Sunday, July 24, 2011

My New Horse Venture

Shatar and his owner at the Arab Sport Horse Nationals
As most of you know, I've been in an struggle trying to decide what direction to go with my riding, if any. My dressage partner of 13 years has been retired, and I've been riding lesson horses.

As often happens when you quit looking for a solution to a problem, a solution falls in your lap. A few weeks ago, one fell into mine.

I was offered the chance to lease Shatar. Shatar is an older Anglo-Arab in my barn, who's been shown extensively at FEI levels, helped riders earn their USDF Bronze and Silver Medals, and was Reserve Prix St. Georges at the Arabian Sport Horse Nationals a few years back. His owner has two other horses she rides and shows. She doesn't want to let go of Shatar, and she'd like to lease him to someone who will ride him at the upper levels. Even though he's older, he's still supple, sound, and in great shape.

Also at Arab Sport Horse Nationals
I've ridden him in a few lessons and really enjoyed him. During my last lesson, I acutally rode my first canter pirouettes and also started learning some tempi changes. He knows it all so it's a matter of teaching me.

I'll also be able to show him next year. He's a trooper with tons of show miles and moves like a little warmblood. I may even enter the world of Arabian sport horse showing, something I've never done before. It could prove interesting.

Shatar is uncomplicated, though he doesn't give anything away. He wants you to work for it and do it right.

Hopefully, another positive by-product will be that I'll lose the 20 pounds I've put on since I quit riding.

So it looks like I'm back in the saddle. I'll start leasing him in September. Stay tuned for more as I learn how to ride an upper-level horse.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a fortunate step for you, with good timing - fun to have a schoolmaster like that to learn from!

Linda Benson said...

I'm very excited for you, Jami. Sounds like this will be a great set-up, and I'm so glad to hear excitement in your voice again. Horses are so therapeutic for the mind, and I hope Shatar is just what you need! Excellent!

Jami Davenport said...

Kate and Linda, I'm really excited about it because it solves the issue of not wanting to start over with a green horse and not having the money to purchase a trained horse.

joycemocha said...

Yay you! Enjoy. He sounds wonderful.

Dreaming said...

Shatar sounds like the perfect match - you are gonna learn a ton! How cool to have a horse that has been there and done that and can take you there, too.
Have fun! I can't wait to hear more about it.

Unknown said...

What a great opportunity! Frankly I don't even know half of the terms you used, but I do appreciate having a skilled horse teacher. Enjoy!

Once Upon an Equine said...

Shatar sounds like a wonderful horse. Nice that he is available for you just when you were seeking some direction with your riding goals.

Francesca Prescott said...

I'm sure you're going to have a wonderful time with this horse. What a great arrangement. I'm looking forward to hearing more about him as your relationship develops. Enjoy!

Alison said...

He's lovely! And you sound happy. Yup, you are right--the best solution does show up when you're not searching.

Andrea said...

Congratulations! I'm glad you found a solution that works, and this sounds darn near perfect! Arabians can be a blast to ride and are almost never boring ;). It sounds like your new guy has a great mind to him.

Fantastyk Voyager said...

Awesome! Of course, i love Arabians but I'm sure you'll be quite pleased with him. They never grow old, BTW.