This is a test!

Why is it that every time I make a decision something immediately happens to test my resolve? After the most recent of many conversations about my barrel horses, my husband/coach and I decided that I needed to call in reinforcements. However, we also decided that before I hired someone to help me with my horse, he'd better be in shape. I can't see me learning a whole lot if my noble steed is panting like a dying pony after 15 minutes of exercise. So we made a commitment, with a spit shake and pinky swear that I would ride him every day for a month before calling in outside help.

Naturally, no sooner had we made the decision and said it out loud, the temperature began to drop. Today was day 3, and I can't tell you how much "want to" it took to go outside where it was sleeting and cold and work two horses instead of lying on the couch in front of a fire. I guess I'm just a crackhead. All it takes is that little tiny voice in the back of my mind to whisper, "One day it will all be worth it" and I'm out the door.

I have to say that I'm really glad I did go ride, however. Both of my horses did great. Naturally, one of my young horses made the best run he's ever made, since we were alone and no one was there to see it. Doesn't it always happen that way? After I was done riding, and was waiting on my husband to bring the feed something really cool happened. I have to admit that although my hands and ears were cold, I had some really peaceful moments sitting there on my horse listening to the sleet fall on top of the arena. It was dark, it was quiet, and I was alone with my horses. Color this girl happy, happy, happy.

Today we are off to the barrel race in the snow for the second time this year. Stupid, lying groundhog! This is not an early spring. This is 70 degrees one day and 25 the next. I can't believe we aren't all on death's doorstep with the sinus issues in our family. I am ready for some sunshine, and I promise not to complain about the heat this summer. Okay, not very much.

PS - It's also worth noting that we are hauling a trailer today that lacks a dressing room door. We traded for a four horse trailer, and the door had been pinned back by the previous owner, caught be the wind, and bent all to heck. When my husband tried to fix it, naturally it fell apart. Apparently there isn't much call for replacement dressing room doors, so we haven't had any luck finding one close by or readily available. There was a time in my life when I wouldn't be caught dead in a rig missing a trailer door. As it is now, I'm thankful for a husband that will help me get to the barrel race, horses to ride, and something to go in, even if I do imagine that I hear the theme from "Sanford and Son" every once in awhile. Plus, in light of recent events in my life, it's really, really hard for us to have a bad day!