5 Steps at a Time – Journey to NFR #7

1. What’s True… Is True… Is True. The Pippa clinic came and went and was the best to date. It was filled with emotional healing, reviving fire, Piaffe’s for first-timers, crying (in the best way possible), physical healing, growing, laughing, confirmations, learning, community, and a call to keep going forward. Since I met Pippa 18 months ago at the first clinic and got a grasp of French Classical Dressage, I’ve explained it to people asking as: “the truth in horse riding.” This theme showed through more than ever this last week. I am so grateful to have a coach, friend, mentor that shares a heart to seek truth in everything. Words really can’t express this gratitude, though I hope one day to be able to. Or maybe not, perhaps it’s just too precious for words.
   
   
   
2. Coach Came to Town: I met with Janet (Parable Coaching) via Zoom on Thursday before the clinic. It was our normal monthly session keeping up with things. I found myself wishing she could come visit sometime in person. Towards the end she said, “I wish I could come to the clinic!” I tend to seize those types of statements, so I was on Alaska air looking for tickets right after our meet. Much to my delight, we had the air miles and the schedule worked out just right for Janet to come join us from Ohio! It was like her presence was a gentle thread tying everyone together in a beautiful community. I learned from her ways of being able to ask questions and connect with anyone, in a really gentle and non-threatening manner. It made a difference, not just in my own heart and world but in everyone’s who was there. Thank you, Janet for coming and being with us! You may just be signed up for life! 😉
   
   
   
3. The Bandaid Saddle: You may remember I have had saddle issues. During the clinic I was able to really test the Total Contact Solution (TCS) “saddle” and their newly designed seat, as well as the CS Cloud seat in conjunction with the TCS. Pippa said she had one other student who used the TCS, and she called it her “band aid” saddle. If you look it up, you’ll see why that’s funny… and fitting. The verdict was I love it, I think I’m forever sold (until I find something else, of course). I’m grateful to feel more settled in this area… for now.
   
   
   
4. Piaffe… the Path to Fire: I really had little idea or concern for this thing called “Piaffe” that I started to hear more and more of since joining the dressage side of things. But what I gathered from it was, it was really fancy and everyone wants to do it but not everyone does. Monday night after our first lesson day, I talked with Pippa about wanting to gain back that “fire” that I knew I once had in competing. Tuesday, I was presented with a horse that was super concerned about leaving her herd. This led to feelings of inadequacy and a huge emotional work-then-breakthrough. I came back Tuesday afternoon being much better in my own self, but Rocki was still beside herself. This combo was better than the morning try, however, so Pippa suggested that perhaps this “fire” that Rocki had was our gift, and we could use it to our advantage. She was right. A few near spills, a little touch and go, and finally…. A Piaffe. A real powerful, but dainty, Piaffe. I cried. A lot. It was really not about the Piaffe for me, but more about the fact that I could indeed, ride a horse. Full circle healing was accomplished and the path to letting the fire ablaze cleared.
   
   
   
5. Blog Name: I like the 5 Steps name for the blog, but it occurred to me a little while ago that the journey to NFR part isn’t really accurate to the big picture. It is a goal I’m actively working towards and dedicating this part of my life to, but, it’s only a step along the whole path. I’m brainstorming a new title for this blog, that will still include the 5 Steps, but I’ve had no brilliant ideas. Perhaps someone here has one? Send them my way, I’d sure be appreciative! 
   

5 Steps Closer, thank you for coming along.  

Nicole & The Team,

Uriah, Kadima, Birdie, Blondie, Dean, Grace, Rocki, Salily, Shasta & Shmini