An Interesting Experience...

So as I wrote in my last post, I went to a new barn on Sunday. I'm still unsure as to whether I'll go back. Without going into a long-winded description of the four hours I spent there, here are the pros and cons:

Pros

1. The two horses I rode (Walkers) were sweet and sane
2. I have an opportunity to go trail riding
3. I can ride for free

Cons

1. I absolutely, positively HATE the dressage saddle I rode in (her only one unless I want to ride in an AP or cutback.) It's not a matter of snobbery, it is just a poorly-made saddle which = more difficulty maintaining a good position.

2. It's a 35-mile drive. Yes, I know, lots of people commute farther than that five days a week for work, but gas at 3.79 a gallon is still not what I would consider cheap.

3. The place is drowning in Roundup (an extremely carcinogenic pesticide manufactured by the "wonderful" corporation Monsanto.) Actually, within 5 miles of Ashville, there are signs everywhere touting "Production", "Technology" and other propaganda, so I shouldn't have been surprised when I saw the Roundup barrels everywhere around the farm. I feel sorry for the horses and the barn manager who lives on the property having to breathe in that s*** 24/7.

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Bottom line: I think I'm going to try to call the TWH barn I went to last winter. I sent the guy an email last week, but he didn't respond so I'm thinking it probably got sent to his junk/bulk folder and deleted. He was very nice, and didn't sore any of his horses (or even pad, as far as I can remember.) His farm is about 15 miles from my house, so a much better commute.

P.S. You might be wondering why someone like myself, interested in competition dressage, would spend time riding Walking horses or any gaited breed. To be honest, I never thought I would be as interested in them as I am now. Several years ago, when I was looking for my second horse, I looked into Walking horses and rode a few at a barn in Southern Ohio. I didn't think much of them then, but when I got the offer to ride at the barn I mentioned in the last paragraph, I fell in love with their sweet personalities and smooth gait. Since then, I've been toying with the idea of buying a Walking horse for trails, and obviously use dressage principles and the Training scale in our work. Since I can only aspire to own one horse when I settle in WA, it will be interesting to see what I decide as far as a trotting horse for competition (U.S. Dressage Association rated shows) vs. a Walking horse for trail and possibly NWHA shows.