Switching disciplines
 

Well, I grew up riding Western and competing in rodeos and such...and I loved it. But then we switched barns where they didn't have an arena big enough for rodeo events and no one there did rodeo events, so I kinda switched to Western Pleasure, which I didn't enjoy. Then, I saw dressage and decided to try it out. I've been riding Dressage for a little over two years now and it no longer holds my interest. I want to go back to my rodeo days, but I'm not sure if I can.

My horse, he's not really a western horse. I bought him from an abusive owner and when I tried him in western, he hated it. So, we switched to dressage and though we still had our fair share of problems, he isn't angry when I ride him dressage. And there's no way he could ever be a speed horse, it's just not him. But, I don't want to sell him because we've come so far and I'm afraid if I sell him, he'll go back to his old habits or won't be treated right and will become unsafe again.

I just don't know. I guess this was more of a spot to try and get my thoughts out, not really asking for advice. I just know that I'm losing my passion for dressage very quickly and it's making me reluctant to go out and ride cause I don't have fun in it anymore. I don't know. =/

Thanks to all who bothered to read this!

You can try jumping, thats pretty exciting! You could also set up barrels and go around them to see if he likes it.

Jumping's out of the picture, unfortunately. He has some hip issues that occurred in his previous home and the vet and chiropractor have both said no jumping with a rider on his back and only small jumps during free jumping.

Competitive trail? That you can do in any saddle, and you can use some of the stuff you learn in dressage, since you have to be abe to move his whole body-or any part of it-when you ask. Maybe that would be more challenging for you?

Or, maybe he needs to go to someone who loves dressage and you move on. I know that is a tough decision, but I had to do that with one of mine years ago, and he is still with the same person who loves him to death and I have found a new passion.