Nostalgia on Life as a Barn Rat

My daughter is riding for our trainer's adult equestrian team.  For some bizarre reason (maybe just token politeness, LOL) I've been asked to join several times, but can't change my schedule to make it to practices, so I'm not able to participate.  Their first meet was yesterday.  I did my booster duty, enjoyed being a spectator and cheering for the team.  It was a beautiful day, and I think everyone had a great time.

And inside I was was so envious of the riders it hurt.  I miss the camaraderie and the friendships of riding with a group.  With my schedule, I can only fit in a private lesson early in the morning.    I miss those group lessons with other adults.  I miss the different feedback you get from both students and instructors in a group lesson.  I miss being the barn staple that was always there to help the beginners find their way around and tack up their horses. 

For some, riding is a end in of itself.  For me, it was a chance to bond with other horse lovers.  To nurture the beginners, and celebrate with my barn mates when someone had a good show or a great ride.  To mourn when a much loved friend went over the bridge.   To pitch in for a barn cleanup, and lend a helping hand when needed.

I keep my horses at home, and love it.  But sometimes, I just really miss being a barn rat in a barn full of other barn rats. 

Accepting Setbacks Gracefully

The weather is perfect for riding.  Rico and I have been getting along beautifully.  My confidence has grown in direct porportion to my strength and balance in the saddle with thanks to my trainer and a wonderful mare named Ladybug.  After my last ride on Rico, I promised myself that we would canter the next weekend.  I'm not totally stupid - it has to wait for the weekend so that someone is home to call the paramedics. :D

Alas, it was not to be.  Monday morning I found my boy with an eye swollen shut.  I was fortunate enough to be able to get the vet out within the hour.  Diagnosis is a scratched cornea, prognosis is good if I can get ointment into his eye for several days and the swelling doesn't come back after stopping the ointment.  Stopped the ointment on Friday and hooray, his eye looks good, but in my usual overprotective manner, I decided to give him a few more days before riding him.  So - no weekend canter joy for us!

My graceful way of accepting this minor setback was to take myself off to the Capital Challenge horseshow Saturday and treat myself to a new Devocoux close contact saddle. 

Retirement will have to wait another 6 months I guess.  :D