A few weeks ago, a friend wished that she had a covered arena at her barn. While I don't deny that a covered arena would be fabulous, I replied that we're better off without one because it keeps us from getting soft.I have friends who are fair-weather riders, and that's fine for them. As an Oregonian, however, I've learned to adapt. If I didn't, I'd be grounded for up to six months each year!
Besides, there are some major advantages to working in inclement weather:
- When winter comes, you won't find me hiding in my warm house, longing for summer riding. I may long for summer riding, but it will be from the top of a damp mule.
- My girls know that they're expected to be polite in rain, snow, or hail. Besides, their ears are so big, they can flatten them out to create tiny umbrellas for their faces.
- If a rain storm hits while I'm on a trail ride, I don't feel the need to hightail it back to the dry trailer. My fellow rainy-day riders and I just pull out our rain coats and keep on truckin'
- Group lessons are always smaller during inclement weather. I've learned some of my best lessons on rainy days because no one else bothered to show up.
Photo: Maxine and I take a lesson in rain, wind, and hail. I think this is why the one-handed rein hold was invented.
I love it! I also totally understand. I live in western washington and also ride in all weather. I haven't tried an umbrella though. I agree that some of my best rides are when no one else will ride. My favorite was a super windy day when the trees were trying to lay down and everyone else at the barn was hiding, me and my (at the time 3 year old horse only been broke to ride for one month) horse out having a blast.
ReplyDelete"Tiny umbrellas for their faces" - love that. Great post, Jenny. You are a true Oregonian. I'm a transplant and still a bit of a wimp when it comes to going out in the rain. :)
ReplyDeleteNext time, I'll be sure to have my golf umbrella to cover Maxine's head, as well as mine.
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