Monday, December 27, 2010

Christmas is over, a new year looms

Another Christmas is over. Hope yours was a merry one. Yesterday I turned to my husband and sighed that I just realized it was the first Christmas in 35 years that I didn't have a horse to call my own. I didn't ask for or want any stable or riding gear. No need. Felt weird. Hope it doesn't become "the new normal".

So we've been gifted with a generous dumping of snow. The kids are psyched about that. Better gift than the Nerf guns they got from Santa. It's weird not to have a horse to worry about and go to check up on when the weather is bad. But I'd be lying if I said it wasn't slightly a relief, too. See, the "new normal".

I can say that as much as I thought 2009 sucked, 2010 really surprised me by sucking as much or more. Will 2011 bring something good? I have no resolutions and no goals for this new year. No dreams means no let-downs.

At least half boarding Ruby has been a brighter spot than I imagined. His owner is a sweet, easy lady to deal with and Ruby is one of those horses it's just a pleasure to ride and work with every time. He has eased my bitterness somewhat but makes me wish for a horse of my own even more.

8 comments:

English Rider said...

I think a lot of us are waiting to see what the New Year brings. "It can only get better?" is the mantra we're clinging to.

Unknown said...

I've had three Christmas-es without a horse and console myself with getting things for riding other horses (breeches, gloves, etc) but it still stings when you come across the halter, bridle, or blanket pages and have no need to consider them. I hope hope hope you find a horse to call your own in 2011... Keep searching, he/she is out there waiting for you!

Oak Creek Ranch said...

You and the right horse will find each other eventually. Just take your time and listen to your gut. In the meantime, enjoy your "new normal." There are days when my husband I dream of just being able to go and do whatever and not worry about all the beasties. Ruby sounds wonderful.

Mrs. Mom said...

Yep- I know the feeling. No request for a new cool halter, brushes, Cowboy Magic.... nothing... Feels. weird. Totally.


It even snowed HERE yesterday! None stuck, but it snowed enough to scrape up a snowball for the kids to see from what did stick to the hood of the truck!!

Hang in there. 2011 HAS to be better. Fingers crossed for the both of us.

Jean said...

I kept hoping Santa would come through for you. But maybe the evil winter will help you rebound a bit and give you some time to just enjoy riding Ruby without all the winter worry.

I'm sure the horse you want and need is out there waiting for you. I read a bit of your post to my friend who "suffered" a similar horse search crisis, and she just kept agreeing with everything you said.

She finally got her horse, and I'm sure you will too.

Once Upon an Equine said...

I've been following your blog for a little over a year. I'm sorry for the loss and hardship you've suffered. You've had more than your fair share of it. You've experienced the most extreme financial and emotional risks of loving and caring for horses. But the desire and passion for that good horse is still in you. I'm rooting for you and hope 2011 will be the start of many happy horse years to come.

Barbara said...

Horse shopping is so frustrating. I bought Nina for $200 and two years later I finally have a horse to ride, but I do not recommend this route, lol.
We found a lovely unraced 3 year old TB for a student of mine for 3k. But we spent a LOT of time looking. We just looked at everything we could find that MIGHT be what she wanted within her budget. Lots of horses, most of them not as advertised. When she found this horse and bought him my first thought was that I would get my weekends back.
I hope you find your horse in 2011.

Brooke (FBX Adventures - In Parenting) said...

I hope that 2011 brings you everything that 2010 didn't. You are a strong, STRONG woman. I don't know if I could do it. I almost lost Denali and I was a mess. I couldn't imagine loosing two. I think of you often.

I hope that you find that perfect horse to fill the huge holes in your heart.

Best wishes for a great 2011