I wanted to address some things that happened to me last week that were frankly disappointing, disheartening, and took a toll on me physically and mentally. I was bullied based on a tweet where I said I was trying a jumper that had future GP potential (who, by the way, is only doing the 2’6″ with her current rider, and will be going higher this current year; she will actually be ready for GP level by the time I theoretically am). My tweet started all sorts of controversy, including some weird impression that I thought I could just skip steps when it came to horse showing and riding.
After being sick for two weeks and having a lot of time to contemplate my choices, I’ve decided not to give the jumper a try. This is NOT because of the bullying I encountered. I really thought about my goals, where I am in my riding, and how long it would take me to the GP level, if I would ever get there, and I decided that right now, this wasn’t the best decision for me.
I’ve also tweeted previously about considering going pro. I’ve decided to put those goals on hold and focus on becoming a really good Amateur (and bringing awareness to the Amateur community in regards to equestrian companies and USEF). Once I reach that level, I will consider the professional level. Do I have the horsemanship knowledge to be a professional? Yeah, I do. But do I have the riding mileage? No. I am only at the 2’6″ level. I don’t want the pressure of moving up fast, and while I will always have aspirational goals, I don’t want them to get in the way of my riding. If I move up quicker than expected, great! If not, that’s totally okay. And I am okay with that.
To answer a few questions:
Do I think I can just skip steps in showing a go from doing the 2’6″ to the 3’6″? No. Absolutely not. We all have to pay our dues, and I absolutely know that.
Am I ‘dumb and wealthy’? While some people may think so, I am very careful with how I spend my money, and I am far from dumb. My tweet may have been on a whim and out of excitement, but after much thinking, I came down to earth. I simply was excited.
Why am I stepping Luther down in the levels and potentially selling and/or leasing him out to teach children? Luther is severely arthritic because he was not taken care of properly before I purchased him. It is only fair to him to make sure he is not pushed beyond his limits.
It doesn’t look like you’ve mastered Luther. You, anon, are basing this off of the very few videos you’ve seen of me riding him. My current trainer does not video a lot while she is teaching, so you really don’t know how I am with Luther now than how I was with my previous trainer. Additionally, during most shows, he was either a. lame or b. full leased out, so I did not have an opportunity to show him. I had to focus on showing other horses that didn’t have the same issues he did.
That is just addressing some of the few criticisms and questions I’ve gotten. I hope this clears up some of the questions and controversy around my riding. I know where I am, where I need to be, and what I need to do.
Don’t let the negative side of the horse community bring you down. You have come leaps and bounds as a rider in both your horsemanship and riding abilities – these bullies haven’t seen that first hand. You take the time to educate yourself, set goals, and maintain the health and wellness of your animals – which are a few areas other individuals often overlook or take for granted. Keep your head high and don’t let these people get in the way of your progress! We’re all allowed to get excited about new opportunities regardless of the outcome – time to stop bashing and start lifting each other up! You go girl.