I Am Back...
Hello everyone! It's been almost two years (about to be three) since I have revisited this blog. Quite a lot has happened in the years that I have been away. Almost too much has happened.
What has happened?
2016 was quite a roller coaster, from beginning to end. I was gradually progressing in my riding, and showed in quite a few shows with my lesson horse at the time, Snickers. I ended up getting Championship for the show series of that year, and even started riding a new horse, called Patch. I also had another trip planned to go see my husband.
On December 2nd, 2016, my father unfortunately passed away from a heart attack. It was a depressing, difficult time for me, yet I still went to England because I needed to get away from all that was happening, home life wise. I felt that it was unhealthy of me to stay at home, and it was better to grieve elsewhere.
Did it help? Well, sort of...
My husband helped me through the grieving process. I stayed in England from Mid December to Mid February. During that time, I spent Christmas with his family, and went to his cousin's wedding. It was all a fun, yet somewhat bittersweet time as well. Even though Christmas was great with his family, I still had my father on the back of my mind, and how I was going to do next Christmas with my own family... without my father around. I remember crying some nights, and my husband holding me close, listening to my sniffles, and my despair.
When I returned from England, I found out my mother purchased a new house, so I had to then rush to get my things packed and ready for the move. She didn't feel comfortable staying in the house that held too many memories for her, and needed a change.
By March we were moved into the new house, yet I still haven't contacted my trainer about riding. It was a difficult process, getting back into riding again. I actually had to wait until it was finally a good time, without worrying about the move, or anything else that had to be done around the house. I kept my trainer updated on all things going on.
It wasn't until May, where I finally got back into riding, and even got my brother involved in a few lessons.
And then, another bombshell hit. My grandfather was in hospital. So, my mother, and brother had to travel down to Connecticut, where my grandfather spent his last moments in the hospital. He passed away June 3rd of last year. Another loss down in the book. At this point, I was feeling a bit numb, and whirling back into a depressed state. I went through the motions of life, work, and skyping with my husband. Everything just felt like it was going down the tubes at the time.
Then, a surprise. I showed in a Horse Show in November. I was watching one of the classes, when I noticed my mother talking to my trainer. I carefully went up to the two of them, and quickly caught wind of the conversation. My mother wanted to buy me a horse.
How did I feel? I was overwhelmed, unsure, and nervous about the idea. I told my trainer and mother that I had to think about it first, before coming to a decision about it. Originally, a horse was going to be a surprise, but I was adamant in saying that I wanted to think about it first before heading on in on such a big purchase and commitment.
So, I went home with my mother, and talked to my husband. My husband encouraged me to go for it. I told him I had to get more opinions, and think about it more. While the idea was tempting in my brain, I was nervous about providing for the horse financially. I went with the suggestion of forming a budget plan, to see how much it would cost me, and if it was possible on my budget.
Turns out, it was possible... I could breath a bit easier, and asked for more opinions. The majority gave me encouragement about the idea, and that I should just go ahead and pursue it. The idea of getting a horse of my own was becoming more and more tempting. I thought heavily on both the pros and cons of owning, and finally came to a decision...
I was going to dive in.
I started with searching ads on the internet. First ad? Sounded too good to be true, and it was. It was a scammy ad, meant to bait unsuspecting buyers. I found the same ad, posted around the same time every year, with the same description, just changing the horse's name up. Came across another ad to which the horse sounded good. I contacted the seller, and it turned out that the horse was already sold.
Another ad, this time a Mustang. However, I found out he had trouble trailer loading, and that he had trouble picking up canter. I got send a video, and saw him throw a mini buck at canter. That horse was mostly likely to green for me.
I came across another ad, advertising a nine year old trottingbred gelding. The gelding was 13.1 hands, and was used as a trail pony. He was advertised as bombproof, crossties, stands for farrier, easy keeper, good feet, and he did quite a few crossrails. I contacted the seller to ask more about this pony. I asked if he cantered, to which she responded that he does, but it takes him a bit to get to that point. I asked all other necessary questions that went through in my mind, and also asked for pictures and videos of the little guy. When I do get the pictures and video, I sent them to my trainer for her to evaluate. My trainer gushed over him, and gave me the thumbs up to go see him. My gut gave me a really good feeling, and my heart told me to go for it.
