How many "Horsey Ladies" are here?

[kenyonchris]

I grew up doing h/j/eq. and up until 2 months ago taught full time for my profession. I needed a break(it was getting in the way of my cycling and racing!)
Starting this fall I will be teaching 1 or 2 days a week and riding some for people, while pursuing a job in a different field.

I taught eventing and dressage for almost 20 years. I still teach it, in addition to being a cop. I am also mounted patrol instructor. Here is my Grand Prix dressage horse. I got him when I was 16, he was doing first level or so then. I rode with very, very good trainers and got through Intermediare 1, competed at NAYRC, and was AHSA horse of the year at 1st, 2nd, and 3rd levels, and won nationals at 4th (Jr/Young rider). Also did through Prelim. eventing, and coached three gold medalists at NAYRC. But I burned out on the pressure and stress. Now I teach mid-level dressage and eventing to silly (but fun) women who just want to ride well, and enjoy my "day job".
This was a demonstration ride I was giving....I can't believe I didn't have his socks cleaner or his hooves oiled. Somewhere out there my trainer is sitting bolt upright.
I still have him. He is almost 32, and until he was 25 he could still do piaffe and passage. I tried to teach students on him, but he was not particularly forgiving and they quickly got frustrated with all those buttons. He is out to pasture now but still thinks he is king....because he is.