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Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

It's Only Thursday?

8/14/2014

 
PictureYah?
Sadly, I've returned to the working world. For those who don't know, I am a teacher and as such have spent the last eight weeks hanging out at the barn for four hours a day riding my horses and taking lessons.

All of that came to a depressing end on Monday morning when I had to report back to work for a full week of meetings, training sessions, and collaborative pow wows. In addition, my mom and her husband came to stay for a few days so I of course cancelled my lessons for the week. Tonight, my principal has invited the staff to his home for appetizers and drinks. All of that combined with an after work haircut has left me feeling desperate for a ride. 

Not that I probably would have ridden after work anyway; it's been over 100 degrees. Regardless of tomorrow's weather, I am heading out to the barn after work, and I plan to make up for some lost rides this weekend. The kids return to school on Monday which means my twice weekly morning lessons will now be done in the heat of the day. The one good thing is that I get off 30 minutes earlier than I did at my last school site.

If you're an evening rider, you know how awesome it is to have an extra 30 minutes after work. I get off work at 2:50 p.m. (of course, I arrive by 6:30 a.m.), which means I will get home by 3:10 and can be to the barn by 3:30. Hello afternoons of riding! Even in the dead of winter I'm going to be able to get in a fairly good ride. And before the time changes, I might even be able to ride a second horse. Holy hell, I feel as though I've won the lottery!

Such is the life of an adult (amateur) who has to work to pay for her fun. And since I know I am one of the lucky ones, that's the end of my pity party. Thanks for coming. :0)

Lauren link
8/14/2014 12:40:46 am

My degree is in education, but after student teaching I decided it wasn't for me. Sometimes I regret my decision, but mostly I'm happy with my career choice.

Bakersfield Dressage link
8/14/2014 11:57:11 am

If I had it to do again, I would choose another career path. Teaching is very hard work - for many reasons. This is my 21st year in the classroom - I think I am going to have to stick it out. :0)

Austen link
8/14/2014 12:45:36 am

Oooh yeah. I'm feeling you here! I work for a university (I don't teach, though ... working on that), and my workload EXPLODES the month students arrive and continues at a breakneck pace until Christmas, when I get a momentary reprieve.

I get to work as close to 7am as possible (I run my dogs in the morning in the summer, so on long run days I get in later). In the summer, it's easier for me to head out by 3:30. During the school year? I'm lucky to leave before 5 or 6.

Sigh. Bring on the year, I guess! (Is it just me? Or did summer go wicked fast this year?)

Bakersfield Dressage link
8/14/2014 11:58:10 am

It was fast … :0/

lytha
8/14/2014 01:28:08 am

I hope you don't mind that I repeatedly talk about the wife-of-teacher life here, but I know you are going through exactly what my husband is now. Anyone who thinks teachers have 3 months off in Summer, hm. My man finds out his schedule next week. I pray that he has a day where he can work from home based on the distance we live from his school.

I know that with the change you went through with your school you have the best of hopes this year. I am with you.

Now please go critique my dressage, I've posted a few videos of my amateur efforts to ride a circle. It's humiliating but great to have the help of bloggers going thru the same stuff. Not that you're still working on "anlehnung."

Bakersfield Dressage link
8/14/2014 11:59:58 am

Thanks for your support, Lytha. :0)

I will watch your videos of course! I read every post your publish. I probably won't be be able to do much of a critique though as not falling off makes any rider a winner in my book. :0)

lytha
8/14/2014 01:35:10 am

Your image reminded me of my husband's confusion regarding the apple for the teacher. Apparently that is an American thing. OK then.

Bakersfield Dressage link
8/14/2014 12:01:41 pm

I don't know where that image comes from. It might be from the adage, an apple a day keeps the doctor away. Maybe in times past the apple symbolized good health to teachers. :0)

Sarah link
8/14/2014 04:52:34 am

Ah yes, ze work. On really hot days, I hose off Hemie (and scrape) right before tacking up. I make sure to accidentally spray myself too.

Bakersfield Dressage link
8/14/2014 12:02:35 pm

Oh, yes … I am well familiar with the pre-ride shower! That's an old endurance trick. :0)

Val
8/14/2014 08:53:52 am

Say it ain't so!

I have a few more weeks, but started my summer after you, I believe.
This summer has been less horsey for me than usual, but I have been enjoying watching my toddler start walking and talking. It had been very entertaining!

Bakersfield Dressage link
8/14/2014 12:04:00 pm

Unfortunately, it's true. And yes, we probably got out much sooner than you did. We finish in late MAy, which is GREAT, but it means we start in mid-August. Yah for Sweet Pea's achievements. :0)

Barbara
8/14/2014 12:36:28 pm

I work for an incarcerated student program that is like a home study program, at our office we work with several state prisons across the state and we must prepare all the material, copy the courses and box it up to be shipped off. This month has been insane!


Comments are closed.

    About the Writer and Rider

    ​I 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.
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    About Speedy G

    ​Speedy 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.
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    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 showing at the lower levels. He is a 2008, 16'3 hand warmblood gelding. His Rheinland Pfalz-saar International (RPSI) name is Imperioso.
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Among other things, Karen is a Wife, Friend, Reader, Writer, Rider, Traveler, and Dog Lover
Contact her at bakersfielddressage@gmail.com
  • Home
  • About
  • My Horses
    • Horses
    • Imperioso
    • G Ima Starr FA
    • Sunshine
    • Nakota and Gideon
    • Corky
    • Sassy
    • Montoya DSA
    • Mickey Dee
    • Sydney
  • Show Results
    • 2022
    • 2021
    • 2020
    • 2019
    • 2018
    • 2017
    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
    • 2013
    • 2012
    • 2011
    • 2010
  • Dressage Organizations
    • Dressage Organizations
    • Memberships
    • 2019 Dressage Tests
  • Local
    • Shopping List
  • Home