I did it! I've passed the first exam and I'd utterly convinced myself that it was a big fat fail. I was unbelievably nervous on the day and as a result of that came away thinking I'd messed up the riding sections and then preceded to convince myself that I'd fudged the stable management too.
I had an agonising waiting of 5 depressing days where I started to make mental plans to re-sit the exam next year, rehearsed the reasons why I'd failed in my head for my instructor and genrally felt crap about the huge waste of money. I'd taken a gamble this year by going part-time at work in order to work on my equestrian passion and to fall at the first jump would have been a little bit more than rubbish.
Reasons why I was convinced I'd failed:
1. The horse I had for stable management was lying down when I approached the stable and I was convinced the method I used to get him standing had broken a health and safety rule.
2. My tail bandage didn't cover his top hairs at the top of his tail which were very very short and pulled.
3. I couldn't get his bit in his mouth. The examiner had to help me but he was incredibly clever with avoiding it and she couldn't do it on her own either!
Then in the riding:
4. I banged the letters round the outside twice and made the horses jump and the caller told me off quite severely.
5. I kept misunderstanding the caller and he kept getting frustrated with us.
6. My second horse was quite head strong in the light seat canter and spooked another horse.
Finally in the theory and part practical:
7. I didn't tie up the horse tight enough when asked to do so.
8. I identified the feed as pony nuts then had to correct myself to sugar beet nuts.
So with all that going round in my head I had come to the conclusion that I had probably failed at least the riding and that any pass would be a massive surprise.
What a relief1 I feel so much better and will really enjoy my group lesson this afternoon!
Thursday 29 November 2012
Sunday 18 November 2012
Loose hips for riding
I've got an impinged hip joint which started to really aggravate towards the end of my teens and gets particularly bad if I'm not keeping fit and bendy! Basically there is too much bone around the joint which pinches my hip flexor muscle and can be quite painful. As I danced through my childhood and into my early teens I was really strong and the muscles around this area protected the problem. However since then or at least in comparison I've become a slob, stopped growing and my hips have stiffened.
Not an ideal back story for an equestrian then. Everything you do in the saddle relies on loose and open hips which aren't tight or constricting. Sitting trot is almost impossible with tight hips and it also causes me to stop lengthening my leg.
I'm sure lots of riders have hip and lower back problems it's a really common complaint (or so the physio/oesteopath/chiroprator tell me!) so here are some ideas you could explore to help open up your hips. I've tried all of them and they've worked with varying results as long as I'm committed.
1. Yoga (but avoid forward bends if you do have an impingement)
Esther Ekhart is a life saver for me and got me into yoga a year or so ago. I'm no where near a novice but still very much a fledgling beginner and have found this beginners yoga series invaluable. Just take it easy and do what you can. Never cause pain. Try her 5 part series on youtube and just start of with part 1 for beginners and add on the other parts as you progress.
If you are benefitting from Esthers beginners programme try out this link for a more specialist approach to specific equestrian poses. Yoga for equestrians has got me out of a few sticky (hip) situations when I've ceased up after an intense 1 hour private lunge lesson and needed to be able to function as a human being at work the next day.
2. Breathing
Obviously you have to breathe when you're on a horse. Well if you'd been present at my recent lesson where I turned red with concentration you would have thought I was training for some weird world record. I do hold my breathe when I'm riding either because I'm tense or stupid or perhaps i just like a challenge. Either way it's not a good idea and I find it tightens my hips even more.
If I take a moment to do some really deep breathing and imagine the breathe going down into my pelvis and hips it helps. It just does. Try it. Tell me if you notice a difference. I guess technically it is still yoga.
3. Stirrup length
This if you get it right helps immensely. It might be and I can't speak for everyone that your stirrups are too short. Mine were and lengthening them helped with the impinged joint. However you do need to be aware of the alignment with your heel hip shoulder. Have a play around with different lengths in front of the school mirror or ask your instructor to take photos but the main point is feeling the difference.
I am aware that there are going to be lots of muscle strengthening exercises out there and so on but these are the things I have tried and they have helped.
