A Buyer

First of  all, its still raining here this morning.  So, another legitimate no riding day. 

I have a friend who rides.  She actually bought my last poor horse purchase decision from me.  Since she's single, without any kids, and has a good income, she can spend all of her money on her riding.  Therefore, she took my nutcase horse, put him in full training (which means he practically has a staff of his own - grooms, exercise riders, etc.).  He's blossomed under that care and they've been very successful.

My friend is now going to bigger shows (her last show cost $4,500!!) and she would like a fancier horse, and specifically a warmblood.  She's very interested in my horse, Nikki.

Nikki - the horse I have trouble with.  The horse that I can't manage to make time to ride.

It occurs to me that, if my friend who is riding at levels I only aspire to, is interested in at least trying out Nikki, then I should be inspired to keep him and get my head together so I can ride.  Clearly, I have a very nice horse standing up in my barn. 

Problem is, I just don't know how to straighten out my riding relationship with Nikki.  I've thought about calling Marla, the animal communicator.  Maybe she can get us on the same page. 

That's crazy, right?  I just need to ride.

Yea! Rain!

In general, I love rainy days.  The clouds seem to wrap around me and make everything cozier.  I have a lovely cup of coffee and my black lab is snoring at my feet.  Aaahhhh . . .

And, since its raining, I have a legitimate excuse to not be riding!  No guilt today!

This morning, I had to give some bute (horse aspirin) to the one horse who is boarded here.  She's a lovely little mare.  Didn't give me any trouble at all - so unlike my horses.  My husband asked me why I can't find a horse like that?  He banned me from making any horse buying decisions in the future.  Can't say I blame him; two out of three have turned out to be problems. 

Its supposed to rain today and maybe a bit tomorrow.  Not much rain overall.  The weekend is supposed to be nice.  Hmmm . . . that means I either have to get Nikki out and maybe even actually ride him, or be guilty.  Ugh.

Not Riding

Why am I not riding?  I've been pondering that question a lot lately.  Even when I have the opportunity to - I don't.  Yesterday was a perfect example, as was Monday.  Beautiful weather, kid-free time.  I have all sorts of excuses - oh, Nikki should be turned out more;  no one is home right now and I shouldn't ride alone (that one is sort of legitimate.); I have other things to do, such as float-related things. 

But, the fact of the matter is that I'm simply avoiding riding.  I choose to sit here, eat left-over Halloween cake from Costco, and get fat instead.  No riding, no exercising, no nothing. 

The reality is, I haven't ridden in months except for a couple of maybe 20 minute walk and trots around half the arena.  And now, since winter is here with its rainy weather, more months will pass.  Before I know it, a year will have gone by.  I don't want that to happen. 

I joined 8 Women Dream, hoping that would encourage me.  It hasn't.  Catherine made us state our dream goal for next year.  I said I will go to 4 horse shows.  At the moment, that's not motivating me either.  I'm just sitting around, eating cake, watching "So You Think You Can Dance" and wishing, gee, if I only had drive and determination like them.