Embracing the Darkness with Gratitude

November struts in, like that friend who shows up to the party wearing a flamboyant sweater, demanding attention with fiery red lipstick and a pumpkin spice martini. Goodbye summer, hello foliage! I embrace the warm days because I am not a fan of the cold and shorter days.

As the days grow shorter, let’s try to shift our focus from missing summer to celebrating the beauty of autumn. This season is a gentle reminder that change isn’t something to dread. Just like bears prepping for their long winter nap (jealous, right?), we too can find comfort in nature's lazy rhythm, allowing ourselves to rest while plotting next show season. So as we welcome November, let’s take a deep breath and find joy in the quiet moments.

For my clients and me, this season also offers the perfect time to focus on the foundational work we often skip during the busy months. It’s a time to slow down, to evaluate. I’m excited to use these winter months to go deeper into the themes that so often come up for perfectionists, especially for us ambitious equestrian women. Whether it’s the need to “let go” of rigid expectations, learning how to simply be in the saddle, or nurturing empathy over control, I’m there with you, tackling those same struggles.

I know how it feels to constantly set high standards and push toward goals. But, winter is here to help us remember the joy of savoring the present. I’m setting aside time to reflect and reset—to celebrate the wins, assess the struggles, and set new intentions. So, let’s take these darker days as a chance to ease into introspection, without the rush that summer often brings.

And what about our horses? They also deserve a chance for a reset. While rest is essential, this downtime doesn’t mean we halt progress completely. It’s an excellent opportunity to reflect on challenges and work on strategic enhancements that don’t require the fast pace of training or competitions. Perhaps it's the time to cultivate trust, deepen our bond, or concentrate on specific training skills that emphasize mental rather than physical aspects. This is a perfect moment to harness the power of observation and identify what you might have overlooked. Recognizing what your horse needs from you to feel comfortable and confident may seem like a minor victory, but it can lead to significant benefits down the line.

 So, what do you have planned for this winter? Join me in taking a step back, recharging, and resetting. Together, we’ll intentionally prepare to lay the foundation for a remarkable spring.

Here are some simple ways to engage: observe your horse without any specific agenda, be present in every interaction (catching, grooming, tacking, etc.), and cultivate a gentle awareness of your own emotions. Remember, these exercises should be approached without judgment. This season is focused on awareness, not criticism.

Spend time with your horse, simply observing without the need to correct or train. Pay attention to their expressions, habits, and movements, and practice accepting each moment as it occurs, allowing for a deeper understanding of your horse. Embrace grooming and time spent at the barn as a form of mindfulness, immersing yourself in the details of these tranquil, shared moments. Acknowledge your own emotions around your horse without passing judgment. Recognize any feelings of frustration, excitement, or impatience, and let them flow without acting on them. These efforts foster a calm energy that your horse will reflect, enhancing your connection throughout the winter season.

Embrace the quiet magic of the season to get you charged for the next competition season! November’s here, with her fabulous, cozy energy—let’s make the most of it.