Not going to be around much, and why
Joyce Reynolds-Ward
Before the latest kerfluffle, I was already sitting down and measuring
the problem of What I Want To Do and What I Have Time To Do, and
coming up short. Even then, the wreck was showing up as something
that I really, really needed to cut back on (it's my only remaining
group on Usenet) as reading and responding took a bit of time. But I
hesitated, because there's a lot of good stuff that's happened to me
because of my time here, and I hated to give that up. Even with
newsreader and ISP problems, I hated to give it up.
But I'm going to.
The Day Job has gone from merely Difficult to At Times Unspeakably
Impossible as far as sucking up my time and energy (and, on an OT
political front, a lot of this is due to Bush-era legacy crap that the
current Administration is apparently not willing to change. The
funding cuts that put me in this position are purely GWB's legacy,
however, and the local Republicans are currently engaged in political
chicanery which, if it succeeds in the January election, will leave
public education in a shambles. Which was and still is their goal.
Political rant off--but if I seem a bit touchy about politics, part of
it is that I am fracking sick and tired of being abused--not here, not
me personally, but elsewhere as well as in the media--because of a
profession I do enjoy and love that gets little to no respect from
Democrats and Republicans alike, except to mouth useless platitudes
which reveal that none of them, not a fracking one of them, have ever
spent time in a classroom, or worked in a bare-bones program with kids
and parents reeling from the cuts. But they sure think they know all
about it and can do it better. And now, in the next few months, it's
my fracking union and my fracking profession that has to suck it up
and man the barricades to try to stave off yet another attempt to
drown it in a bathtub. Yes, I'm grumpy. NO, I'm NOT going to discuss
it here. Or in e-mail. I'm sufficiently grumpy that you don't want
to go there. I do NOT like phone banking, no I do NOT, but I foresee
at least several nights of it ahead. So do I want to mount a crusade
against AQHA right now? Screw it, no. I've got more important
battles at the moment. AQHA is a luxury item).
I leave the house at 6 am and return home around 7 pm five days a
week, and part of that is due to either horse, exercise, or
writing-related stuff. Since I get up at 4:30 am to write, that
doesn't leave much time for online stuff. When the wreck gets its
panties into a wad, it can suck up a lot of the time for online
stuff--and now, I really do need to be focusing on Other Stuff.
I am at the point right now with my writing that I really do need to
be putting even more energy into it (right now, if I'm not skiing or
riding, most of what I am doing goes into the writing). I just earned
a finalist placement in a short story contest, which somewhat
validates the other placements in a larger contest. Now is the time
for the big push there--and the 30-45 minutes the wreck can take up at
times could be applied to that.
I need to ride Mocha as much as possible to keep both her and me fit,
as my gut hunch is that is the key to keeping her sound long-term. I'm
also seeing some tangible physical results from a four to five day
riding week, and I'm reluctant to let that go. I also need to balance
riding time against writer time, and recharge from work time.
I'm also approaching the point where riding this horse and what we are
doing physically is challenging me--mostly in the level of my speed of
physical responsivity, my coordination, all that good stuff. I've got
a taste of what it's like to ride a horse that is approaching
competitive professional level in a specific discipline, and while I
love it to death, it's also very challenging, physically and mentally.
I'd like to participate in a dialogue with others working at this
level--but here, I don't encounter anyone else doing that, except for
a very few. And this gets around to the other piece--the fading of
the Western voices on the wreck.
I don't think this is by accident. There is just not much here on the
wreck any more for the Western rider, especially anyone starting to
work at the more difficult pieces of it. Crusades about how evil
Western Pleasure is, in a tone and voice which openly and blanketly
condemns any person who dares put a curb bit in a horse's mouth, and
throws a Western saddle on a horse's back, have led to those of us who
do ride Western fading away. No, I don't ride WP, nor do I condone
the peanut roller look, or the crap that poor trainers in the
discipline do, or the short cuts, or the other bad stuff that happens.
But I *have* ridden quality WP horses, and know somewhat of what is
involved in the discipline, so I can tell when someone is going over
the top and frothing. It is also extremely offputting when I'm the
one told to shut up because I'm overreacting, and then I look around
and see--hmm. I'm one of the few Western people left here. I wonder
why? Past experience has shown me that if I don't speak out, then the
condemnation moves beyond the abuses of WP to Western bashing in
general. Folks, I'm tired of it, and I'm tired of trying to defend
and explain a discipline and style I love which is being
misrepresented.
