This is an egg case, an ootheca, from a praying mantis, left as a gift to us in our front door frame. This last month or so, the female who left it has been a constant companion at our door.
And in the flowers next to it.
Sadly, the female mantis will die after she lays her eggs.
Her oothaca can contain 50-200 baby mantises, and I now have the responsibility to keep them safe through winter.
I’ve always known the praying mantis is a good sign, but the oothaca has even more symbology: divine timing, birth and rebirth, spiritual renewal, peace, and perseverance.
I will take whatever good tidings I can get.
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When I was at the equestrian park two days ago I met a young trainer who studied under my trainer now and is willing to put rides on horses. I watched her with the young horse she was riding and was impressed with her gentle, yet confident approach.
We set up a time for her to ride Tweed on the trails next week, as I’m interested to get her input. I told her what he’s doing on hills and she didn’t seem fazed by it.
If it works out, I will try to get maybe a couple more rides from her before winter hits, and then some spring rides later. Fingers crossed it works out, as she might me just the person to help us through this little blip.
She asked me all about my goals and training—what we want accomplished and how—and is willing to support that work. My current trainer thought it was an excellent idea to help us along.
The great thing about this is that I can have my grandson with me, since I won’t be in saddle. That frees up a lot more opportunities and the chance to get more rides on Tweed, which he needs.
Good omens all around.
I do not see Praying Mantis very often and know little about them. Very cool finding/s and in a key location! That is a lot of potential babies. I hope they make it through the Winter.
ReplyDeleteThe young rider/trainer sounds like a good fit and way to get Tweed more trail hours. Have you considered riding along with her on a more seasoned mount? When/if time allows. You are more trusting than I am. I would want to be there, also for the learning opportunity.
Our trainer would ride with us during our horses early trail years. Sometimes we would trade mounts or she would school them herself if a super sticky spot came up. I will never forget Koda's first larger water crossing...he is as stubborn as I am lol.
My trainer suggested I try and ride along, too. She thinks she’s a good fit for what we’re doing, but also good for me to be there.
DeleteOur first day together we plan to start him in the arena. She needs to get a feel for him.
Unfortunately, we took off Leah’s shoes thinking she was done for the season, so not sure I can ride along for these first short rides.
Maybe I can just meet her at the hills we need to work on and go and back and forth with her riding.
DeletePraying Mantis are one of our favorite bugs. Hope you get those littles through the winter.
ReplyDeleteCan you use boots on Leah? I keep a set handy for those times when an impromptu ride calls. Beats paying for shoes. And super helpful in winter. I used Cavallo Treks on Gussie, over every imaginable terrain including rivers and rocks- they never did come off.
I’ve always wanted to get backup boots, but I never knew where to start. I’ll look up the ones you have. They sound great. Do horses need to get used to them?
DeleteAfter just a couple steps, they don't seem to mind them at all.
DeleteI second the boots recommendation. It sounds like you have a great plan for the fall.
ReplyDeleteWe will see how it goes Thursday. I am actually very curious to watch someone else with Tweed. I want him to be a horse anyone can ride.
DeleteI’ll look into boots again. Shirley’s sound like they stay on well through lots of terrain.