Dressage - A Matter of Balance

How can you balance the commitments of a job/career, family and your horse (specifically dressage)? There is a part of me who is tempted to say, "You can't" and leave it like that. But as I write this, it is a few days before Christmas and I'm feeling optimistic - so I'll give it a try, (thought this article may be of special interest to those who enjoy reading fantasy).

Let's look at the other side first. Others have to do some accommodating in order for you to do something which you enjoy and gives you a feeling of fulfillment. Those significant to you have to learn, in effect, a new language. Until now, your husband probably thought suspension had something to do with his truck. Now he has to learn the lingo and when to use it appropriately. " Yes, of course dear, the horse does look much more engaged than when I last watched you ride."

Your family may need to change their ideas about the "socially correct" time to eat supper. If you encounter any resistance, you need to be prepared to quote specific examples of cultures that eat their last meal of the day close to bedtime. Scientific studies showing health benefits of such a lifestyle would also be helpful. This mealtime adaptation would, of course, be necessary to allow you the time to ride after you get out of work.

Loved ones need to understand your willingness to frequent the Salvation Army for everyday wear in order to be able to afford $250 breeches. The rest of your clothing budget for the year can disappear in seconds when you are shopping for show attire. Try to introduce your family to as many rider friends as possible, so that they see that you are not an isolated incidence of this seemingly "unbalanced" budgeting.

Co-workers must learn not to question your sense of perspective - "She's thrilled because she got a 68% at her horse show! When I went to school, 68% was never something to be happy about!"

Now, what about you? You must first realize that what is important to YOU may be important to your family, friends and co-workers - but only because it is important to YOU. Given her own choice, your sister would probably not choose to sit for 2 hours watching a seemingly endless schedule of training level rides - only to watch you perform for 6 1/2 minutes. Try to temper your emotions after the ride when you ask what she thought of your performance and she says it was "OK". She may not be aware that those 6 1/2 minutes required over a year of preparation.

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