Week-end derailed

I had truly hoped to be able to post about my adventures this week-end visiting different riding stables. Unfortunately, too many things came up and I could not visit one. Nothing bad, just regular "oh my gosh, I forgot this needs to be done" stuff.

There are two huge concerns for me regarding getting another horse. The time (will I be able to spend enough time with the horse) and evacuation plans. While I do not consider myself traumatized by Katrina, big decisions are always taken into consideration with our personal evacuation plans. Katrina was the one time on my son's life that we were literally homeless (before I married hubby). While for us the "homelessness" lasted about 4 weeks (I was able to secure a place for us), I have sworn that my son and my pets would never be put in that position again.

The decision regarding the horses is to focus on stables on the North Shore. Most of them can shelter in place so moving a horse during an evacuation would not be necessary. Plus, I really do not like city riding so it seems like a good plan.

Should I find a riding stable that I am comfortable with and am able to spend enough time at, we would then consider a lease. If am able to keep up and that and the stable is working out, then we will consider getting horse. I see this as a minimum 2 year process but I am comfortable with it and if any part does not work out right now, we can revisit it later.

When I was tween, I had a wonderful Quarter Horse gelding and we did barrels, pole bending and trail riding in the mountains (I grew up in Colorado). The barrel racing was kid fun (not like Brown Eyed Cowgirl talent!) and I got a few blue ribbons on him. When I was a teen on a Anglo Arab mare, I started jumping, did some cross country and really enjoyed dressage. I never did show but loved the cross country training and riding in the mountains. I think my goal now will be to do a little dressage and english trail riding. I would like a horse that is over the showing (hopefully dressage) and will enjoy exercise dressage and trail riding; I have no desire to show. Like I said, a process but I am always in my comfort zone when I have my procedure together.

Have a great day (and I am hugging my imaginary horse now)!