Friends in Far Off Places

10/16/2015

I don't know why people read my blog. I am not terribly witty, I'm rarely funny, and while I'm pretty confident in the stuff that I think I know, it's not like there's much in that bottle to pass around which means you're not here for any pearls of wisdom.

So while I don't know most of you, I appreciate that you're out there. I enjoy your company. You're good listeners, and when I give you a chance, you have charming stories to share with me. That's the feedback I enjoy most - your own experiences with your own horses.

Portugal - 2015

Most of the time, I write like no one's reading. I usually just write about what my last ride was like or about some great deal that I've found or stuff that I am thinking about. Fortunately, I am a constant thinker which means I always have stuff to share. It might not be interesting to the world at large, but if I don't get it on paper, I start to feel overwhelmed. Writing helps me unload some of the tension and worry.

Belize - 2013 (Totally terrified - I cried at the bottom)

This blog also gives me a way to be more public. In real life, I am actually a very private person. I share only superficial things with most people. I am not super popular at work. I always say it's because I am not into name dropping, the latest movies, or what brands I am wearing (which are probably from SmartPak or the Riding Warehouse anyway).

That's probably not the real reason that I am not part of the "in group" though. It's most likely because I don't offer my colleagues much about myself. Would you believe that most people at work don't know I own horses and of the few who do, only one or two know that I even show? So yeah. I am pretty private in real life.

Peru - 2010

If you've ever actually met me, I probably came across as friendly and down to earth. I would say that you met the real me, but it probably didn't get much farther than smiles and friendly banter. I am extremely picky about who I chose to invest my time in. I'm slow to make long lasting friendships, but when I do, they're forever. I am intensely loyal.

London - 2011

The truth is, most of you know me better than people I see every day. With you all, I have a group of friends who share my interests and likes. Connecting with people with such a deep seated passion makes honesty and sincerity easy.

Washington, DC - 2014

While we will probably never meet in person, I hope that you'll continue to share your life with me. Where else can I find such a large group of people who like what I like as much as I do and never get tired of talking about it?

Have a great day!

22 Comments

jenj

10/16/2015 06:40:55 am

*I* definitely keep reading for the nuggets of wisdom, and for your writing style! And of course your adorable horses. :) *Waves from Texas*

Bakersfield Dressage link

10/16/2015 06:36:07 pm

I always tease and say y'all get what you pay for. Those nuggets might not always be worth anything (as in fool's gold!) LOL

It's good to know you Jen! :0)

Exploringdressagebiomechanics link

10/16/2015 07:08:58 am

I blog for many of the same reasons as you. Like you, I don't really expect much of a readership but I have found blogging really clarifies my thoughts about wherever I am in the training/riding process. My blog also makes a great visual training dairy over time. I really enjoy your posts and since Speedy is working on a lot of the same training issues as my Jet Set you have really helped me out with some concepts. Loved your last post about leg yields. Had a total aha moment about what was going wrong for us reading your post and went out and nailed them 100%. Thank you!

Bakersfield Dressage link

10/16/2015 07:38:27 pm

I am always happy when something helps another rider. I am always on the search for tips myself. And yes, writing is a great way to process what we learn. I look forward to hearing more about your own progress. :0)

SprinklerBandits

10/16/2015 07:15:02 am

Hey, I'll go back to visit SC someday. :-)

Bakersfield Dressage link

10/16/2015 06:39:18 pm

You would be more than welcome. Bakersfield is a great city because we are no more than 2 hours in any direction from a ton of fun stuff to see and do! :0)

Carol link

10/16/2015 07:55:15 am

You wrote exactly about me. Put me on a horse and I can chatter a conversation . Put me in a room of women and I have nothing to say, my money and time goes to support my hobby and family . there isn't much left over. And none for frivoulous fads. Love your blog, its uncanny how we are working on the same things. Best wishes from Washington

Bakersfield Dressage link

10/16/2015 06:47:31 pm

Another sister from a different mother! You nailed it - that's it exactly what my life is like, I can't waste time - there's not enough of it as there. By the way, I LOVE Washington. I've only visited once, but it's on my list of place to retire to. We drove north to Seattle, cruised around the Olympic Peninsula, ferried over to Victoria, and then drove east to Idaho and onward. I am looking forward to hearing more from you. :0)

Judy

10/16/2015 08:13:46 am

Maybe I'm prejudice, but I happen to think you're perfect!

Bakersfield Dressage link

10/16/2015 06:48:09 pm

Maybe not perfect, but really close! LOL!!!!!

emma link

10/16/2015 08:22:45 am

yep i hugely relate to this post! your blog is great and full of interesting nuggets of wisdom and experience. plus Speedy and Izzy are pretty darn cute too :)

Bakersfield Dressage link

10/16/2015 06:51:03 pm

I am definitely older than the typical blogger, so I guess I have at least some life experience that might be somewhat unique. I've also had more time to be bucked off, kicked, and run over. Those things definitely create experience and force you to have a sense of humor. And really, the Arabian riders of the world need to unite! :0)

Troy

10/16/2015 09:57:32 am

I love reading your blog because I do think you are witty, and I get to live a riders life vicariously thru You! Your dedication and attention to detail are inspiring, in case you didn't know! Thanks for sharing a lifestyle that is positive and healthy, something that is to be treasured in these times.

