My my. Where did this year go? So much has happened this year. Its absolutely crazy. Where do we even start?
Well, lets go over our goals from LAST year:
1. A more consistent canter and departing with correct leads
2. Cantering more jumps (single + multiples)
3. Complete an event derby or unrecognized event
4. Work up to jumping 2ft+ (would like to be jumping 3ft come end of next year)
So where did we land? Well I think we definintely improved in the area of 1 + 2. The idea of cantering a jump no longer frightens me and I actually find it much easier than trotting a jump. Number 3. Well we WENT to a derby. We did not compete and we scratched from dressages, so we can say we halfway met that one. And number 4. We are still working on that one. We are confidently jumping 20 inches. Wejust need those LAST FOUR! And honestly after reflection, I dont thing we will ever be jumping 3ft. I don’t think my little ammy heart can take it.
So what are our goals for next year?
- I would love to start jumping courses with Bacardi now that we have our outdoor arena.
- I really would like to gain more confidence on Ruffi. She is SO SWEET on the groun and I truly adore her; but her unpredictability makes me nervous
- I want to start having regular lessons with a consistant trainer.
- I want to go cross country schooling this year
- I WANT to go to Ride for the Roses!
Bonus goal – I would LOVE to have a truck or trailer this year. Start working on our mobility!
So what were our milestones this year?
January – Bacardi and I finally started stringing mulitple jumps together
February – We lost one of our fur babies and did a lot of learning about different bits
March – Bacardi and I made some BIG STRIDES in his confidence under saddle.
April/May – We worked more and more on Bacardi’s confidence riding outside of the arena and worked on becoming more confident over fences. We also brough home a new feline addition to our home, Mazikeen.
June – We introduced Bacardi to some XC style obstacles
July – We signed up for our first show and experianced some MASSIVE attitude issues with being caught and brought in
August – FIRST SHOW! We didn’t compete and we scratched dressage, but it was a GREAT learning experiance. We also decided to bring home a new equine addition, Ruffles. ALSO NEW JOB!
September – Bacardi and I had a REALLY successful ride outside and alone! We also brought home Ruffles at the end of the month.
October – We met new barn friends! We love Bailey + Sawyer and Tess + Hero!
November – Bacardi and I celebrated TWO YEARS as partners. Its amazing how far we have come. We aslo worked on getting Ruffles ready to start her under saddle re-education
December – I have struggled more with fear and frustration and finding motivation to spend time with my equine pals with the holiday etc.
So now that the year is almost passed, its time to look ahead and through the ears of our equine pals. Eyes up, heels down, ride on.
Happy Riding + Good Tidings!
A+B+P+R
(Ashley+Bacardi+Preston+Ruffi)
and A+D+C+C+L+M
(Athena+Dotti+Ciri+Carline+Lucifer+Mazikeen)