on life with horses.

I used to be very childlike, even as an adult and after my children were born. My horse and I went everywhere together without any equipment, not even a string around her neck. I worked cattle, did cross-country jumps, and galloped through the bush without a second thought. I was often called naive, and someone once said that horses don’t love. I call bullshit on that because I know from many experiences that my horse loved me just as much as I loved her. That trust gave me a sense of peace and freedom.

I ride with a hackamore now. I’m not against bits, but often against how they are used. It’s not the bit’s fault; when it’s lying on the ground, it’s just a piece of metal or whatever material it’s made of. The trouble starts when a human touches it. It’s the human’s hands, anger, fear, or love that causes issues with the tools. A bit is just a tool, not a weapon until a human hand uses it. I find riding without any headgear easier than with, because with equipment, I have to be more accountable for what I do with my hands, with my body and with my intentions. Our hands can unintentionally exert force and power, affecting the horse.

My goal is to achieve the freedom of riding with equipment as if it were just decoration. My body, mind, soul, and heart are the greatest tools I have. I aim to have so much control over my hands and body that I don’t need to pick up what’s already in my hand.

In this journey of transformation versus continuation, I choose transformation. The path of constant growth and change has allowed me to become more in tune with my horses and myself, continually evolving into a better version of who I am meant to be.

Discover Comfort and Confidence in the Saddle

Learn how your habits impact your riding and your horse's well-being. Join my online course to deepen your understanding and find true comfort in the saddle. Starting soon—sign up today! Finding Comfort in the Saddle

Lynley