In A Matter of Tact.

Polu and Getta became close companions, never leaving eachothers site. It was weird to see my horse out there in that big field. But each day got easier, especially when I would witness a moment between the two horses. Grooming, nuzzling, sleeping side to side, as they often did. Most of barn ladies were shocked and surprised I decided to do such a thing with Polu. Some even thought less of me based on the decision. I would pull up to the barn, dash to the locker room where I'd change out of my clothes into my barn attire, grab my wellies and treck to the back pasture to give Polu his apple or carrot. I'd then come back to the locker room to change out of my wellies into my jods and boots. I come to the barn mostly in the early to mid afternoon, after the morning work has been done and before my husband would arrive home. It just so happened that I shared this routine with many of the barn ladies. Four ladies in particular were rather close and shared lessons, one after another. While one was riding the other three would chat and watch from the observation room.

One afternoon, I got back from giving Polu his carrot and began to change into my jods and zip up my boots when a gal comes in from the elusive 4 group. She sits down, changing into his jods as well and mentions that Polu is looking rather scraggly...

"Hi Liz, how are you?"

"Hi Pam, good thank you. How are you?"

"I'm well."

A small pause...

"I had no idea that you put Polu into that pasture Liz. I honestly couldn't believe it. I understand that LL raised the board again. Is it really too much for you?"

"Actually, I decided to put him out as advised by Dr. R."

"Oh Liz, you and I both know Dr. R would never suggest a horse to ever be out like that, especially with a lameness. Is everything really OK?"

"Yes, everything is fantastic, actually."

"Well, I just don't know what would posess you to do that to the poor horse. I'm sure he's just upset and depressed living in that enviornment."

"He's actually quite happy."

"And how is Prince, will he be moving out there too? That would be such a shame."

"No, Prince will stay where he is, Pam."

"Well, I'm sorry Liz, that you had to do that."

After that Pam left. She seemed proud of herself for saying the things she did, waltzing out of the room with apparent pride.

I managed to take Prince on a nice ride. Afterwards I was the specticle. The Fab 4, were quite intringed by me it seemed..

The Green Dream

I'd like to think that my horse, Polu, enjoyed his stall, filled with cushy shavings up the walls, all the hay he wanted, fresh water and of course his grain and treats. As I watched him graze freely in the barns far back, large irrigated pasture, I wondered if what I thought was ideal, was actually not to my white horse. He looked so happy and at peace. The wind blew through the trees surrounding this large open space, the birds flew about and the clouds moved above and as I sat there in deep thought, I saw something I had been missing. My horse belonged there. The perfect joining of the green grass, his muzzle scooping it up so gently, Polu, the trees, the birds, the sky, all seemed in perfect harmony. It seemed silly to think that he belonged anywhere else.

LL and I talked long and hard. She brought my to some realizations. I always thought LL was the highest supporter of stalls, blankets, limited turn-out in only flat, irrigated paddocks. I always thought she believed in a stalled horse in general. One that was in work at least. Afterall her barn is filled with horses who have never even been out in the pasture or out much at all.

I was shocked when she suggested we let Polu rest, once he was done with confinement, in the big pasture with Getta, the old GP mount that was once owned by LL's late mother. Getta was extremely sweet. She sat out there lonely, but happy. Although she was pushing 25, on a good day she move across the pasture like she was still 10. No one paid much attention to Getta, the Great GP Lady G, as she was called, but she was always there looking on for a 'hello' from horse or human pass-by'ers.

In a very odd move, we turned Polu out with Getta. I was nervous that Polu would re-injure himself, so we aced him the first couple of times and only let him out for small bits at a time. Androu was paid to sit and watch him like a hawk. Nothing happened, except Getta fell in love. She followed Polu around like a puppy. Quivering at his every move in lust. I don't blame her. Polu was the picture of peace. And soon enough he was on full outdoor living.

There I sat, staring at my Polu. At this point, the vet had told me that he was going to be able to do lower level Dressage, but nothing beyond. She recommended I find him a new home where he could be the dream of a young rider or adult amateur that wanted to do nothing but love a horse and do lower level Dressage. At first, I have to admit, I was on the brink of selling him. LL and I actually had someone lined up to take him, but I couldn't do it.

Saddle-less.

