Hello Reader,

Change is hard. Isn't it?

Yet, we’re expected to put on a smiley face and press on.
​
We placate the sorrow with gratitude and numb out with the tasks of transition, convincing everyone and ourselves that we are fine.
​
As I shared in a recent Instagram post, horses, on the other hand, don’t lie about how change is hitting them. Kody's struggle in adapting to his new home has brought about some anxious behavior. He’s super clingy to his new best friend Stanley, and guarding him from the others in the herd, which may explain the teeth marks on his face.

​

His struggle has caused me to have to adjust my expectations in each interaction. As fellow HorseClass.com instructor, Andrea Wady, describes as being a #wiserider, I've often made the decision to keep my two feet on the ground and play at liberty instead. It is so interesting how the increase of that liberty time is bearing fruit I wasn't focused on cultivating. We’re at the place where Kody responds to all my verbal cues at the walk, trot, and canter in varying speeds on a fairly well-shaped circle in a larger arena.

In other words, in a space where he could go anywhere, he is super attuned and connected to me but not in an anxious and nervous way!

Even though I’m thrilled with that outcome, I am still missing my old barn fam and beloved Teddy and all the horses I partnered with at HBS. And yet at the same time, making all new friends and delighting in the opportunities before me.

The good doesn't negate the bad. ​
​
​Yes, change is hard. It just is.

But we must continue to move forward as we grieve the loss while accepting the new normal.

​

​

---

Pivoting the Vision for Stableminded

When it comes to loss which is the result of circumstantial change, we have the opportunity to view the obstacles as a new opportunity.

That is what I've had to do as I've wondered about the future of Stableminded.

The answer has organically arisen through looking at the overlap of services with Take Heart and identifying what remains as a distinctive of Stableminded. With the upcoming release of Finding Calm: Helping Riders Navigate through Fear & Anxiety in partnership with HorseClass.com, Stableminded is well suited and prepared to provide one-on-one coaching as well as clinic-based programs to equestrians in all seasons and stages of life who are ready to improve their overall wellness and performance.

What does this mean for Stableminded?

Stableminded will pivot to focus on serving equestrians through providing mental fitness online coaching programs as well as clinics and intensives.

Although this will be the focus of Stableminded, I will also continue to serve clients outside of the equestrian realm. For those who would benefit from more therapeutic work, I am available to offer those counseling services, including EMDR, in person and virtually (must be in PA) through Take Heart (drop me a note and I'll let you know how to get started). For my more traditional online clients, I'm still here and able to work with you!

Consider me your mental skills coach and counselor in every area of your life, ready to help you develop personally and professionally.

Yes, change is hard. But it can also be the catalyst to move you in the direction you were meant to go.

How has change been good in your life?

Growing together,

Lisa

​

​