Often my life seems to revolve completely around the time on the clock. Things like how early I can make myself get up to go to work, how late I can work and still have time to ride, and how quickly I can get one horse ridden and both taken care of and be out of the barn by closing.
I may be a bit more extreme in my riding schedule than most people with a full-time (plus) job. I guess you could consider me a bit anal. I plan the boys’ schedules so that each horse gets four workouts a week. I sacrifice spending some time I would love to spend with my husband, friends, and other family, all because I can’t be happy if I don’t spend time hanging out with two furry boys in chestnut coats.
This silly face is hard to resist
Come tax season, I can be found rushing to the barn after a 10+ hour work day and still getting my rides in. It’s a way of life. I look forward to a time when I can have a more relaxed schedule, either by only having one horse (the boys are with me for life!) or working a less demanding schedule.
Handsome beggar
On to the happenings this week.
Monday – Flatted Mr P, worked again on bending and getting a long relaxed trot stride. He’s never going to have the stride he had in his teens, but he’s looking amazing!
Tuesday and Wednesday – Had out of town work training. My trainer rode Stampy Tuesday and said he was good and she got to ride him outside. Jessica rode P for me Wednesday and I stopped out at the barn when I got back in town and loved on the boys.
“Mom I’m starving!”
Thursday – Flatted Stampy and he was great. He was happy and relaxed since we only had Christie and Mikey in the ring with us. Did all of our bending maneuvers, extension and collection at trot and canter, and threw in a couple flying lead changes for fun.
Friday – Had extra hours in from training so I got to ride while it was still light out (woo hoo). P and I headed out to the field for a nice (although cold) bareback ride. I have some videos to share from that later.
Happy boy
Today – Lesson day for both boys. Jessica did a flat lesson on P, he was great as always. Stampy was relaxed again since there were only three of us in the lesson. Other than my two attempts to lean for a distance instead of sitting up and asking for it we had two good courses. Much better than last week.
You set your priorities and then you work it. I admire people who can stick by their choices and realize they are choices, we can do a lot but we also sacrifice to do it.
Yes, having horses is a choice and a privilege. Couldn’t love without them. I know you are the same!
I can’t imagine having 8 rides a week! Nuts. Love the boys faces. Too cute.
I don’t know how you do it with two after working that long. I work 8 hours and have one and it seems like too much at times!