2021 seems to have been a particularly long and difficult year thus far. Obviously Covid hasn't helped much. The loss of my father just before Christmas 2019 has taken its toll and even the passage of time barely dulls the feeling of loss. On top of that the July colic of our 2nd statesman Grand Prix horse Tigger that required the decision to euthanize him still has both hubbie and I reeling. Personal health issues, haymaking weather making the season inordinately long and the like, have all hampered attempts to get back on the horse.
I'm just reviewing Robert Dover's new book for Catskill Horse magazine," The Gates to Brilliance." I suppose in a way in dressage terms I grew up with Robert's influence. The 1980's to early 2000's were a time of international competition and travel for me. Horses were very much front and center of a busy working life and hubbie Paul and I enjoyed many adventures both together and separately throughout those decades. Our 3 kids all now grown and off doing their own thing, but were always at our side during our travels whenever time off school allowed.
It is sad to look at things now and see how things have changed. Not all things change for the better and reflecting back can bring much melancholy. Reading Robert's book, sharing in his experiences some of which training wise in dressage I lightly mirror, has been uplifting. Working with the master Herbert Rehbein In Germany was one. Brushes with Paul Schockemohle's troupe another. Not that my talents in the ring have come close to his, but it has been fun to take a journey along familiar lanes and discover also some new ones reading his book.
Finding oneself again or rediscovering those passions that you held so dear for so long is such a positive reawakening. The loss of two 'forever' horses in our lives, Charrington WVH and Lafite aka Tigger, notwithstanding, we are set to dance dressage again. Who knows - maybe we'll return to showing again.
On this beautiful Autumn afternoon a cold chill is in the wind on our Catskill Mountain farm, reminding me that winter is not far away. Life does not wait. Life is short. Winter will come.
Hubbie is busy strimming out the fence lines and readying the indoor arena for a month of training work with our homebred Extravaganza WVH. Weekday workshops through November will hopefully provide some timely training to saddle for our Lusitano/DWB lad.
My easel with canvas and brush sits idle upstairs with a picture started for a few days and then abandoned due to anguish at family issues and loss.
My 3rd book awaits its second half to be written with the desk in the study holding pages for editing that seem to have been there for eons. In truth, they have.
Sometimes the world stops for a while. And that is O.K. The blessing of picking yourself up and forging forward again, aided by the reminder of your passion for all things equine to see you up and on your feet, is not to be taken for granted.
Thank-you Robert Dover. For bringing me a little more back to myself. You have always inspired. Much love!
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