Month: April 2021

My bond with Zum brings me so much joy!

Thinking in intervals is easier than thinking far in advance. I think “I will walk Zum to that tree.” Look to the tree and walk Zum to the tree. Then look at a rock ahead of me and think “I will walk Zum to that rock.” Look ahead of me and walk Zum to the rock. This way, I stay calm, taking my walk with Zum in small steps. Zum feels my calmness.

Jody wants me to take Zum on walks. Jody tells me these walks are like going on a date with Zum. Take him through the neighborhood, over hills, between trees, down ravines….and don’t let Zum invade my space. If Zum spooks, this will teach Zum to spook around me and not into me.

Lift the reins up to move Zum backwards.

I have an inner force that pushes me towards my goal.

To stop Zum, pull back on both reins with elbows in and all fingers closed in fists on the reins, close to Zum’s mane.

The price of my success with Zum will be my constant devotion to my vision of riding him without fear.

Jody shows me how he twists his wrist with all his fingers grabbing the reins to pull Zum’s head to the side. Jody thinks one-rein stops don’t work and they are dangerous as they get the horse off balance. Jody tells me to use serpentine motion to move the horse’s front quarters and hindquarters.

The path into unknown territory can appear more frightening than staying stuck. It is important to have strong reasons to want to change. I have two reasons….both Zum and I love being out on the trails.

Jody shows me how to play the reins like a guitar. To keep a light touch on the bit, first ask the horse to respond to right or left turns handling the reins with the pinky finger. If the horse doesn’t respond, then add the ring finger. Add the middle finger and first finger for a firmer grip. But ask the horse with a light touch on the reins to start.