Enjoying the Ride

Mo and I went to one more dressage show in August (Dressage By Chance? August 6-7). I am happy to report that the weekend went great. The first day we won both 2nd level classes and the TIP high score, and on the 2nd day we placed 2nd and 3rd. All of our scores were decent (mid 60’s) and high enough to qualify for our Bronze Medal. I had needed one more score after the show in May because we had the same judge for every test.

Me, Mo, and our coach Barbara.

After the By Chance show, we decided to go home and take it easy as we had pretty much been doing dressage boot camp since spring. I took a couple weeks to hack and jump and do a lot of stretchy work because he had been somewhat body sore when in hard training (doing new stuff is hard). Mo has been quite enthusiastic about the jumping; I think he missed it. I however, could do without the running off, hopping, and bucking.

A medium canter from the August show.

I’ve been feeling somewhat wimpy getting back into jumping. It’s scary when you haven’t done it in a while and your horse is feral when you do. I have been taking some jump lessons, we also did a Tim Bourke clinic recently, and I signed us up for a cross country school in October. I think that it will either be a confidence boost or send me running. I’m hoping the former.

All in all, it’s nice to be home and to take things down a notch. We have settled back into our normal schedule of a couple hard dressage days, hacking, a stretchy day, and a jump day. I like cross training because Mo needs to be kept busy and brave! We are keeping fit and looking forward to seeing what 3rd level is all about for next season. Hopefully by this time next year, I will have my Bronze Medal *knocks on wood*.

The Start of Summer: Competitions, Training, and Traveling

With the start of summer, Mo and I competed in the MDHT Spring Starter Trial #3. Mo had a couple green moments (ended 5th) but overall I was very satisfied with him and he will move up soon. 

We recently spent a few days with Liz Millikin in VA and I am definitely happy with the renewed confidence she gave me in myself and in my horse. We stayed at her place and trained under her for a few days. We hacked, received a lesson on the flat, and had a lesson focusing on my eye, aids, and getting Mo to move his feet over poles. I have a renewed respect for Mo and for myself. We are good, we can do this, we will keep improving.

Now that we are back in MD, I am looking forward to training and competing Mo this summer. I am also looking to pick up rides, muck/feed jobs, or anything to do with social media. 

Nothing to Prove

I have noticed a phenomenon in the equestrian world: amateur riders feeling the need to prove something about themselves through their riding. I feel as if maybe everyone, deep down has this urge, but I don’t think it is a healthy, positive, or successful way to make progress in riding. I don’t believe that is a very responsible place for motivation to stem from. There needs to be a certain amount of concern and respect given to your equine partner.  Make realistic goals for you and for them, don’t over-face them or risk an injury by rushing through the levels (which no one will be impressed by). Not all horses learn or make progress at the same rates. Don’t get frustrated if your horse isn’t competing at the level you planned or the level your peers are going at.  Also, consider your own progress. Look back a year and remember where you were then, no doubt a big improvement.

For example:

My horse is a beautiful TB gelding. He is super talented and I am very excited about him. However, he has taken more time to develop in certain areas and I cannot compare him to another younger horse competing at higher levels than he is. He is doing really well with the program I have him in and by not rushing him I also don’t leave any holes in his training. Looking back to this time last year, he didn’t have steering and was a nervous-nelly. At present, he is going 1st level and I hope to have him eventing at novice later in the year. He still has his moments, but he is much more relaxed than last year and he trusts me 150%. Also, another factor, my guy is not an easy ride. He might look easy because he’s going well and has gotten over a lot of issues but he’s not a simple ride and he is not for everyone. We are a great team, progressing at the pace he thrives at; we’ll get there.

Be confident in your riding abilities and yourself. You are a good rider and you don’t need to prove your “skills” to other people. You know your horse best and what he or she needs in order to be successful and happy.

Mo and I flatting.

 

Happy 8th Birthday Mo!

 

Mo March 2013

 

Mo March 12th, 2014

Yesterday, March 12th, was Mo’s 8th birthday. I’ve owned him for a little over a year and can’t help but gush over him. He is such a beautiful animal and is turning into a fabulous partner. Physically (as you can see above) and mentally he  changed 110%. He gets fancier everyday and we have a bond and partnership I’ve yet to experience with another horse. I’m really lucky to have grown up with horses and to continue to have them in my life as a young adult. I’m really thankful for everyone who supports me, teaches me, or has been there for me in any way. I feel like this year will be a really good year (knock on wood). I’m really enjoying the journey with this guy. When I first sat on him, he didn’t steer (at least not at the canter), there was no such thing as rein contact, bending wasn’t an option, when you mounted up he would usually think about running out from under you, and a lot of things were scary. Now days, Mo is that horse who falls sleep in the cross ties, I jump on him bareback and toodle around, he is getting ready to compete first level this season, jumps with confidence, and hacks out like he’s the “baddest thing out there.” I know this post is full of mushiness and babbling but it is necessary, gotta recognize my favorite horse of all time!