I'll keep you up to date on the loosening of my hips in future posts. Naughty! ;-)
Not an ideal back story for an equestrian then. Everything you do in the saddle relies on loose and open hips which aren't tight or constricting. Sitting trot is almost impossible with tight hips and it also causes me to stop lengthening my leg.
I'm sure lots of riders have hip and lower back problems it's a really common complaint (or so the physio/oesteopath/chiroprator tell me!) so here are some ideas you could explore to help open up your hips. I've tried all of them and they've worked with varying results as long as I'm committed.
1. Yoga (but avoid forward bends if you do have an impingement)
Esther Ekhart is a life saver for me and got me into yoga a year or so ago. I'm no where near a novice but still very much a fledgling beginner and have found this beginners yoga series invaluable. Just take it easy and do what you can. Never cause pain. Try her 5 part series on youtube and just start of with part 1 for beginners and add on the other parts as you progress.
If you are benefitting from Esthers beginners programme try out this link for a more specialist approach to specific equestrian poses. Yoga for equestrians has got me out of a few sticky (hip) situations when I've ceased up after an intense 1 hour private lunge lesson and needed to be able to function as a human being at work the next day.
2. Breathing
Obviously you have to breathe when you're on a horse. Well if you'd been present at my recent lesson where I turned red with concentration you would have thought I was training for some weird world record. I do hold my breathe when I'm riding either because I'm tense or stupid or perhaps i just like a challenge. Either way it's not a good idea and I find it tightens my hips even more.
If I take a moment to do some really deep breathing and imagine the breathe going down into my pelvis and hips it helps. It just does. Try it. Tell me if you notice a difference. I guess technically it is still yoga.
3. Stirrup length
This if you get it right helps immensely. It might be and I can't speak for everyone that your stirrups are too short. Mine were and lengthening them helped with the impinged joint. However you do need to be aware of the alignment with your heel hip shoulder. Have a play around with different lengths in front of the school mirror or ask your instructor to take photos but the main point is feeling the difference.
I am aware that there are going to be lots of muscle strengthening exercises out there and so on but these are the things I have tried and they have helped.
I'll keep you up to date on the loosening of my hips in future posts. Naughty! ;-)
Friday 16 November 2012
Motivation to look after what you have
In my experience the more I have the more I want. I have to make a conscience decision to stop myself thinking I need something new to make me happy. There. I've said it. Inside me with my charity shop finds and decluttering mentality is a deeply suppressed and buried materialist. And seeing as I'm confessing to things today I'll even go as far as to say I enjoy department stores, yes, even at Christmas.
I suppress these urges for good reasons. They don't make me happy like I said I just want more. So in light of this you DO need to look after what you have.
You think - I want a bigger house
You motivate yourself to - declutter, organise and revamp with a few projects in your current house.
Always think, how can I turn something I currently have into a version of what I think I need. Or do I even need it? If you can't be bothered to do the revamping you probably don't really need it.
This theory can apply to anything you own or do.
The clothes in your wardrobe especially are an area where most of us have too much. Less is more. Donate everything you haven't worn in the past 3 months.
Look after your shoes and your hair. Polish and condition. (Ahem I could do with heeding my own advice here).
I often find if I care for a particular item in our house I start to appreciate it more and realise that I am content with my lot.
"If everyone demaded peace instead of another television set, then there would be peace." - John Lennon
"The things you own end up owning you. It's only after you lose everything that you're free to do anything."- Chuck from Fight Club
Of course if you own less material possessions then you need to care for less and therefore you have more time and freedom.
I suppress these urges for good reasons. They don't make me happy like I said I just want more. So in light of this you DO need to look after what you have.
You think - I want a bigger house
You motivate yourself to - declutter, organise and revamp with a few projects in your current house.
Always think, how can I turn something I currently have into a version of what I think I need. Or do I even need it? If you can't be bothered to do the revamping you probably don't really need it.
This theory can apply to anything you own or do.
The clothes in your wardrobe especially are an area where most of us have too much. Less is more. Donate everything you haven't worn in the past 3 months.
Look after your shoes and your hair. Polish and condition. (Ahem I could do with heeding my own advice here).
I often find if I care for a particular item in our house I start to appreciate it more and realise that I am content with my lot.
