[southern_horse]

So since we are having some financial issues right now; looks like I am not going to be showing. I definitly know I can't have private lessons anymore. Least for awhile. The only type of lessons we can afford are the $10 group lessons once a week. Not too shabby. But my instructor said that if I wanted to accomplish anything faster, that I'd also have to have a private. Also, I am going to be looking into keeping my horse on my friends property. I am not sure if we can continue to board him at my barn or not. The only thing is, is that my friend only has one stall. I have not been to her place yet so I can't fully described it. We still obviously have to look into it. I definitly know EZ would prefer to be outdoors than in a stall. I just wish there was some sort of run-in. Again, I'll just have to go out there myself and take a look. So it looks like EZ is just going to be my pleasure riding/trail horse. I feel though that he is such a talented horse that he should be showing. Am I not being fair by not showing him? I just love him to heaps and could never picture selling him. Ever. It's just kind of depressing. Someday I would like to show big. But my parents tell me that I will just prob. have to wait for the big times. I just wish I could show EZ in the big shows. Maybe someday..

[meljean]

Enjoy every minute of your down time. I seriously doubt that EZ will feel slighted, although I do know some old campaigners who do miss the show circuits, most were relieved to be left behind.

This is the perfect opportunity to really chill with your horse, and I think you and he will be the better for it.

At your age, you could work enough to make some money to help pay his bills can't you. Also, in south FL, you could build just a one sided/roofed shade/wind break for not much of nothing if needed.

Don't fret about anything just yet, I see you are young, are you still in HS or college already, what are your plans?

You will look back on this downtime one day, and remember it fondly.

Have a Merry Christmas.

[bluereign]

I agree. Just take this time to have fun with him. Showing isn't always everything.

[southern_horse]

Originally Posted by meljean

Enjoy every minute of your down time. I seriously doubt that EZ will feel slighted, although I do know some old campaigners who do miss the show circuits, most were relieved to be left behind.

This is the perfect opportunity to really chill with your horse, and I think you and he will be the better for it.

At your age, you could work enough to make some money to help pay his bills can't you. Also, in south FL, you could build just a one sided/roofed shade/wind break for not much of nothing if needed.

Don't fret about anything just yet, I see you are young, are you still in HS or college already, what are your plans?

You will look back on this downtime one day, and remember it fondly.

Have a Merry Christmas.

Okay here's a little about me and my plans:

I am a senior in high school and will be graduating next summer (early June 2007). I plan on going to community college up in North Central Florida and then eventually transfering to the University which is only about 10 minutes from the cc. The university specializes in equine science and what-not and has an about 60-acre farm 5 minutes from the university. They offered me to work for my keep. As in, I can live there on the property as long as I help take care of the farm. Nothing has been set in stone yet, but I am praying that I will be able to live there. It would take a load off living expenses. Unfortunately, they said I cannot keep my horse on the property at the farm, so that means I have to find another place to keep EZ- which shouldn't be a problem because where I am looking at to go to school is in horse country. I am not sure if my parents will help me pay board like they are doing now. If we end up having to get a new car (since the car I usually drive got wrecked and still isn't working properly- should have prob. been totaled in the first place), that means I'll probably be paying for everything. I just don't know how I would be able to afford a horse and a car together. My parents can only pay for one or the other. I really don't know right now. Will just probably have to wait till I get up there. As for now, like I said, my parents are paying for board, and I pay for pretty much everything else; vet, farrier, etc. sometimes my parents will help pay for gear and what-not. Right now I am making enough money to afford all of this. I hope to get a steady part-time job in college as well.

So that basically sums up my situation right now. I still don't know if we will be moving EZ to another property; pref. cheaper. We'll just have to see.

Oh and have a Merry Christmas as well

[meljean]

Good, I feel all of this will work out, you will be able to keep EZ and work through college too. Keep your grades up, and your expenses down, and have a good holiday. You will be fine, I promise.