The Meandering Road- Accepting the Changes
Frequent moves, long separations, dramatic homecomings
All part of the challenges of military life- adding in a passion for equestrian sport is just that extra little bit on top.
If you’ve ever moved your horses to a new area, you know the inherent challenges: a new barn, a trainer that complements, a farrier, a vet, a feed store.
Now try doing it 4 times in 5 years, with no control over when and where and as little as 28 days notice.
It makes for some interesting twists and turns in the journey. Like most other aspects of military life, I figure I have two choices. I can either try and pretend I have a normal horse-life or I can embrace the opportunities that all this change for on me. In this case, it means that since 2008 I have:
- done self, partial and full care boarding options
- boarded at show barns, private backyard barns, and on multiple government installations
- ridden with an eventer, a jumper and a dressage trainer (mostly at different times)
- belonged to 6 different state/local associations
- tried my hand at competitive trail riding and overnight horse camping
- had my horse 5 minutes away and drove 90 minutes one way for boarding/training
- shown and helped out with local all breed/all discipline horse shows
- traveled and shown on the A Circuit
Get my point?
I’ve done a little bit of it all. While that wasn’t exactly in the stellar career plan I made when I was 15 and enjoying a junior career, it has definitely made for a more interesting journey. Wonderful horses, lovely memories and spectacular friends full of funny stories.
At least it hasn’t been boring 😉
LOL! What Lauren said. I can’t imagine having to juggle a PCS and also moving horses as well! But, you love ’em, so that’s what counts. 🙂
You have a great attitude about the moves and changes. You will get to experience a lot more diversity in your horse world and probably do and try a lot of things you wouldn’t otherwise. I’m assuming your husband will retire from the military eventually and by then you will know from all your experiences what you want to specialize in horse wise. Good luck with the move!
Thank you. We have about 6 years left if things go according to plan ( we know how often that happens!)