Well. If I told you three weeks ago that I would be putting an offer in on a horse, I wouldn't have believed it. Probably would have laughed. I was thinking I may start looking in spring of 2011 - but was definitely not mentally prepared for a purchase right now.
Then opportunity knocked.
There was a situation at my barn that was fairly desperate I would call it, and the owner (who is wonderful) had to get rid of her horse by August 1. When I found out about the situation I was floored - I never would've expected it. Of all horses on the farm, this is the only one I would've been interested in actually purchasing. She is fantastic. Gorgeous mover. She's 5, Trak/Perch cross, with a super attitude and the kindest soul I have ever met. Super sound (knock on wood) and super sane.
Anyways, suffice it to say I off the cuff made an offer, never thinking it would be accepted...and it was. I was THRILLED, and somewhat panicked at the same time.
Test ride two was last night. My coach kicked my *** and pushed me because she knew I was apprehensive about how much talent this mare has. She is more talented then I am at this point and that was a bit intimidating. I'm a good rider, but this mare is definitely a step up movement wise and it threw me for a loop. Her trot is huge and floaty, and sitting it is quite the challenge at this point. Because she is so sane and kind, she was a champ at handling "me getting used to her". I should note that her canter is a dream, its just her trot that's a little intimidating.
So after last night's test ride it was sort of decision making time - you can't test ride your life away. So I said pending vet check it was a go.
Have others here had similar experiences regarding horses that were super talented and that they had to "catch up to" so to speak? How did things go in the beginning?
We also had a long talk about personal goals, pressure, and burnout. I'm very hard on myself, and wasn't sure if this was the right decision for me just yet as I was worried that if I couldn't make it out 6-7 nights a week it would automatically make me "one of those crappy owners". The conversation went really well, and she completely understood. I'm sure some of you have gone through burn out with this hobby before - can any of you give me some stories about how you kept yourself from burning out?
Then opportunity knocked.
There was a situation at my barn that was fairly desperate I would call it, and the owner (who is wonderful) had to get rid of her horse by August 1. When I found out about the situation I was floored - I never would've expected it. Of all horses on the farm, this is the only one I would've been interested in actually purchasing. She is fantastic. Gorgeous mover. She's 5, Trak/Perch cross, with a super attitude and the kindest soul I have ever met. Super sound (knock on wood) and super sane.
Anyways, suffice it to say I off the cuff made an offer, never thinking it would be accepted...and it was. I was THRILLED, and somewhat panicked at the same time.
Test ride two was last night. My coach kicked my *** and pushed me because she knew I was apprehensive about how much talent this mare has. She is more talented then I am at this point and that was a bit intimidating. I'm a good rider, but this mare is definitely a step up movement wise and it threw me for a loop. Her trot is huge and floaty, and sitting it is quite the challenge at this point. Because she is so sane and kind, she was a champ at handling "me getting used to her". I should note that her canter is a dream, its just her trot that's a little intimidating.
So after last night's test ride it was sort of decision making time - you can't test ride your life away. So I said pending vet check it was a go.
Have others here had similar experiences regarding horses that were super talented and that they had to "catch up to" so to speak? How did things go in the beginning?
We also had a long talk about personal goals, pressure, and burnout. I'm very hard on myself, and wasn't sure if this was the right decision for me just yet as I was worried that if I couldn't make it out 6-7 nights a week it would automatically make me "one of those crappy owners". The conversation went really well, and she completely understood. I'm sure some of you have gone through burn out with this hobby before - can any of you give me some stories about how you kept yourself from burning out?