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Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

Now the Trailer's Ready, Too!

7/11/2013

 
Having a truck and trailer combo is a lot of work and requires a constant outlay of money.  Case in point: my trailer's bathroom door has been a bit wobbly on the hinges for a few years. I have some limited carpentry skills, so periodically I just tightened the screws in the door's hinges and made sure to always lift the door when opening. Even so, it had developed quite a sag.

Tightening the screws worked for a while, until it didn't. Sometime while coming home from the Tehachapi show on June 23rd, it fell off the hinges and onto the floor. I was quite surprised when I opened the door to unload my stuff to find it laying there. The door actually came off the wall cleanly, without damage, so I just left it there while I went to the Hansen Dam Show on June 30.

However, I am going to two, 2-day shows this month that require two overnights each time. Living with a door on the floor is just not an option. I called up my local Camping World and scheduled an appointment for a door rehanging. While I was there I also had my propane tank topped off which made the visit a little more productive. 

I didn't know how wobbly the door was until it wasn't. When I checked out the repair, I gave a girly squeal of delight. The door no longer needs to be lifted to open, and it swings perfectly. For $130 and some change, you too can have a functioning bathroom door! Thank you, Camping World.
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This is the door that busted loose!
After doing so much maintenance on Blue Truck, I decided the trailer needed some further attention as well. I swept out the horse compartment and emptied the tack room. I didn't think to take a before picture until I was wet to the hips and my stuff was scattered Okie-style all over the side of the road.
Picture
Yes, that's my stuff on the side of the road.
After scrubbing a year's supply of poop, sweat, and horse hair out of the trailer, it looks pretty sparkly. I wouldn't eat off the floor or anything, but it's pretty darn clean.
Picture
Shiny and Clean!
Returning all of the junk is pretty satisfying: I emptied out the blue pocket hanger and threw a few things away. I also returned a few items to the barn as they were no longer necessary, a rump rug in particular. I loaded my hay for this weekend's show and spread fresh shavings on the floor. We'll be rolling in style this Friday!
Picture
It stills needs tack and a pony, but then we'll be ready to hit the road!
Angela
7/10/2013 11:44:49 pm

Looks Great!! Now I'm motivated to put a little elbow grease into our trailer.
Good luck this weekend :0)

Karen
7/11/2013 05:11:48 am

It's not a very fun job, is it? :0) Thanks.

Amanda link
7/10/2013 11:51:55 pm

Nice trailer!

Karen
7/11/2013 05:13:48 am

Thank you, Amanda. I appreciate it more now than I did when I first bought it. I've written about how great it is to have living quarters, but it can also be a pain in the butt to take care of - like when the door falls off. :0)

Austen link
7/11/2013 04:34:40 am

I think I have trailer envy, but it's tempered by a healthy dose of don't-wanna-clean-that-ism. :) How luxurious to be able to have that shower, though! Good luck this weekend!

(Also, I talk a little about our 'taking it personally' issues on my blog. The post goes up tonight, check it out!)

Karen
7/11/2013 05:17:02 am

I'll be sure to check it out, Austen!

This last week, I have plum worn myself out taking care of my "toys." Owning a big truck and a large trailer can be a lot of work, not to mention expensive. I appreciate the "luxurious" digs, but 90% of the time it's more than I need now that I don't do endurance races. At those times, I wish I just had something basic and functional that didn't require so much maintenance. :0)

Lauren link
7/11/2013 06:37:01 am

I want to be as productive and organized as you when I grow up. The trailer looks great!

Karen
7/11/2013 07:01:03 am

Thanks, Lauren! Just combine a large fear of being stranded on the side of California's busiest highway alone with a hefty dose of OCD and you'll be well on your way. :0)

Karley link
7/11/2013 01:04:03 pm

Oh your trailer looks amazing all clean and tidy! :)

Karen
7/11/2013 11:22:11 pm

Thanks, Karley - it only lasts one ride before it's got poo, hair, and sweat all over. I only do it once a year because it's so much work!

Hillary link
7/13/2013 02:03:14 pm

Yay for a clean functioning trailer!

Karen
7/14/2013 11:42:20 pm

I don't know if Speedy cared or not, but it sure looked nice when I loaded him up!


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

    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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    March 2021 (PC Tess Michelle Photography)

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Site Designed and Managed by: Karen Sweaney

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