Monday, January 4, 2016

Looking ahead to 2016

I always debate on goals... I mean, I have them, but let's be real - horses don't abide by anyone's timeline but their own. A lameness, an injury, or just taking a year to figure out how to canter... the best laid plans can go out the door in the blink of an eye. So this year, I have one REAL goal:

REMEMBER MY FUCKING DRESSAGE TESTS

I am SO TIRED OF THIS.

Yup. If I can do that, I'll be pretty happy.

Then, there are a bunch of things that are out of my direct control, but that I will work toward accomplishing anyway:
  1. Get Paddy sound and keep him sound.
  2. Get the scores I need at first level for my bronze medal.
  3. Get the scores I need at training and first level to qualify for the Region 9 championships. 
  4. Ride a test at second level.
And then we have the one crazy-ass goal:
  1. Get scores at second level for my bronze.
2015 was a great year, and despite starting 2016 with the Haffie in rehab, I still have Taran to ride and I'm feeling very positive. Onward and forward (with bend, and suppleness, and all those things)!

17 comments:

  1. Get the Equi Dressage app and create the tests you will be riding. Creating them in the app seems to help being able to memorize them. Then watch the app several times a day. Maybe that will help?

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    1. I just need to actually STUDY the tests. Like, for real.

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  2. Woohoo second level! To memorize the GP I definitely had to use flashcards. And I totally took a leaf out of my teenage students' books and trotted around my living room. At shows we have a mat that we put out under the easy-up that has all the letters on it so they can prance around. It's very entertaining!

    Memorizing multiple tests always gets me, I like just having one test in my head at a time for shows. I'm going to have to get over that though!

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    1. I definitely second this one! Trot around the living room (or barn aisle), and don't forget to canter! It's especially fun when you do the lengthenings, you can tuck your butt in and go "swoosh swoosh swoosh"!

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    2. I think I will do this at home, in the privacy of my own living room. The dogs won't tell.

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  3. I've heard good things about the app that Karen mentioned. I'm going to need to use it....I went off course at pony club provincials when I still had a fresh teenage brain. And it was the jump off...for the exact same course I had just jumped. :| Great goals for 2016!

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    1. Oh man, I'm glad I don't have to remember courses any more. Nope.

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  4. I always had such fun prancing about like a pony when I was a kid/teen #noshame
    Great goals you've got there hun, wishing you every success & a Co tinted recovery for the cutest Haffie ♡♡♡

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    1. Thanks! Haffie would prefer a long recovery with extra carrots, I think.

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    2. To be fair...who wouldn't given the choice? ;-)

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  5. Great goals, Jen! Paddy and you will do it I am sure!

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    1. Probably it will be me and Taran, but at this point I'm ok with that!

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  6. woooo go get 'em!! (also i've totally run through dressage tests on my own two feet in the yard before lol, no shame!)

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    1. You probably have a fenced privacy yard... ;)

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  7. You've got this! OI want to go to championships but I"m so worried about paying for it

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    1. The championships here aren't any more expensive than a regular rated show, but they're also relatively close (~3 hours). So, not too bad!

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  8. You can do it! Yes horses can derail plans but what else are ya gonna work towards right?

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