I read these words today and was struck by the simple truth. After decades of riding, I certainly know how to ride. I can see in my mind’s eye how to be more effective in the tack. I have moments where it all comes together and it is effortless and soaring and fantastic.
Then I come back down to earth and realize that my reins are too long, that I no longer have the nerve to jump big fences, that I need to work my horses more on the flat to keep them balanced, that I will probably never ride an upper level test . . .
So I have to go out and look through my horses’ ears and remember that they don’t care. They are happy just going out and exploring, chasing the fake foxes, and meandering through life.