There are days where there just isn’t enough time to do everything that is needed and this week seems to be full of them. The one thing that I really, really didn’t want to give up during the move was riding…but it has happened.
In general, my desire to ride goes hand in hand with my chosen profession. There are days where even though my business is ‘horses’ that I spend more time on a computer or doing paperwork but for the most part I can still ride.
Dreaming of riding again!
But then there are other times….
Like this week. Today I decided to just accept that I am not likely to ride again until I am in Texas. Even though I decided this hours ago, I still feel tense just typing the sentence. Especially because it is my ‘job’ to ride…skipping a ride is a double negative; I don’t get to ride (which I enjoy) and I am not doing my job (which feels very wrong).
Today I reasoned with myself that it would be considered reasonable, for someone who is moving across the country, to take the last few days off ‘work’ during the transition. Even if this might be considered a job transfer…there would still be some down time because of the move.
Jac doesn’t seem to mind. He has play time in the big indoor arena and has taken full advantage of it. I really should take a picture of him trying to play with the ‘horse in the mirror’ before we leave! He is tricky though because he stops when I open the door wide enough to take the photo.
Deep breath, then back to packing. My old countdown was to mark the day we move out, February 14th, but I may need to start a new countdown to the next time I ride!
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Happy Valentine’s Day Stacy to you and your family!
I know it can feel bad, but sometimes when you’re worn out, stressed, etc, the last thing you want to do are the very things that you enjoy. Hang in there, take a few days off, and get yourself moved! 🙂 I hope all goes well.
Stacy, don’t worry about not riding your horses for a few days. Sometimes the break does them a lot of good. I sprained my ankle and couldn’t ride for a week but when I got back on, my horse was better than ever. It seems the break gave her a chance to digest all she was learning.
Have a safe trip.
Stacy, all of us who love/live horses need the space and time to be with them. That’s who we are. That’s home
Stacy;
know you have many friends and love ones, whom are praying for you and the boys,
for a peaceful day, to have a moment, quiet your hurried heart, and know someone just said a prayer for you,This time it was me… Safe travels….remember to breath……And enjoy the adventure I know your in His hands.
With love to all.
That same feeling is why I stopped taking in client horses through winter a couple years ago. My intense desire to do what is ‘right’ means I WILL work the client’s horse(s) whether I am freezing to death, health issues are acting up or whatever– if someone is paying me, I WILL do what I’m being paid for. Those long rainy days or blizzard days made me feel way too wasteful. Once, we had the most rainy summer ever, it seemed it rained a Lot 3 or 4 days out of the week for a month. I ended up giving the client an extra month free because I didn’t feel I’d ridden his horse enough for my fee. I know ‘trainers’ who would never bat an eye about that, but I just can’t be that way.
Texas is going to be so good for you Stacy!!
I agree! We always track and make things right for the customers if our schedules are crazy…which is why we don’t train for the public anymore either. Unfortunately, you are correct and many other trainers don’t see it this way.
When this happens to me, I feel like I’ve abandoned something or like I haven’t done the day / week properly. It’s awful. it’s such a relief to be able to resume again. Good luck with the move.
oh, Yes, Stacy, you must be feeling the struggle of wanting to work as soon as possible, but this IS your down time…God gives us a break to slow down. Among my many of my Christian friends, we all agree when there is a very bad snow storm, it was for US!!! Most of us are so busy with church activities, visiting nursing homes, shut-ins, helping at food banks…etc. that we forget HOW to relax. So we are thankful for the “snowstorms” of our lives, it forces us to be still, enjoy the quietness and catch up on some good books. I hope I helped you. Also this could mean that you are going to come back stronger with twice as much energy from your down time.
Have you found a place in TX?
Yes, not buying though. I will post more about it when we get there.
Well Stacy, the one thing that is already packed is the memories and they wilgo with you, riding or not riding. Like Nancy said, this to shall pass, and you will be back in the saddle in warmer climate very soon! All of us up North will be jealous!
We are just used to “doing it all,” but sometimes it is physically impossible. You are very brave and adventurous to make this big move. Thanks for sharing and baring your inner thoughts. You feel like a friend, in your writing style. I appreciate your blog.
Not to change the subject, but how big is your indoor arena? Planning to build one this summer but can’t decide on how big is big enough. LOL.
The catch is…bigger, bigger, bigger always seems better. The indoor we sold was 70 x 144.
I feel the same way. I have been working 2 jobs and it’s killing me not being able to ride. To top it off the weather is always icky if I get a day off. Good luck with the move! I’m sure we can both get back to riding soon. 🙂
I know it must be so stressful. Thank you for sharing your adventure. I love reading it. The riding thing, I get. Our trainer/friend at the barn is pulled in so many directions it’s hard to get in her “job” riding time, let alone her own personal pleasure time.
I feel your pain. The weather has been horrid, either way too cold for the gear I have, or too muddy, or too icy. We got the first decent ride in for over a month, on Sunday. Today, it is colder, and my rheumatoid arthritis was not happy about it, but with a giant storm coming tomorrow, I felt I *had* to ride. Sadly, the ground in the arena was rock hard, and it was only about 10 minutes before I had to admit defeat – aside from the hard ground, my hands were already too cold to hold the reins (even the fat nylon ones I am currently using.
So I feel your pain.
This too, shall pass. Time to move, then time to ride!
Hang in there. Once you get to Texas, you will be able to ride all year round, with no worries (or minimal ones) of snowy weather. Everyone needs a day or two off, and once you get settled, you should take some time to just ride for pleasure. Good luck on your move!
Hang in there, Stacy! It’ll all be okay! You are already Superwoman, just chill!