December is one of my favorite months. My birthday, my brother's birthday, Christmas, Belsnickle (at least the memories make me smile), and a 2 week break from work (and hopefully this time I will not be broken so I can enjoy it.)
One thing I haven't mentioned on here is that I have a few horses that I'm going to be riding. When I thought I was going to be losing Denali, I couldn't sleep. I would sit up at night, most of the night, and just think. My back hurt to bad to lay down, and my mind couldn't quite running. My husband and I have invested everything (emotionally and financially) in Denali, so there will be no replacing her. Not anytime soon. However, I wasn't sure I could survive not having a horse to love on.
One late night I ended up on Craigslist (where I usually peruse the poor horses who have BYB as their owners). I came across an ad for a horse for lease. The horse sounded perfect for me, and I figured I'd e-mail. What could it hurt. The world is a small place. It turns out the ad I replied to was for the horse I ride at the Giant Warmblood Barn. The woman I work for is amazing. I truly want to be like her when I "grow up" (even though she's only a year older than I am.)
She was wonderful. We talked about leasing, and riding this particular horse. Then she mentioned Pete. Pete is a Thoroughbred. He's HUGE. He might be the biggest TB that I've ever met. I LOVE HIM. One of the first times I worked at the barn I walked out into the pasture to collect expensive ponies when her 5 year old 18 hand (I kid you not) Dutch Warmblood came CHARGING at me. Pete came charging too, ran in front of me just as this other horse was approaching, looked at him and pinned his ears and chased him away. Pete saved me and it was love. Pete's owner is busy and doesn't get out. Pete needs ridden and is recovering from some lameness issues and needs some light work done. Pete's owner asked me to ride him, and I'm excited.
After Ms. Denali's Thanksgiving Miracle, I stopped and talked to the owner of the Giant Warmbloods. I explained that I couldn't afford to lease her sweet ponykins. Money doesn't seem to be the problem, he just needs ridden too, and right now she doesn't have a working student.
So now, I have 2 horses to ride, 1 horse to do ground work with and Denali to figure out what in the hell is going on. I wish I had better skills, and more confidence in myself as a rider. I explained to someone the other day (Pete's owner actually) that not too long ago I use to consider myself and intermediate rider. I would ride almost anything and had very little fear (but I was never stupid.) Buying an 4 year old OTTB will really make you re-evaluate your riding skills. I'm now a VERY cautious rider, and still don't know how to deal with a spooking horse. I freak. I have 0 confidence (hence the blog title.) The two horses I'm going to start riding are lesson horses, bomb proof, and I'm sure it will be good for me. Now it's just a matter of balancing work, Denali, ground work with the other mare, and then finding time to ride the other two horses. I'm not going to start riding until January, so at least I'll have a slow start.
Welcome December (be nice!)
12 comments:
Riding different horses is one of the best ways to learn and gain skills and confidence - it sounds like the perfect opportunity for you. A good well-trained horse is worth its weight in gold.
Busy is good. Sounds like you'll have a lot of horse-related things to look forward to. The Pete story made me smile :)
Ohhh, I am so happy you have more horses to play with and that Denali is doing better. I keep praying for the both of you!! Have you ever read the book Move Closer Stay Longer [Paperback]
Dr. Stephanie Burns. Maybe you can find some inpiring words to help you gain your confidence back with Denali? Just a thought. Lots of love and horse slobbers from Enzo!!!
That's great news, and Pete sure sounds like a special horse. Any pony would be lucky to have you work with them :)
I've been following your blog only for the last month and it's been quite a roller coaster ride! It's seems you have been granted a miracle with Denali and you are handling everything life is throwing at you with gusto.
December WILL be a good month for you -- I choose today to reply as my brother and I TOO have birthdays this month. Let's hear it for December babies!
Looking forward is good. I am glad you are feeling well again! Keep up the good thoughts and good things will happen :-).
This is great news. I think riding these horses will be good for you on every level. As you know, you and I have the heebee-jeebies about spooking horses in common. It doesn't mean we're not decent riders, just chickeny ones sometimes. I think this will do your soul a world of good, and I believe that riding other horses gives us insights into our own, as well. I'm thrilled for you!
Yay for you being able to ride!! Hopefully, you can build up some confidence on Pete and then be ready for whatever comes next.
Still praying for Ms. Denali.
How exciting! Being able to ride a few horses at my barn has been a huge blessing while Panache was layed-up and is rehabbing. One of the biggest benefits!? Once you're riding Denali again you'll have learned so much and gained so much confidence by riding the others!! Have fun :)
Oh wait until Denali smells other horses on you..she's gonna be pissed! ;)
That is great to ride some confidence builders and each horse teaches you something! Great fun! I can't for pictures on the new characters :)
How exciting!! I've been dying to ride. I think it's been over a year since I've been on a horse and that is such a depressing thought. I never thought to look at ads, although I probably can't afford a lease right now either. I just really need to get back on a horse before Chrome turns three!!
I'm glad they are letting you ride the horses even without the lease. I'm excited for you. It'll be so much fun!
I just read your posts through the month of Nov. I was so scared for Denali. I even cried! I'm so happy she is so far doing good and I pray that she will continue!! Please, give her an extra carrot for me!!
My first horse is also a thoroughbred and he was 4 yrs and is over 17 hands tall! I'm a very nervous person so I'm also having a hard time gaining confidence in the saddle, I keep trying and your blog gives me hope!! :)
December is a good month and I wish you luck!!!
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