A Reader Shares Her Experiences

I really enjoy hearing from the people who read this blog.  I know some people land here, take a peek, and then head off to places more interesting.  Others probably poke around a bit longer before they leave. Some even take time to offer advice or simply encourage and commiserate.  I have thoroughly enjoyed developing a relationship with those of you who do comment.  I now have friends on several different continents; I have friends in states I hope to one day visit; and I've even made some new friends in my own back yard.

Angela lives in Tehachapi, a small town just up the road from Bakersfield.  Just like many of us, she is beginning her dressage journey. A few days ago she sent me this email.  I thought it echoed so many of my own experiences that I asked her if I could share it with you. She graciously said yes.  Meet Angela:

My riding is going well, but it's like assembling a mono-chromatic jigsaw puzzle, and I'm fitting in one piece at a time very, very slowly.  Most days are - nope that's not the one, but it sure feels great when you make a match!  Right now we are working on putting William into the proper frame or back into frame, since he has been there before. :0   Hence the puzzle analogy, it's all I have stuck in my brain. I think we may have one or two pieces of ONE corner in place...I pray it holds together for the Cool Mountain Show up here in two weeks, because I'm sending in my entry for Intro level A and B.   I'll be using Will's barn name, which is Good Will, on the entry form. So, it begins!  My first show EVER. The goal is to Show UP, Breath, and Have Fun!!!!

Buying everything sure has been an experience, and it sure is expensive. I've opted to take the Goodwill route in honor of Good Will. Thank heavens for Bar JJ up here.  They are a consignment tack and supply store.  I found a nice jacket for $40, it will need to be taken in, but it works.  I also found white breeches for $20 and a white show shirt with a collar for $15, along with other odds and ends. It kind of reminded me of that Ikea commercial where the lady is running out of the store yelling, "start the car, start the car," to her husband who is waiting in the car. I love a good deal, and they are super nice people so I love giving them business.

I thought I had found a good pair of "starter" boots for $50, but Debbie said they were too short. :(  However, I decided to keep them as back up "everyday" riding boots because they are really comfortable. And besides, my basic riding boots and half chaps will work just fine at this level; unfortunately, it also means I have to clean them...lol  The funniest part of all of this is that the "second hand horse" has all brand new tack, but his newbie rider is in "second hand" tack...and I wouldn't have it any other way!!! 

I'm loving the journey and progress, even if we've haven't made it very far. :)

See you soon,
Angela