Finding a Fit

I've been a little quiet on the horse front, mostly because... well, there is nothing. Since moving, I've been struggling to find a lesson program that fits my needs. I found one that was seemingly perfect- if only they would call me back.

The area I moved to has a handful of eventing barns and even less hunter jumper facilities. It's been a frustrating two weeks for me- I took one lesson, but ultimately decided the program didn't offer what I needed as a rider, and have been cold-calling facilities ever since. I can't decide if I'm being impatient or if our fast-paced culture is making expect a returned call within 24-48 hours. It's been depressing, and has been making me really nervous about my upcoming internship year- I miss the lesson program I joined in Lexington (1.5 hours away) and miss the lesson horse I had bonded with there (also 1.5 hours away). If I worked a standard 40 hour a week job, I could justify a 1 hour drive to a hunter jumper facility. If I worked a job with a good salary, I could justify the weekly $70 riding lesson, but unfortunately, I don't work either of those jobs, and never will. Being realistic, I'm not sure when I'll actually lesson regularly again, not sure when I'll have a *sound* horse of my own, or when I'll compete again, if ever.

The only positive is that Candy is safe and sound in Kentucky with me- his retirement facility seems like a perfect fit and the care seems phenomenal. Any farm with 5 horses over 30, all with mirror-shiny coats, has to be good, right?

Trying to find the good in this situation. I feared it for a long time, and it's here, and it's just as I was afraid. I just hope that although the immediate future is cloudy and rainy, I hope that my long term career with horses and in veterinary medicine is bright and sunny because of these sacrifices.

-K & C

Veterinary Intern Essentials

I'm about to start my veterinary internship (Wednesday!), and I've already stocked up on my essentials to get me through the year. What do I love? Here's a list... Featuring the world's best attempt at an image board collage. #amateurhour

 1. Comfy scrubs are a must. I love Grey's Anatomy and Figs scrubs to keep me clean and mostly fur free.

2. Comfy shoes. I spend 12-16 hours a day on my feet during clinics and will keep those hours during my internship. I love my Dansko clogs and New Balance 574s for my high arches and for preventing foot fatigue.

3. Little black book. I use Moleskine pocket notebooks exclusively. I have an address book for medication dosages, and a plain notebook for taking notes on rounds, patient histories, and treatment plans. They're a splurge, but hold so much information and last forever!

4. A favorite pen- yeah, yeah, yeah. These are kind of a goober essential, but I use black, BIC Atlantis pens. I buy them in bulk at Sam's Club. I like my ink to match and not smear, and have found these to be ultra-reliable over the years.

5. 1 Liter Nalgene water bottle. Whether it contains caffeinated Crystal Light or plain water, my Nalgene is always with me. I jokingly call myself a psychogenic water drinker because I am always sipping to keep myself alert and hydrated.

6. Patagonia. Between the Better Sweater and my obnoxious patterned Synchilla vest, I am always warm and toasty even in the chilliest of clinics.

Beyond that, I have more standard essentials: my Littman Cardiology III stethoscope, a Vick's thermometer (super fast- handy for the wiggly ones!), a trusty watch, a lint roller, and a pocketful of healthy snacks.

- K & C