I could go on, but that would get personal. I think I also get
annoyed because I *do* crosstrain my horse, and find no problems
switching back and forth between hunt seat and Western tack, and
school fairly intensely in both sets of tack (though Mocha gets more
intense in Western tack--she has clearly identified that as the stuff
she wears when things really get challenging, while English tack is
the stuff she wears when we do a lot of Boring Schooling Stuff. Once
I get comfortable doing rollbacks *on her* in English tack, that will
change). Again, there's no one here who can talk about that--or will.
So, hopefully this will post on my first attempt, and I won't spend
several days getting the server to take it (and no, I won't do Google
Groups--that's a separate rant). I will probably lurk when I have
time, but for the most part, I'm retiring from the wreck. I'll still
be on LJ and Facebook.
I'm not discussing this post here, either.
So have fun, and ride a good horse.
jrw
Dawn J-L
> Not that it matters, as I suspect I'm probably not going to be missed.
>
Oh, Joyce. *I* WILL miss you greatly. I am *certain* I am not alone
in this.
You are one of my favorite posters here. I have learned a great
deal from you over the years. Since you do cross-over western and
english disciplines, you provided me with a link to my western past
and helped to confirm my belief and experience that good horsemanship
and good riding is fundamentally alike when one looks deep enough. I
am deeply saddened by your departure from the wreck, but I wish you
only joy and continued enlightenment in your extraordinary
horsemanship.
best wishes and warmest regards,
Dawn JL
rayk...@rnsmte.com
"Joyce Reynolds-Ward" <j...@aracnet.com> wrote in message
news:1d3bf59ad6hp0v1a4...@4ax.com...
> Not that it matters, as I suspect I'm probably not going to be missed.
>
>And now, in the next few months, it's
> my fracking union and my fracking profession that has to suck it up
> and man the barricades to try to stave off yet another attempt to
> drown it in a bathtub. Yes, I'm grumpy. NO, I'm NOT going to discuss
> it here. Or in e-mail. I'm sufficiently grumpy that you don't want
> to go there. I do NOT like phone banking, no I do NOT, but I foresee
> at least several nights of it ahead.
The NEA is trying to destroy true education and replace it with
indoctrination.
Dr Corinne B Leek
<j...@aracnet.com> wrote:
>Not that it matters, as I suspect I'm probably not going to be missed.
Ah, Joyce.
I will miss you and your Tales of Miss Mocha.
I have enjoyed your reports of cross training and just what western
riding is all about. You have always been a sane voice and an example
of good horsemanship.
I am sorry that you felt you had to write this post and make this
decision. You're quite right that western riders have been leaving
rec.eq and I feel that it has been diminished thereby.
I do hope that you will drop in now and then and that your life gets a
lot less crowded.
I wish you all the best, but not "goodbye".
p&m
Corinne & Crazy Canuck Crew, sending some Fizz...
--
*** Conserve Energy: Laughter is easier than Anger!
*** cl...@ns.sympatico.ca
Jill
> Not that it matters, as I suspect I'm probably not going to be missed.
Yes You Will.
I knew little about Western, and have learnt most from you, thank you.
I am going to regret not having asked more specific questions, as I am
fascinated about the work you do with Mocha.
But, like you, a day is only so long, and I have not made the time to ask.
This is a place that should be a nice place to be, not somewhere where you
wonder whats coming next.
Wishing you great success with the writing, a satisfactory resolution to the
work situation and long years of fun with your girl.
--
regards
Jill Bowis
Smallholder Shop
Housing; Fencing, Equipment, Books, DVDs, Gifts
http://www.smallholdershop.co.uk
Hunter Hampton
<j...@aracnet.com> wrote:
>Not that it matters, as I suspect I'm probably not going to be missed.
Actually, you will be missed... not just by me but I suspect many
people here.
Take a break if you want, but don't abandon ship.
Hunter
Carl
>
> So have fun, and ride a good horse.
I better keep seeing you on the healthy living!!! :-)
<<hugs>>
Eileen Morgan
The Mare's Nest
http://www.themaresnest.com
Tom & Win
reading you right. Take the break you need. Give yourself space, (like
you need my permission,huh?) but do realize that you are respected and
valued here. I don't post all that much but I do read. I am taking
lessons from a Western trainer now and I am learning a bunch of new ways
to relate to and communicate with Reggie. I find your cross training to
be very interesting and encouraging.
