Shut It

One of my biggest pet peeves is someone treating me like I am stupid.

I'll admit it: I am not the brightest crayon in the box sometimes. No, I don't think that tuna is really "chicken of the sea," or think "why make lemonade when you can make lemons" (RHONY reference) but I don't always say the right thing, or know the right thing. I own it...and can laugh at my own mistakes.

What I do know, is that I try hard, and learn quickly, and those are not qualities of the dumb and idiotic.

Various people in my world have questioned my brainpower in that non-subtle way. I usually shrug it off, but as I get older, the need to bite my tongue gets stronger. Such as the case yesterday, when a woman talking to my instructor, began making snide little comments about me and the horse I was about to ride. Maybe she was just trying to help, but it sounded more like she was belittling me. And it was all I could do not to snap at her.

So, to you, un-named lady, here goes:

Yes, I know which saddle to get for which horse. Yes, I know how to tack up a horse. Yes, I know that some horses need more "encouragement" than others. No, I don't wear spurs, but I am willing to use other methods to get the horse to move.

And when the instructor thinks I can ride the horse she has given me the option to ride, I trust her judgment, not yours. Plus, I have ridden this horse before, and I know his quirks. Just because you haven't seen me ride him, and also think I'm inferior because I've only been taking serious lessons for two years, doesn't mean I'm not up to the task.

I am not some dumb, doe-eyed older beginning rider, who doesn't know the tail from the head, and who wouldn't know a trot from a canter. If I make a mistake, I will own it. I am strong. I am willing. And I will be the best I can, and should be. Silly and stupid? I think not.

So shut it. I have a lesson to take.