It is funny how life works sometimes. The twists and turns in a seemingly perfect, straight, path. It was so easy for Polu to make a name for himself. He was a talent without any doubt. The way things happen make it disappointing to know that talents don't always get the chance they deserve. Even though I relished in the fact that he was MY horse, I wanted the world of Dressage to have a taste of this exceptional horse and vice versa.

What am I trying to get at? I'd rather not disclose what exactly happened to Polu, but his lameness side-lined him. Work was out of the question and it was to be that way for some time. LL was so disappointed, that for the first time since I've known her, she was actually showing some emotion. LL had enough emotion for the both of us. I wasn't as upset, because even though Polu would not be the star we wanted him to be, he had another chance at this Dressage career, just in a smaller way.

Polu was to be on stall rest and limited hand-walks, starting at 10mins, once a day, which mostly consisted of allowing him to graze. Slowly he was to increase in hand-walks. LL and I both agreed, that since his career was pretty much over for a chance at Grand Prix, we might as well take extra caution and care in his rehabilitation, so when he did come back to work, he'd be for the better. This ment that I would have a chance at becoming Polu's rider once again. What an odd twist.

In the beginning of his stall confinement, I avoided handling him, as he did become a little hot. After the Androu walked him, I'd usually feed him treats and watch over the grooming process. I insisted he was still groomed daily because who wants to see a dirty horse, let alone one who is rehabbing? They should still be clean and presentable.

At this time, LL began to focus more on Prince and I. She saw the talent in him and although he was not going to achieve competitive success past fourth level, we could still toy with GP movements schooling and enjoy rides in the ring without so much pressure. I use that word lightly, as LL was always putting on the pressure for more and better. Although I will be the first to say that I like the striving for perfection bit, LL was actually too much when it came to this.

The Seat. Polu picks on Prince.

"Sit deeper!" She shouted across the arena. I was attempting to quiet my seat and relax into the saddle as Prince took me around. He had an absolutely unflappable canter. "Sit," he would say, "relax, I got it." It was rocking, soft and super comfortable. So comfortable, I should've pinched myself. Polu, as with his his entire self, was very demanding and this included the riders position through all gaits. Sitting his canter was difficult and he was not forgiving. Perhaps that is why I was never a perfect match for my Polu?

"Now, drop the reins and spread your arms out." "And for goodness sake Elizabeth, RELAX!" I couldn't be more relaxed than if I went limp and allowed my back and shoulders to slump. I dropped my reins. LL was so insistant. For the most part, LL was only a small figure an annoying, somewhat present, vouce in the large picture of Prince and I. Although she shouted her demands, I was more focused on my perfect little steed, as he silently, patiently, kindly spoke to me. You would think that such loud words would demand ones attention, but with riding it is often the silent that actually do..

Once my lesson was over, I cooled Prince out around the arena as Maryness walked in on Polu for her lesson with LL. Maryness was such a poised rider it was amazing how strong she actually was. I mean, to withstand the demanding presence and attitude her instructor had. LL, although talented in her own right, had a much different riding style than Maryness. Maryness was a kind pilot, LL was a demanding pilot (who would have thought, right?). So the two of them working together was odd. Opposites attract? Well, I'm not sure, but in some odd way their relationship worked..

Polu had been going so well, when suddenly he came up lame. It was subtle at first, but there. So we had the vet out to do a thorough lameness exam. X-rays were inconclusive, but an ultrasound determined something else...

The Price and the Frog

Prince was not my prince. Polu was. I viewed more as Prince (the horse) as the "frog" instead. In all honesty he was cute. But I had more compliments from mom's and kids than my adult, serious Dressage rider, peers. This had never happened to me. I always had one of the largest, "scariest" horses at any barn. If the parents or children were around, they were told to avoid my horse at all cost because it was "so well trained, it is not for children to be around and pontentially dangerous." Yes, it was true. My last horse, Renaldi was a huge 18+hh almost black Warmblood gelding. He was built like a stallion, with a large neck, big haunches, powerful stifle and one heck of a shoulder. I adored him. He was the quint esential gentle giant though. One of the reasons why I sold him was because he lacked that star-quality spark. He was laid back and kind and this trickled over into the show ring where he moved with a innocent, no-purpose-like, stride. He had no motor or work ethic. So although he was amazing to look at, his was not the Dressage horse he was literally made to be.

