07/20/2024
Funny!!!
POV:Explaining dressage to non-horsey people: 😂
Last night my husband and I went to a dinner party with some of his colleagues. On the way there I asked him NOT to talk about my competition last week (he was really proud of my results) at the party as I always find it difficult to explain dressage to non-horsey people.
And what did he do?! As soon as someone mentioned how well they had done at a cyclist race, he immediately mentioned "Oh Kathleen did really well with her horse at the regional championships last weekend!"
Uncomfortable moment, as people then feel obliged to ask about your horse. So I showed them a photo.
Gentleman no.1:"Oh, that's a Thoughoubred stallion isn't it?"
Me: No, actually she is an 11 year old Warmblood mare".
"...but she is too tall to be a mare! Mares are small!" (ME: nervous cough).
Gentleman no.2: Isn't 11 really old? Shouldn't it be retired by now?."
Me: "Actually, at 11 they are in the prime of their lives..."
G1: "How high does it jump?
Me: "Well, actually, she doesn't jump."
G2: So you race with her? Aren't you a bit tall for a jockey? (I am 5'9"!)
Me: "No...no. I do dressage."
Lady: Dressage?
Me: ...yes, I sort of dance with my horse.
Lady: "Oh! You do acrobatics on a horse! How amusing!"
Me: "No...no, wait..." And I got out my phone to show them something impressive, like Lottie Fry and Glamourdale in their freestyle... Too late! My husband had taken out his phone and was proudly showing my competition at the regionals in which I was doing fairly nice walk,trot,canter transitions.
Lady: "Oh, I didn't realise that you were just a beginner!"
Me: (a little bit taken aback) "well, not really.." (I was NOT going to mention I have been riding for over 20 years!)
Lady: "Oh, sorry! I forgot how hard it can be for some people! Our daughter is just naturally talented. She mastered what you are doing; walk,trot and canter within her first few weeks of riding! She's now been riding almost a year and she is already jumping! But just keep it up. I'm sure you will be good enough to jump too, eventually!
Me: nervous cough and pouring myself a generous glass of Chardonnay. 🍾🫣
