Where I have been....

babs · Where I have been....

Life got a bit overwhelming this spring and summer. Between major work stress, my husband complaining he never saw me after work (my refuge was at the barn with Duncan), and an eye-opening incident with Duncan, I sold him in late June.

Bottom line was that Duncan needed a more experienced rider, and an owner who could afford to put several months of professional training on him. He landed with another of my classical dressage instructor's students and lives in the instructor's barn. He gets ridden 5 times a week, which was something I could never do. His stall is in a heated and a/c'd part of the barn, so he's in high cotton. His new owner scored very well on him in a recent schooling show.

Several good things came out of my relationship with Duncan. Most importantly, he was my motivation to lose weight. I've lost 55 lbs. since April and I'm not done yet. Through Duncan, I have met some amazing people who will be friends for life. He is one powerful force of nature. He did what he came to me to do and moved on. Because of these positive outcomes, I don't view re-homing him as a failure on my part.

I've been taking lessons on an 18 y.o. Appendix mare, Rosie. Before she became a lesson horse, she was successful in 3rd level dressage. My riding has improved 10 fold in the past 3 months since I no longer have to be concerned about training my horse and myself at the same time.

Work stress has subsided and I've reached an understanding with my husband regarding a balance between barn and home life.

Thanks to those of you who missed me!

bit

Sounds like you are doing great, and so proud of you for your lifestyle change. Healthier and happier is good. Glad you are learning on a horse that can teach. That's a big one, isn't it? It isn't a failure on the human's part to rehome a horse that is no longer the right horse. Another big one. I think we have all learned tons from the Duncan's in our lives. So you have reached a balance with hubby? If he wants to see you, come to the barn? lol! I keep reminding Tony and my daughter, I come back a better me, when I spend time with horses. Are you taking dressage lessons, or riding lessons on a dressage horse? Any pictures? She sounds like a dream of a ride! Feels like a real nice, calm and balanced place you are coming from these days. Ain't it nice?

babs

Thanks for the kind words, Deb. I'm taking classical dressage lessons, not to be confused with the modern dressage that's being ridden these days. Going to ride a couple of intro tests at a schooling show this weekend.

ElaineW

Hey Babs!
It's good to hear from you.. Congrats on the weight loss and lessons..
I know how you feel to have to rehome a horse. I had to do that with Chance a couple years ago..The horse i have now is so muchmore suited for me.. And I know your having a wonderful time in your lessons!

Chablis

Welcome back Babs!

Rehoming Duncan, reconnecting with your husband, and finding Rosie is a win = win.

Well done on the weight loss.

Would love to hear how your CD lessons go and your competition this weekend!

Docked by the Bay

Babs: I sure have been wondering about you. Good that you were able to solve your issues and had the wisdom to do it right. Sounds like you and Rosie are a great pair for now. I had thoughts of selling Doc and might still but have gotten over the dammit blues about him for now. He is good, but he is big and my old body needs a little horse, maybe even a gaited horse. I feel like my legs are sticking straight out on him, he is about 15.3 and round. Anyway good to hear from you.

Maggie

barnelda

MUAH MUAH MUAH!!! SO glad to hear things are good!

((((HUGS)))) to you my dear!!

Pedestal*Pony

We missed you Babs! Things sound like they have calmed down in your life! Congrats on the weight loss, I am working on it too and have lost 16lbs in 2 months.

Glad your back!!