Training Journal
If you’re riding a horse, you’ve already won.
Awareness of the outside world. Eventing Nation Announces 1st Annual $1,000 Diversity Scholarship. Posted here to a) boost the signal and b) recognize Eventing Nation for finding a way to use their wheelhouse.
Update. Commenters have raised objections that it is not much money and that it places the burden of education on POC. Good points. Putting my writer’s hat on, I can say that they – probably – will be getting a lot of text for a pittance. Not paying the writer is a different issue. Overall, this has has gotten too multi-faceted for an introduction. For my part, I am envious that EN came up with something to do that utilizes their capabilities. They can’t control how much it costs to horse show; they can promote conversation.
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[Sandra Hall Captures The Moment]
When I switched from occasional reading glasses to full-time prescription, I was mostly riding saddle seat. Style and verve at an ASB show is all about looking straight ahead, zipping along, and making that flamboyant pass in front of the judge. [New Glasses]
Even doing dressage and jumplets with Milton, I was mostly looking straight ahead.
Then Rodney and I started … well, I wouldn’t call it jump schooling, that is far to grand a term … when we started wandering around the ring walking over poles, I found myself using more peripheral vision. Spotting the next jump pole out of the corner of your eye as you round the turn.
My glasses became a problem. This part of the world would be in focus. When I looked over there, everything was wildly out of focus. The sudden switch back forth was distracting. My eyes were not amused. Turns out a mild, uniform blur is easier to work with. I’m far-sighted, so I can see large things, such as jump standards and other horses.
Now I wear glasses all the time, except to sleep, shower, ride, and bike. Odd combination that.
Riders with glasses, ride with them on or off?
Update. Follow-up post, [ Expanding the Question, Contact Lenses While Riding].
Stay safe. Stay sane.
Katherine Walcott
Virtual Brush Box 
I’m so nearsighted that without my glasses I can barely see clearly to the end of my arm. No question there, I like to have some idea where I am.
You might experiment with contact lenses. I found that they helped with my peripheral vision (no side blurs) and I had a much better eye for distances.
Don’t try contacts if you have dry eye syndrome. It is not fun. Also, you might want to consider the environment you’ll be riding in. I’d say try asking some riders if contacts will work for you.
Contacts are infinitely preferable when riding. But they can be challenging to transition to if you’ve never worn them before. My two cents: skip the softs. Don’t be afraid to investigate gas-permeable hard lenses or the scleral lenses I wear. Way more durable in a barn environment, and just lower maintenance all round.
I am afraid to ride with my glasses, but thankfully I have been wearing contacts daily since I was about 13.
See tomorrow.