One of the things about being a 40-something re-rider that is the source of much insecurity for many of us is our equitation. Some people are blessed with graceful, athletic bodies that are able to have just the right angles for doing everything that is needed for a perfect riding seat, but the majority of…
Fall in Summer
As horse people, we never want it to happen. We hope and pray that it won’t happen. But, inevitably, even in the best of circumstances, it happens. I’m talking about falling off. Every experienced horse person will tell you that falling off is part of riding. And it’s usually when you’re starting to feel really…
A Little Bit of This, A Little Bit of That
Anyone who has worked with or owned horses understands that horses don’t give a flying F about your plans, even if those plans are supposed to be beneficial to them. My barn owner, Kate, her husband, Lee, and I had plans to get Kiss trailered to a clinic at my trainer, Deanna’s on Friday afternoon….
It’s Spring and The Kiss-anthemums Are Blossoming
It’s been a while since I’ve posted, but everything is good! Updates on my riding and training progress with Kiss.
New Year, New Barn, New Post!
Hello! I know, it has been a significant minute here since I last posted. I’m still navigating my depression and the oppressive challenges posed by Jake’s separation anxiety, but I’m now working with a veterinary behaviorist, who assures me that, once we have the meds right, I’ll be able to leave my house at least…
Everybody’s Doing It, Sooo…
There are so many things in the traditional horse world that most riders accept as conventional wisdom but is actually, at best, not doing the horse any favors, and at worst can be harmful. For example, the flash noseband is rampantly used to keep a horse’s mouth shut, especially in the dressage world. Nevermind that…
Accountability and Goals
Last night, my therapist said to me, “You’re surviving, but you’re not really living.” That struck me in a most impactful way. I’m 42 years old, at the half year mark. I’m going through a difficult separation and divorce process, I’m financially torpedoed (and might also have to pay more spousal support), I have a…
Two Steps Forward, But Then…
They say time flies when you’re having fun, but time streaks at light speed when you’re having stress. I was making pretty good progress with my new rescue dog, Jake’s anxiety at being left by himself. By the first week of September, I was able to leave him for up to an hour by himself…
Girl, You’re Gonna Carry That Weight
I think it’s part of the human condition to make horrible decisions in traumatic times. For me, going through a divorce, I decided to rescue a dog. Oh, but not only rescue a dog, I rescued a dog who wasn’t housebroken, had heartworms, and wasn’t neutered. Oh, AND, come to find out, he has some…
It’s a Mess
I don’t think anything can prepare you for the emotional roller coaster that is divorce. Going through this currently, I’m humbled and amazed at how utterly flattened I feel emotionally most of the time. Thank the heavens for Kiss, who has been a very good girl through everything and has provided me that little bit…
Equicurious 