Check in occasionally and come back when life lightens up a little for you.
Meanwhile, God bless you.
Winnie
Alison Hiltabidle
Well, I'll miss your posts. Not that I post much, either.
hpjeannie
Mocha any way you please, and best of luck with your writing, and
hopefully we'll see you back here after a bit of a rest.
Jeannie
betsey
>
> So have fun, and ride a good horse.
>
> jrw
Of course you'll be missed. I wish you nothing but the best of
everything...and I suspect, you aren't the only one with work
challenges/issues/problems and find it challenging to balance work/
home/horse life. I hope when you feel you have the time, you'll be
posting again.
Betsey
Jill
> and I suspect, you aren't the only one with work
> challenges/issues/problems and find it challenging to balance work/
> home/horse life.
There is A LOT of it about - all around the globe.
JJ
> Not that it matters, as I suspect I'm probably not going to be missed.
<snippage>
Oh Poo! You will be missed! I'm not the only one. I do understand
the "time-suckage" that the req has though...I've had to cut back a
bit too - work and life...You will be missed!
> So have fun, and ride a good horse.
Give our Love (JJ and Comet) to Ms. Mocha! Scritches in her favorite
place!
See ya later, not goodbye! JJ
Poplar Flats Farm
others do, too.
I, too, ride western. I don't like the peanut rollers any more than
you do, but I have known a few good western pleasure horses of which
the much maligned Linus was one.
I hope you will merely take a break and return when your life settles
down a bit and you have a little free time to fritter away online.
Many regards,
Karen Smith
Ocean of Nuance
> Not that it matters, as I suspect I'm probably not going to be missed.
(snip)
> So have fun, and ride a good horse.
Well it does matter. The rehab stuff you were posting was very valuable
to me. I'll miss those posts.
But I understand. Good luck with your baby girl.
sharon
Tamara in TN
Tamara
Splash
Oh dear, you WILL be missed but I "think" I understand. I'm sorry
there isn't more balance for western riding here.
Like others I hope this is a "sabbactical" and not an "end".
Everyone needs balance in their life and sometimes it requires
choices. I hope this is "see you later" and not "goodbye"?
Take care and I wish you and yours only the best.
Splash
Sue Leopold
> Not that it matters, as I suspect I'm probably not going to be missed.
Well, shoot Joyce I surely will.
The only thing I knew about western riding was the "bad western"
common in these parts. You, Jorene and Jane K. did a lot to
educate me. And it's fascinating reading about your experiences
with cross-training Mocha. And hearing about your work with a
classical trainer like Gregg.
I know you've had experience with *good* WP, with horses
that move properly, in balance with pure gaits. And it must
be frustrating as hell for you when people equate western
riding in general with WP today.
Not all of us do of course.
Give Ms. Mocha a pat and I will continute to follow you
guys on LiveJournal. And I hope at some point you will
re-emerge on the wreck.
Sue and The Nose
svle...@earthlink.net
redbranch
> Not that it matters, as I suspect I'm probably not going to be missed.
>
>
>
> jrw
Joyce, I for one will certainly miss your posts and reading of Ms.
Mocha.
As someone who has ridden a lot of the western disciplines
competitively (western pleasure, reining and trail) as well as roped
and team penned, I can sympathize with you when those who don't
really have extensive experience but want to trash it while defending
their style of choice. I prefer to ignore nonsense when I see it,
regardless of the subject, rather than try to educate the close
minded. It's probably why I miss a lot of good posts here....I skip
right over any of the headers that seem to have degenerated into
nonsense. It also makes reading the group go faster.
Best wishes to you and Ms. Mocha, and I hope to see you back here
again someday.
Sharon Potter
Red Branch
Jane Saranac
>
of your posts is way off. Thanks for the interesting pointers on Western
riding and crosstraining, which will come in handy as I begin the East Meets
West voyage. Take whatever break you need, temporary or permanent, take
good care of Miss Mocha, and most important of all, don't work too hard.
When it stops being fun, something's wrong.
LandShark
> Not that it matters, as I suspect I'm probably not going to be missed.
Just your opening sentence says a lot. You're tired, miffed (to put
it mildly), depressed, frustrated and clearly, it appears that you
need a break.
Yes, you will be missed. I enjoyed reading about your adventures with
Mocha.
Just a suggestion: Take a break, get some sleep and have fun riding
Mocha. :)
Ruth W.