Bakersfield Dressage link

10/16/2015 06:54:29 pm

Wow. Really high praise, Troy. Thank you. My husband would call my "dedication to detail" a symptom of OCD. I like your explanation much better. :0)

We just met with our financial guy this week and talked about retirement. When we were discussing our planned expenses as we age, he asked how much I spend on the horses and for how long I planned to be riding and showing. I looked at him like he was retarded - until I am dead was my response. :0)

Kelly link

10/16/2015 10:55:48 am

You could have been writing about me! I once had a barn owner say to me 'you aren't exactly an open book'. I don't think that trait is always a bad one :)

Bakersfield Dressage link

10/16/2015 06:55:16 pm

I agree. Too much of what people share is TMI in my onion. :0)

Ian Holland link

10/16/2015 03:59:13 pm

Wow. You shared a lot! I do find your blog interesting and your experiences enlightening. Now that I am unable to own horses, or ride them, I enjoy other people's joy with them, as a substitute. Thanks for that!

Bakersfield Dressage link

10/16/2015 06:59:20 pm

I know - I am a bit shocked! I don't usually get so personal, but it was one of those days where I guess I felt the need to connect and be understood. It's a lot easier to do from your laptop and the secrecy of your kitchen counter.

I chose all of those photos because they show the side of me that my husband sees and knows, but most of my friends don't and none of my colleagues do either.

I am glad that you can share in my daily reason for living. I can't imagine living without my horses, but life doesn't always go exactly as you think it will. Thanks for sharing. :0)

Jolie

10/16/2015 04:12:25 pm

Karen, I've never commented before so you don't know me. However, I've come to know and enjoy "listening in" to your dialogue with your fine geldings. You truly converse with your horses, and that level of communication (& commitment) is what draws me here daily. You may be at Level 1 today with showing Speedy, but you are Grand Prix with your communication with him.

It is a pleasure to know such connection is possible. You inspire me as a rider.

Bakersfield Dressage link

10/16/2015 07:06:15 pm

It is really nice to meet you, Jolie, and I hope you'll share more of your own story.

I won't deny that I converse with my horses. Sometimes I laugh at myself, but you are exactly correct. I know they understand me and love me as one of their own. We are a team, a family, partners ...

Just tonight I saw a worried look in Izzy's eyes. Life kept me away from the barn for two days, a real rarity, and I could feel his anxiety. I asked him to drop his head to the ground and kneeled down beside him and hugged his head, telling him that it was all okay and there was nothing to worry about. I know he understood.

I am not a "new ager" or anything, but my horses are truly an integral part of my life. It means a lot to me that you can feel that connection through my words, because it is my relationship with them that means more than what level we're working on or how successful we are at a show. I am in it for the emotional payoff, not the ribbons.

It's nice to meet you! :0)

Tracy link

10/19/2015 07:40:26 am

<3 I too have found so much camaraderie among the equestrian blogger community. It's so wonderful to find a group of diverse equestrians willing to share trials and tribulations, offer advice and just generally enjoy our shared passion.

bonita link

10/19/2015 08:05:29 pm

I like reading about your thoughts on your horses and rides. To me, I feel like it is a sneak peek into the future with my horse and dressage riding. I hope one day to be able to train up a young horse as well as you are doing with Izzy! I find your insights very valuable, so thank you so much for sharing them.

bonita of <a href="http://www.aridinghabit.blogspot.com.au/">A Riding Habit</a>

About the
Writer & Rider

I am a lifetime rider.
I began endurance riding in 1996 where I ultimately completed five, one-day 100 mile races, the 200-mile Death Valley Encounter, and numerous other 50, 65, and 75 mile races. I began showing dressage in 2010.
Welcome to my dressage journey.

Photo by Lori Ovanessian

Email Karen

About Speedy G

Speedy went from endurance horse to dressage horse and occasional trail horse. He is a 2004, 15'1 hand, purebred Arabian gelding. His Arabian Horse Registry name is G Ima Starr FA.

July 2017 - Photo by Sue Dockweiler

About Izzy

Izzy was started as a four-year old and then spent the next 18 months in pasture growing up. I bought him as a six-year old, and together, we are schooling the dressage basics. He is a 2008, 16'3 hand Zweibrücker gelding. His Rheinland Pfalz-saar International (RPSI) name is Imperioso.

Second Show - July 2016

Bakersfield Dressage approved!

National Awards

USDF First Level Rider Performance Award - 2015
USDF Training Level Rider Performance Award - 2013

Stuff I'm Working On ...

Regional Adult Amateur Competition (RAAC) Qualifying Scores
Second Level Scores:
Score 1: 63.485%
Score 2: 61.282%
Score 3: 62.879%

CDS Championship Qualifying
Second Level Scores:
Score 1: 63.485%
Score 2: 61.282%
Score 3: 62.879%
Score 4:
Score 5:

CDS Ruby Rider Award
Training Level Scores:
Score 1: 70.179%
Score 2: 72.600%

First Level Scores:
Score 1: 66.093%
Score 2: 68.750%

Second Level Scores:
Score 1: 63.485%
Score 2: 62.879%

USDF Second Level Rider Performance Award
Score 1 - 62.879%
Score 2 -
Score 3 -
Score 4 -

2018 Show Season

Show Rating
(***) CDS/USDF/USE
(*) CDS
(s) Schooling
(c) Clinic
(t) Ride-a-Test Clinic
(Q) Must Qualify

2018 Pending …
6/16-17/18 El Sueno (***)
5/27/18 Tehachapi (*)
6/24/18 Tehachapi (*)
7/22/18 Tehachapi (*)
8/11-12/18 RAAC (Q ***)
8/26/18 Tehachapi (*)

2018 Completed …
1/14/18 Hurtado Clinic (c)
2/10/18 Hurtado Clinic (c)
2/24/18 Hurtado Clinic (c)
3/17/18 Hurtado Clinic (t)
3/18/18 GEAHS (*)
3/31/18 Hurtado Clinic (c)
4/14-15/18 El Sueno (***)