Its been over a year since my last post and what a year its been. It was a year of change and learning for me.
Ducky and I
I learned that I have to advocate for my horse and not willingly trust professionals if I have doubt. I had massive doubt about the fit of Duckys saddle but put too much trust in its fit being ok. I had had his appointments with the fitter and spent $$ on the rechecks. After having a large vet bill for the damage it caused, I made a decision to get a second and third opinion that resulted in the sale of it, it was a beautiful saddle but the angles did not fit him, and then hunt for another. I was not surprisingly nervous of committing to buying one but we found a Wow saddle that so far seems to be the answer.
We lost lots of time and opportunity last year due to the saddle issue and then an abscess but still got to a baby event at Clay Hill at the end of the summer where I let nervousness overcome me and therefore Ducky was not confident at all, we got round but mainly at trot with a lot of anxiety of simple tiny jumps. It was a lovely time with him though.
We went to an end of season dressage event that was amazing and I loved it. We got over 60% in both classes which was my aim and came away with plans to do all the dressage events at HAW next season.
Ducky and I moved barns in July, I found an option where he has a deep and cosy run in and his own paddock, inside and outside arenas and some trails. Its 20 mins from home and he was happy from day 1. Thank goodness.
Despite all efforts we have come to realize that Ducky does need his 9 monthly vet appointment and no amount of careful work for him can avoid it. We tried, we now know for sure. Thankfully hes a horse that tells me hes uncomfortable without being dangerous.
Work
Work - it was a year! I decided to follow my original dream and make some sacrifices for a promotion in a finance dept that was not my natural comfort zone. 9 months in and I knew (I knew from day 1 but gave myself 9 months) that I had to make a change. The role was not for me and didnt fit my life at all. Just one week ago I approached my old manager at this current company and was able to move back to corporate finance in an exciting position. The relief and new excitement is overwhelming. I had completely lost myself for a while. Had no time, no sleep, no work life balance and was losing confidence by the day.
Trips
Paul and I went to Massachusetts in March to collect a trailer, it was a great choice and a memorable road trip
We went as family to Orlando in Spring break. This almost requires its own post as it was when PCR testing was mandatory for travel. The stress of all that was insane. The return to Bahama Bay was emotional. There had been so much building work around that area that it was almost unrecognizable but inside the gates was the same place that I love so much. It was baseball training season so it was full of teams and not so quiet but we worked with it. Universal Studios was nuts with the crowds and we couldnt get fast passes but we all got on the Harry Potter ride. I cried when we had to leave Bahama Bay and return home.
I took the girls to Toronto for a weekend in July. Another one for the books. Just the three of us went and Chloe took on the role of navigator and organizer, Freya chose restaurants and I had the credit card. We enjoyed the time individually and together and for me it was a joy to see these new baby adults.
Chloe went to Barbados with her boyfriend and his family in August and she came back all in love with that spot on the planet. I fully understand how this feels.
Paul, Freya and I went to Bar Harbor in November, it was a little baby road trip and we loved it. The hotel was lovely and inspired to buy our own waffle maker.
Other things:
Chloe started university and tried residence. I was devastated when she left but we all got used to it. Not so Chloe who was feeling miserable so in true spirit of changing what makes us unhappy she moved back home after the first semester and is so pleased she did.
The summer was long, it was hot from June to September, like really hot and Angie came for graduation which was wonderful. Its been the weirdest winter so far, more rain that snow and more plus temps than minus ones. Not sure what this means for the future but its concerning to see the change both here and in other places on the planet.
