Ridecamp: [RC] Right/Left/Middle-Ground

Okay, so, yes, we are ALL born with a preference to one side (maybe there
is one ambidextrous chap out there somewhere?), but do we intend to keep
it that way?  "all" meaning horses, too.  Do we want balance?  Does a
pianist use only the right hand?  No, just works harder to balance out
the left, and hopefully the left becomes equal.  I'm sure it is hard on
the brain - especially at first, like riding a bicycle, each brain has a
different priority list - who's on first, who's on second.  But, in
nature, like in riding, there are left and right turns, i.e. different
paths to take, and with a rider on board that adds another variable - a
vertical "rudder" of sorts.  Assuming neither the rider, nor the horse
wants to get hurt, a happy balance should be reached.  People are trained
in Center Riding, Alexandre Technique, Pilates, receive massage work,
psychological therapy of many sorts, etc. etc.  - all for different kinds
of balancing - or evolving, or moving through life with less effort
(supposedly).  I am not into the Band-Aid approach to life - if there's a
problem, work around it or cover it up.  I love change - change for the
"better" - more harmony, more balance.  It's a lifetime challenge.  Some
people never try to start it, or never want to start it.  It's like my
mare, who foundered badly, and for years was a victim of several poor
farrier approaches - probably making her even worse.  Pad this, pad that,
don't trim this, trim that - resulting in what "man" thought the way the
hoof is supposed to look, and believe me, it was ugly and she could
barely walk.  They didn't get the point.  My present farrier knows that
nature KNOWS how to balance itself, with a little help .  Another
example:  if you are much shorter on one of YOUR legs, do you simply
"solve" the problem by buying a shoe with an elevated heel for that foot?
 That would simply accommodate the problem.  Muscles, and balance can be
improved and balanced.  They are flexible.  Some of our minds are
flexible, too!!  Like seeing the "other side" of the issue - not being
"lopsided".

Conclusion:  So our horses prefer one lead/diagonal over the other.  So
do we.  Do we leave it like that, and put an unbalanced rider on an
unbalanced horse, and do barrel racing or dressage?  Wouldn't work too
well.  Hopefully, we help "push the window" of body balance and work
towards equally balanced sides of the body.  Right brain/left brain, 
right lead, left lead.  Since we choose to ride the horses, we turn into
their teachers of how to be ridden and hopefully protect both of us. 
Horses are an extension of us when we are "up there".  Rider problems
translates down the telephone line to horse problems.  Try balancing
something on your head and keeping it from falling, try tightrope walking
(not that I have! - just metaphors of sorts!).  Anyhow, enough "make-do"
with what you've got.  I feel life should be constantly trying to
improve/balance everything - a lot of learning.  Learning is fun!  (isn't
it????)  

Karen Zelinsky
("I wish I knew then what I know now" - and I now feel dumb and dumber
plenty :))

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