August brought a mix of new discoveries and a gentle shift in focus. We learned some fun tricks that I’m excited to share, but this month also marks a pause for Trick Tuesday. After 24 straight weeks of working on something new, I realized we’d been so focused on tricks that it was time to step back and nurture our connection again.
That doesn’t mean the fun stops! Next month I’m planning a few kid-friendly performances here at the house. Instead of adding brand-new skills each week, we’ll be polishing what we’ve already learned and shaping it into something meaningful to share.
First Bump
This is probably the easiest trick to teach—you could master it in a single session! I chose it as a little celebratory move for a big moment: the release of my new children’s book, My ABC Book of Horses, on August 4. That launch was truly the highlight of the month. I poured so much heart and love into this book, and I’m thrilled to finally share it with the world.
Click here to purchase through my website or find it on Amazon.
Hit the Beach Ball
A friend gave me a bright beach ball to teach Matthias how to bop it back and forth with me. He caught on right away! It turned out to be a fun little game and a great desensitizing exercise. Matthias isn’t usually a spooky horse, but this added one more playful skill to our repertoire.
Sidepass Towards
I don’t really think of this as a “trick,” but it’s such an impressive ground maneuver—especially at liberty. Matthias performs it so beautifully. The day we filmed, the sky was filled with stunning clouds, making it a moment worth remembering all on its own.
The Boost
I was so excited when Matthias mastered this trick! We started with him placing his head between my legs, then progressed to him lifting me slightly, and finally a full boost onto his back.
Obviously, this isn’t the safest trick, and I wouldn’t recommend trying it at home unless you’re very comfortable with the maneuver—after all, you end up on your horse backward! Even so, it felt like the perfect trick to wrap up our Trick Tuesday journey this month.
Closing
August has been a month of learning, celebrating, and pausing to appreciate the journey. From the simple First Bump to the playful beach ball game, and the elegant sidepass to the thrilling boost, each moment with Matthias has reminded me of the joy in growth, patience, and connection.
While we’re taking a break from learning a new trick each week, I’m excited to focus on deepening our bond and sharing the tricks we’ve mastered in meaningful ways—especially with some upcoming kid-friendly performances at my home.
Through it all, I’m reminded that every small step, every playful moment, and every cloud-filled sky is part of God’s beautiful creation. Sometimes, the greatest joy comes not from what we accomplish, but from simply pausing, appreciating, and trusting the journey He has for us.
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