I want to cry....:(

backstory
For a couple years now I have been researching about going into an IEA team. (Interscholastic Equestrian Association) I finally got the chance to take interest in it a couple days ago when we where out pony surfing through barns and petting fat pot bellied pigs. A cute little stables, been around for 40 someodd years, and just happened to train a few of my inspiration of family. She thoroughly (trainor) informed me that she was on the prowl for a worthy competitor to ride on her team. Willingly, I pondered on it wanting to but knowing we couldn't afford it. So today I talked to her and was informed that I didn't have to take regular lessons from her, but I needed to ride their at least once a week until she feels secure with me on her team. I am also currently in the middle of a lease of my pony, BabyDoll with a different instructor. I don't have the money to lease AND take lessons from both instructors as well as show. Oh, I also just found out that they need an answer iN LESS THAN TWO WEEKS.

So I guess what I am trying to say is, I need help deciding wether or not to:

A: Continue my lease and do IEA next year (I ride 3-5 days a week currently)

Or

B: Stop my lease and take private lessons once a week from each instructor and show in IEA. (Meaning I only ride 2 a week until show season)

I am so frustrated and so sad that I can't do both, I am literally crying in pools right now, it is my dream to ride in IEA to help me through future possible events (big shows) in the nationals and such but I love my baby doll so much and I couldn't ride as much as I wanted to. :(
I.
Hate.
This. 😭😭😭😭😭

Last edited on 2016-06-13 at 10:50:10 by Silver

well as your friend I say stick with bbd but since I know you and I am biased you cant really count on my opinion. but if it is your dream and you finally get a chance to do this I say follow it but I am so torn ;(

Sometimes in life top riders have to sell their best/fave horse to fund their ultimate goal/dream.

So you have to decide what you want more as a lot can happen in a year for example what if the offer is no longer available for some reason?

As hard as it would be I'd say go for it with option B as it may well lead to bigger things.

Personally 13 years ago I had to decide between 2 horses - my trusty mare 12yo Lady who was an ok allrounder & great fun but would never take one through the grades or 7yo gelding (Bumble I love that name - so cute :D) with potential to go through them. I couldn't afford both. I chose the chance to live my dream of being a show jumper.....

Long story short I chose Bumble sold Lady and 3 months later in a freak accident Bumble only went and fractured a shoulder & had to be put to sleep rending me in hospital with a broken collarbone and due to many financial drains I never owned a horse since.

Would I change any of that?? No because I tried to live my dream but sometimes fate plays its part. My point is I guess, I never guessed in 3 months what would happen who knows what can happen in a year.

When I was much younger, I had a chance to do something I had dreamed of doing for years. I turned it down for what I thought - at the time - was a decent reason. To this day, I still regret not jumping at the chance I was offered. Things happened in my life and I was never able to get a chance again. I hope this helps. Good luck with this tough decision!

I had a similar experience as Valzed. I had an opportunity to do something that I had always dreamed of but ultimately turned down the chance and to this day, I regret it. I often wonder what would have come of me had I taken that chance and ran with it.

While I can't make the decision for you, I will say this: If this has been your dream for a long time now, take it. Because you don't know if the chance will ever come back around. But if your content and happy with your current situation, stick with it. You need to decide which is more important, riding more or riding IEA.

Life tends to throw us A LOT of curve balls. In the end, I'm positive your choice will be the right one. :)

*hugs*

Thanks Gaia. That means a lot.
And thanks to everybody who has shared their experiences with me in encouragement. I much appreciate it. I think I have decided to show more, and focus more on the show life. This is still horribly difficult and I have no idea if it is right or not. Luckily, my pony will always be here and leasing her again is always an option if I don't like IEA. I feel like I should try IEA them decide wether or not I like the show circuit. Thanks everyone. This meant a lot :)

UPDATE: Hey everyone, I have a practice lesson with the instructor tomorrow! Yah! Also, I think we are finishing out my lease that would have ended anyway in September. We most likely will stick with it till then.