what i've learned so far

What I have learned in a year of Haflinger horse ownership is really that I have learned nothing at all and a ton at the same time! Crazy, right? Anything I think will happen, won't; any way that I think Shy will act, she won't, and visa versa.

Today, Shy's offness was really concerning me, so I skipped my swimnastics class and made it to the barn for margaritas, the vet, and the chiropractor. More on that later.
Treatment plan: give Shy a few days off, then very light riding for a few days. Chiropractor will come back Monday for a recheck.  

Prognosis: Good. 

So to start with what I learned today: Shy loves tequila and she really is a good horse. Even though she was in pain when Beth was riding her, she worked through it and did not act out. That makes me happy!

Other things I have learned:

• I have learned that all my strengths will be tested: physical, mental, emotional.
• I have learned that a Haflinger is always hungry. No matter what.
• I have learned that the ground really hurts.
• I have learned that hard work really pays off.
• I have learned how good it feels to see your horse "get" something.
• I have learned how disappointing it is when your horse refuses to do something you know she knows.
• I have learned that draft horse people are awesome!
• I have learned that bloggers are amazing and supportive people.
• I have learned horse shows are fun!
• I have learned so much about Shy: her likes, dislikes, her personality. . .
• I have learned that dressage can be useful (sorry dressage people, I was not a fan!)
• I have learned where my weaknesses lie.

There is a whole lot more, I'm sure! But most of all I have learned that I love this horse like crazy! Even if her ways of showing that she even tolerates me are less than noticeable. . . but she is getting better at showing it!