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Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

Work to Live

9/4/2015

 
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.
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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.
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Some days ...
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. 
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Earn it only to give it back!
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!
emma link
9/4/2015 07:33:07 am

gotta savor that time off when you can get it - enjoy the long weekend!

Bakersfield Dressage link
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.

32 students is very, very challenging
32 personalities and learning styles
32 sets of parents
Activities prepared for 32 daily for multiple subjects
And all that grading!

My first day with the students was Thursday. I couldn't move after I got home; I was so exhausted.

Enjoy the weekend!

Bakersfield Dressage link
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)

Megan link
9/5/2015 10:58:32 pm

I have so much respect for teachers. I seriously considered it but decided against it, my office is so easy in comparison. I totally understand needing time off from the barn, especially with young horses! Have fun at the cabin!

Bakersfield Dressage link
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)

Teresa link
9/7/2015 03:45:24 am

sometimes you just need a break. I have my horses at home and some days I Just have to take off.

Bakersfield Dressage link
9/7/2015 07:39:23 am

That is very true!


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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    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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    National Rider Awards

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    Speedy G - 3rd Level Horse Performance Award - 2020
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    Speedy G - 2nd Level Horse Performance Award - 2018

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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