Made the Leap

In case anyone has noticed, the tagline on this blog is "A twenty-something's journey to becoming credible". Why do I bring this up?

Because, as of today, I have made the tentative leap towards credibility. I paid for my first USEF professional membership.

Yep, I am now a card carrying professional and have to compete against the big dogs now. Damn.
So, that's the downside.

But, since my relocation to the UP, people have been asking me to give lessons, and since the area is sadly lacking in any intermediate or advanced trainers, I've agreed. Now, I am in no way, shape, or form promoting myself as the next hot thing out there, since I don't consider myself advanced (in the dressage world, at least) either. I do, however have lots of experiences and training that I can share with others and help fill the holes in basic knowledge up here (I'm in no way disparaging the entry level trainers I've met up here... but let's face it, there's more to riding than sit and steer).

Did I mention that I have to compete against the pros now?

That's the part that's psyching me out. Not the buying of insurance, or the actual giving of lessons (I kinda like that part), or even the tax headache that this is going to cause next April. Having to 'man up' and show my little ponies in the Open classes is what's causing my current anxiety (can you tell that I'm planning my 2012 show season)...

Breathe in. Breathe out. Breath in. Breathe out.

So, what's next... Team logos? I think so!