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Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

Keeping Up

1/16/2017

 
I can't remember a year where one of my students did not buy me a horse calendar for Christmas. I always enjoy receiving that gift because the kids get so much delight in giving me something equine related. Sadly, I didn't get one this year.

I almost always get a second calendar from my vet. He doesn't mail them out, but if you drop by in the month of December, they're on the counter for the taking. I love his calendars because they're super sturdy and over-sized. I didn't drop by his office this year to get one, and I am sure they're out by now.
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When I didn't get a calendar from my students or the vet, I thought that surely someone would think to get me one for my birthday which is in early January. When that one failed to materialize, I started to panic a bit as I was quickly running out of "extra" space on my 2016 calendar.
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Each day, I take a few quick notes about what's going on at the barn. I note how long each horse got ridden (if at all), whether anyone was lame or sick, or if we just went for a walk. I note the farrier's visits and what the weather was like if it changed my routine. Lately, I've been writing RAIN. I also draw a slash through the day if I didn't make it the previous day which has happened a lot this past month or so.
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Over the weekend, I finally admitted that if I wanted a horse calendar for 2017, I had better get going on it. As I was doing my grocery shopping, I ran across a sale bin that was filled with random calendars depicting dogs doing yoga,  cats doing yoga, and Jeeps in action. I dug through the pile, half-heartedly looking for one with horses even though I knew it was pointless. Realizing that my chances for finding a calendar at all were quickly diminishing, I tossed an over-sized, picture-less option in my cart.  

Once I got it hung up, I realized that I might actually like this year's calendar. The squares for each day are nearly twice as big as on a normal calendar which means I'll have plenty of room for taking notes. I copied the first two week's worth of scribbles that were crammed on December's page and discovered that I really liked all of the extra writing room. 

I love it when procrastination yields unexpectedly positive results! How about you - do you record your barn visits?
Leah link
1/16/2017 08:01:52 am

I don't currently record mine, but it's something I know I should do and really want to start! My current planner doesn't have enough space for barn stuff, but maybe now that the 2017 calendars are discounted, I'll have to give it a shot! :)

Bakersfield Dressage link
1/16/2017 08:41:54 am

I can't live without it. It really helps answer questions when something crops up. I know my vet appreciates it when I take a horse in because I have actual timelines in stead of oh ... a few weeks?

I spend about 45 second each day jotting down my notes. It's the last thing I do before I grab my phone and keys. Once you get in the habit, it's quick and easy to do.

Mia
1/16/2017 09:02:35 am

I saw a post of yours before about your calendar habit and thought it was a great idea! I ended up using my phone's calendar app instead of a paper one. Mainly because the pen ink freezes in the winter (in the barn). I need something better, but haven't quite found it yet.

I really like your set up though!

Bakersfield Dressage link
1/16/2017 10:08:23 am

That's really interesting, Mia! I am sitting here freezing to death, dreading my barn visit, and it's in the high 40s. I can't imagine ink freezing. LOL

Lucy
1/16/2017 04:46:46 pm

Oh, yes, the frozen ink. Two weeks ago it was so cold my inkpen froze while I was writing a check for hay, even though I had been keeping it warm in my bra.

Some days I really miss the South!

Bakersfield Dressage link
1/17/2017 04:59:22 am

I laughed so hard at this, Lucy! What I found so funny was that you KNEW the ink was going to freeze so you were warming it in advance. With practically no cold weather living experience, I would have been baffled about the loss of functionality of the pen. Instead, I know that pens (and all other liquids like saddle soaps) get goopy if left in tackrooms that approach 120 degrees. LOL

Lucy
1/17/2017 05:15:59 am

I was in the same boat when we moved here - no idea what I was in for. I still am not a confident winter driver and can't walk in the snow worth a dime.

SarahO link
1/16/2017 10:12:40 am

I track my barn visits electronically. I used to use a word document, but since I started blogging I've switched over to excel because I do quicker notes instead of a full explanation of what we're working on. Since I also put in the length of time I ride or lunge for, excel gives me an easy way to add up my total saddle time.

Bakersfield Dressage link
1/16/2017 03:14:40 pm

I never really considered keeping track electronically (see Mia's comment above). if there's not an app for it yet, there should be!

Lucy
1/16/2017 04:49:59 pm

I sure envy you your spacious calendar. I got a free one from the co-op and another from the farm insurance agent, but they are typical sized spaces and even with tiny handwriting I run out of room.

Calendar envy - it is real!

Bakersfield Dressage link
1/17/2017 05:00:27 am

Hahaha!
I won't know what to do next year if I get hooked on this one. LOL


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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    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 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