Well, news just came down that my current H/J barn is prioritizing leases + folks that can show for their lesson horses, and I just can’t devote more than 1-2x a week to lessons and much of my work travel lands on the WSHJA horse show weeks, so I’m never going to be a client that goes to a ton of shows, at least not until my son is older (he’s 8, not ok if I add a bunch of shows to my work travel!) No worries, I get it, I’m not the client that fits their business model right now and if I decided to “A - Show - Life” it they are top of my list 
Anyone know of any h/j barns around Maple Valley or no more than about an hour away that has either lesson horses, or partial (less than 50%) leases available without pressure to show? Clinics, I say absolutely YES to, whenever I can get into them. I’m most comfortable jumping under 3’ right now, but years ago I did 3’ and a hair more with the right horse - BUT I will jump 2’ all day long to work on basics, honestly I’m here to become a better rider and horse person. My most recent, favorite accomplishment was a “great job” and a hug the last day of a recent clinic with Bernie Traurig - I have NEVER had a better feeling of accomplishment at a show as I did that weekend learning and riding with him. No blue ribbon or year end high point ever compared to that feeling!
I work from home and am very flexible and can be that “fill in rider” during the week. I can’t really do weekends from December - March (but could do some Sundays maybe) because my son is a ski team kid, and I’m an alpine ski official.
I’m no pro, (that’s an “I’m no Jedi” joke, sorry lol) but I learned on some tough, tough horses early on so for sure can, with coaching from the ground, get most horses to act right and turn on what I call “schooling mode” if needed, as long as the horse isn’t scary. I kind of enjoy that, too, because I’m learning more about being a good all around horseperson than just a rider. I’m overall just a helpful, positive person that likes to have fun and work hard. I would like the option of having grooming help, since I’m coming from and going right back to work after, but not a deal breaker if it isn’t a thing (and would obviously pay for that!). I’ve been with several different levels of trainers, big name, A, B, C and in between. I’m more into learning and good horse care, and a nice, covered arena with no boulders, than anything else right now, honestly. So all that is to say, I don’t need a “made” horse, I just need one that’s fun to ride and not dangerous. Under the right circumstances, I can lay down some good courses! And that’s a great feeling.
So I’m a super easy going client that just wants to jump around and learn and have a good time. I’d love a show here and there but I don’t want pressure to show, if you can appreciate the difference. Yes, I’m looking for Southern California circa 2010, don’t laugh!
Right now my budget is about $500/month, to increase to $800ish a month for the right program, and probably around 2025 I’d like to purchase something, in which case I’d need full care / training because job (LOL) I understand grooming would be on top of those numbers. Currently paying $40/ ride for tack up / down.
Ask me anything! Seriously. But no Arabs. I tried that. I’m sure lovely, Arabian h/js exist, I’ve even seen a few. But not sure I could go back to that. Willing to consider eventing, even though I’m not much for dressage and solid jumps scare me (I know, I’m sure the right horse would change my mind. Super mare got me to 3’3” and it was fun, not scary!)
I’m also a contracts attorney married to an electrical contractor and love trades. I have a BIG truck and can tow stuff (F550). I have a camper and stay at the show grounds and can do night watch + evening feeds so trainer can go to bed (mornings…I can but I’m not a morning person lol). Need a show mom for hire? I’m hella good at that and have references.
I love the barn, I just finally found a barn home I love, but finances (mine) and business models (theirs) dictate I find something else to do. Video and references upon request (LOL I sound like I just wrote a sale ad for myself. Takes a joke, very teachable, sweet on the ground. Brings treats and scratches. Somewhat nervous due to previous owners (not the most recent one, before that) but just needs confident coaching. Not mare-ish at all. Older, but only maintenance are some NSAIDs after a particularly hard ride.
Ha! I’ll quit now. Help. I don’t want to quit riding again.
