What does your extended family think of your passion for dressage? Is it accepted or viewed as an act of lunacy? Does your family support your interest? I need to know if I’m the only odd ball out.
You see it all began with the Dressage Radio Show interview. I was thrilled that they would select me as their first blogger. Personally, I don’t think I have that much to share. I don’t currently compete or own a horse so my appeal to the general public is rather limited. However, I shared the news with family and friends. Some of them have read my blog and listened to the interview. Although they may not understand it I’ve received some nice comments.
My sister-in-law sent me an email about both. In summary she says I’m too hard on myself and that I should just enjoy my ride. Uh, okay. You filled in a lot of air time for them. Huh?
My reply: …As far as enjoying each ride, I do. I also get very frustrated trying to coordinate all my aids and that’s what I’m conveying. A lot of my posts have a bad start with a successful ending. If I truly wanted to ride for pleasure only I’d go out on a trail ride. In each lesson I’m being coach almost every step of the way. Just like if you played basketball or football. It’s work. Then the game portion would be when I enter the competition arena.
Filled in a lot of air time? I’m not sure how to take that. The interview was supposed to be for 20 minutes. Each week they interview one person for that length of time.
I never got a reply.
I never meant to come across as whining.
Confessions of a Struggling Dressage Rider 
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August 20, 2009 at 11:12 pm
Jane
Now how cool is that? Getting to be interviewed on the radio as a dressage rider! Yahoo!!
Family. Horses. Non-horsey friends. Sort of like anchovies, pickles and catsup. Can’t make them go together. Why am I, at 51, STILL riding horses like a horse struck teenager? What is wrong with me? I’d have to say no support, zippo interest, and no desire to become interested. The good news is you’re not alone!
LOL, for some reason, one of our kids was having us all flex our arm muscles at the family reunion, and my SIL’s were shocked that I had such good muscle, since “you don’t work out, you don’t even walk, you just ride around.”
Maybe it’s a SIL thing?
I hear no whining. I hear the truth…it’s work. Enjoyable work, frustrating work, intoxicating work, but work!
August 21, 2009 at 12:13 am
dressage rider
It was very cool to be interviewed. My husband and son support my interest but not in an active, participating way. It’s so nice that I’m not the only odd ball out there. Ooooh! We should have a flex fest. I’ve always had big guns! Hahaha. Thanks for the support Jane.
August 27, 2009 at 2:42 pm
Dominic
Nice blog. Don’t feel too bad about having a horse blog without owning a horse. I made a whole website and I’m only learning about horses. Most of the info is from my girlfriend who breeds or used to breed horses.
Keep up up the good work!
Check out my website. All About horses
August 27, 2009 at 3:43 pm
dressage rider
Hi Dominic, Thanks for visiting. It’s funny how we all get drawn into the horse craze, huh? Good luck with your website! Nicely organized information.