by Vivian Depko
I had a revelation this morning. I had just started my ride to check cows and their calves on a section of pasture and realized I spend my time being critical of my riding, level of skill, horse and his level of training, when I should be enjoying and celebrating how far we have come. I decided to spend the next two and a half hours doing just that as we made our way over the hills of abundant grass and valleys dotted with wildflowers.
Sure the horse spooked when my border collie came running out of the tall grass beside the dugout where he had gone for a drink and a swim. The dog did look like a monster attacking with his coat dripping water and slicked down to half his normal size with mud. In reality the horse was only startled for a second before calmly jogging on the same path we had been travelling. I was proud of his reaction and how we both handled the minor event. I thought about the past week and all that we had seen on our rides that resulted in minimal reaction from him: a coyote, rabbits, white-tailed and mule deer, a duck flying up from her nest and a protective new mother cow taking a run at my dog right next to us.
We came across a cow that had unfortunately and unexpectedly died a day or two ago. My gelding stopped short. I wasn’t upset with him; instead I was impressed with his calm demeanor. There was no snorting or side-stepping. He just stopped and waited for further directions from me.
I rode through soft, muddy wetland, rough where the cows had punched holes with their hooves. Yes, he went slowly, but he picked his way deftly through and when we were out of the rough terrain I easily got him into a smooth, ground-covering lope.
I can dismount, drop the reins and walk a great distance away with him never moving. I don’t even consider that he may leave and I will be stranded miles from home. I appreciate that quality in him as there is really no place to secure him most times.
I have learnt so much from some of the best in the Cowboy Dressage world: Lyn Ringrose-Moe, Dee Myers, Martina Bone and my best friend, Kim Repp-Moats. Yes, I have a lot to learn and I will probably never be the rider I would like to be, but I am going to attempt to change the way I think. I will appreciate how far my trusty mount, Tex Running Man, and I have come.
This buckskin of mine is really very remarkable. And we possibly saved two calves this morning. This was a good day.
Vivian lives on a homestead ranch nestled in the hills on the natural prairie near Cardross, Saskatchewan. She brings us a unique and refreshing view of Cowboy Dressage horsemanship.