"If everyone demaded peace instead of another television set, then there would be peace." - John Lennon
"The things you own end up owning you. It's only after you lose everything that you're free to do anything."- Chuck from Fight Club
Of course if you own less material possessions then you need to care for less and therefore you have more time and freedom.
Thursday 15 November 2012
iheart: motivational quotes
"The purpose of life is not to win. The purpose of life is to grow and share. When you come to look back on all that you have done in your life, you will get more satisfaction from the pleasure you have brought into other people's lives than you will from the times that you outdid and defeated them." –Rabbi Harold Kushner
I have a huge respect and affirming relationship with the Jewish faith and often turn to the various commentaries for inspiration, guidance and encourage or clarity on an issue. I find the words of many rabbis are clear, concise and often hit the nail on the head. Whether you are Jewish, Christian, Atheist, Humanist or any other inbetween you cannot deny the wisdom contained in these words from Rabbi Kushner.
Harold Kushner, for those of you who are unfamiliar with his ponderings, is an American Rabbi of quite an age (got to be nearing 90 - is he still alive?) who is nestled somewhere in the progressive Judaism quarters of that grand religion. Okay so his creed is never going to be the focus of this post so I'll skip to the end. The point is with all his years of experience these words can scoop me up on the worst day and give me a hug on the best day.
"The purpose of life is not to win". for me these were the words I was raised on and were drilled into me by my Mum from a young age. These words alone could have a negative effect of the demotivated and channel you towards a philosophy in life that nothing is worth having a go at. If however they were not followed up by "...to grow and to share".
the meaning behind this quote for me is a message and a challenge of 'how are you spending your time here and what is driving you to your goals? What are your motivations?'
My answer? Kushner reminds me of my core values. I sit up and take note. Smile at him and say - 'you're right, I'm here to share with others!'
So, what pleasure can I bring into someone else's life tomorrow?
First and foremost, my students, by delivering thought provoking lessons that encourage them to think and work things out for themselves.
I have a huge respect and affirming relationship with the Jewish faith and often turn to the various commentaries for inspiration, guidance and encourage or clarity on an issue. I find the words of many rabbis are clear, concise and often hit the nail on the head. Whether you are Jewish, Christian, Atheist, Humanist or any other inbetween you cannot deny the wisdom contained in these words from Rabbi Kushner.
Harold Kushner, for those of you who are unfamiliar with his ponderings, is an American Rabbi of quite an age (got to be nearing 90 - is he still alive?) who is nestled somewhere in the progressive Judaism quarters of that grand religion. Okay so his creed is never going to be the focus of this post so I'll skip to the end. The point is with all his years of experience these words can scoop me up on the worst day and give me a hug on the best day.
"The purpose of life is not to win". for me these were the words I was raised on and were drilled into me by my Mum from a young age. These words alone could have a negative effect of the demotivated and channel you towards a philosophy in life that nothing is worth having a go at. If however they were not followed up by "...to grow and to share".
the meaning behind this quote for me is a message and a challenge of 'how are you spending your time here and what is driving you to your goals? What are your motivations?'
My answer? Kushner reminds me of my core values. I sit up and take note. Smile at him and say - 'you're right, I'm here to share with others!'
So, what pleasure can I bring into someone else's life tomorrow?
First and foremost, my students, by delivering thought provoking lessons that encourage them to think and work things out for themselves.
iheart: idleness
A confusing title for a blog post which is supposed to be centred around the theme of motivation but hear me out.
Most people make the common mistake of confusing idleness for laziness. It is untrue that being idle is a fault or a bad habit. In fact I have found it to be a truly inspirational past time.
I have found instead of being bound by a full time job the terrifying leap into the world of the part time worker (and reflective salary) has been the best decision I could have made for my happiness and well being.
Time is worth so much more than money! We all know this. Why dedicate the best days of your life to well whatever it is that you do!
I have an amazing job. I am a teacher.
But I recognise that I am not only a teacher.
By reducing the days I am at the work place I created space for my idleness.
And by idleness I mean freedom. Freedom to live and do the things I love...or not.
Give yourself permission to be idle. Get up late one day. Avoid all appointments. Stay at home. Then see how much time you have. Today set out with the motivation to be idle!
I'm not saying neglect your children, stop washing and become remorse.
Just be.
