Intention

Definition of intention
1. a determination to act in a certain way : resolve
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Today was a good day for Sav. First of all, there’s a gaited horse clinic going on at Happenstance this weekend so lots of activity all around to break up the monotony of 21+ hours in a stall. Second, a lack of precipitation meant more time outside.  Now, to be honest quite a bit of this time is simply me (or a nearby friend, or even Darrell Dean when I’m desperate) watching the tail of the 45′ line to be sure Sav doesn’t become too ambitious in her wanderings as she grazes.  See photo below of Peppy dog (wrapped in the plaid burrito blanket) as I horse wrangle to keep Sav from adventuring onto the poop hill.

​But in addition to our grass time, today we also intentionally ventured a bit further into new territory (by that I mostly mean down the driveway).  I’ve been thinking through how to optimize my time with Sav over the next few weeks of healing.  What can we do together that will be of long term value?  What are some things I may never have taken the time to do with this degree of intentionality had she been at 100% physical capability?   What can we slow down to speed up later? Haltering, bridling, exiting and entering the stall & the aisleway.  What about different zones of driving? With the rope on one side and me on the other? On grass and down the driveway?  How about lateral maneuvers from Zone 5?  When I really slowed it down, one thing became abundantly clear – I needed to up my intention to communicate my idea to her mind and ultimately to her feet.   How often do I just plunge through the phases even at a walk? Get er done vs. set up and wait.  I’m a bit more careful about lifting that Carrot Stick without preparing her these days as I’m less apt to get a skyrocket off the ground if she knows what I’m asking.  “All of a sudden, for no reason at all” the sticky spots became sweet spots.  A little time; little intention, a little slow and right.

And want to know something else? I learned another definition for the word intention: 2. The healing process of a wound.
Ask Merriam – Webster.  I couldn’t have made that one up if I tried.