Well as the year starts to wind down, we do what we always do; which is review our goals for this year, recap, and set goals for next year. And man what I year it has been. I started off with two horses, I am down to one. I got to own racehorses for a season. My partner and I went through a big rough patch which temporarily severed our home (we are diligently working through things). Bacardi and I only competed once, and honestly I am okay with that. We didn’t do as well as last year, but we have big plans for this next year!
Alright, well let’s take some time to review our goals from this year and see how far we made it!
- Attend a couple of derbies with Bacardi this year – Bacardi and I didn’t quite get there, so we will just move this goal forward with a small change.
- XC schooling in this year – didn’t get here either this year, came close, but no cigar!
- Take Ruffi to her first show – Unfortunately, with the sale of Ruffi, we never got the chance. We wish her best in her next career of being a mom.
- Work on jumping 2’3″- 2’6″ with Bacardi – WE DID THIS! We got to jumping 2’3″ and even made an effort in competition!!!
- More ride time for Ruffi – I did what I could when she was with us. I would call this successful even if she didn’t end 2022 with us.
Ooff.. some of those were hard. I am still having a really hard time with the sale of Ruffi. I didn’t want to do it and I feel like I let a lot of people down by doing it. I don’t normally have a lot of regrets in my short life, but that is one of them and its sticking with me right now, no matter how many times I justify it to myself or my friends help justify it to me. It hurts and it sucks.
But lets move on. What a year this next one will be! I can feel it in my bones!!
- Lets return to that derby thing – Bacardi and I are planning on making our 3 day debut at the end of May 2023 at the EI Horse Trials at Intro level. Yes. Intro. Baby levels.
- XC Schooling – again revisiting. In order to be successful at the Intro level, B and I will need to have some XC schooling in. Also! We are hoping to build some XC-style jumps at home to practice in the fields with.
- Work more on our flat work. I feel like the last several years our goals have been jump based, but really in order to have a ratable horse, he needs to be sensitive, uphill and moving correctly. Also for the sake of his longevity in the sport.
Also Preston and I are planning on buying into the Emerald Racing Club syndicate again this year and thoroughly enjoying that experience. Other than that, here is to another ride around the sun! I will leave you with an idea I was given today, that maybe, in this next year, I will start outlining. Maybe not.. we will see.
Happy Holidays and a Wonderful New Year!
The Winter Dance Thorougbreds Team!
