Curiosity. Play. Dust it Off. Lessons from Jack
The other day I was in the arena with Jack. I was not expecting to be coached by him that day. He had other plans.
After we had walked together, which we often do, he went off to explore.
I noticed as he slowly walked along the arena walls, sniffing at different spots. He was curious about the jump standards and poles in one corner. He was curious about a hole in the wall. And the old couch in another corner.
I had seen him do this before, meander along the walls and stopping in the corners, sniffing and checking things out. On this particular day, he seemed to be taking a bit more time. Stopping in a few more places. Staying a little longer.
It was almost like he was waiting for me to ‘get it’.
And then it hit me.
He was telling me to be more curious.
As he explored, he would walk back to me to check in. As he stood in front of me, he would reach out with his mouth and gently pull the strings from my hood. He did this a few times.
Leave.
Come back.
Leave.
Come back.
Until I got it.
He was telling me that I need to play more.
And then he did something that I had not seen him do before.
He walked over to the mounting block. The step and the platform were covered in sand. I watched as he used his top lip to gently brush off the sand, like the motion of a broom.
First he cleaned the step.
And then he slowly raised his head and started to clean the platform.
I was really curious about what he was doing.
And then it hit me.
He was telling me to dust “it” off.
Jack is a wise soul. He knew what he was doing that day.
I wonder if these messages are meant for others as well. So I have decided to share them.
As you think about your life right now, as we continue through what seems like a never-ending pandemic, what do Jack’s messages mean for you?
Be curious.
Play more.
Dust ‘it” off.
Coaching with Horses at Red Chair Ranch will start up again soon. Each experience is different and unique to you.
Contact me to learn more.
shannon@redchaircoaching.com
