Quiet

This holiday season there are bound to be many parties filled with festive music, strong drinks, and good friends.  The next time you attend such a party, take a second to think about the logistics of communicating in such a setting.   Music is blaring, there are many other people talking and laughing, and maybe you're having trouble communicating over all that noise.  You can make basic points by yelling like "I like this song!" Or "want another drink?" But more complex thoughts are lost in the background chatter.

Now, let's imagine your friend is your horse. The blaring music is your seat that hasn't quite figured out how to move with the motion, and the conversation and laughter are your hands and legs that haven't developed the ability to become independent from your seat.  You can make basic points like "stop" and "go" with loud aids, but more complex thoughts are lost in the background chatter. 

 

We use the word "quiet" to describe good riding for a reason.  A quiet rider makes very little "noise" unless he or she has something to say, and when it comes time to communicate, a quiet rider can whisper instead of yell with the aids because there is no background chatter with which to compete.  While parties are good fun, your horse will appreciate you not creating a party-like atmosphere in the saddle with your body. Instead, imagine you and your horse have found a cozy corner in the house after the party has ended where you discuss the meaning of life and the wonders of the world, because at that moment you will be experiencing both of those things.