I guess I should start this post by pointing out the obvious: this virus has put a major damper on a lot of plans. Like most people, I am still trying to work out what exactly this means for me and May. However, I figure it’s probably worth giving you all an update.
So you're not working right?
This is one of those yes and no answers. As I’ve mentioned before, I work in finance. More specifically, I work in investment management, so as long as the stock market is open, I will be here. (And since I am more on the operational side, even if it closes… I’ll still be here. ) Technically, we can work from home. But with only 5 of us in the office right now, it’s about as manageable as it’s going to get. Either way, I am looking for opportunities to work from home, where possible.
But you're definitely not riding?
This one I am wildly grappling with. Our barn originally made the decision to close to everyone except essential caregivers. BUT after the KY horse council came out with revised guidance, we swapped to owners only and put all kinds of limits and bio security methods in place. I did go and ride on Saturday morning, but I had to be at the barn anyway to worm May and meet the farrier. I’ll go tonight, but honestly, I am not sure how much longer any of that makes sense.
That being said, my horse does need to stay in work right now. In my horse’s case, it falls into the category of essential care… Even with a muzzle on, the fact is that May can gain a significant amount of weight in a very short amount of time without adequate work. Extra weight + the spring grass + a sudden drop in work… is not in her best interest. I might end up seeing what it would cost to throw her in full or partial training in order to reduce my time at the barn.
Either way, the entire spring season is shot for us at this point. I have waited 3 years to do IEA, and it looks like I will be waiting another year. The show hasn’t officially cancelled, but with a date at the end of May, I know it would be wildly difficult for organizers to try and meet that deadline right now.
So what are you doing?
Well, I have an update on the “accidental bridle purchase.” I bid on a bridle through an online auction to benefit the auburn eventing team. The Flexible Fit bridle was listed as horse sized and brand new (awesome). I bit a bit over $100 and was SHOCKED when I won it. It showed up and is BEAUTIFUL. Then, I put it on my horse…
So yeah. There is the bridle on my VERY enthused horse. Notice anything off? Maybe the fact that it is on the very last holes everywhere and is still SEVERAL inches too short… I am not sure what pieces (if any) on this bridle are horse sized. Typically, May is a fairly standard horse size, so I was more than a little surprised to see the fit this far off.
So far, I have reached out to the auction, and they referred me to reaching out to flexible fit directly. No response yet. Honestly, the bridle was a good enough deal that, if it’s just one or two pieces that are the wrong size, I would buy the other pieces. But the more I look at it, the more I think the whole thing might be a mish-mosh of cob and pony sizes. UGH.
Hopefully, they will take pity on me, and we can figure something out. Otherwise, this gem will be up for sale… in the hopes that someone will find the weird sizing perfect for their horse. (would probably be great for a welsh cob type that has a wider but shorter face.)
Outside of horse stuff, I would love to say that I am working out at home more but… the gym equipment in my house has been mostly unused. I am putting myself back on a schedule this week though. Hopefully, that will help me get back into it.
I am also attempting to spend some time tending to my yard/garden. While trying to avoid large garden centers/home improvement centers, I did order some lilac bushes from a smaller nursery off etsy. (Yes, you can buy plants online). Reviews were VERY good, so I am hopeful that they will show up in good shape and will love the location I picked out for them.
hahaha maybe you need a smaller headed horse 🙂 just joking!! that sucks. I hope they figure it out.
And ohhh good idea to buy some plants and stuff! unfortunately I think anything I planted would be eaten by the wildlife here…
and yeah so much for a show season…in an sense for a while. Not that i was ready for it but still. 🙁
Glad you can work from home some!! And yes I have turned into a slug. If i didnt’ walk the dogs each day I would be like stuck to my work chair. I need to get up and move but everytime i go outside it is either raining or my allergies explode!
The one day I have worked from home thus far? I realized I didnt leave the chair from 9:30AM – 5PM. Like 0 standing. UGH
What a complete bummer on the bridle not fitting well at all. UGH!
I’ve also been doing a crap ton of gardening and playing with plants. It’s the best way to occupy my time and feel productive, I find.
I think we all need our “productive outdoor time” fix, and gardening seems to do that! Now if only I could stop killing things haha
Yeah, I’m torn on the horse thing too. I can’t bring mine home yet because I have no hay and I’m not sure when it is coming. I go to the barn after work so there’s usually only one other person there. But I’m considering turning over care to them there. Shiny is the only one getting ridden, and she’d be fine with just turnout for a month I’m sure.
Bummer about the bridle! I hope you can work something out.
That is such a bummer about the bridle 🙁
I know! Fingers crossed we can work something out. Otherwise… I guess I am trying to sell a very odd sized bridle ugh.
The bridle thing is super disappointing. I hope you hear back from them soon!
Me too! I am trying to be patient because there’s a pandemic going on… but I really just want a pretty bridle that fits my horse lol
We’ve only just gone into full lockdown so they shouldn’t be keeping you waiting to long I’d have thought.
Oh man, that bridle 🤦♀️ hope they get back to you and can make it work!
I’m working from home and totally forget to stand too 😂
here’s your daily reminder to stand a bit hahaha
I want to spam that bridle company so bad, but I am trying to be patient and all that. It’s hard.