It happens . . . letting your mind wander, beginning to think of something else . . . doing several things at one time . . . we all do it.  We can’t help but do it.  In a society of “MTing” (multi-tasking), it’s not only easy to do, but also encouraged.  We stop living in the “now” and forget that life is happening every moment around us and if we aren’t in it, we are just missing it!

Recently a friend had a mishap with her young gelding that until this point had been quite easy going and seemingly very relaxed.  My friend was feeling very confident about his attitude and his nature in general.  She admitted there had been signs in the last few weeks and the lack of consistency in working together that “Bay” and my friend had been missing.  Work, lack of facility and weather had played a big part in her inability to have consistency.

Thankfully, what happened to my friend will not have a long term impact on her physically.  Her biggest barrier may be regaining confidence, but this too she will overcome. 

The import of this moment, reminded me that when I am riding, THAT is where I should be.  A well renowned horseman has said during clinics I have ridden in, “when you ride you shouldn’t be thinking about what you are going to cook ‘honey’ for dinner, how that new person next to you is doing on their horse, what your boss is going to need from you at work the next day, what time the kids have to be at practice, what chores you have to get done before you leave the barn” or any other sundry list of things.  Your mind should be on you and your horse and the relationship you are building.

So the next time I ride and in all future things hereafter, my goal and my hope will be to be in the “NOW” because that’s where my horse is and that is where we will experience true feel, timing and balance.  Be present in life right now!