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Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

A Speedy Update

2/1/2014

 
I am having a difficult time writing this post. In my own daily life, I try very hard to embrace the half full point of view. I would rather look at the positive things in life and not dwell on the things that are worrisome. And so I choose not to write about the things that worry or concern me. Or, when I do, it's only when I can provide a punch line or a see, that resolved itself easily! sort of wrap up.

Speedy's injury (still not 100% sure what it is), doesn't have a punch line or an easy resolution; yet. I don't really want to write about it, but I know many people are looking forward to his return-to-action, and I felt an obligation to give an update. It has been difficult to stay positive and hopeful since if I am not vigilant, I can quickly get sucked into the what if game. It's something I've worked on over the years and have finally gotten good at avoiding.

So, I am working very hard to put into practice my own belief system. It's easy to do when life is easy, but much harder when when we encounter rough patches. In her book, Science and Health, Mary Baker Eddy provides many pieces of wisdom that I focus on when things aren't going so well. One of my favorites is this one: "Science knows no relapse from nor return to harmony, but holds the divine order or spiritual law, in which God and all that He creates are perfect and eternal …"  

No relapse from nor return to harmony … It has always been. This means that we live and thrive in a perfect state of existence. For me personally, this means that in God's eyes Speedy is already whole and sound and has never been anything but harmonious in his way of going. Choosing to embrace this Truth is difficult to do in "real" life, but it's what I strive to do, and why not? Why not view the world as working in harmony? Wouldn't we all be happier if we did?

So I haven't written about how worried I am each afternoon when I check on my boy. I try not to pick at him and see how lame he actually is. I simply arrive each day expecting to see my sound and happy horse waiting at the gate. Has he been sound? Not completely. He is improving though, and I will go to the barn this morning feeling grateful for his soundness.

I did ride him last night around the neighborhood. He felt pretty good, but there were baubles here and there that suggested he's still not quite healed. He is barefoot in the front so I did put Easyboots on. It may well be that some of the shortness of stride is due to being tender footed. When I trot him out on the lawn, before I saddled or put the boots on, he looked pretty darn good.

I know that in a short time, this situation will pass, and I will forget about it entirely. Some day I will read back over this post and say, see, that did resolve itself easily!

I'd like to leave you with one more thought from Mary Baker Eddy: It is well to be calm in sickness; to be hopeful is still better; but to understand that sickness is not real and that Truth can destroy its seeming reality, is best of all, for this understanding is the universal and perfect remedy. 
Picture
I took this last weekend, but this is what he looked like yesterday afternoon: we rode in a halter and easy boots. He was actually a bit of a stinker wanting to charge off and be silly!
Ashley G.
2/1/2014 12:16:02 am

Look at his lip!!!

Amanda link
2/1/2014 12:52:47 am

I'm sorry to hear he's still sore, but glad to hear that he's improving. I hate that what if game - if only horses could just tell us what would help them!

Val
2/1/2014 04:01:39 am

The last quotation implies that one should avoid medical treatment, because sickness is not real.

I do not consider that wisdom. My grandfather was a Christian scientist and did not believe in medical treatment, because of his religion.

I do hope that Speedy heals soon, but the Eddy references seem to suggest denial in place of optimism.

Bakersfield Dressage link
2/1/2014 06:29:41 am

Unfortunately, Val, most people know very little about Christian Science, and what they do know comes from an elderly relative (usually) or the media. The one thing that most people "know" is the idea of not seeking medical treatment, and it is actually mis-interpreted.

One of my favorite ways to help people understand what Eddy teaches is by using examples from The Matrix. Shockingly, MANY of Eddy's ideas are used for that movie. (I often wonder if the writers were familiar with her text.) The scene that I usually share is this one: Neo asks Morpheus if he will be able to dodge bullets, and Morpheus replies that he won't need to. This is one way to understand the idea of medical treatment. It's not that people don't seek medical treatment, it's more likely that they don't NEED to.

I also like to share that Eddy herself writes, 'ABSOLUTE Christian Science (what you are referring to) is probably not possible in this age.' Instead, she urges readers of her book to emerge *gently* into Christian Science, which means to follow her teachings only as far as one can understand. This is what I have done.

Rest assured that I seek medical attention for my family and pets whenever I think it is necessary. Just last week I saw the doctor three times for an eye infection and ultimately had a small procedure done to help clear up the issue. I followed that up with a week of medication.

I find that the more I follow Eddy's teachings, the less often I need to seek out medical care. I am a happier (and healthier) person by living a life that follows Mrs. Eddy's ideas. When I am stressed out, I take time to reflect and recognize the truth of the situation. I remember the power that the Divine has, and I try to listen for guidance.

Speedy and Sydney get the very best medical care that I can afford. They are vaccinated like clockwork, de-wormed on a schedule that includes fecal counts, see the dentist annually, get chiropractic work as needed, and are shod on a 5 - 6 week schedule. When needed they see the vet for coughs or other ailments. Two years ago, Speedy was hospitalized for several days for a bacterial infection.

I am watching this lameness very closely. If he isn't better within two weeks, he'll head to the vet over at Alamo Pintado Equine Medical Center, one of the country's best equine facilities. I sure hope I don't have to do that as I want Speedy back in a position to have fun as soon as possible.

When I rode him today, he was better than yesterday, but still sore on the left. I am beginning to suspect a strain of some sort, and it seems as though time is going to be the best remedy. In the meantime, I will continue to remember Mrs. Eddy's teachings as they help me not to buy into the *what ifs*. Instead, I will remember that "We own no past, no future, we possess only NOW … Faith in divine Love supplies the ever-present help and NOW, and gives the power to act in the living present."

Thank you for sharing, Val. Your wishes for Speedy's recovery are very much appreciated. :0)

jenj
2/2/2014 12:15:54 am

I hope Speedy recovers soon! The last pic of him is super cute. :)

Lauren link
2/2/2014 11:35:45 am

I get pretty glass half empty when it comes to lameness too. Keep your head up, there will be a light at the end of the tunnel!


Comments are closed.

    About the Writer and Rider

    ​I am a lifelong rider. 
    I began endurance riding in 1996 where I ultimately completed five, one-day 100 mile races, the 200-mile Death Valley Encounter, and numerous other 50, 65, and 75 mile races. I began showing dressage in 2010.
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    About Speedy G

    ​Speedy went from endurance horse to dressage horse. After helping me earn a USDF Bronze medal in the summer of 2020, he is now semi-retired. Speedy is a 2004, 15'1 hand, purebred Arabian gelding. His Arabian Horse Registry name is G Ima Starr FA.
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Among other things, Karen is a Wife, Friend, Reader, Writer, Rider, Traveler, and Dog Lover
Contact her at bakersfielddressage@gmail.com
  • Home
  • About
  • My Horses
    • Horses
    • Imperioso
    • G Ima Starr FA
    • Sunshine
    • Nakota and Gideon
    • Corky
    • Sassy
    • Montoya DSA
    • Mickey Dee
    • Sydney
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