Red-1
I used to be decisive, now I'm not so sure...
Yir year sounds spectacular!
Field Farm in Lincolnshire was the beach camp. It was an experience, especially the sunrise photography session. 4.30 mounted
2022 accomplishments & 2023 aims?
- Thread starter millitiger
- Start date
Yir year sounds spectacular!
Field Farm in Lincolnshire was the beach camp. It was an experience, especially the sunrise photography session. 4.30 mounted
Titchy Pony
Well-Known Member
Some incredible achievements on here! All your horses are stunning in the photos.
So sorry for everyone who's had a rough time in 2022 and hopping 2023 is kinder to you.
All in all, 2022 hasn't been too bad for me. I got off to a bad start with mental health issues affecting our performance but I got them sorted out (I hope!) end of spring and have been back in the game since summer.
Quite a bit going on as well. I got my trailer license in August and bought a trailer in September. Little Madam moved home in August as well with some borrowed companions to start with until I got my Old Lady in September. Hoping to have their stables built beginning of January 2023 and then on to the fencing (they are luckily very good and - touch wood - stay in their fields with minimum fencing, but it's not a long term solution).
Little Madam: We've got back up to competing 95cm in show jumping this year with a few wins. I want to go back to 1m and perhaps try for 1m05 in 2023 as I'm toying with the idea of putting her in foal in 2024. We also really need to work on strides in combinations as we tend to chip an extra one each time though she can stretch to horse strides if she wants.
Little Madam has made it clear she doesn't like competing dressage. I have to admit that over in France the system is boring: we have been doing the same test for about the last 3 years! There is only one test per level. So I've promised her no more competition dressage unless we can get to an ODE which I would love to, but they're don't seem to be many programmed in my area. It's a shame because she can move so beautifully, but the light just goes out of her the minute she sees the boards.
Oh, and I want to take her to the beach!
Old Lady: Carry on as we are: keep her healthy, happy and hacking occasionally.
Mini Madam (riding school pony): This year she has done her first show jumping competitions with me at her yard up to 70 cm. I would like to get her out and about once her paperwork is sorted at lower heights and then see if I can persuade some other riders to try her out competing. The aim is for her to become a safe and easy low level show jumper 65-75 cm for riding school riders.
Mister Metronome (riding school horse): I competed on him in dressage at the beginning of 2022 to qualify him for the championships as a reserve horse (I couldn't afford to go to the championships myself). We ended up winning the area challenge that adds up points over several competitions. We're not extraordinary as I don't really have time to ride him between competitions (and he also has his own work to do!) but he is easy and regular (and highly uncomfortable at sitting trot!) and he makes me laugh so I've asked to try him at a level up in dressage. I'm not expecting any wins but just to have fun.
So sorry for everyone who's had a rough time in 2022 and hopping 2023 is kinder to you.
All in all, 2022 hasn't been too bad for me. I got off to a bad start with mental health issues affecting our performance but I got them sorted out (I hope!) end of spring and have been back in the game since summer.
Quite a bit going on as well. I got my trailer license in August and bought a trailer in September. Little Madam moved home in August as well with some borrowed companions to start with until I got my Old Lady in September. Hoping to have their stables built beginning of January 2023 and then on to the fencing (they are luckily very good and - touch wood - stay in their fields with minimum fencing, but it's not a long term solution).
Little Madam: We've got back up to competing 95cm in show jumping this year with a few wins. I want to go back to 1m and perhaps try for 1m05 in 2023 as I'm toying with the idea of putting her in foal in 2024. We also really need to work on strides in combinations as we tend to chip an extra one each time though she can stretch to horse strides if she wants.
Little Madam has made it clear she doesn't like competing dressage. I have to admit that over in France the system is boring: we have been doing the same test for about the last 3 years! There is only one test per level. So I've promised her no more competition dressage unless we can get to an ODE which I would love to, but they're don't seem to be many programmed in my area. It's a shame because she can move so beautifully, but the light just goes out of her the minute she sees the boards.
