Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Why I chose to do endurance riding

I am sure many are asking themselves, I know for sure my Dad is..

Why would you want to take that pretty talented mare and ride endurance?

Why not show her? Why not just trail ride? She's a Paint, not an Arabian! blah blah blah

The sport of endurance is completely different than anything I have ever done. It's a test of your mental and physical capacities. Yeah, I know sounds all Man From Snowy River...

I got the bug to do it when I owned my mare Blu. Circumstances change and even though I no longer owned an Arabian my desire to ride in the sport hadn't changed.

Showing is such a subjective event. The judges mood, how much you've spent on saddle, clothes, horse, trainer ALL COUNT. Those who say it doesn't is kidding themselves.

I wanted a closer relationship and longer saddle time with my horse than going in endless WTC.

For me showing wasn't something I could see my self enjoying for the long term.

Now, I win the lottery, you will see me in the show ring with the biggest baddest English Pleasure 1/2 Arab horse EVAH..... Whoop Whoop!


I wanted my pony recreation dollars spent towards something that was tangible. I can count the miles, see the vistas, make new friends, camp out with my sweetie, learn valuable skills, get prizes that are better than ribbons and connect with my horse on a level that can't be described.

I wanted to feel the true victory of finishing a race, crossing that finish line and know that is ME that got us there.

I choose endurance because I choose to feel like a winner even if I come in last place.

10 comments:

strivingforsavvy said...

woo hoo! Good for you!

wilsonc said...

You are a winner Jocelyn! Both you and Star every time you go out and finish a ride!

Cactus Jack Splash said...

Perfectly understandable.

Laughing Orca Ranch said...

Hip Hip Hooray! I loved reading this, JP. And I think you are so cool for grabbing this opportunity now and just running with it...well having Star run with it. lol!

You make me want to do Endurance, too. But for now, I'm just building up the relationship with my mare and rebuilding my own self confidence. I think that's why I'm enjoying the Competitive Trail Rides with the obstacles to challenge the both of us. It's a way for us to become a team through trust and communication.
And it's so much fun to have goals to work towards, too.

You go girl! I'll be standing over here cheering you on!


~Lisa

JJ said...

I love your reasoning for doing endurance. I also admire you for pushing yourself and doing something so very challenging...that is completely awesome...I don't know that I'd have that same gumption, but I guess I wouldn't know 'till I tried it. I began Dressage gor the same reasons you began Endurance. I'm tired of wtc, reverse, wtc, line up. It really got boring and EXPENSIVE too.

froglander said...

I've been enjoying following along on your endurance adventures, thanks for the entertaining and informative posts! My old mare, if we hadn't taken up dressage, I would have tried endurance, she had this big trot she could do all day and she loved to go places. I'm hoping to give it a try someday with my mustang once we are bit more solid under saddle. Go Star :)

Anonymous said...

Aww, that made me smile...to be doing something you love, for all the best reasons! I've only seen her once but not only was she a *beauty* on the trail, looked like she intensely loves her work.

Unknown said...

Good for YOU. And i have to say I feel the same about showing. Taking a break from it has made me realize how much I was banging my head against a wall trying to show at that level. When I get Pat back I am going to try to do what you did and find something that is fun and rewarding and doesn't cost an arm and a leg.

allhorsestuff said...

Your dad...has he read this yet?
Well, Why not try...it is a wonderful way to really get to now your mare and likewise..as you said ere now. I think you should order one of those "silky" helmet covers...with the stars on it!
When I find my truck( on the look now) I may be joining you...would you teach me the ropes? I have wanted to try...yet need some supportive types there for me.

I am so happy that you are doing this with Star...do you think she loves it?
KK
PS
They have the Couture Jean rider at Gallops...but Brooke at
"Equi-Fashion" will find the size you want. 415-519-1772
I can tell...I am going to have to get another pair...simply the most compy jeans for riding ever!

We should ride soon...you should come over to my place and I will take you to some training places I like to go to.

Desert Rose said...

I hear a true "Cowgirl" speaking!!!