Ok, you may or may not have noticed this, but I tend to be an introvert. I don't just go up to people and ask for stuff. I know what I want, but I don't like to be pushy about it, especially with people I don't know.
For example: I rode Izzy last night and she was a total snot about her left lead. Why? Because she hadn't been ridden at all since Wednesday. This is a direct result of me having to clean every day and then having to go do other stuff, so I didn't have the time. The obvious solution and the one that my husband and I have talked through several times (for my benefit, not his) is for me to quit cleaning and just pay board. I had already decided that I was going to be done at the end of the month, but I felt so bad about it that I didn't even want to tell Cathy even though I NEED to because she then NEEDS to find someone to take my place. Besides, I'd already hinted that was what I would do, so it's not like it comes as a surprise.
So I did it. I guess I shouldn't be surprised, but she was expecting and already has someone lined up to take over most of my days. Yay! Good ending. I am officially done as a barn worker (for now) on Thursday, September 30th.
In other news... I'm still scouting barns. Over the weekend, I spent time driving around where I'd like to keep Izzy. (It's close-ish to my house and irrigated.) I actually found some promising stuff. Now I need to start calling people.
Have I mentioned that I'm an introvert and I LOATHE AND DESPISE calling people? I don't know why this is so hard for me.
Wish me luck. I'm still holding out for a big green pasture, shelter for my horse, and maybe even access to an indoor arena.
Here's to you, luck... and finding a big green pasture, with shelter and access to an indoor arena with a few calls as possible!
ReplyDeleteI am the same way, it always feels so relieving when confrontation turns out to be painless. Happy barn hunting!
ReplyDeleteThere are just some topics that NONE of us like to discuss. Money being one of the biggest ones. Calling around to find something is also not a lot of fun, but if you don't ask, you may never know. Hopefully the perfect place for both you and Izzy will show up before too long. If it is meant to be, it will happen. Don't sweat it. It's just a slight bump in the road of life. Besides- boarding means you will have more time to ride.
ReplyDeleteGood for you! Speaking up gets easier with practice. Your confidence will grow with this experience.
ReplyDeleteHope you find that right barn soon. Who knows, maybe there is one right around the corner!
Fingers and toes crossed for you!!! Hope that you find the right place.
ReplyDeleteGood luck! Barn-hunting can be frustrating, but it's SO worth it in the end. I've met some great people who have turned into good friends (who also have really amazing connections in the horse world -- like Margie Engle, for example -- !!).
ReplyDeleteI totally hear you on this one. The thought of cold-calling people makes me break out in a sweat. That is why I looooove email. But you know its for a good cause, so hopefully it won't be too painful!
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