When my trainer and mother pull up to the place to try him out and pick him up, I could feel myself thinking, "I have a good feeling about this guy... I really want to work with him." At first sight of seeing the little chestnut gelding in his stall, I fall in love. His little head stuck over the wall, his curious, soft eyes looking at me. I stuck out my hand to let him sniff it, and gently stroke his muzzle.
The gelding gave me a feeling of calmness, and like the hole in my heart was filling up, one that was empty ever since my father passed away. I asked for the gelding to be led out, and watched him being led. He had a whole calm demeanor about him, and didn't mind with getting his feet picked up, and was good at being groomed, and being tacked up!
When I rode him, it felt like I was meant to be there in the saddle! He had just the right amount of push for me, and I could even mount him from the ground! Convinced, I went ahead with the purchased, loaded him up in the trailer, and brought him to my trainer's barn, where he is currently boarded at now.
When I did bring him to the barn, I led him out into the indoor, and walk him around for a bit. He looked more alert, but still had a kind eye about him. Right here, is where I call him by the barn name that I picked for him. "Jet." His registered name is Honky Tonk Jet, and Jet seemed to be fitting for him as his barn name.
Fast forward to now; I now have a lovely pony, called Jet who I am steadily growing a bond with. He's quirky, cute, funny, and has a bit of a naughty side to him as well. He really shines when he is actively focused on something, and working, and is steadily improving with each ride on him. I feel really connected to this pony, and like we can work together.
This year, I am working on getting my permit, and then my license, so I will finally be able to drive. I am also working on getting my husband to the States, since acquiring Jet. My husband and I had a conversation, and both agreed that it would be better for him to come here, and that he would probably have better luck finding something more stable here, job wise. He also wants to support me in my riding, and I am thankful for that. Currently, he has applied to an agency for work. He is looking to save some money, so he can come visit in the summer.
As for this blog? Well, I am hoping to update a bit more... probably with more equestrian related content, with a bit of how the long distance process is going.
Until the next post, adios!
What has happened?
2016 was quite a roller coaster, from beginning to end. I was gradually progressing in my riding, and showed in quite a few shows with my lesson horse at the time, Snickers. I ended up getting Championship for the show series of that year, and even started riding a new horse, called Patch. I also had another trip planned to go see my husband.
On December 2nd, 2016, my father unfortunately passed away from a heart attack. It was a depressing, difficult time for me, yet I still went to England because I needed to get away from all that was happening, home life wise. I felt that it was unhealthy of me to stay at home, and it was better to grieve elsewhere.
Did it help? Well, sort of...
My husband helped me through the grieving process. I stayed in England from Mid December to Mid February. During that time, I spent Christmas with his family, and went to his cousin's wedding. It was all a fun, yet somewhat bittersweet time as well. Even though Christmas was great with his family, I still had my father on the back of my mind, and how I was going to do next Christmas with my own family... without my father around. I remember crying some nights, and my husband holding me close, listening to my sniffles, and my despair.
When I returned from England, I found out my mother purchased a new house, so I had to then rush to get my things packed and ready for the move. She didn't feel comfortable staying in the house that held too many memories for her, and needed a change.
By March we were moved into the new house, yet I still haven't contacted my trainer about riding. It was a difficult process, getting back into riding again. I actually had to wait until it was finally a good time, without worrying about the move, or anything else that had to be done around the house. I kept my trainer updated on all things going on.
It wasn't until May, where I finally got back into riding, and even got my brother involved in a few lessons.
And then, another bombshell hit. My grandfather was in hospital. So, my mother, and brother had to travel down to Connecticut, where my grandfather spent his last moments in the hospital. He passed away June 3rd of last year. Another loss down in the book. At this point, I was feeling a bit numb, and whirling back into a depressed state. I went through the motions of life, work, and skyping with my husband. Everything just felt like it was going down the tubes at the time.
