MY NEW FOUND LOVE OF HORSERIDING HAS BECOME A NEW CHAPTER IN MY CREATIVE JOURNEY
In July this year, I finally took the plunge and stepped into a dream I’ve had since childhool - to have a horseriding lesson! As a child I’ve always loved animals but horseriding wasn’t something I was able to do. However, on our honeymoon my husband and I did go on a trek and that was the only time I’d ever ridden a horse, apart from sitting on a lovely horse for a photo in Canada whilst on holiday. So, since the Summer I finally stepped out and had a riding lesson. I didn’t realise it would continue as I would enjoy it so much. It has been a wonderful journey and will go on for some time, I’m sure. There is so much to learn and I had no idea how much there was to learn to ride a horse. It’s not something that happens quickly; it takes time, weeks and months, even years of learning as well as getting over any fears or anxieties about falling off or injuring yourself. I’m generally a cautious persion so I tend to learn slow and steady as opposed to fast and furious! I won’t pretend I started fearless. The idea of falling off was very real, but each ride has been a lesson in courage and trust. The Lord has been graciously teaching me through all of this - faith in the unseen, joy and peace in the process.
As many of you know, this blog lives in my painting website, and some might wonder how horseriding fits into this space, but the connection is that I have always loved nature - flowers, animals, the beauty of the outdoors. Being on a beautiful horse is like stepping into a living canvas - the earthy tones, the quiet rustle of the leaves, the landscape in the distance… These moments inspire me just like when I see a rose in full bloom or a sunset.
What begun as a desire to have a horseriding lesson has become a source of joy, healing and adventure! I didn’t expect to learn so much, and the journey continues to surprise me. I’ve already painted my first landscape painting of myself on horseback, and hopefully there will be more to come.
I’m so thankful for the courage to start, for the wonderful companions along the way, and for the Lord who weaves dreams into reality in His perfect timing,
With love and God Bless
Valerie