You know, you can ignore nits and picks about your horse for a long time, until you can’t. Lately, it seems like everyone is against her. Or, I guess, against me, as the owner. I chose a horse with her shape, so that’s Strike One on me, I guess. And she has Equine Metabolic Syndrome,…
Kindness and All
What I’ve learned about being a human for 46 years is that opinions are everywhere and fly all over the board. I’m a sensitive and curious soul who often goes exploring around the internet, and who just as often regrets doing so. a lot of the time. However, I also think it’s important to continuously…
I Will Never Be A “Good” Rider
If there’s one thing I appreciate about Americans, it’s this idea that if you keep trying, you will become really successful at something. There’s this beautiful, magical montage glow-up narrative built into so many of our stories, that many of us grew up watching. And it has merit. I do think that if we aren’t…
A Seat At The Stable
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…
