I hate writing “hi everyone, it’s been quiet over here for awhile but now I’m back” posts. But that’s basically what this is. I’ve been wanting to get back to writing here for awhile but have been unsure how to start.
So I’m just going to start.
A lot has happened since I last wrote. My lease on Duke ended and I started a new job, which turned out to be a lot more intense that past jobs. I swear, I basically just fell into bed after work for the first three weeks. It was a haze of tiredness. But now I’m in the swing of things and actually have brain capacity to blog again!
The job has been great. The lease ending, less so. It is a weird place to be in. Kind of like being in limbo. I’m still riding Duke, but only once a week in lessons. This is usually the time of year when I’m planning a show calendar and getting psyched. I’m not doing that right now and it’s weird.
Being perfectly honest, in retrospect I can see that I went through a kind of grieving process. I love Duke with all my heart, and I love the partnership we built. I love that he nickers at me when he sees me, and that we conquered FIVE cross country courses without a single penalty last year. So it has been an adjustment.
However, I don’t tend to wallow in self-pity, so I have turned my attention to figuring out ways to be involved if I can’t lease and show this year. I fully plan to immerse myself in the USEA Volunteer Incentive Program. Because what’s the point in volunteering if you aren’t competing for prizes? I kid, I kid. In all seriousness, it will be great to support the Area IV events, and I will learn a whole lot by volunteering. I hope to be able to scribe for dressage judges, as I think that will be a great educational experience. And of course just being around the events will be fun!
As I figure out what things look like for me in the near-term, I was also struggling with what to write about. Like, if I’m not riding multiple times per week and actively showing, do I even have anything valid to say here? Heck yes, I do!
Centered in the Saddle 
I think Duke probably misses the relationship with you just as you miss it. But sometimes life carries on and work is more demanding . Sounds like you have some good volunteering plans to stay in the loop.
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The nice thing is, he’s still at the barn and I can still ride him sometimes, and give him treats and snuggles!
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aw so bittersweet 😦 i’m glad you’re going to keep writing tho! it’s not always easy when there isn’t a horse headlining the show, but i agree that there’s still things to stay and stories to share! have fun getting into volunteering too!! i really tried to go whole hog this past year and LOVED it! not sure i’ll be able to hit quite the same numbers this year, but it’s definitely proved to be an important part of my horsey lifestyle!
anyway, you and Duke look fantastic in those pictures!
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Thanks! It definitely feels weird right now after being full steam ahead last year, but I know whatever happens, it’s going to be a great year!
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So bittersweet. I feel your pain though, my lease is most likely ending this month and I’m kind of feeling confused at where to go next. Volunteering sounds like a great way to soak up the horses though 🙂
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It’s one of the worst parts about being an adult ammy, I think. The “adult” part! Making those tough choices. But everything seems to work out in the end, and there will always be horses to ride!
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