2014 Goals in Review

The year is complete and here's how this year's goals stacked up, excuses and all. :)

1. Post the trot for 5 minutes, walk break, post for 5 more minutes - I honestly don't know because I haven't tried to do it. I certainly haven't trained specifically for it, which was the intended format. So I guess it's technically a fail.
2. Reliable left to right flying change - ACCOMPLISHED over summer, and we have 100%
3. School a course of all 2’6” jumps - ACCOMPLISHED Aug 2. I jumped my PR that day and all the jumps were at least 2'3", if not all 2'6" and up. I feel the average of the jumps factors in, lol.
• Show locally, hunters 2’6” - Because I didn't show all year until Oct, I didn't move up to 2'6" yet. So this will have to be slated for next year AGAIN. Hopefully I will have funding.
4. Jump 24” bareback - ACCOMPLISHED over summer
• Jump 24” bareback and bridle-less, neck rope ok - I did jump bridle-less, but I believe it was a little X. I found out that Sam goes wherever he wants when bridle-less, so we've been working on seat/leg only while warming up - with loose rein as backup. I feel this is a goal we can easily get this coming year. We just weren't ready.
5. Weigh-in at 155 pounds - Not even close. I actually put back on the 10lbs I lost late the year before. :(   I am starting a new program next week, an actual program, so not only will this goal be on my list next year, I seek to make it even smaller. My normal, pre-children/old age weight was 135.

Merry Christmas!!

Red Ryders Day

At my barn we have Red Ryder's day. In the spirit of the comic strip that had a 20 year run.

Cookies and sweets are provided in our hospitality area.

And people ride in all their holiday garb, with some of us subjecting our mounts to festive attire.

Sam totally doesn't mind wearing the antlers

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to all ye with mighty steeds. Hug a loved one and go for a ride.

December's 10 Questions

1. What size horse do you prefer to ride?

Cutest reindeer EVER!

15.2 to 16.1hh

2. Do you school in tall boots or half chaps and paddock boots?
half chaps and paddock boots

3. What do you do with your ribbons after shows?
Write the classes and placings on the backs, fold the tails up under the rosette and put them in their placings jars.

4. Do you ride/board at a large show barn or a small private barn?
Large private barn with about 34 horses. Some of us show, but it's pretty independent.

5. Have you seen a horse give birth?
Nope, but I've seen a 1 day old.

6. What is your favorite breed?
AHHHHHHHH. Such a hard question. Probably easier to list what I don't like. I'm drawn to appys.

7. Favorite tack brand?
Also a hard question. I'm more a specific piece of tack brand lover. I guess I'll have to go with ADT, but I wish their variety wasn't so limited.

8. Would you ever buy used tack?
Yes, but I've only purchased used saddles.

 9. Ever been on a carriage ride?
No.

10. How often do you go to the tack store?
Hardly ever. There's only 2 in the area and only 1 is really viable. I visit online tack stores at least once every few days ;)