1. Riding the Mind Change: I applied some more mind change techniques to my last student. The results absolutely blew me away. The dynamic of the whole lessons shifted from something “good but with friction” to “smooth, beautiful, at ease, peace, unity.” I went from a “trainer” to a friend and guide. And it was beyond successful in regards to rider and horse relationship, pattern improvements, etc. It put my student in the driver seat and the power within her rather than needing to look to me to try and help her change. IT WAS BEAUITFUL! And I want more. And my horses want more. And I’m pretty sure my student wants more. So thankful.
   
   
2. Moving Forward: I’ve mentioned before how “Kadima” means forward in Hebrew. This was significant and we knew as soon as she was born that this was meant to be her name. In this journey, she has really kept us “moving forward” and she keeps us speaking it daily… “forward, forward, forward.” I came across an interview that had a few bullet points for me, but one of those was the woman being interviewed expressing that “good” was simply “moving forward.” That if you were doing that, things were good, no matter the circumstances. But if you stopped moving forward (even if circumstances seem okay), that is “not good.” It gave me a lot to chew on, but I can’t help but notice the interesting connection with “forward” that was brought with the concept.
   
   
3. Riding or Forward: On that note, yesterday I went out to ride, but like the last few times I’ve went out to ride, I’ve actually spent my time in the pasture addressing work within myself and my horses that needs to be done. I haven’t necessarily felt bad about this, until last night when I went out and really felt the pressure of needing to get in the arena. I was reminded of that concept of “forward” and realized I am making progress, but there’s deeper stuff that needs to be rooted out first, so the arena work can be what it needs to be.
   
   
4. Dates, Meaning & Timing: There has been something we have been wrestling with as a family, in a good way. There are two dates on the calendar that have been involved and one day, I decided to see how many days apart there were from these two significant dates to see if there was more for us to learn. 60 days exactly. Yah has moved in our lives before with dates, I guess that’s why I thought of it. For example, when we had our Betrothal Ceremony, it was exactly (I do mean exactly) one year from the journal entry I had saying I felt like I was being told I’d be married in a year. When we planned our wedding, I was bummed that it didn’t seem to have a “special meaning” to the date… until I realized it was exactly 40 days after our betrothal (which has so much significance in the Bible). Going back to the 60 days: it can have associations with completeness and fulfillment, Yah’s divine timing and fulfillment of His purposes, unity and harmony; things coming together as a cohesive whole, and spiritual renewal and transformation. There’s more to all of this (link if you desire), but to say that I’m excited for what is ahead after this 60 days is fulfilled is an understatement. We are pushing into all of the refinement and preparation needed within ourselves in this period of time to be able to receive all that Yah has at the end of the 60 days.
   
   
5. Grace Gets Bred! Early this year, I started realizing I had a large gap in my horses. My youngest is 7, and the next youngest are 13 from there. That means in approximately the 5-6 years it takes to breed, have a baby, then get them to a place being able to ride or compete, that most of my horses will be nearing retirement or in it. So, I started making a game plan. One issue I faced was the traditional way breeding happens these days. I personally cringe at the drugs, vet appts, and invasiveness and knew I didn’t want to do that. After putting the breeding off, not knowing how I was going to get around all of that “stuff”, a conversation with my awesome farrier gave me the urge I needed to see it through. I bought Grace a breeding to View me Flying in February. By this late in the season, I didn’t expect to be able to use it, but then, I noticed she was in heat. Through muscle testing, I was able to time when she would ovulate and Chance (my farriers stud haflinger) also came to help sort out the timing. All of the pieces came together and we bred her without drugs, at home, in a calm and safe environment. I am still in awe and in excitement at how simple, easy, and calm it was. One day, I hope to have my own stud that they can cohabit with for breeding when the time is right, but this is the first step towards that ultimate goal and I felt so wonderful knowing I could accomplish it without compromising my horse’s wellbeing (or my own!). I can’t wait for this sweet baby to come (and Dean is next in line!)

5 Steps Closer, thank you for coming along.  

Nicole & The Team,

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