The Rookie

Well, this is a fine mess I've gotten myself into, this horse business. But the more I know of it, the more I fall in love with it. Some people call this old fashioned, and maybe that's partly why, though they couldn't understand that horses are still used to work today.

Some parts of me creak under these ideas of modernity, though I won't shy away from the hypocracy of this thought process either. You can't REALLY talk about leaving the modern world, and then go and type it on a computer for others to see.

But my problem right now: I'm a rookie. I am fully aware of how raw I am, and I guess that awareness is  the first best step in moving forward. Since my last post, I wanted to thank the many of you who stepped up and emailed and commented your advice. Please know that I am intently listening and learning.

And for those of you who put forward the sincere and kind counsel to make sure the animals are well trained, therefore safe and that I am well trained, and also safe, know that I am not taking anything for granted; I've worked too long with animals to ever be able to forgive myself if something happened to the horse or horses. Clearly, they are willing to serve their master, but if I put them smack into this project, it was technically not their choice.

At the same time, I'm pretty green. Right now, the whole notion of this project hitting all seems like some destination perched on the highest point of Mount Kilimanjaro and I don't have a proper map. I mean, I have to sheepishly admit that the top picture represents most of my learning: reading, and more reading, videos and a few horse lessons under my belt. It's tough, living in the city, always busy. Access to appropriate training is the needle in the haystack, at the moment.

The challenging part, at the moment,  is finding a local or relatively local driving trainer. And some proper funds for the lessons. They aren't cheap, but I figure definitely worth it since most of the teamsters have spent a lifetime perfecting their knowledge, knowledge of the animals, of equipment not commonly in use. So, there's that, but I'll either be persistent or clever, or lucky(!) and it will somehow get done.

Meanwhile--things are on the move:

*As of now, I am with my parents starting December 5th. Looks like I will be participating in a few horse riding lessons while I'm there.

*Unfortunately, I haven't been able to sniff out a proper area in Northwest Florida that teaches driving. Any ideas are welcomed!

*Right now, I am trying to raise a bit of cash for this expenditure. So, forgive the shameless plug, but feel fre to visit my Etsy Shoppe at any time and know your purchases will go to a direct little stipend I've squirreled away for this particular project, and this project ONLY.  And many thanks from one wild haired city girl!

*I've sort of figured, along those same lines, that I'll have a big BLOG sale over on my OTHER SITE, on December 1st.
This is in part to raise money, but also since we're moving in a few months, I need some of those lovely items to find new homes!

Please note that these are my own personal treasures, collected over decades! Expect items from India and the Middle East, vintage and antique items, folk art, and some of my own folk art as well. Plenty of good prices and good deals! Nice stuff in time for the holidays!




So, that's the update so far! Stay tuned TOMORROW as there are more stories to follow!