On a recent trip to visit Sophie, it was decided that some groundwork was in order. This is when you brush and groom the horse, often as a preparation for putting on the saddle to ride.

As I began to brush Sophie, she tried many times to reach back and nip at my hands.

Not a good start.

I was worried this meant I was in for a long afternoon.

I kept picturing beautiful, golden light coming down and showering her with grace as I combed out many of the knots in her lush mane. A couple of times, she let me hug her neck, without protesting. This felt like the best victory ever.

Soon it was time to walk in the arena. Lynn Diettrich was having a lesson with another student who was riding Outlaw. I love Outlaw. My son rode him last summer in camp for a full week. Sophie and I would walk the perimeter of the arena to stay out of the way of the lesson. I had no idea if/how Sophie would behave.

When doing groundwork, you never want to let the horse get in front of you as you walk. If they do, that means they aren’t respecting or listening to you. As I started walking, I could feel Sophie start to go faster. I lifted my right arm with the halter and lead rope, to signal her to stop. A few times she listened, and a few times, she ignored the request. Lynn came over to teach me a more confident stance, and it seemed to do the trick. Not only was she listening to me when I signaled her to slow down, but she also backed up for me. I felt like I’d made a huge stride.

As we were making our way around the arena, Lynn reminded me to keep my head up and look where I was walking, “Don’t stare at the ground!” I looked back and Sophie when I felt like we were in a groove. I swear, I could hear her think, “Is this all I have to do today? Just walk? You aren’t going to make me run?” I looked in her eyes and stopped walking. “I promise I won’t make you run,” I said, petting her neck.

The energy suddenly shifted to relief. Sophie was just walking with me. No racing. No contest. No reward or punishment for being first or last. She was perfect, right where she was. Right where we were – together.

Many of you sent donations to help keep Sophie at the Diettrich Farm. For March, and half of April, she is covered. I am so incredibly moved by your generous hearts. We are still in need of more donations to help with the boarding costs for rest of the year, so if you feel inspired to help, please click here: https://www.storytellingeducation.org/donate