In a message dated 9/23/2003 8:51:42 AM Mountain Standard Time, Kathy.Ramspott@xxxxxxxxxxxx writes:
After reading ridecamp for a week I'm getting real nervous about getting into this sport. I believe everyone tries their very best to do what is best for their horse partner and that when they get to a certain level they 'know' their horse and yet disasters still happen. Very scary to someone just starting.
Sure, Kathy read "Ridecamp"...BUT listen to the things your horse tells you FIRST.
He'll relate things through his way of going,
his respiration,
his willingness to work,
his reluctance to work,
how and what he eats,
when and how much he drinks,
the quality of the gleam in his eye and the sheen on his coat.
Concerning the IMPORTANT things, you horse will seldomly, if ever, lie to you. But, you must trust him to tell you these things.
Don't ignore it when he does, don't under or over-react to it, note it and then fix it.
Leave your ego at home when you close the trailer door to go ride.
The true GLORY in this sport will NEVER be yours anyway....IT BELONGS TO THE HORSE.