Oh, and I want to take her to the beach!
Old Lady: Carry on as we are: keep her healthy, happy and hacking occasionally.
Mini Madam (riding school pony): This year she has done her first show jumping competitions with me at her yard up to 70 cm. I would like to get her out and about once her paperwork is sorted at lower heights and then see if I can persuade some other riders to try her out competing. The aim is for her to become a safe and easy low level show jumper 65-75 cm for riding school riders.
Mister Metronome (riding school horse): I competed on him in dressage at the beginning of 2022 to qualify him for the championships as a reserve horse (I couldn't afford to go to the championships myself). We ended up winning the area challenge that adds up points over several competitions. We're not extraordinary as I don't really have time to ride him between competitions (and he also has his own work to do!) but he is easy and regular (and highly uncomfortable at sitting trot!) and he makes me laugh so I've asked to try him at a level up in dressage. I'm not expecting any wins but just to have fun.
TheMule
Well-Known Member
It's been a pretty rubbish year- lost my very precious mule at just 5yrs old, and, a week later, my homebred 5yr old had a bad field injury requiring surgery. But I also welcomed a very lovely little filly foal into the world and bought her a little Muley foal friend, plus acquired a lovely ex-racehorse who I'm enjoying training.
The homebred is back doing what he's bred to do and we can start to make some plans for 2023 which include-
- Keeping everyone alive and sound
- Going to more than the 2 events we managed in 2022
The foals
The ex racehorse
The homebred jumping last week
The homebred is back doing what he's bred to do and we can start to make some plans for 2023 which include-
- Keeping everyone alive and sound
- Going to more than the 2 events we managed in 2022
The foals
The ex racehorse
The homebred jumping last week
blood_magik
Well-Known Member
So many plans that ended up not happening for one reason or another…
My 4yo only made it to two shows due to being rather accident prone. He’s improved a lot but still has a long way to go before he’s properly show-ready so my aim for 2023 is to get him out a bit more consistently and get his prelim (and possibly novice) qualification.
Ended up having to retire Raz from competition this summer as he started struggling with the work. We’ve spent the last 4 months rehabbing slowly but it’s doubtful that he’ll come back fully so for now, we’re taking a step back and just having fun.
Cas has only been with me for 6 weeks but we’re ending the year on a high - we scored a new PB of 69.74% in AM91 and won a lovely sponsored rug for having the highest score of the day.
once we get our area festival out of the way I’d like to move up to get my advanced score so I can start thinking about getting our PSG qualification for 2024 ??
My 4yo only made it to two shows due to being rather accident prone. He’s improved a lot but still has a long way to go before he’s properly show-ready so my aim for 2023 is to get him out a bit more consistently and get his prelim (and possibly novice) qualification.
Ended up having to retire Raz from competition this summer as he started struggling with the work. We’ve spent the last 4 months rehabbing slowly but it’s doubtful that he’ll come back fully so for now, we’re taking a step back and just having fun.
Cas has only been with me for 6 weeks but we’re ending the year on a high - we scored a new PB of 69.74% in AM91 and won a lovely sponsored rug for having the highest score of the day.
once we get our area festival out of the way I’d like to move up to get my advanced score so I can start thinking about getting our PSG qualification for 2024 ??
Sanversera
Well-Known Member
I aim to get out hacking both ridden and inhand. I dont do much at all these days except feed and look after my horses so getting back in the saddle would be good.
FlyingCircus
Well-Known Member
2022 has been absolutely pants. Between 2 horses I think I've had 2 months worth of riding over a year...!! So I'm now fat and unfit, and several thousands of £ lighter from vets bills.
But, I've (touchwood) managed to keep them both alive so 2023 will hopefully be bringing my mare back into work after abscess debacle (which I REALLY hope is over). Then seeing how much work my gelding can cope with after giving him a holiday from eventing/hunting for a year as he went unsound. Hopefully we'll get a little event pony and a hacking pony out the other end...!
