- Copper Bit: I at last received the copper bit I have been waiting for, for so long! This one is a loose ring smooth snaffle, with pure copper mouthpiece and pure copper tensor rings. This adds some energetic properties that are helpful in protecting my horses from EMF’s around them. It was a big test – really, the whole thing. It is absolutely gorgeous. It rode just like any other bit, which was a great thing. At the end of the ride, I checked it out to see how it held up and noticed there were bite marks on one side – but only one. Interesting. It was a bit of a bummer, realizing just how soft it really is. Bending isn’t going to be the issue, biting will be. That said, it was interesting to me that it was only on one side. (Pictures below.)
- Another evidence of Team: Curious about the bit marks and what it could mean about Rocki, I sent pictures and a text out to my team. I reached out to our natural dentist, sport coach / therapist, bodyworker, and instructor. Each of them go to the root of the issues and respond with their own special knowledge and perspectives based on their unique abilities. And it’s amazing. I once again relished in how at peace and supported I feel with the team I have in place. They are the perfect combination and I’m grateful for each of them.
- Pieces coming together: We took a trip to Pendleton to celebrate my mom’s birthday early in the week. I have been contemplating how to get a barefoot style cowboy boot and have wanted to stop by Stapleman’s Custom Boots in Pendleton to see if they would be willing to work with me on a pair like that. The kind that flex, have as minimal heel & sole as possible, are without synthetic materials, don’t squish my toes… and are beautiful. To my delight, he was more than willing to help out. They are out about 10 months, so after a quick confirmation text to Uriah, I got measured and put my name down for a spot. When I got back home I started to realize just about everything on my “mental” checklist for what I want to have for my riding that honors my horses and how they were designed, is about complete or in process of being completed. The only thing left is really just time to see this dream start to be fulfilled. We are almost through the preparation stages and will soon enough enter the stage where rubber meets the road. It feels so good and I am at blissful peace.
- Pregnancy & Growth: I am now past the 6 month mark of pregnancy and excited to welcome our baby into our little home in June. This child has already taught me so much and has been a tremendous factor in my growth and preparation in the rodeo journey. In the past, it’s been harder to accept that pregnancy wouldn’t put me behind or would prevent my dreams from being able to happen. But as I’ve grown in these last months, I’ve been able to see deeper than that and feel like I couldn’t have covered the ground I have in this time without this baby joining along. Without him/her, I don’t think I’d be anywhere near feeling as confident as I am in my journey ahead. I am entirely grateful for this realization that goes so deep into my soul and again, allows for that blissful peace. And what a special thing to share together in the years ahead.
- Pippa’s Coming! Our Spring Pippa clinic is next week! I’m looking forward to two things this year: 1) that I get to ride, I wasn’t sure being this far along but I feel comfortable still and am excited for the option! 2) that I get to sit back a bit, and enjoy a slower pace. Last clinic, we packed in so much it was a marathon. A beautiful one, but a tiring one. This time, I am embracing the fact that a baby is being knitted together in me and there is a season for slowing down and embracing things in a different way too, that is also extremely valuable. And that I normally don’t slow down to take advantage of. Again – thank you baby! So I plan to take my morning ride, and then sit down and soak up every bit of wisdom and joy from other rider’s lessons and let Pippa take the reins for my second ride. I’m so excited for this season!
Until next time,
5 Steps Closer, thank you for coming along.
Nicole & The Team,
Uriah, Kadima, [Baby], Birdie, Blondie, Dean, Grace, Luna, Rocki, Salily, Shasta & Shmini
