My Secret

I have a secret.  And no - not Victoria's.  You could say I'm coming out of the closet.  You see, I love riding English.  I rode English for most of my teen years.  I was the girl in the all purpose English saddle on trail rides.  I even cattle penned and did gymkhana in my trusty English saddle.  Don't get me wrong - I love my western roots.  But there's something about the elegance and pageantry of the English events that appeals to me.

As a teen I showed my Arabians Hunter Under Saddle and Show Hack.  And I loved it!  The last year I've been having a massive internal struggle, having trouble focusing on what I should be doing with my horsey life.  Part of me desperately wants to try Three Day Eventing, part of me wants to get back into the roping world and part of me is crazy to get serious with cutting.  

With two cutting prospects sitting in the corral I know that (fingers crossed they have talent) cutting is definitely in my future.  After taking my aunt to watch a dressage show last weekend I realized I wasn't ready to give up my English dream.  This week I took action towards achieving my dreams.  After all, life is short and you never know what is around the corner.  I contacted one of the local stables regarding lessons.  

On Wednesday I met with the owner and head coach.  We discussed my goals and I left with a fee schedule.  My next step was to drive into town and stop at one of the English specialty tack shops.  While I used to have English gear, my rear end (unfortunately) as grown considerably and nothing fits.  I am now the proud new owner of a pair of black breeches, and dress boots (the tall black leather boots).  I'm almost, almost excited enough to wear them around the house!  

My next step is booking a riding assessment (next week), which will be followed by Tricia placing me in the lesson program and matching me with a lesson horse.  Because I have a lot on my plate I'm planning on doing one lesson per week.  If that goes well, I may move up to two lessons per week.  Financially I was surprised at how reasonably priced this is.  

One of my goals is to learn how to jump.  I'm excited, nervous and scared to start this new venture but am doing it for me.  To become a better horseman, and a happier, healthier person.  This counts as cross training for running, right?  :)