To ride dressage is to dance with your horse, equal partners in the delicate and sometimes difficult work of creating harmony and beauty.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Working myself out of a job

Yesterday the trainer who looked at Larry brought her clients to try him out (we met at the covered arena where Larry and I took lessons in March). Larry was a rock star. I rode him first, then the trainer rode him, and finally the buyer rode him for quite a long time, while I basically gave her a dressage lesson (she's an experienced rider, but new to dressage). This morning the trainer emailed me that they will be making an offer. I am feeling a strange mix of emotions – pride in the improvement I've made in Larry in just three and a half short months; sadness over having to part with this fun and beautiful boy; hope that the offer goes through so he lands in a permanent, loving home; curiosity in what the future holds for me. I do hope it holds another horse, for I love the dance – no matter how painful the parting with each partner.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Have followed you (with great interest and empathy) for long enough to know this possible separation must be so difficult for you and Larry. Good wishes and best of luck whichever way it goes - and do you have news of Russell in his new home?

Michelle said...

I might have news of Russell tonight; Rick was going out to his new home to do some dentals. His owner has let me know several times that he seems happy and is healthy, though.

A :-) said...

It's so hard to say goodbye sometimes. I can tell from the photos that you have impacted Larry's life in such a wonderful way :-) He learned from you, and you got to be reminded of your talent as a trainer. Perhaps these changes you're going through are teaching you how to let go - and helping you learn what you truly want in your next amazing horse. I'm thinking of you, my friend :-)

Theresa said...

Oh Michelle, He'll be double lucky if he gets as a nice a home as yours. It is so hard to let them go, even if it was temporary to begin with, but it makes it easier knowing he'll be loved, used and cared for.
And that next project is just around the corner....:)