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Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

Trailer Maintenance: Repairs

3/11/2012

 
Question: How does preparing for a show end up costing almost $200 BEFORE the show entry is even completed?

Answer: look closely at your trailer!  Yep.  I needed a trailer repair.

I am doing my first two-day show at the end of the end of the month, and I plan on using the RV camping option at the show grounds.  I used to camp in my trailer at least once a month.  Now, not so much.  I use it a lot to haul to one-day shows or other events, but the last time I actually slept in it was June of 2010.  I haven't turned on the water pump, heater, or stove top in quite a long time.  I am not sure I even remember how to get the refrigerator going.  So on Saturday, I decided that the trailer needed an overhaul.  I started out by checking on my water pump which hasn't been that dependable over the last couple of years.  And ... it was a good thing I did.  I got a lot whirring, clunking, humming sounds, but no water.  I put in a call to Camping World and lucked into a same-day service appointment.

After an hour and a half wait and a payment of $191.94, my water pump was finally working (it was replaced). I brought the trailer home to finish my overhaul.  The batteries were placed on the Battery Tender (a device that keeps them charged and ready) and the empty propane tank was removed and set aside.  It will get replaced at Home Depot in the next day or so.  I then removed the bedding and chucked it into the washer.  I oiled wood, vacuumed, mopped, and scrubbed every square inch of the interior.  Four hours and 200 bucks later, my trailer is nearly ready for an over-night stay.  That pesky propane tank is the last thing that needs to be addressed before I'll be ready to go.

I was planning on going to the Santa Barbara show, but I changed my mind when I realized that I would be there all alone.  I've done many endurance rides alone, but I almost always ran into familiar faces at ride camp so it wasn't truly a solitaire experience.  I found out that Bakersfield's other dressage riders will be doing the show at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center.  It's not that I need to pal around with anyone, but it would be nice to see a familiar face, especially when it's a two-day affair.  So I am going to LAEC instead of Santa Barbara.

I am really excited about the show, and not just for the riding part.  I love horse camping!  It is so much fun to load up all of the "toys" that make camping so much fun.  I am one of those everything-but-the-kitchen-sink kind of campers.  I love using my hay bale bags, muck buckets, folding chairs, Eazy-Up, and other gizmos.  I'll be sure to keep you up to date on my packing and planning.  For now, here are some photos of the overhaul:
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Trailer in my front yard: Not sure what my neighbors think!
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There was a lot of wood to oil ...
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Comforter is in the dryer ...
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Propane tank ready for exchange ...
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The water pump is behind the plug. Not easy to replace!
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Floor was vacuumed and mopped.
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Even the toilet got a thorough scrubbing!
Judy
3/11/2012 12:49:17 am

Any trips planned North? My whole house could use a thorough Spring cleaning! I remember when you were a young girl you would on occasion surprise me by cleaning my house!

Karen
3/11/2012 12:53:08 am

Funny! I don't remember that, but it must have been a nice surprise! :0) I could use one of those helpers, too. For as small as the trailer is, it is shocking how many hours it took to clean it. And really, it was just dust. Not grease or grunge - just dust! Everywhere! Let's hope it will stay clean until the end of the month.

AareneX link
3/11/2012 02:19:47 pm

I had a recent run-in with Camping World--I hope your experience is better...and have FUN at your event! Your rig is beautiful.

I visited our camper this evening and put some sheets on the bed, the first step in the "waking it up for the season" process...we're all on the same page today!

Karen
3/11/2012 10:37:37 pm

Spring cleaning? :0) Camping World did its job this time. I had a run-in with Pensinger's (local?) a few years ago and try to avoid THAT place! Fortunately I had a few other options. I can't wait to hear about your first race of the season! Hopefully the worst of your winter weather has passed.


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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.
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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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    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