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Leap Day feels like a day to hit the reset button, doesn't it? It couldn't have come at a better time. Sunday's lesson left me feeling pretty discouraged. I have some ideas as to why I was so dejected, but I am not quite ready to put pen to paper. I even skipped my barn visit on Monday. Just the thought of going to the barn left a bad taste in my mouth which distressed me even more. How could the thing that brings me the most satisfaction be unpalatable? Deep sigh. Tuesday dawned bright and crisp. I knew I needed to get to the barn, but my regular enthusiasm just wasn't there. Who wants to race off to yet even more frustration? As I left work, I quipped to two of my colleagues that I was off to face a demon. And that's what it felt like: off to do battle. When I pulled into the barn's yard, the tension and anxiety that I had been feeling simply slipped away as I saw Speedy's inquisitive face peering into my car window. He waits for me every afternoon and is always happy that his human Pez dispenser has arrived. Whatever. I'll take the greeting! As I entered the barn, Sydney reached over his gate to greet me with a very kind and eager expression. I felt a little knot in my gut just dissolve. I think I thought that he was going to be angry with me over Sunday's ride. Instead, hIs expression said, Hi! What are we going to do today? It was such a relief. My visit to the barn was very relaxing, uplifting, and peaceful. I even rode. Thank you, ponies!  Gray horse looking to get dirty ...  He finds the spot ...  Just getting started ...  First this side ...  heading for the other ...  Not too dirty!  Dorky angle, but hIs happy expression relieved a lot of my anxiety.  And his nuzzles and head hugs did too.
Sandy
2/29/2012 01:59:03 am
Wow big hugs to you. Whatever happened must have been big! Thankfully we can have a redo! Maybe take a break from the arena work and have some relaxing trail rides if you are this stressed over it your horses ate too. I hope you have a great day!
Karen
3/1/2012 09:54:42 am
I took your advice and hit the trail. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
It's times like this that I appreciate the simple nature of horses. I know you know you'll get through this patch, but it's nice that your horses can help out on the emotional side too :).
Yozo's mom
2/29/2012 03:21:27 pm
Just caught up on the last 3 days of posts. Sorry about your rough time. The challenges just make us stronger. Part of the problem is some of us are just too perfectionist sometimes, right? Even when I have a lesson where my trainer says I did good I often feel frustrated and like it went badly. It is funny how differently we will see the same ride a lot of times. But I always say "a bad day at the barn is 100x better than a good day at work (or anywhere besides the barn!)... lol!"
Kendal
3/1/2012 08:20:30 am
I agree with Yozo's Mom, barn days are a million times better than a day at work! I love the picture of Sydney giving hugs. Cross your fingers for me, Karen, my new mare (lease) is coming next week!
Karen
3/1/2012 09:58:14 am
I would so like to reply to each and everyone of you personally. You can not imagine how encouraging it has been to hear all of your voices. Thank you all so very much. I am feeling better each and every day and it is mostly because of your supportive, empathetic, and friendly comments. You all rock!!!!!!! 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. 
Photo by Lori Ovanessian
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.
July 2020 (PC AJSK Photography)
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.
March 2021 (PC Tess Michelle Photography)
Bakersfield Dressage approved!
My favorite breeches!
FOR THE SMALLER EQUINE ATHLETE
I love her stuff!
Watercolor Artist and Friend
National Rider Awards
USDF Bronze Medal - 2020
USDF Second Level Rider Performance Award - 2018
USDF First Level Rider Performance Award - 2015
USDF Training Level Rider Performance Award - 2013
State Rider Awards
CDS Ruby Rider Award - 2018
State Horse Awards
Speedy G - 3rd Level Horse Performance Award - 2020
Speedy G - 2nd Level Horse Performance Award - 2018
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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