Last weekend was the second weekend in a row when we did something on a Saturday that did not involved horses. Usually, weekends are barn time. Not so much lately.
The last time I rode at all was September. [Home Team Update]
The last time I rode above a walk was the show. [Soloing In A Crowd]
The last time I rode in a non-saddle seat english saddle was earlier this year.
The last time I rode a course was several years ago.
The last time I jumped more than a cross rail was before the pandemic.
The last time went on a trail ride, rode in jump-off, galloped thru the finish flags on cross-country.
You get the idea.
Am I done riding? It’s not what I want, but seems to be where circumstances have landed me.
Yes, I have agency.
Clearly, I have signed up with the wrong agency.
But seriously folks.
Yes, there are more important things in the world.
It is hard to cope with the more important things when the thing that brings you joy is absent.
This is not news. Just where I am at the moment, [Pink Horse, Guest Photo, With Added Whining]
Onwards!
Katherine
Virtual Brush Box 
Life just sorta happens sometimes, doesn’t it? Even after I had to stop riding due to health issues, it was a while before I didn’t even really want to. What I did want to do was spend time with Chief, which is what I did. Maybe you will want to ride again at some point. Maybe not. Don’t worry overmuch. That’s easy to say but hard to do, I know. If more riding – and competeing – is in your future, you will know when the time is right.
I still think of myself as a horseperson. Probably always will. But I am also a writer and an artist. And so are you. “That’s life. Best thing to do is just get on with it.” (As a whovian, you might recognize that quote).
I’d love to have you come visit in Nashville for a weekend and ride Dakota- one of the kindest, best & truly a ‘lady’s hunter’ if there ever was one. You could trail ride with us at my friend’s farm and pop over some logs, or not. I’m completely biased about my horse but he gave me back my confidence in riding! We would love to see you and visit! EBH
Some day I hope to be able to travel again. Meanwhile, I’m glad you and Dakota found each other.
I’m (probably) on my last horse. He’ll be 24 in Dec. He’s still a pistol and perfectly capable of being ridden (trail), but the opportunity seldom presents more than once a week. And even then that’s only if the weather and footing are both great. I don’t do hot & humid, I don’t do cold (anything below 60), and I won’t even consider sloppy. Throw in a long hunting season when the weather is usually at it’s best, and my options are pretty limited. Oh, and I decided somewhere along the line in the last year or so that I won’t ride alone anymore, either. Given DH has only one afternoon on the weekend to join me, the odds of having a partner have significantly tanked. I still look at horses (online) and think I’ll eventually get another, but deep down I know the reality of that is slim to none. I try not to dwell on it. I’ve had a long run and I’ve enjoyed (almost) every minute of it.
Those good memories are a real comfort. I was riding Chief when he was 25, and it was on my side that I had to stop. Sometimes, life tells you what is right for you. DER
They sure are! Harder yet for me, my hubby is still going strong. (To be honest, he IS a few years younger) His riding buddy lives right up the road and they ride together at least once a week. (They’re out riding as I type) I get thrown the occasional “bone” and go out with my hubby if we can squeeze a ride in, but I never ride with them. It’s kind of a third wheel thing, though they’re far too polite to ever say so. The buddy factor is really a BIG part of my waning enthusiasm. When I had a riding partner I never said no, and we rode a LOT. But she sold her horses when she got involved with a fella who isn’t a horse person, so after a couple of great years of riding together she’s moved on. In all fairness, she’s MUCH younger than me and I’m sure she’ll circle back to having horses again some day, but for now her life is focused elsewhere. I think (hope) my gelding has a couple more years left in him. We don’t do anything too challenging. We’re just a couple of old farts out enjoying the woods together.
Wishing you many happy trails still to come.
I think about last horses and last dogs.