Kids avoided me as well, because I owned the horse and I offered no welcoming vibes that the kids were drawn towards. This could be why I have no children myself.. So, now I had Prince and the kids suddenly thought I was welcoming. What on earth gave them that idea, I don't know. Perhaps it was the cute little gelding that was in the end of the lead. His eyes sparkled with affection and his sweet expression lured all the little ones in. I started coming to the barn earlier in the morning to avoid this epidemic.

I rode Prince for the first time. He was so quiet and ready to be asked to do something ("anything!" he seemed to shout) that I was blown away. He was such a puppy dog. Renaldi was the "ok...I guess.." type of horse and Polu was the serious mount upon which he expected perfection out of his rider. But little Prince was different. I felt way too close to the ground though. It was an odd experience.

As I was putting Prince through his paces, I was shocked by his suspension. He thrusted me out of the saddle like I was not expecting. He marched on but only when asked. He was anti-confrontational. I sat on him and relaxed as this was the first time I could be the driver without convincing my steed!

Maryness was excited about Prince and thought he would be good for me. He was schooling fourth level movements, but was a solid third level competitor.

I was optimistic about our future.

So maybe Prince wasn't the frog...

Good Blues and Prince

Polu and Maryness had their debut at PSG and came home with an excellent score. I won't mention the score or location, but it was one of the highest that day and they were just below first place. We all thought Polu was much more of what you wanted to see. He was far more consistent, his departures were crisper. LL was very disappointed that he didn't bring home the blue. She knew the judge personally and felt the judge knew exactly who deserved the winning score. I was pleased and thought LL was acting a little out of context. She (LL) pulled the judge aside later in the day to discuss in detail as to why Polu received the score he did and what was lacking in comparison to the first place horse. LL refused to give me all the details. Maybe as reason for me to seek another trainer? I'm not sure really. She did however say a handful of things like "slighty drops on the fore in downward transitions," "Is not coming under himself enough."

I had my first real proud moment though. Maryness was doing a great job and Polu looked fantastic. LL was being a bit harsh. She explained that we must work harder to get him going stronger so next time, it's the blue instead of the red. LL didn't stop at Polu, she thought Maryness needed some more fine-tuning in execution of the aids too.

Days later, at home again, Polu had gotten a few days off to relax after his good efforts. But it was quickly back to work. LL insisted to Maryness she (LL) ride him 3 days a week to get him up to where he needed to be. Polu was being worked 3 times a week, at twice a day, with three other days once a day and then a day off, usually Sunday. It was a demanding schedule, but Polu was becoming a serious contender for Grand Prix.

After a month of so of LL riding him, she allowed Maryness to resume her regular schedule but also insisted she ride with some well-known trainers throughout the country (and beyond) to hone her riding. LL was very demanding and very persistent in her requests.

I was visiting Polu on a daily basis to ensure everything was up to my standards. Lets get a couple things clear. The riding and training of Polu was taken extremely serious and was being done to a very high standard. That is after all why I was not riding him anymore. But I refuse to have a hair out of place. Polu was to be bathed, groomed, hand-walked (on his off day and 1/day rides), etc everyday. I at times, found it very annoying to see my horse slightly dirty after a ride. The grooms would do a decent job post ride to put him away clean, but I was not satisfied. In addition to his strict training regime, he was also on a strict grooming schedule. Here is what it looked like:

* Monday, Wednesday, Friday - Bathed in a special Grade "A" moisturizing shampoo and conditioner.
* Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday - Bathed in coat color enhancing shampoo.
* Sunday - Bathed in a dandruff shampoo.

I checked amounts daily to ensure the grooms were using the correct amount and actually doing the job. One day I came to find Polu not bathed. I tracked down said Groom, Androu, to ask him why exactly Polu had yet to be bathed. He responded apologetic and explained that they were running 10 minutes behind as a load of yearlings had come in and they needed to get them settled.

"I understand you are busy Androu, we all are, but Polu should be first on your list."

I offered him an extra $50 to get to the job first as Groom B (regularly scheduled groom) was not as detailed. With this extra tip, I expected Androu to attend to Polu first, always.

LL refused to allow Androu to groom Polu as he was the best groom she had and he was reserved for her horses only. Groom B was for the clients. I had to go about getting Androu to groom my horse behind LL's back, which was relatively easy. But nevertheless, these annoyances like mentioned above, we sometimes unavoidable.

Enough about the grooming though..

Recently, when I arrived at the barn, LL had something waiting for me. She said to come by her office as soon as I got there. I pulled into the parking lot, walked through the courtyard to her office, which was on the backside of the barn.

