Happy Birthday, Speedy G!

I am actually a few days early; his birthday isn't until the 15th of April, tax day. Tomorrow I'll share why I have to wish him well today.

and Speedy's birthday ...

In any case, I have always found it quite funny that my biggest expense is in no way tax deductible. I can't claim him as a dependent, and he's not a business loss. He's just a big hole in my pocket that I love and adore.

Except I am not losing Washingtons …they're more like Benjis!

I don't mind the expense, though. It's a form of therapy that actually works. It's also a gym membership and weight loss plan. And come to think of it, it's a social organization and support group. Owning horses meets a lot of my needs. It's just not a tax write off.

So, in honor of G Ima Starr's day, here are a few things about him that you might have missed.

• He's ten years old (or will be).
• I've owned him since he was 3 years and 8 months.
• I bought him from his breeder so I am his first "girl."
• While his endurance career was short lived, he did complete 3 limited distance races, the longest being a 35 miler, and an actual endurance event of 55 miles. I moved to dressage before he really had a chance to go far in the sport.
• Speedy has been to 38 dressage shows, most of them rated, in only 4 years. He's a bit of a rock star, that one.
• His highest score at a USDF show is a 67.000% (training level test 3). He has also earned two scores in the 70% range at a schooling show (intro).

I sometimes think about selling him. He's going to make some junior rider very, very happy someday. I am just not quite ready to part with him though. He's still super fun to ride, and that boy has more personality than any gray gelding has a right to. I think I'll keep him for at least one more birthday. I think he's finally getting to the age where he can be useful, sort of like a bottle of wine. He's getting better with some age.

Cheers, Speedy G!

Yep. That's Speedy G. Ask for a friendly photo and you get horse snot all over your face! Photo by Lori Ovanessian.