My first goal for 2017 included qualifying for the National Championship by earning a score of 58% combined dressage and EOH. We seemed to be getting farther and farther away from that goal, as my scores dropped with each successive show, rather than showing improvement. Show scores aside, I am very pleased with the progress Ashke and I have made under Amanda’s tutelage. I don’t think it’s easy to find a dressage trainer who has her bronze and silver medals and is two Grand Prix scores away from her gold, who is willing to teach dressage to someone who wants to do Working Equitation. Dressage in general, has been such a huge benefit to Ashke and I. He is sound, although his hind end is still weak sometimes, but we are doing lots to help strengthen that area. His canter is so good. We had just barely attained that canter before our first show at Expo and now we are working on developing the medium canter in addition to the collected canter. I am riding much more correctly, my core has strengthened and my communication with Ashke has improved. Going forward, there should be lots of opportunities for us to play on EOH courses and ride our dressage tests at other facilities, since HCWE has lots of things in the planning stages for this coming year.
My second goal was to explore lots of trails in our area. That was pretty much a bust. I think we rode the Marshall lake trail for the first time with J (had done it with K and Eddy in 2015?) but I didn’t even get to ride the Indian Creek trail this year. It would be good to find a new riding partner to go exploring with in 2018. So, I am sending that wish out into the universe. I have also found that I am really drawn to riding in the arena right now. Ashke is loving it, I am loving it and it is easier. The last time we tried to do a trail ride the wind picked up as we hitched up the trailer. Literally at that moment. I am taking it as a sign.
In retrospect, we did get to ride at Vedauwoo this year. It was a bucket list item and one I hope to do again next year, this time with the dogs. So, I got at least one new trail.
My third goal was horse camping and that didn’t even come close to happening. In fact, we didn’t go camping at all. :(
I would love to go exploring with you but I suspect you are too far away. :D
ReplyDeleteDamn it.
DeleteI'm too far away for sure right now, but man, I'd love to pick your brain about cost of living in arious areas around denver and stuff at some point :D In the future, who knows! :D
ReplyDeleteI always find the years where i can get a little short term, long term and bucketlist items crossed off always feel like satisfying years!
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