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Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

My Five Things: Why I am Not Riding

12/9/2016

 
Five reasons why I haven't ridden this week ...

1) A clinic - riding two days with Chemaine, twice on Sunday, plus hosting the other riders and then having the clinician stay at my house kind of wore me out a bit. I figured my boys could use a day off. That was Monday.

2) A dental appointment happened on Tuesday, the day I was going to start riding.

3) A presciption needed to be refilled, and then a large floor lamp had to be picked up at Pier 1 Imports (love that place by the way). There went Wednesday.

4) Our weather turned really gray and dreary and somewhat drippy on Thursday. Instead of a ride, I hand grazed the boys on the lawn.
Picture
They didn't mind.
5) But the real reason I took a few days off is that I am finally, finally settling into a routine. That doesn't sound right, I know, but moving really rocked my little world. I dislike change to my routine, and moving so dramatically has really shaken my foundation.

We moved from a 1,200 square foot house into a house of more than 3,000 square feet. This house is just big. Navigating its maze of rooms alone keeps me mentally challenged. I also had to furnish the house (yet another delivery is coming tomorrow), and numerous repairs had to be made. After nearly two months, those things are still happening. 

Most people would probably find my circumstances exciting. It's truly an amazing house, but for someone who thrives on repetition and routine, all of the upheaval has caused me a great deal of mental and pysical stress.

The lamp that I picked up the other day somehow helped to settle some of my anxiety. While it is beautiful to look at it, it's more than that. The placement of the lamp in my reading room was one of the last "big" things that was on my mental list of chores; the two chairs being delivered on Saturday will complete that list.

That little detail has helped me finally feel at home in this house. We all know that there is a difference between a house and a home. Somehow, that lamp just says home to me.

So on Thursday, when I swore that I was going to saddle up somebody, I didn't. All I could think about was rushing home to my now cozy home to cook dinner and relax, something I haven't been able to do for nearly two months.

As I sat on the sofa watching something mindless, my husband flipped on the switch to the new lamp. He knows how unsettled I've been feeling, but he also recognized the happiness that lamp has brought me. I hope I am feeling up to a ride this afternoon, but if not, I am okay with it. My boys will still be there tomorrow.

​Enjoy your weekend!
jenj
12/9/2016 07:02:34 am

I also love routine, and while I also love travel, there's no place like our cozy house. Moving would definitely be a HUGE challenge for me, so I understand your stress!

Bakersfield Dressage link
12/9/2016 07:36:10 am

I thought I would feel settled by Halloween ... cue maniacal laughter. Then of course, Thanksgiving was going to be the day. Nope. Now, as we approach Christmas, I am thinking, maybe, just maybe by the end of this month I'll start to feel settled into my new routine. :0)


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    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.
    ​Welcome to my dressage journey.
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    Photo by Lori Ovanessian
    Email Karen

    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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    July 2020 (PC AJSK Photography)

    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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    March 2021 (PC Tess Michelle Photography)

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  • Home
  • About
  • Horses
    • Horses
    • G Ima Starr FA
    • Imperioso
    • Sunshine
    • Nakota and Gideon
    • Corky
    • Sassy
    • Montoya DSA
    • Mickey Dee
    • Sydney
  • Show Results
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