Changes

“Wherever you go, go with all your heart” — Confucius

I was busy yesterday moving Luke to his new home, then helping send Murphy off to his new home. There was an e-mail from the new Murphy family last night, reporting that Murphy is curious about the other horses, is bonding with one of their daughters, and they were looking forward to saddling him up today. No news today so I’m assuming the ride went well.

I went to the stable to see Luke this morning. Luke moved really nice during our ride. His canter felt better than it has for a long time. I think it was the combination of the good footing and the dressage saddle, which Luke seems to always move better in, probably because I’m more at home riding English. I like the close contact and being able to feel my horse. But I’ll stick with riding western when I’m on a trail. It’s easier to carry stuff and holds me in better if Luke does a sudden about face.

There was a visiting clinician at the barn from 8 AM to 1 PM. After my ride, I watched one of the lessons in the outdoor arena. I liked the style of clinician and watched closely as she worked with another quarter horse and rider that struggled with the same things that Luke and I struggle with. The clinician is supposed to come back in August so I’m hoping I can ride with her then.

After the clinic there was lunch and horse talk. It was such a wonderful break from packing and worrying about where I’m going to live. The women at the stable were all so nice. I think I chose right when I picked this barn.

Luke seems to be calm as can be in his new abode. He’s looking longingly out at the other horses outside but isn’t getting overly upset about it. These two will eventually be his new pasture pals. They come up and check him out every once in awhile.

For now, Luke is in an open pen where he can observe everything going on.

Luke will go out with the two other horses on Monday during the day, so the owner can watch how they get along. Then he’ll come back inside at night. Eventually he’ll be out in the pasture full time.

As for my house adventure, when I got into my car, I had a voicemail from my realtor saying the seller’s realtor says the amendments to the purchase price have been signed and she’ll work on faxing them to us today. As I still haven’t seen the signed papers, I’m not completely relaxed, but at least things are moving in the right direction. Maybe now I can go ahead and get my utilities and change of address stuff done.

Yesterday, as I was cancelling current utilities, internet, and dish TV, I had to use my work address for my final billing address and tell them I couldn’t set up new services as I didn’t know where I was moving to. It really hit me then what a precarious position I was in. But, like I said, things appear to be heading in the right direction.

It was so strange last night and this morning without the horses here. I kept thinking, “I need to go out and do something with the horses”, and then remembered they weren’t here. It’s sad and it will take getting used to, but on the up side, the social aspect and camaraderie of the barn made up for it. So there’s some loss, but there’s some gain to.

I read the quote above recently and I think it applies to moves and changes in direction. I need to look forward and put my heart into this new life. It just doesn’t work to do things half-ass.

How’s that for eloquence?