Not-So-Speedy Dressage
From Endurance to Dressage
![]() Money. Nothing can cause people to judge faster than knowing how much someone makes. We look at people and criticize them for having too much, or wonder what kind of poor choices they've made to have so little. Even Dr. Ramey just wrote about being "in it for the money." Talking about our incomes makes us uncomfortable. Other than the whole being judged aspect, I don't know why that is. Revealing how much we spent on something is just as disagreeable. It was horribly difficult to report how much I spent every month in 2012. I wrote 13 very detailed posts reporting every penny that I spent on my two horses. I did that series to hold myself accountable; I really didn't know how much I was actually spending each month. I also intended the series to be educational. Most people who don't yet show think that only the very wealthiest can afford it. I wanted to illustrate that showing horses can be done on a budget. While my intentions were good, it still felt like I was getting butt-naked each month. I find that I am once again about to be in the awkward position of being metaphorically nude as I discuss my finances with the rest of the world. Obviously, I could just keep it to myself, but frankly, I am going to need some help in finding the right horse. Being transparent about my budget might help me make some connections that I might otherwise miss. Doing so however, reveals an awful lot about myself that I don't necessarily need everyone to know. When we state our position so publicly, we invite criticism with judgement not far behind. Most of us love to offer advice, but when there is a dollar figure attached, the opinions can get pretty passionate. I've already (patiently, I might add) listened to what I should do in searching for a horse. I've also been advised not to by from this type of seller, but rather from that one. I've also sought counsel from my two trainers. Their advice has been spot on which is why there is no pony suddenly filling up Sydney's recently vacated stall. I get that readers, acquaintances, and plain old busy bodies just want to offer their two cents worth, but when you offer me that advice, please remember that I have owned quite a few horses in my lifetime and only one of them didn't quite work out. I trust my instincts, I just need help making connections to honest sellers. I am working on a post that actually reveals what I am searching for and what I can afford to spend. If only I could just add a few details to this pony and hit print!
13 Comments
11/24/2014 09:46:03 pm
Good advice. My problem for the first week or so of my search was being too vague about what I wanted. I am getting clearer and clearer about what I want, so prospects are starting to looking better and better. :0)
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lytha
11/24/2014 12:13:14 am
This fits with my rant of the day, when I discovered that Amazon.de has just this year introduced Cyber Monday to Germany. I asked my man if he knows what that is, he said no. Well soon everyone will - I suppose, despite Germany's hatred of Kapitalismus. I also explained to him the origin of the term Black Friday, how horrible. Now I've learned that Amazon has turned Cyber Monday into "Cyber Monday Week" - starting today. I don't know what to think of this, except it's another way Europe is becoming more like America, despite all efforts to stop it (France has done much better at stopping it!).
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11/24/2014 09:49:40 pm
For such a big planet, it's amazing to connect with people with such similar beliefs, values, and experiences. I definitely avoid all of the frenzied shopping and deal hunting myself. I hate that we give gifts at Christmas. I would so much rather spend Christmas eve sipping champagne and watching a roaring fire. :0)
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i'll be curious to hear more about your dream pony! as a reader i appreciate the posts breaking down our hobby into actual dollars and cents. those posts help to actually inform my plans / goals, etc. and my impression that some things are made unnecessarily hush hush...
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11/24/2014 09:51:59 pm
You know, it's funny, but I don't feel like I am looking for a dream horse (or pony!). I've always been really open to whatever I get. Maybe I should feel like he or she should be my dream horse. I hadn't really thought of it like that. I feel like if I focus on a dream horse, I might miss a diamond in the rough. :0)
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jenj
11/24/2014 03:34:48 am
Finding a new horse is sort of like shopping for a spouse - it's REALLY REALLY HARD! Even if you have a good-sized budget for your area, it's still hard to find a match. You're lucky to have two trainers to help you out, and hopefully lots of good contacts. You've done this before, so just be patient and your unicorn is sure to show up!
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11/24/2014 09:54:07 pm
You made me laugh out loud!!!!!
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11/25/2014 08:29:18 am
I am not sure that Joe Shmoe cares what I make, but I do think that there is some judgment passed when you (meaning me) can't afford at least a $20,0000 dressage horse. I think that you're taken less seriously by the "pros." And it could be that less expensive horses are simply not as competitive as the big fancy warmbloods which means they aren't on anybody's radar.
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About the Writer and RiderI am a lifelong 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. About Speedy GSpeedy went from endurance horse to dressage horse. After helping me earn a USDF Bronze medal in the summer of 2020, he is now semi-retired. Speedy is a 2004, 15'1 hand, purebred Arabian gelding. His Arabian Horse Registry name is G Ima Starr FA.
About IzzyIzzy 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 showing at the lower levels. He is a 2008, 16'3 hand warmblood gelding. His Rheinland Pfalz-saar International (RPSI) name is Imperioso.
National Rider AwardsState Rider Awards
State Horse Awards
Working Towards:
CDS Sapphire Rider Award Third Level: 63.514% Third Level: 62.105% Fourth Level: Fourth Level: 2023 Show Season
Show Rating (***) CDS/USDF/USEF (*) CDS (s) Schooling (c) Clinic (r) Ride-a-Test Clinic 2023 Show Schedule
TBD 2023 Completed … Pending 2023 Qualifying Scores
Regional Adult Amateur Competition (RAAC) Qualifying Training Level 3 Scores/2 Judges/60%: Score 1: Score 2: Score 3: Archives
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