When I turned the corner, I saw a cute horse standing at her side. He was cute, but small and frankly a little distant from the Polu, of my dreams.

"Elizabeth, meet Prince. He is our newest addition. An imported German Warmblood, just came in yesterday."

"He is cute, a little small."

"Yes he is small. He stands 15.3(hh). But he is a great mover for his size."

"Whose is he?"

"Well, I know how much you miss Polu..."

"Wait, wait, wait.." Putting my hand down in a stopping motion.

"I never said I wanted another horse LL."

"Elizabeth, you need to ride. Polu is on the fast track and I don't want to see you get left behind."

Wait..was that a sign of empathy from LL? No... Couldn't have been...

LL handed me the lead-line. Tiny Prince calm stood at the end, waiting for direction.

"Trust me Elizabeth, you'll like Prince. He is just up your ally."

LL walked away smiling. I was unsure what this gesture really meant. But I thought I'd give Prince a try..

Blues Both Ways

I agreed to have Mary-ness ride Polu. - She was to train with LL on a regular basis. I was invited to be there to share my input as horse owner, but not encouraged. There is a difference. - It was that, or no Dressage trainer would touch him. LL was well-known, well-respected. I had to look past my selfish desires, overcoming my intense dreams to one day ride Polu through Grand Prix myself, to now submitting to an overly talented, young, ambitious Dressage rider who was more close to perfect than one could imagine. It was heart wrenching, depressing and internally I felt extremely disappointed in myself.

I mustered up the courage and energy to watch Polu travel far better than he ever had through Mary-ness' riding. It was true, my riding was doing nothing for his future. I watched the weekly sessions, watched the clinics, over only 6 short weeks, Polu was on track for his near-future debut at Prix St. Georges.

LL began to comfort me in a way which was almost uncomfortable.

"Mary-ness is doing such a nice job, wouldn't you say."

Only it wasn't said as a question. LL was not interested in my opinion, only that she kept me content enough to stay quiet. This required occasional, buttery, slathering talks that were meant to make me feel better about my decision that she knew was ripping me up. LL was also aware that I was the type of owner, that if someone tempted me too, I would throw away chances at Grand Prix just to make sure she didn't over-come my role and take my horse away from me. I would only allow so much of me to be taken advantage of.

One very warm and sunny afternoon, after a quiet, solo session I was observing with Mary-ness, she asked me if I would be interested to step aboard my dear Polu. I was stunned and shocked. I sat there in my chair inside the indoor arena, near silent for a minute.

"Are you sure, I don't want to ruin your hard work?"

"Oh don't be silly. Polu knows you. He knows when it's me or someone else up there. A nice pleasure ride won't hurt him!"

"If LL knew I did this, she would be very upset.."

"Trust me. LL won't be ack until tomorrow, so don't worry!"

I quickly darted to me car to grab my boots and breeches, ran to the restroom in the barn and darted back out to the indoor. I slowed to a calm, in-charge walk so Mary-ness wouldn't think I was too desperate for a ride.

I grabbed the reins, griped them in my hand with a little mane and mounted up. I missed the feel of the reins and seeing Polu from atop his back. His ears always thinking, but consistently on his rider.

Mary-ness stepped away and encouraged us forward...

Impulsion. Plus Frustration.

The last weeks have been interesting. I am now horse owner, limited rider. Lady Levad is pleased, that has been the main benefit. Although, I have to say that Polu is working better than ever. That is a benefit. Not for me though.

I am a small bit bitter regarding this small, er, large factual piece of evidence. It's clear that LL and her colleague know what they are doing, no doubt. But I, sit side-lined from atop my dream horse. It is depressing. I contemplate as Polu swiftly moves across the arena with, Mary-ness (the colleague) aboard. He is moving like never before. Flawless 3 tempi's, coming along 2-tempi's and an occasional introduction of the 1 tempi's. Polu is moving through them with more desire and more detail. I feared that this and the crisp-ness of the prioutte's would be the most difficult. I lose impulsion myself when the second-half of the piroutte is about. I cannot get him to power through it, everything seems to fall apart during that last half and we scower out with failure. LL says this is another one of my faults as a rider. I can ask, but I cannot see it through. I'm easily frustrated when it's not perfect. Perfection is limited with horses, as we are always schooling, always working for it, to only find, it never comes without the constant little frustrations and minute details that are just following you like a dark cloud. You accomplish one thing and lose another. It's an art to perfect this type of riding.

