One more day left of this Centered Riding clinic. Tomorrow will be Day # 4. I’m going to feel a sense of loss when this one comes to an end. There has been a strong sense of community here; everyone has been accepting of all group members.

This morning a large number of auditors showed up. This was during a morning Feldenkrais class. The room the class was in was small to begin with. Nevertheless, the instructors and students simply moved over and made room for them. There was no grumbling or rolling of eyes. It could have been otherwise.

I knew before I signed on to this clinic that it could go either way. The Centered Riding clinic that I did in Vermont was far different than this one – the group was very close knit, and I felt the entire time like I was an outsider. It mainly consisted of Sally Swift’s original apprentices and they all were attempting to do things the way Sally did them. I now understand that this was an instance of Founder’s Syndrome, which is counter to organizational growth.

Today did go well. The Feldenkrais session was taught by a woman who really knew her stuff. The body scan and pelvic clock work loosened up my very tight lower back.

This nice arena has open sides

My group lesson followed. I rode Joy again. I had a hard time with the lesson concept, which involved getting the horse to move forward and over. Joy was very patient with me, for which I was most appreciative. I don’t think anyone knew how frustrated I actually was. I decided after a bit to just accept the fact that I was confused and to just go along with the program. This, rather than struggle to learn something that was beyond my comprehension. It was then that the lesson got easier. I felt Joy relax, and together we focused on trotting in a balanced and rhythmical fashion.

Then we (along with everyone else) cantered – this was way fun. It was a breakthrough for me because I previously avoided cantering in arenas. I trusted Joy and she took very good care of me. This may have been because earlier I paid considerable attention to her, attention which mainly took the form of body work. Afterwards, Joy and I received numerous complements. Tiffany said that she was impressed, so much so that she was jumping up and down and cheering me on. Now that’s the sign of a true friend.

I was nervous about my lesson, which was to be semi-private but I ought not have been. It went well. Elaine was again my student. My second student was Susie, who as luck would have it, owns an Extreme Farm Icelandic. I talked to her for a while before and after the lesson. We discovered that we had a lot in common.

I’ve really enjoyed staying in the big house, and even for this reason alone, I wish that this clinic was a week long rather than just four days. Tomorrow night I’ll stay in a tiny house. This is going to be way different. Then its on to Portland, via the train.

No more to say. No more to say.

Next: 54. 2/24/20: That which Still Alludes Me