Emily Brooks
> Western Pleasure is, in a tone and voice which openly and blanketly
> condemns any person who dares put a curb bit in a horse's mouth, and
> throws a Western saddle on a horse's back, have led to those of us who
> do ride Western fading away.
>
The WP that most of us see is an abomination, as much as soring Big Lick
Walkers is. But it's hardly the only sort of riding either set of animals
could be used for. I'm allowed to abhor the pieces I find abusive while
still honoring the excellent riding done elsewhere. Every breed, every
discipline, every human activity has opportunities for abusive behaviors. I
don't condone it; I don't perform it; let my example lead others. (Not that
I know everything, far from it. I try not to be closed-minded about
new/better techniques.)
I'm riding my dressage horse in a curb and well under the levels where it
would be allowed/required in the show ring - so sue me. It's a training aid,
for the moment.
I also use that other evil, side reins, while lungeing, to encourage Hoover
to move straighter - connecting only the outside side rein. Sometimes. (I
wish I could find longer ones which contributes to the "sometimes". Not that
I lunge much at all.)
Do Hoover and I present the perfect outline in our recent pictures? Not at
all. But from where we started and given how little time I get to work with
him, the improvement is there and I'm happy. Remodeled topline. The
beginnings of sitting back and carrying his front. More responsive to the
leg.
Emily - I wuv my pony!
Mary McHugh
> "Joyce Reynolds-Ward" <j...@aracnet.com> wrote in message
> news:1d3bf59ad6hp0v1a4...@4ax.com...
>> Crusades about how evil
>> Western Pleasure is, in a tone and voice which openly and blanketly
>> condemns any person who dares put a curb bit in a horse's mouth, and
>> throws a Western saddle on a horse's back, have led to those of us who
>> do ride Western fading away.
>>
>> jrw
>
> The WP that most of us see is an abomination, as much as soring Big Lick
> Walkers is. But it's hardly the only sort of riding either set of animals
> could be used for. I'm allowed to abhor the pieces I find abusive while
> still honoring the excellent riding done elsewhere. Every breed, every
> discipline, every human activity has opportunities for abusive behaviors. I
> don't condone it; I don't perform it; let my example lead others. (Not that
> I know everything, far from it. I try not to be closed-minded about
> new/better techniques.)
Excellent -- this is exactly how I feel as well. Thanks for writing it
much better than I could have.
Mary
Ocean of Nuance
(snip)
> I'm riding my dressage horse in a curb and well under the levels where it
> would be allowed/required in the show ring - so sue me. It's a training aid,
> for the moment.
You are not the first. I have seen a few folks do this under
supervision to some good effect. The right circumstances are a must.
Don't worry about this.
> I also use that other evil, side reins, while lungeing, to encourage Hoover
> to move straighter - connecting only the outside side rein. Sometimes. (I
> wish I could find longer ones which contributes to the "sometimes". Not that
> I lunge much at all.)
Don't worry about this... you are in very good, classical company.
> Do Hoover and I present the perfect outline in our recent pictures? Not at
> all. But from where we started and given how little time I get to work with
> him, the improvement is there and I'm happy. Remodeled topline. The
> beginnings of sitting back and carrying his front. More responsive to the
> leg.
Excellent.
> Emily - I wuv my pony!
Double excellent.
sharon
Phetsy
> So have fun, and ride a good horse.
Well dang blame it, Joyce, looks like I'm more'n a day late and a
dollar short on this one, but I'll miss you even if I hardly do tiptoe
through The Wreck anymore, for much the same reasons as you: I have a
new demanding job (that I absolutely love) am trying to figure out how
close to LA I can move at least one of the ponies, and in my spare
time I'm working on writing the odd book or two and coaching some
friends through their own writing. And I still gotta exercise
sometime.
Guess I'll have to cruise through now and again and be The Token
Western Presence, although I'm pretty useless when it comes to the
showring events.
Pat Miss Mocha for me, and good luck with the writing!
Happy trails,
Phetsy
===========================
Phetsy Calderon
phetsyATearthlinkDOTnet.
Typing live from Marina del Rey, CA
Judie
Dear Joyce, take a break! It is OK! We will be here when you come
back. We love you... We love your stories. Good luck with your writing
and I am sorry about the job - you deserve so much better. (all
education does). it's an "investment" not a cost. I always vote for
money for ed.
Judie