I sit with my hands folded on the chair directly next to the ring. I quickly glance at my watch to see it's quarter to five. I should be on my way now, but I just don't quite want to leave Polu. Despite my lack of desire to groom my horse myself (there are a reason why grooms exsist), or attempt to wash his frothy and sweaty mess of a coat post ride, I do like to see him comfortable. I like to know he gets back to his stall with fresh shavings, water and hay as well as an apple or carrot. It's his reward for a job well done, despite my inabilities. It's also peace of mind. Because, I trust little to no-one with my horse. So, I like to make sure for my own eyes, that these details are taken care of. No one has the same desire to see my horse comfortable like I do, it appears. LL feels that a treat is unnecessary and shouldn't be given, despite accomplishments during the ride. They invite spoiling and other naughty behaviors that are not worth our pleasure of feeding our horses "treats."

Here I sit. Mary-ness begins to stretch and cool-out Polu as LL struts over to her side to discuss the ride. Her ever-so loud and demanding voice, with that dramatic accent can be heard clearly where I sit. I listen closely as she compliments the ride and how well the lovely grey horse did under her guidance. She invites her to take Polu on loan and suggests that she continue on to train for the up-coming show.

"You do so well with him. You must continue as he is top level material and you will be a rider to get him there. This is an oppurtunity for you as, Elizabeth is not the rider to achieve that. She will sponsor you to ride him, I am sure. There is no other better option for an owner of a horse like this."

Mary, under the brim of her ball-cap, glances over very quickly in my direction. I pretend to be working on my phone, while in actuality, I am listening intently.

"I would like to, so long as this is what Ms. Massey wants... I just sold my Grand Prix horse off, so this would be a nice horse to work with while I'm bringing up the babies."

I can see a clear smile as LL finishes..

"Good. Elizabeth has no option, she knows the horses potential. She would be very silly not to seek this out. I doubt anyone would respect her decision as horse owner, to continue to ride him herself."

It's in this moment, I am realizing, owning this expensive horse means little to LL. I am mearly an obstacle she must over-come to achieve the status she wants and knows she can with my horse. I feel even more frustrated.

He is my dream horse.

Light.

I sat atop Polu. A moment of silence as I halted him square towards the far end of the ring. I took a breath and closed my eyes. Polu shifted as he shoo'd a fly away, stomping his front hoof. I kept my eyes closed, feeling the sudden movement, listening to the squeak of the leather Dressage saddle beneath me, rubbing against my leather boots.

I raised my head and opened my eyes to a gently painted blue sky, with only a few clouds. The air was a little cool, but comforting. I am not a heat person. When I ride, I like to do so when the air is just cool enough to feel good in my breeches, not too hot, not too cold. Comfort. I closed my eyes again and opened to see a few birds flying above, lowered my head, adjusted my reins and asked for Polu to walk forward.

At this point, both of us lacked the enthusiasm to do much. Lady Levad left for a 2 week stay in Europe. Her colleague was to step in and continue our training. Polu and I are working consistently 5 days a week, although LL will ride him from 1-3 days herself to keep him tuned. With her being away, I was concerned that Polu and I would lose some motivation, push and desire. And in the fears of fears, lose two weeks of potential growth! Polu has a natural, desriable, work-ethic, however with me piloting him, we, or I rather, occasionally falter. LL is quick to comment that my own work-ethic needs work. She kindly suggests that Polu is sacrificed potential. He could easily go as a grand prix mount, but not under my riding. - I should sell him or hire a rider because it's ludicrous I waste his talents on my own selfish desires as a rider. But, LL fails to understand that I am a testament to her own training and riding. If I fail to progress further, part of it is on her shoulders. It's a fact of being a riding instructor.

Polu is the horse of my dreams to be very honest. He's one of the most lovely horses I've been around, with correct conformation, a highly trainable mind and 3 fabulous gaits. He's the perfect marriage of sensitivity and maturity. He rarely has a silly moment, as everything is very business to him and he strives to be a perfectionist. I'd say he is a dream to sit, because his gaits are dreams indeed, but they are definitely a challenge for anyone other than that of the advanced levels to sit. He has an expressive front end, with an equally so, hind end. His front end floats ahead, the hind end powers from behind with purpose and meaning. I am, in love.

