[KZWestern]

well, after the encouragment I got from some great people here, I decided to quit my job at the barn. Well, I told them today that I would be working until the end of July. This gives me enough time to get my facility ready to bring Grady home. I can't afford to keep him there without the employee discount!!

This is a HUGE step for me, and I'm feeling a little frightened now. I've been working at that barn for three years! I made it very clear that I still wanted to take lessons, so I don't think that will be a problem... Which is nice. I also will probably trailor Grady over once or twice more per week during the winter so I can ride him in an indoor. But I wont have to deal with my coach as a boss anymore! WOOOOOOOOHOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!

I know it seems like kind of a step backwards for my dressage goals. I mean, what a better job than to get paid to ride horses at a dressage barn? Ironically though, I think I will make more progress this way. I got a work/study job at the college tutoring. This pays quite a bit more than my barn job did. I have also been asked by a family I know if I would be willing to ride their horses for them to keep them exercised. They have 7 horses, but I would probably ride 3 or 4. (The other three are old) They are also offering quite a bit more per hour. So, I think it will work out nicely. I'll still get to ride 4 to 5 horses a day, and have more time to do it because I wont have stalls to clean etc etc etc. I will be able to get some homework done while I work at the college. I still get to take my dressage lessons too. I also will get any weekends I want to go and show without my coach griping about me not working! I think it really will work out well.

The "quitting" speech went very well too. My boss's husband was very understanding. I knew he would be, if I was just working for him it would be great. my boss was grumpy but kind of pretended not to be, which was way better than what I expected. she also seemed willingly open to teh idea of continuing to give me lessons.

I am excited and nervous about this. It's like a whole new world has been opened up to me!!

[Xiphias]

Congratulations, it sounds like you have a very good plan...Best of Luck!

Cathy

[minilove]

That sounds great! Good luck!

[iluvmywarmblood]

I told you that you could do it!!! I just didn't want you to miss out on a opportunity of a lifetime and regret not taking it !! Like I said life is a hard road and no one said it is easy... Congrats on following you heart!! I knew you had it in you!!!

[horseyfrk145]

It sounds like you really thought this through, and I wish you the absolute best of luck with everything!!

[KZWestern]

Thanks so much you guys! I really needed the push that I got from this forum! I am so greatful for you guys.

[Liberty's Gal]

Ah, I am so proud of you. I am glad you took this step. Congrats!

[No1Dazy]

Ah! I just found this thread! I'm SO glad that you took the steps to make YOUR life better!

I heard once that more than 80% of the things we worry about turn out to be less of a big deal than we expected. Isn't it such a relief when it's done? Hopefully your boss realizes that you are taking a great opportunity for YOU, and she will support you in your endeavors.

And the opportunity to ride your neighbor's horses for pay is a great one. Every horse teaches you something, and the experience alone is quite valuable.

Best of luck on your shows for the rest of the season! Keep us updated, with lots of pictures!

[Silverwings]

Congratulations!!!

[MissBlue]

Congratulations, and good luck!!