I've learned a lesson!

I decided to put on my big girl hat and starting thinking responsible. I decided that if I ever want to move out and be on my own, that I need to know exactly how much I spend on things. I decided to try my experiment first with horses. Oh my lanta, what a mistake that was. I never knew how quickly my bills for CW could rack up in one month, and I am only one month into this experiment. I still have a year vet visit, shoes, and a bunch of other stuff coming up.

How am I ever going to be able to afford all of this?

I will say I did splurge a little bit this month. I bought some awesome Gary Mundy leathers (picture to come). It wasn't an immediate need, but it was needed after I was adjusting my stirrup the other day and notice how little stitching was actually keeping my leathers together.

Then I was browsing the WWW before coming across a pair of really cool stirrups. I already have a pair of Sprengers that I love, but my leg has become pretty unsteady while using them. These stirrups though were composite irons and colorful. Yes, colorful. So again, I didn't need them, but then again I also didn't want my leg to get worse. So I could fix the problem now, right?

I mean seriously, aren't they awesome?

I also switched CW's bit after reading a lot of COTH forum and doing a lot of debating. We have been working a lot on getting off his forehand, but I just needed a little bit more elevation (and breaks). So I switched him from his snaffle to a 2-Ring Happy Mouth Elevator Bit. We are in the stage of our training right now that two reins aren't a great idea, so I needed bit converters. Now before you all throw tantrums, please note that I also watched a ton of GM clinic and noticed many of those horses going in these bits (or variations of) with converters. If you don't believe me go have a look for yourself. I did not have converters (so I borrowed some old stiff ones), but I found some online that were barely used and like 10 bucks. So naturally you can't pass up a deal like that. I think it is totally worth it (the two ring bit and the boo-his looks people give me). If CW is happy then momma is happy.

Those winter woolies are baaaaad.

My last purchase this month was totally not a need but a 100% want and splurge. I would like to pat myself on the back though for splurging when these breeches were 20% off (plus an extra 5% off due to AQHA membership). Smartpak had a flash sale on Piper Breeches. Oh what a glorious flash sale it was! So, of course, I had to splurge and buy a pair in Merlot. I am so excited for them to come in, because after all who doesn't need more colorful breeches?

Anyways, I learned a lesson that it is very hard to tack expenses. What did I learn from the lesson? That I should ignore the excel form and just keep on trucking. What am I actually going to do? Well, there are no more breeches or nice things in my future. Next month is vet bill month. -insert crying face here-

The struggle is real my friend.

What is "The Struggle"?

   
     So, you may be wondering why I name my equestrian blog "The Struggle". I am a college student. I will be starting full time in the Summer after nearly three and a half years of part-time (and some breaks) classes. I still change my major on about a yearly base in the hopes of finding something to study that I am passionate for, but that will also help support my equestrian habits. I think I have finally settled on an Environmental Science major that way I can try my head at a few different things before finally choosing what I want to do. I don't feel bad though, being so indecisive. I am young and I don't want to be stuck paying thousands for something I will never use or stuck doing a job I loathe.

     While I am a full time student (or soon to be), I also work full time at a Veterinary Clinic as front desk, puppy snuggler, kitten cooer, and sometimes assistant when no one has free hands. If only cuddling puppies for the rest of your life and making great money while doing it was a career (and it didn't involve a degree). HA! Keep dreaming sweets. I work the later shift so I will be able to go to school in the mornings, and that way I can also ride my sweet pony. That leads me to reason #3 why this blog is appropriately named "The Struggle". There is one big thing that enjoys eating all my extra money.

     Bon’s Midnight Dancer is his name or Carl Wayne (CW mainly). You can read how he achieved that wonderful name on his page. I like to put his registered name out there so you can see that the poor guy was never blessed with a great name in his life (one of his past names being T-Bone). He is a registered AQHA gelding off a ranch in Montana. No great lineage there, just good ole' cow horse lines. You would think he would make an amazing cow horse, right? WRONG. He flunked. He was one of those horses that was going to war, and then decided he just wanted to dance (HAHA, COLBERT REFERENCE). He didn't want to Dance either though. He enjoys the jumping of colored sticks.

     So there you have it. I am a 21 (almost 22) year old college student who is only enough credits to be a sophomore, because she has no idea what she wants to do in life, and I work full time while supporting myself and a money grubbing QH. Oh, did I mention I also am looking for a second job while trying to maintain a social life and a wonderful supportive boyfriend? I know there are many that have done it before me, but I am sure they felt to same way... The Struggle is real my friends, very, very real.