Not-So-Speedy Dressage
From Endurance to Dressage
I really can't complain about my job. I work incredibly easy hours, get lots of time off, and earn a decent salary. In reality, it's still a job which means there are parts to it that make life harder than I would like. While I am paid to work from 7:20 a.m. - 2:50 p.m., the reality is that I actually get to work no later than 6:15 a.m. That means I get up at 4:45 a.m. so that I can be out of the house before 6:00. It's hard to get up that early every day. The actual "what I do while at work," should be great. I love the teaching part. I am really, really good at creating lessons and units that make the material accessible to my students. That means that I make "boring" fun and interesting. Unfortunately, not all kids come to school ready and willing to learn. That makes my job a whole lot harder, especially when there are 32 kids that I am expected to nudge beyond proficiency. And as I said, I do make a good salary, not nearly as good as other folks with my education, but it's still good. My husband would point out that I don't work as many hours as those equally educated folks, but I guarantee that they don't spend their salaries on work supplies. My shopping cart always contains items that I need for work. I just spent twelve bucks on a bag of M&Ms for my "thank you" candy machine. Schooling horses can often feel like an extension of my work day. Some days, my "students" are happy and eager to learn - like yesterday, but then there are the days when I wonder what the heck they're thinking. Occasionally I find myself thinking, you're changing your conduct card for that move, mister! Or, I often wish that I could pick up the phone and call his mother so that she can straighten him out.
On Wednesday, I just couldn't pull the double shift. As I was driving home, I realized that I needed a day off from the barn. I don't take days off very often, but when I do, I always return refreshed and ready to start anew. I had a great ride on Izzy on Thursday afternoon, and it was fun. This afternoon is the start of a three-day weekend which means a few days off from work. I am also taking a day or two off from the barn since we're heading to the cabin. See you all on Tuesday! 9/4/2015 06:36:04 pm
Thanks. And I hate to be such a whiner when I know that I have it pretty good. Even so, even the Queen of England needs a day off now and again. :0)
Val
9/5/2015 04:22:12 am
Teaching is an incredibly demanding job which goes way beyond the classroom. This is my tenth year and I can hardly keep track of how much change has occurred from year to year. I am sure that you can attest to that. 9/7/2015 07:37:01 am
Thanks, Val. Yes. This is a much harder job than most people realize. I hope your own year goes smoothly. :0) 9/7/2015 07:38:45 am
Thanks, Megan. For the most part, it's a great job, but I earn my money in September and May. Things will settle down shortly ... I hope! :0) Comments are closed.
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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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