Both painting (art) and horse riding require specific skill development.
And both will require confidence.
This takes time. Patience. Persistence….
To build the confidence and develop the boldness; that freedom to just go do it!

A Confident Way
As I watched the new horse in the arena with my granddaughter up, I thought more about how confidence needs to be built up.

Both the rider and the new horse are uncertain. A little bit shy, perhaps of each other.
The horse not knowing if this rider is one to fully trust, or not.
Unsure of new surroundings.
The horse by its nature, needs a strong sure leader, in order to feel secure. Safe.
Will this rider, be strong, or timid?

The rider, still in the learning process.
Trying to put everything together seamlessly…… but not quite there yet.
Both, willing to take a risk on the other.
Fences in the paddock….
represent our innate need for both Space and Freedom to do our own thing; yet, within a known safe Boundary.
At first. When we are first beginning to learn. That comfort zone is where we can relax a little bit.

Risks
Risking It… That is really another Major key.
Willingness To Take the Risk.
There is a long way to go on whatever road we choose.
Whatever hobby, or sport, etc. we are enthused to enough to pursue.
Its ok to falter, stumble
and … to fall.
We all will.
We’re not perfect.
We’re not going to be. We will, however, improve.
With persistence and soft gentle patience.

Just get up.
Get back on.
Your horse, needs you.

Building Confidence
Is about patience and kindness.
Both to the other, and your own self.
Its about perseverance in spite of the many falls we will have.
Its about being excited.
Its about the enthralment of doing what you Love.
Taking risks. And calmly dusting yourself off and learning from the falls, not sulking or quitting.
Skills Can Be Learned
I could so easily see the similarities to art – as they rode off lead around the paddock.
Neither the bold swift certainty of brushstroke nor the confident, intuitive handling of the reins will happen overnight.
But, art is a skill.
Just like riding is.
And skills can be learned.
Practiced.
Repeated. And Mastered.
We become Confident, when we know what to do.
When the techniques and skills have become second nature to us.
Tumbles, stumbles and falls are just part of the process.
I enjoyed my Wednesday.
Art takes many forms.
Even though I didn’t “do art” ie paint, I felt immensely creative!
Out there.
In the paddocks. Watching the riders and the horses.
We can see that these two enjoyed their time as well.

Love the correlation between riding and art. There is a heap load of fear, letting go, trusting and learning….heaps! Great post! Oh and learning to work with your horse, art is very similar too!
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thanks Miss M! yes, riding/art …similar in the sensitivity of leg, rein and even just body. makes a difference.
I’m hoping the real message of becoming more- confident -shone through all this! and didn’t get tangled up in my gobbleygook LOL
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it was loud and clear!
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Great pics and good comparisons.
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thanks! building confidence…. thats the real key. without that, beginners/learners are “adrift” They just won’t take any risks. thanks glad you liked the photos! cheers, debi
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Bravo, I love your connections, great photos as always 😀
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great pictures and you are right, they both are very similar in some ways –
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thank you, It was such a lovely day for everyone!
and I’m glad you enjoyed the post as well.
cheers, have a great weekend 🙂
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so lovely!!!! art and creativity is everywhere. Your granddaughter is precious!
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hi Jodi, thanks! I’ve always found the form of the horse to be so beautiful and artful.
add in some some trees and a granddaughter = recipe for wonderful! LOL (so biased!) cheers, Debi
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Up until recent years, I was terrified of horses. Then I discovered a very gentle old horse on my walk (whose name happened to be Charlie) who I fell in love with! It was the first time I ever felt comfortable feeding and petting and even snuggling a horse. I miss him. Young, big, fast ones still scare me. They seem so powerful and independent. I just don’t know much about horses, but they are beautiful indeed! And yes – trees and granddaughters – a definite recipe for wonderful!
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yes, they are big. and can be quite rambunctious and some young Teens, are naughty…. its great that you got to meet a nice older gentleman though. cute his name was Charlie 🙂
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Lovely images of your granddaughter Debi! And how right you are…. all art forms whatever form they take need to be practiced and mastered…
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thank you Evelyn, its great to share such a lovely day 🙂
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“Taking risks. And calmly dusting yourself off and learning from the falls, not sulking or quitting.”
Yes, there’s a lot of wisdom in it! Thanks for sharing your experience and thoughts! Cheers, Petra
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thanks Petra! that not only works for the grandchildren…. but, me too at times! LOL
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What a lovely uplifting post Debi and your granddaughter with her horse is a beautiful moment perfectly captured. Love, joy and family – just the best 🙂
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Thank You, Andrew. And, sneaking the grandchildren in a post once in a while, is always a wonderful thing 🙂
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