Then, a surprise. I showed in a Horse Show in November. I was watching one of the classes, when I noticed my mother talking to my trainer. I carefully went up to the two of them, and quickly caught wind of the conversation. My mother wanted to buy me a horse.
How did I feel? I was overwhelmed, unsure, and nervous about the idea. I told my trainer and mother that I had to think about it first, before coming to a decision about it. Originally, a horse was going to be a surprise, but I was adamant in saying that I wanted to think about it first before heading on in on such a big purchase and commitment.
So, I went home with my mother, and talked to my husband. My husband encouraged me to go for it. I told him I had to get more opinions, and think about it more. While the idea was tempting in my brain, I was nervous about providing for the horse financially. I went with the suggestion of forming a budget plan, to see how much it would cost me, and if it was possible on my budget.
Turns out, it was possible... I could breath a bit easier, and asked for more opinions. The majority gave me encouragement about the idea, and that I should just go ahead and pursue it. The idea of getting a horse of my own was becoming more and more tempting. I thought heavily on both the pros and cons of owning, and finally came to a decision...
I was going to dive in.
I started with searching ads on the internet. First ad? Sounded too good to be true, and it was. It was a scammy ad, meant to bait unsuspecting buyers. I found the same ad, posted around the same time every year, with the same description, just changing the horse's name up. Came across another ad to which the horse sounded good. I contacted the seller, and it turned out that the horse was already sold.
Another ad, this time a Mustang. However, I found out he had trouble trailer loading, and that he had trouble picking up canter. I got send a video, and saw him throw a mini buck at canter. That horse was mostly likely to green for me.
I came across another ad, advertising a nine year old trottingbred gelding. The gelding was 13.1 hands, and was used as a trail pony. He was advertised as bombproof, crossties, stands for farrier, easy keeper, good feet, and he did quite a few crossrails. I contacted the seller to ask more about this pony. I asked if he cantered, to which she responded that he does, but it takes him a bit to get to that point. I asked all other necessary questions that went through in my mind, and also asked for pictures and videos of the little guy. When I do get the pictures and video, I sent them to my trainer for her to evaluate. My trainer gushed over him, and gave me the thumbs up to go see him. My gut gave me a really good feeling, and my heart told me to go for it.
When my trainer and mother pull up to the place to try him out and pick him up, I could feel myself thinking, "I have a good feeling about this guy... I really want to work with him." At first sight of seeing the little chestnut gelding in his stall, I fall in love. His little head stuck over the wall, his curious, soft eyes looking at me. I stuck out my hand to let him sniff it, and gently stroke his muzzle.
The gelding gave me a feeling of calmness, and like the hole in my heart was filling up, one that was empty ever since my father passed away. I asked for the gelding to be led out, and watched him being led. He had a whole calm demeanor about him, and didn't mind with getting his feet picked up, and was good at being groomed, and being tacked up!
When I rode him, it felt like I was meant to be there in the saddle! He had just the right amount of push for me, and I could even mount him from the ground! Convinced, I went ahead with the purchased, loaded him up in the trailer, and brought him to my trainer's barn, where he is currently boarded at now.
When I did bring him to the barn, I led him out into the indoor, and walk him around for a bit. He looked more alert, but still had a kind eye about him. Right here, is where I call him by the barn name that I picked for him. "Jet." His registered name is Honky Tonk Jet, and Jet seemed to be fitting for him as his barn name.
Fast forward to now; I now have a lovely pony, called Jet who I am steadily growing a bond with. He's quirky, cute, funny, and has a bit of a naughty side to him as well. He really shines when he is actively focused on something, and working, and is steadily improving with each ride on him. I feel really connected to this pony, and like we can work together.
This year, I am working on getting my permit, and then my license, so I will finally be able to drive. I am also working on getting my husband to the States, since acquiring Jet. My husband and I had a conversation, and both agreed that it would be better for him to come here, and that he would probably have better luck finding something more stable here, job wise. He also wants to support me in my riding, and I am thankful for that. Currently, he has applied to an agency for work. He is looking to save some money, so he can come visit in the summer.
As for this blog? Well, I am hoping to update a bit more... probably with more equestrian related content, with a bit of how the long distance process is going.
Until the next post, adios!
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