Blurry yes, but imagine Rodney doing this in a dressage ring with me floating effortlessly along on top. This is the reason we keep returning to hit our heads against this particular wall.
In a recent email, a friend had this to say, “Sell the goddamned F-ing idiot and get a horse you can use.” It was meant with the kindest of intentions and taken that way. Eventually. Since she may not be alone in those sentiments, allow me to recap:
Rodney will always have a home here, LW&TCDR. We are in the fortunate position that he doesn’t have to leave the property in order for us to get another horse.
Rodney’s progress or lack thereof does not affect the acquisition of a second riding horse. I have no problem with the idea of riding two horses around the AEC, or at the US Dressage Finals, or in the Adult Jumper division at WIHS. Again, we are in the fortunate position that we have the space, money, & energy for third horse.
The only questions are
1) Is Rodney’s lawn ornament status temporary or permanent?
b) How frustrated I will get trying to change or accept said status?
&
3 or c) Where do I find Horses-R-Us tracking information? I ordered an 8yo, green-broke, Thoroughbred jumper/eventer. My delivery appears to have gone astray.
Virtual Brush Box 
He is gorgeous.
Just to clarify, I didn’t use the “f” word.
I agree with the second part. She should get a horse she can use. But it’s good to hear that she doesn’t have to sell Gorgeous. She does not part with people or things easily.
As for the F-word, let’s call it it reader’s interpretation.
Tweren’t thee. The quote is verbatim.
He moves beautifully.
As someone who has lived with “The Dog I Love To Hate” for almost nine years, I so totally “get” your dilemma. My dog has made me feel everything from a proud, melting heart to horrified, somebody-please-take-him-before-I-do-something-I-might-regret angst. Understand that I would never in a million years hurt OR part with this dog, but he frustrates, even maddens me daily. He’s proof that I’ve failed abysmally at everything I ever set out to do with him … yet, he’s not a BAD dog, per se. Just not the dog I hoped, not the team player I thought he’d be. He’s not even easy to live with when there are no expectations. And yet … I love him so. I see glimpses of the dog he could have been, had I had the right stuff to reach him. I tried many different trainers and methods. Many different activities and interests, but ultimately it was decided that his wiring is not quite “right” and it was best just to let him be a simple farm dog. Nothing wrong with that, but it wasn’t what I’d planned from the start. When he was eight I finally took a chance and got a new puppy. I don’t love my other dog any less, but this pup has given me everything my other dog can’t …. or won’t give. I don’t feel like such a failure. I laugh when I interact with him and smile when I see him across the yard. His cheerful personality and sunny work ethic make life with the underachiever much, much easier … so much so that I’m content to just let him be who he is and I don’t torture myself with the coulda, shoulda, woulda anymore. Life is good. I’ve watched you ride this emotional see-saw with Rodney and I get it. At some point you’ll find your way through it and life will be good for you, too. I’m sure of it.
Yes, another horse would take the pressure off. OTOH, shopping for another horse is creating its own puddle of angst. Thanks for the words of support.