Two years ago yesterday, Bacardi stepped off the trailer and was mine. We have had quite the adventure since.
Our first year we had a LOT of learning each other and having trust. I learned what he needed to be healthy and happy. I have learned what kind of environments cause him anxiety and those where he is comfortable. And in turn, he learned his expectations. That we stand quitely at the mounting block. That we come when led. And a bunch of other little things that have made our relationship so much easier.
This past year was learning new skills. We really started working on jumping. We started working on hacking out without anxiety. We started going on field trips and to shows. And our bond has only grown.
Here are just a handful of the past year’s highlights:
Jumping verticles – we started with small 6″ verticles, than 12″ and then 18 -20″ and now this winter we are working on 2ft!
First Field Trip – spur of the moment one day in August, one of our barn mates offered to trailer us to Katherine Taylor Horse Park with them, and we were able to work through some “new place” anxiety
First “Outdoor/XC” Jumps – This summer we had the benefit of an outdoor grass jump field and even had the benefit of some cross country type obstacles
Riding Calmly out with a Group – Last summer Bacardi was very nervous riding out on the 150 acre property with other horses. He would get very jiggy and want to trot. Now we can ride out anywhere on our property calmly and on a long rein.
Riding Calmly outside by ourselves – shortly before the end of the summer Bacardi and I had a very successful ride out on the property by ourselves in which we were able to safely and confidently w/t/c
Our First Show – This August, we attended our first show. Honestly it was a mess but it was an AMAZING learning experiance. I am hoping in the next year to take B on more “field trips” but also I think, if possible, I will try and stable him at show locations the evening before or earlier to help with his anxiety.
New Family Members – our family grew exponentially this year. Since our last “Gotcha Day”, we have gotten 2 new dogs, lost a kitty, got a new kitty and a second horse. Last year we were at 1 horse 1 dog and 3 cats. Now we are at 2 horses 3 dogs and 3 cats. And don’t even ask me about fish.
I have a few goals I would love to meet before our next “Gotcha Day”:
First XC Schooling – I am currently casually looking for a new trainer for us and I am hoping that in the next year we can school cross country!
First Ride for the Roses – for the last 2 years, Bacardi and I have missed the local thoroughbred show for one reason or another. I am REALLY hoping to take him next October with his sister 🙂
Jumping 2+ft – we are REALLY close to this goal. A lot of this is RIDER confidence, but I would really REALLY love if by 3 years into this partnership we can be jumping a substantial height 🙂
So here is to two years together Bacardi. Its been an AMAZING ride and here is to MANY MANY MANY more years of this amazing partnership.
Happy Riding,
A+B