Lady Levad's colleague is late. I am concerned. I walk Polu over to my cell, which is sitting on the wall of the arena. - LL would not like this, as she assures me the only thing to do with cell's at the barn, is to leave them in their proper place, the car. I often times see LL, hypocritical to her own barn morals, chatting it up for hours on end at the barn while a farrier, vet or barn employee works under her. They often comment, that her discussions on the telephone go on from business, to personal, laughs to anger and different languages all throughout a short time while one professional in her presence. LL assures everyone that over-seas business concerns of the highest priority and must be delt with no matter what. But, that we, the clients, must leave business at the barn gate to make positive we are prepared for training and nothing else.

To my cell, I look at it to see if I missed a call from said colleague. Nothing. I must be home by 6pm, it's already 4 and I'm doubting my 3:30, hour lesson, has been canceled without my knowledge. I make a quick call to LL. It must be night in Europe. She answers in all seriousness.

"Hello Elizabth."

"Hello (insert her name) aka Lady Levad."

"I was under the impression that you had scheduled my lessons with _____ for the week, posted on Polu's schedule board. I was expecting her at 3:30 and have yet to see her."

"Elizabeth, I thought I informed you that _____ will be riding Polu while I am gone. Therefore no lessons. It is much easier to make sure Polu is on the right track. You can schedule lessons with _____ if you wish and I would recommend, but I only contacted her regarding Polu."

" (LL) I think I need as much attention to training as Polu does. I need to keep up with him."

"I do not have time to discuss this with you right now. ____ will be there soon, she has many horses and one less groom this week, so her program is running behind right now. Have patience."

"Good-bye"

With that, LL hung up and I was left, feeling un-welcome atop my own horse.

Grip.

Taking hold of his oily, yet soft white mane, I grabbed hold. My perfectly positioned toe, on that perfectly shiny iron. I gracefully lofted myself above the white horses back. I sat for a moment, checking my stirrups to ensure they were of the right length. I adjusted my reins and began to move away from the illustrious mounting block.

My instructor, Lady Levad (I call her) was fashionably late. We had a mutual understanding of this, sometimes, necessary statement in timing. I was also late to arrive at the barn, so while LL was late to give me my lesson, it allowed me to give Polutios the appropriate time needed for warm-up. He required little, however. He was as soft, supple and delightful as they come. He should be, afterall. He was mine.

Lady Levad finally arrived, an appropriate 10 minutes later. She was perfectly poised as she walked to the indoor arena. Surprisingly, she snacthed a chair, sat down and said in her demanding yet exquisite European accent, "Lets begin. No time to haste."

"LL," I said.

"I'm too exhausted to do tempi's today, I think Polu is as well. Can we save that for tomorrow?"

LL looks in my direction. She glimmers as she smiles.

"We must do tempi's. It's important we continue. One day of slipping will cause a break in training."

Without another word, I agree. LL knows it is shameful for me to make a request, especially about those tempi's.

They have come easy, yet difficult for Polu. He rushes through them and becomes frustrated when I ask for him to slow. Then in a split second, the tempi's fall apart. Schooling 2-tempi's has proved our nemesis.

LL has us begin by doing some walk to trot and then trot to canter transitions, up and down until she feels that he is supple enough to continue to lateral work. I digress. Dressage is not easy.

Polu becomes increasingly irritated, as his down transition from the canter isn't what LL wants. I ask, again, he drops his shoulder and slams into the sandy arena footing.

LL shouts to use my outside rein, pick him up, ask again.

Again, I ask. Again Polu disagrees. Then, he bucks. I stop. LL says continue. I do and again he bucks, this time harder.

This continues, until I fall off. A fall from grace.

LL is disappointed I couldn't sit that, unflattering, little mans buck.

The ride ends not too long after. My boots, breeches and even my face have traces of arena footing, further proof, that I am not the rider I hoped to be.

As LL leaves, sadness sets in as I ponder my failure. Pitty, pitty.

The Blog; Rider Writes, An Introduction.

Rider Writes is written by me; a self-proclaimed equestrian who has spent 10 years in and out of the saddle. I have owned horses and own horses now, have spent many years practicing the art of riding, training and horse ownership along-side my only teacher, the horse. Today, after observing the horse industry from within and a-far, I have decided to write about my own experiences, the good, the bad and the ugly here on this blog.