Oh and go on ignore Faceache!
Most people make the common mistake of confusing idleness for laziness. It is untrue that being idle is a fault or a bad habit. In fact I have found it to be a truly inspirational past time.
I have found instead of being bound by a full time job the terrifying leap into the world of the part time worker (and reflective salary) has been the best decision I could have made for my happiness and well being.
Time is worth so much more than money! We all know this. Why dedicate the best days of your life to well whatever it is that you do!
I have an amazing job. I am a teacher.
But I recognise that I am not only a teacher.
By reducing the days I am at the work place I created space for my idleness.
And by idleness I mean freedom. Freedom to live and do the things I love...or not.
Give yourself permission to be idle. Get up late one day. Avoid all appointments. Stay at home. Then see how much time you have. Today set out with the motivation to be idle!
I'm not saying neglect your children, stop washing and become remorse.
Just be.
Oh and go on ignore Faceache!
The beginning of something new
Hello reader and welcome,
Let me start off with saying that I am someone who sets targets for myself all the time. It could be anything from taking up a gym membership (yes you've been there too) and using it (GASP!) to promising myself that yes I can and yes I will practice my saxophone every...single...day until my lips turn blue.
All too often these promises I make to myself come to very little. I might keep the momentum going for a month or so, perhaps less in some cases, but overall commitments not my strong point. I wish to stress commitment to others, fine. Commitment to myself, hmmm not so good.
The reason? I panic. And then pretend I never made any changes. Of course the root of a lot of panicked emotion when approaching something new in all of us is fear of failure and I am by no means an acception to this rule. Whatever you wish to label it; 'perfection', 'ocd' or 'procrastination'.
I find the only way out for me in the past is to motivate myself with pressure or fear of letting others down. This is by no means healthy. It makes me tense and if I'm tense my whole self aches and I get down because... well... I'm human!
The Purpose of this Blog
1. To help me focus - the written word is a great way to collate your thoughts, especially if you're a daydreamer like me.
2. To motivate myself - obviously, as the title of the blog would lead you to believe.
3. To re-enforce some positive thinking - as the nights draw in I often struggle to enjoy life and have struggled with anxiety and depression in the past.
4. To set some goals - this is something I am always doing anyway and never giving myself credit for when I do achieve them or even not noticing that I've achieved them! So at least here it will be obvious and help me see my progress.
5. To help me reflect - this is one of my favourite things to do anyway, it's after all a big part of my job and I love to write but never give myself permission to do so.
So... here's to the beginning of my first ever blog.
Ta da!
Something iheart to do: WRITE A BLOG
Let me start off with saying that I am someone who sets targets for myself all the time. It could be anything from taking up a gym membership (yes you've been there too) and using it (GASP!) to promising myself that yes I can and yes I will practice my saxophone every...single...day until my lips turn blue.
All too often these promises I make to myself come to very little. I might keep the momentum going for a month or so, perhaps less in some cases, but overall commitments not my strong point. I wish to stress commitment to others, fine. Commitment to myself, hmmm not so good.
The reason? I panic. And then pretend I never made any changes. Of course the root of a lot of panicked emotion when approaching something new in all of us is fear of failure and I am by no means an acception to this rule. Whatever you wish to label it; 'perfection', 'ocd' or 'procrastination'.
I find the only way out for me in the past is to motivate myself with pressure or fear of letting others down. This is by no means healthy. It makes me tense and if I'm tense my whole self aches and I get down because... well... I'm human!
The Purpose of this Blog
1. To help me focus - the written word is a great way to collate your thoughts, especially if you're a daydreamer like me.
2. To motivate myself - obviously, as the title of the blog would lead you to believe.
3. To re-enforce some positive thinking - as the nights draw in I often struggle to enjoy life and have struggled with anxiety and depression in the past.
4. To set some goals - this is something I am always doing anyway and never giving myself credit for when I do achieve them or even not noticing that I've achieved them! So at least here it will be obvious and help me see my progress.
5. To help me reflect - this is one of my favourite things to do anyway, it's after all a big part of my job and I love to write but never give myself permission to do so.
So... here's to the beginning of my first ever blog.
Ta da!
Something iheart to do: WRITE A BLOG
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