Wednesday 24 January 2018

failing (Just a Little)

It's not even the end of January and my goals for the year are taking a bit of a beating. It's fine though, they're not goals because they're easy!

With all the things that don't go to plan, I'm getting better at prioritizing my efforts and not taking things too much to heart.

My lesson goals have gone completely off the rails so far. I have not travelled to EC's barn for lessons with Bridget, I cancelled my lessons on Audrey in order to give myself an evening off once a week (and more cash!) and the clinic didn't work out last week. I rescheduled to February's date on the 4th, but I only have 1 person committed....so probably it's not going to happen. I spent a bit of time trying to figure out how to get people motivated to attend, but you know what? I can't worry about it. We've all got different goals in life. My plan is to just trailer to EC once a month, if the clinic that month doesn't fill. That way I get a couple of lessons a month no matter what.

So cute

Due to my insane schedule and the equally insane winter weather, even though I've been riding in the dark in hurricane winds, I'm still not getting out as much as I had hoped (3-4x a week average, vs the 4-5 I had hoped) so Bridget's fitness is not coming along as well as I'd liked. It's funny, the cardio really isn't that bad now because she's got zero COPD like symptoms here, but she feels a bit weak physically. I'm noticing it in the canter, especially when I've ridden the day before. Her mind is really sharp right now and her motivation high, but her body needs to catch up.

On the flip side, goals I probably should have had (but didn't) are getting crushed right now! All this riding alone and self boarding has really helped B and I tune into each other and I think we are both super happy.

When I first got B, you'll recall she was barely awake at any given time. And, as far as feelings about stuff, she was all 'Meh, with a big side of nope'. She was perfectly polite, perfectly easy to deal with...just not interested in me or my wishes, and super, super reserved.

Very nondramatic reenactment of previous energy levels and interest

That's been gradually changing over the few years I've owned her. Recently, though, it's been changing dramatically. Reserved little pony is meeting me at the gate, is not shy at all about telling me where she's itchy, what trail she'd like to take, how much she loves apples.

Even when we're 'at work' she's meeting me more than half way. Totally willing to try a new thing, trying to anticipate what I might want next, normally with happy, relaxed, forward ears (and thinking).
Walk to canter, NBD last weekend. 

Looking for a dressage prospect is still very much on the table, and the topic of an upcoming post. But, that goal might get shoved to he bottom of the pile for 2018 as well, if B continues to be so happy (and fun!) at work.



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16 comments

  1. i LOVE that canter pic!!! so awesome that Bridget's been so happy and enthusiastic in her work lately! sometimes we set all these goals thinking we know what we want, but then things totally shift and takes our focus and priorities along for the ride. and ya know? that's not necessarily a bad thing!

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    1. G is usually the worst picture taker ever, but he's also responsible for some of my very favorite photos, like that canter pic last weekend. I scroll through my phone like "picture of his thumb, picture of the ground, picture of idk, blurry pic of my butt, is that B's tail?..ohh cute canter pic!" It's an unpredictable genius :)

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  2. It is only January so I think you are doing great. You have time to get more lessons in but i am thrilled that you are getting so much 'fun time' on Bridget and her personality has changed! I am very happy for you guys! :)

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    1. I'm way too intense with goals...I really shouldn't make them. Bridget being happy is obviously the most important thing, though. I'm thrilled she is feeling so good!

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  3. It's only January still like 45+ weeks of the year left!

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  4. Tuning in to the horse is so awesome. It makes all the work worth it. Beautiful pictures.

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    1. I can't believe how our partnership continues to grow and change, even 3 years after I bought her.

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  5. That last photo is so lovely! It sounds like she's really coming along...albeit slowly. I hope she continues to be a great work partner for you and continues to feel less "meh with a side of nope" lol!

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    1. It's been such a process. It sounds weird but she is the most difficult, yet also the easiest horse I've ever ridden. Safe for almost anyone, but the work ethic really is lacking and progress is SO slow. It's a good thing I like her :)

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  6. It's only January- riding in the winter even here in the south is difficult sometimes. So I can't imagine doing it in REAL winter. She looks great in your W/C picture!

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    1. Our winters barely count as real, at least by Canadian standards. I do miss having an indoor on site, though. It certainly made things easier on all the dark, stormy nights we get mid winter.

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  7. I wouldn't fret - the season hasn't even really started for us BC northerners. I think you guys are doing fantastic, considering!

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    1. I posted when I was trying to coordinate Feb clinic dates and EC was like.."Oh, there's a show that weekend, a 2 phase that one..." I was like "ARGGHH WINTER IS ALMOST OVER WHAT IS HAPPENING TO MY GOALS" :) Note to self: My show season doesn't start until the end of March...lots of time, still!

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  8. That's awesome that Midge is stepping up in such a big way! I'm also glad (and not glad) that I'm not the only one who's goals are taking a major beating this year so far.

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    1. I really need to not make winter goals, lol. Better weather and longer days will be here soon.

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