Apologizing in Advance for this Rant

I read something on twitter this morning, and I must say, it really hit a nerve. This person was accusing a large group of horse people, of which I am part of, of "buying their way into the sport". And it made me MAD.

Sure, there are definitely people in the group who are fortunate enough to have extremely supportive parents, the ones who get to live at the shows, the ones who get the new "in" show coat each year (month?!) and get the expensive horses (and these people still had to work hard to be successful, but that's besides the point). But, I can guarantee you that not everyone had everything handed to them, as that is certainly not the case for me.

I'll admit, I wasn't the kid who had to work in the barn every evening in hopes of getting a free lesson on someone else's horse. I was lucky enough to grow up on a farm and with my own ponies and then horses. We always had decent horses, but they always had a "catch" that made them affordable for us. We (me, my mom and my sister) had to learn to really ride to get results. We did the best we could with what we had. And, for the most part, that was pretty well.

Now here I am, trying to make my way in hunter/jumper land. I freelance. Sometimes I work 7 days a week, which is fine. Great, actually. And you know what would be easy? Or what would have been easy? If my parents had bought me a super nice horse from Europe, and sent it for training board with a BNT, so that I could step into the 1.30m/1.40m and quickly make a name for myself. But that never happened, and it likely never will. Instead, I have a half TB, homebred little mare that I am training on my own, and hoping to at least hold my own in the Baby Greens.

And you know what? That's just fine. When I get where I'm going, I know it's going to be because I earned it. And that will be a fantastic feeling.

I know there are many people in this group who are in the same boat. Just because we show, does not mean it is done so with ease. You don't know how many times that Eq rider got bucked off her horse, or that that children's hunter champion has had a summer job since she was 13 so she could show, or that that adult amateur jumper couldn't go out for dinner for six months, so she could afford board and lessons. Until you get to know someone, and really know their story, you just don't know.

So, even if you see that girl in the ring who looks like she has it all together, reserve your judgment. For all you know, she's maxed out every single credit card just to be there (coughMEcough).

What. A. Week.

No really. These times be crazy!! How to even catch you guys up... well, for one, I haven't posted for a while, because I used this blog as an application to become a Dapple Gray Ambassador, and didn't want to draw attention to it while it was posted. I was, however, lucky enough to be chosen! Weeee!! So, everyone, please visit her facebook page and like it! You won't regret it. The products she carries are not only top quality, but in general, completely drool-worthy.

These, for example.

I can't wait to take a drive up there. She has a lot posted on her online store, and even more on her facebook page, but I think this is something that must be experienced :) I need to get up there soon, though. My want list is only going to get longer.

Other than that, Flora has been going SO WELL. Like, honestly. SO excited for show season, it's unbelievable. I'm having my first lesson with my new trainer this week and I CANNOT wait!! I expect to have at least one red-faced moment, but I guess that's nothing new for me. I will update y'all on how it goes, soon rather than later. Promise :)