Change Is Good

We're still keeping on keeping on over in this little corner of the world. I've got Bridget's upcoming move planned out as well as I can, and I've even got most of her things packed and ready to go. For myself it's not so hard, I've been living in two towns for so long now I think I have equal belongings in both and no need to pack anything just for an extra few days a week in my "real" home.

We had a lesson Monday night that really didn't leave me feeling positive about being left to my own devices up north with Bridget. There were some comments made I may have to stew over for a while before sharing, because I know they're true, but ouch, I'd rather pretend they're not!

I did my last feeding shift at the barn this morning, which was bittersweet. I won't miss the early alarm clock and the time commitment, but I will miss the peace and quiet of early barn mornings. I will miss the barn kids too, they're so enthusiastic and motivated! I am still planning on taking a once weekly lesson on one of my coach's dressage horses when I'm down here working, so at least it's not a real goodbye, more just a step back.

B will miss the sand round pen

Also on the learning front, I've signed up for a clinic in two weeks with Bridget, dressage,  of course, with a clinician I've enjoyed in the past and who travels to teach occasionally. Then the following month we're tentatively planning for my coach (EC) to come for a weekend visit. If we can make a go of that,  she's on board for trying for a once a month clinic schedule there, which would be really nice for me.

This past weekend G and I went to the city and I went a little shopping crazy and spent far too much. Our little town is more isolated than where I currently work and board, so I felt like Id better stock up on supplies! Added bonus - I solved part of my "what not to wear at a dressage show" issues and got a lovely new coat, so pretty much that means I need to practice hard all winter and get to some decent shows next year. Oh, and buy a trailer to get there in. It'd be a shame to waste such a nice coat :)

In other news, I stopped giving B her meds (thyroxine) and her energy level has suffered. The thyroxine was supposed to help her lose weight but I didn't find it super effective - its a long story with everyone doing the best they could, but essentially I think the lifestyle and feed at current barn simply isn't the best fit for B. Now that we're moving to a place where she will have her own paddock and I can have total control over her intake and feed, I'd like to skip the meds if possible and see if we can maintain a reasonable weight and energy level strictly the old fashioned way. So, second order of business will be to track down a reliable supply of local, low sugar "filler" hay, so she can feel full without risking getting so fat.

Always on the lookout for food

In real life news, I'm super excited to work remotely from home part of the week,  but I've got a couple of other interesting opportunities on the table, both with government organizations with offices in my hometown. Both pay better than my current job, and obviously only needing one place to sleep would cut major costs, so a lot to think about and decisions to be made...working there full time would be a dream come true, and I'd be super motivated to buy a farm with G. But, it has to be admitted, I do enjoy the freedom and variety of my current situation, barn, and job and would be sad to cut ties permanently here.

This weekend, we're moving Bridget home, to a place I've boarded at previously that's only 10min from our house, and maybe a 10min hack to all the amenities at the local equestrian club grounds. I'm excited and anxious all at once. Remember how the first time G and I trailered horses it was an epic road trip including ferries and snowy Coast Mountain passes to the interior of the province? (Ever seen the "Highway Thru Hell" TV show? It was that road, lol, G really is a keeper for going along with that whole situation) I keep telling myself if we did that safely we're good for a 1.5 hour drive, one ferry in safe interior waters, and familiar, non snowy roads :) But still, I'm nervous,  I don't haul "alone" often enough.

I'd be pooping my pants right here if I had Bridget in the trailer. We've been lucky so far and avoided rough weather with the horses. This ferry has served safely for many years, but seeing it out in this sort of weather every winter always makes me happy to be on dry land.

Whew,  for not feeling like I had much to say, this is a long post! Hope everyone else is having a fantastic fall season! I'll update again when B is safely in her new (old) home!