Patience

If she couldn't be in the love affair she longed for, then Jill wanted at least some modern, current romantic relationships to admire. The handsome she'd investigated seemed, unfortunately, to be engaged. So it annoyed her that he'd said "I've put an offer in on a farm" instead of "we" -- as if that meant he was denying his relationship status somehow. Sour grapes? No doubt.
*
The flirt-painter had asked her to be his first topless model. ha. It was cute to see her bareback calendar idea stolen and underway with someone less modest than she. Since he wasn't replying to her emails anymore, she assumed it was romantic for them. She tried to think, good for them! The truth was she was far too private to post such nonsense on facebook or a blog, and was annoyed when her ex posted photographs of her in a bikini in the snow, right around the same time.
*
It was with great disappointment that Jill called the potential riding buddy at the Equestrian Team members farm to say she couldn't make it anymore, at least until she found paid work. It took up half a day just to ride one horse! Not to mention the prohibitive travel expense. She did not mention the condescending discouragement she felt somehow from the paid staff in the boss's absence, but it was a part of the picture too. She felt she had other pony options much closer to home and with much more freedom and potential for new friendships, but she still hated giving up the Wednesday/Weekend hacks that had made such a wonderful winter!
*
"Oh trust me, I know what you mean when you mention needing patience, and what you mean when you say hard to catch!" Jill said.

"I remember trying for ages in the big field to catch Stoney, when I was first getting to know him, while he ran around me as if being lunged, or ran repeatedly away or even just walked out of reach. Over and over and over for ages and ages and ages. I even remember losing it once and whipping handfuls of oats at him til they were all gone and then throwing the bucket at him in frustration as well, just before driving off in a huge huff, because he'd wasted our riding time. And, I consider myself one of the most patient horse people I know!"

But, after Stoney came to love cross country, he became easy to catch. Jill could still remember the first day she noticed. As she drove in, he was in the front paddock. She rolled down the window to say "well hello handsome" and he put his head up cheerfully and instantly started walking to the gate. She was overjoyed. Isn't that ... well, er, ...handsome!?!!
*
The competitors and barn staff yesterday got trading stories yesterday and Jill did not pipe up and add that the shared horse they had all experienced was one of the most agreeable, and safe partners she had ever had the pleasure of trying out. She had never ridden a horse like him that LOVED to jump! She must have rode him at least 10 times, and he was always a good boy. It was very sad for her riding career that he left, and she was sorely disappointed that she never did get to put him on autopilot and get packed around a Training course.

This was about the same time that her co-worker had mentioned to the clients that Jill was an unsafe teacher, while the boss was laid up in hospital. Why wouldn't the co-worker just offer her some safety coaching feedback? It left her in a very awkward position, and she decided to resign in the hopes of supporting everyone's best interest. It was unfortunate for the poor boss's bottom line that her unpaid hours would have to go to the co-worker that got paid in cash, but she was trying to do the right thing.

Jill vowed to learn how to make friends and supporters, rather than undermining enemies as she moved forward towards new opportunities. She truly wished to work as a team, she believed in synergy. She wanted to be a generous spirit, and made conscious efforts to take "the high road" as her older brother had always suggested.