Oh how I smiled when I was reading this, so beautifully written. I have experienced that feeling so many times in different situations, that you described how you resisted the urge to explain how qualified you were to do the preparation! Letting go of the reins is such a beautiful metaphor and something I'm constantly trying to learn. Surrender and surrender again.
Reading this made me feel a yearning to be around horses again. I grew up riding as I was lucky enough to have a horsey godmother who bought me a horse and took me riding as a child and teenager. I never felt a 'good rider' though and found it unbearable having lessons and being critiqued on styles etc. when all I wanted was to ride around the forest with my pony.
One of the best moments of my life though was when I went on a trip in Cairns Australia, to ride through cape tribulation, in the rainforest and along the beach. I let my ego take over and explained to the instructors how experienced I was, I'd been riding for years... They gave me the biggest, flightiest, wildest horse there, who proceeded to gallop for miles and miles along the beach until I could no longer even see the group I went with. Giving me a taste of freedom and karma at the same time!
This was beautifully written. And at the ripe age of 70 I have always wanted to learn to ride. I had a friend at work in 1984 who introduced me to horse riding but before I could carry we lost touch. Your narrative makes me long to try again.
What a beautiful piece Jessica. I love how you weave the out er aspects of the riding lesson with what happened in your inner world. Such a wonderfully described set of insights. I really could see this as a serialisation in a newspaper. Your outer Paris experiences with your inner reflections and learnings ...
They don’t see status, experience or awards; they only feel energy. This is what I am absolutely learning with horses and most recently and poignantly with our new horse Bridget. She is one that has a wild eye!
I loved listening to this. So true when we have to drop the rains and go along with things. I was around horses every minute I could be when younger, then in my fifties not having had a horse for 10 years, I volunteered at RDA (Riding for the disabled). I found myself in a similar position with " this is how you tack up, take off the tack, lead your pony to the field". However, easiest to take the role, drop the ego and accept.
This is so beautiful 😍 I tried riding once two years ago and to be honest I was terrified but I love the idea of trying to things and see how they feel.
The horse was really gentle but I’m not a huge fun of being unstable above the ground, feeling the void, and I think since I was not much in control I felt it a lot. But I’m proud I did it. It was a beautiful place in the French Basque Country near Biarritz
Thank you for the lovely reminder. Showing up as a beginner rather than thinking I know it all. Be present, rather than in my busy head, sifting through all my “knowledge.”
I love this because it validates the wonderful and enriching feeling of learning something new as an adult. The last ten years of my life are unrecognisable and not what I planned. However, I am always grateful for the opportunity to learn, grow, and adapt ❤️🩹
Totally understand, beautifully written x
Thank you 🙏🏼
Oh how I smiled when I was reading this, so beautifully written. I have experienced that feeling so many times in different situations, that you described how you resisted the urge to explain how qualified you were to do the preparation! Letting go of the reins is such a beautiful metaphor and something I'm constantly trying to learn. Surrender and surrender again.
Reading this made me feel a yearning to be around horses again. I grew up riding as I was lucky enough to have a horsey godmother who bought me a horse and took me riding as a child and teenager. I never felt a 'good rider' though and found it unbearable having lessons and being critiqued on styles etc. when all I wanted was to ride around the forest with my pony.
One of the best moments of my life though was when I went on a trip in Cairns Australia, to ride through cape tribulation, in the rainforest and along the beach. I let my ego take over and explained to the instructors how experienced I was, I'd been riding for years... They gave me the biggest, flightiest, wildest horse there, who proceeded to gallop for miles and miles along the beach until I could no longer even see the group I went with. Giving me a taste of freedom and karma at the same time!
Really enjoyed this. x
This was beautifully written. And at the ripe age of 70 I have always wanted to learn to ride. I had a friend at work in 1984 who introduced me to horse riding but before I could carry we lost touch. Your narrative makes me long to try again.
What a beautiful piece Jessica. I love how you weave the out er aspects of the riding lesson with what happened in your inner world. Such a wonderfully described set of insights. I really could see this as a serialisation in a newspaper. Your outer Paris experiences with your inner reflections and learnings ...
They don’t see status, experience or awards; they only feel energy. This is what I am absolutely learning with horses and most recently and poignantly with our new horse Bridget. She is one that has a wild eye!
Haha uh oh, watch out. A mare too…though I find once on side a mare will give you more than any gelding. What a lovely name, Bridget ❤️
Ah thank you! 🥰 So we’ve been told about mares! 😅
😂
I loved listening to this. So true when we have to drop the rains and go along with things. I was around horses every minute I could be when younger, then in my fifties not having had a horse for 10 years, I volunteered at RDA (Riding for the disabled). I found myself in a similar position with " this is how you tack up, take off the tack, lead your pony to the field". However, easiest to take the role, drop the ego and accept.
Love this! I'd really like to do the same with RDA, how inspiring x
So beautifully written. I don’t ride but my daughter does and has had soulful experiences with horses. I really enjoyed your words.
thank you so much Francey! I'm glad your daughter had such beautiful experiences
This is so beautiful 😍 I tried riding once two years ago and to be honest I was terrified but I love the idea of trying to things and see how they feel.
oh no! what was it that scared you? I love that too, even if it's just once
The horse was really gentle but I’m not a huge fun of being unstable above the ground, feeling the void, and I think since I was not much in control I felt it a lot. But I’m proud I did it. It was a beautiful place in the French Basque Country near Biarritz
Sounds beautiful! And ‘the void’ is such a good way to describe it. This is an area of France I’d love to visit
I love how your letters are like mini stories it makes me excited for your book. You have a beautiful way of writing. 💗
🥹🙏🏼🥹❤️ thank you so much Hayley
Thank you for the lovely reminder. Showing up as a beginner rather than thinking I know it all. Be present, rather than in my busy head, sifting through all my “knowledge.”
Well done ✨🙏
you're welcome x
I love this because it validates the wonderful and enriching feeling of learning something new as an adult. The last ten years of my life are unrecognisable and not what I planned. However, I am always grateful for the opportunity to learn, grow, and adapt ❤️🩹
that opportunity is always there no matter what right?! Sending you lots of love. The best is yet to come x
Thanks for this, a reminder that I must try riding again after a six year break! I also miss horses and that magic view between the ears.
eeeeeeek you must!
I miss riding and being with horses. They are such a gift to this world. <3
Aren’t they just ❤️