Anyways, the reason this is even part of my post is that the response to my question was "yes there is room, but you need to be a competitive rider to board here." I guess you had to be there, but the rudeness and emphasis on 'competitive' left no doubt that it isn't just a matter of wanting to attend shows, it's a matter of actually being competitive at said shows and bringing home some recognition for the barn. And I obviously don't make that cut. Ouch. Cut from the team without even trying out! :) Cue embarassing and awkward moment...seriously, it was a scene out of a really bad horse movie. Here I thought it was all terrible script writing, but it really does happen. Moondance Alexander, I take my bad review back! Your story really is at least partly true and inspirational. I feel your pain! I did get the giggles on the drive home, planning how I'd steal Checkers and hide her in my backyard for the summer then come out and win at the big show in the fall (which coincidentally is at the same place as the one in Moondance Alexander - freaky, hey? ;)
.jpg) |
| www.moondancealexander.com |
Honestly though, if I wouldn't fit in it's better to know that ahead of time. There are a lot of barns with around here with a similar outlook, so I'm left wondering where all the serious adults ride who want to advance and compete but aren't necessarily talented enough/don't have the horsepower/are too busy with other things to be super competitive at this point in time, if ever. Since we're likely talking about the majority of the riders in the working adult population, I know there are a lot more like me out there riding somewhere! If you've already got a great trainer who supports your goals, go hug him or her now. As for me, I'll be the kid who wants it bad, but is hanging out on the bench (for now). Anyone got Don Johnson's number? ;)
ETA: Oh boy, just was re-reading the synopsis for the movie and noticed Moondance's horse in the movie is named Checkers as well. Too funny....
Oh lame. Even if that is the case, they definitely could have been more diplomatic about it! How are they to know you would not be competitive?? I've never heard of Moondance Alexander but whenever I hear stories like this, I think of Heartland and Ashley Stanton's mom's obnoxious "fancy" stable, ha ha.
ReplyDeleteAgreed, not the policy I have a problem with - I can see as a business they are trying to set themselves apart as super successful/elite and need to have clients that fit that image - it's more the way it was relayed to me was a bit...lacking (and straight out of a bad horse movie/book). And yes, exactly like Ashley Stantons mom on Heartland (can you believe I only started watching it?!) PS Don't waste your time on Moondance Alexander - it really is a terrible movie :)
ReplyDeleteStrange I feel lke for any barn that is that way here there are at least 7 barns that would be happy to have you.
ReplyDeleteAfter some more googling, I've discovered I seem to live on the end of the city where the more exclusive barns are all located in a big group. It looks like if I drive a little farther from home I should be able to find something - I've found a couple of nice looking barns whose websites make a point of saying they are open to any level of competitive rider. One even has a 'no snobbery' policy lol :)
DeleteThat's terrible. One of the things I like best about my barn is that we're all competitORS, but we're not all competitIVE. You would be welcome here. :)
ReplyDeleteYes, even the 'serious' barns that I've ridden at in the past have had a wider range of competitors and horses, which makes the atmosphere and shows super fun. I'm sure there are lots like that out here, just need to find them :)
Delete