But, I've (touchwood) managed to keep them both alive so 2023 will hopefully be bringing my mare back into work after abscess debacle (which I REALLY hope is over). Then seeing how much work my gelding can cope with after giving him a holiday from eventing/hunting for a year as he went unsound. Hopefully we'll get a little event pony and a hacking pony out the other end...!
Kunoichi73
Beware... My Plants...
I don't have my own horse so my horse based goals are pretty minimal compared with some of yours.
Last year they were to increase the frequency of my lessons and get better and more balanced in basic stuff, which I did.
This year I want to start improving on my flatwork skills, work more on no stirrup stuff and two point and half seat and a bit of jumping. I would also like to do another course with the Knights of Middle England if they run one I'm interested in.
Last year they were to increase the frequency of my lessons and get better and more balanced in basic stuff, which I did.
This year I want to start improving on my flatwork skills, work more on no stirrup stuff and two point and half seat and a bit of jumping. I would also like to do another course with the Knights of Middle England if they run one I'm interested in.
BronsonNutter
Well-Known Member
2022 started off fairly ropily as I was recovering from a very smashed up elbow.
I managed to get BabyTB back out to a couple of clinics and dressage tests (with varying degrees of wildness) but unfortunately lost her in May for various reasons. I miss her terribly.
OldTB therefore got a bit dragged out of his competition retirement and wangled round the RoR championships earning himself a rosette and making me smile again.
One of my lovely work clients has been letting me ride their absolute saint of a connemara, and we've done a few dressage tests now, been hunting and just started doing some jumping.
The aims for next year are to take said connemara eventing, hopefully qualify for the BCPS champs, and wheel OldTB back out at the RoR champs for a few tests. I'm not specifically looking for another horse of my own but if one was to turn up then we'll see.
I managed to get BabyTB back out to a couple of clinics and dressage tests (with varying degrees of wildness) but unfortunately lost her in May for various reasons. I miss her terribly.
OldTB therefore got a bit dragged out of his competition retirement and wangled round the RoR championships earning himself a rosette and making me smile again.
One of my lovely work clients has been letting me ride their absolute saint of a connemara, and we've done a few dressage tests now, been hunting and just started doing some jumping.
The aims for next year are to take said connemara eventing, hopefully qualify for the BCPS champs, and wheel OldTB back out at the RoR champs for a few tests. I'm not specifically looking for another horse of my own but if one was to turn up then we'll see.
Barton Bounty
Just simply loving life with Orbi 🥰
I am going to try liberty work with BB, I think he will be great at it ?
teapot
Well-Known Member
Ditto the pretty minimal aims over here. I am simply hoping to ride more than I did in 2022. Especially so after finally finding a coach who thought I was good enough for the most advanced horses and allowed me to feel rather than expecting it to be perfect.
I might think about doing my next theory exam as just something to tide my evenings over with too ?
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Jango
Well-Known Member
Its been a funny old year for me, ended up qualifying for BE80 champs at Bramham on our first event on the season at eland. It was such a wonderful day at eland, one of those rare days when everything from the drive, to the weather, to the ground, to the result was perfect! Goosey was amazing and so up for it, really forward (for her!) And enjoying it. Then focused the rest of spring/early summer on Bramham 80 champs, put too much pressure on myself, hated the dressage (which is typically my best phase) and got a pretty poor score. Which actually took the pressure off and she jumped so well with just a pole and a few time faults xc, she was mega and it was by far the hardest XC course either of us had ever tackled.
Then I've spent the rest of the year umming and ahhing over what to do, Goose is such a lovely horse, but ultimately not the right one for me. A particular lowlight was going out and winning two BD novice classes, then crying in the lorry when I got home as I had hated every minute of riding her. She's so laid back she's horizontal and ultimately around 80% of the time I don't enjoy riding her as I'm either bored or frustrated. But she's sound, easy to do and gets good results and the next horse could be lame or mental! So it's been a long time coming, but she's going on full loan to someone I know to be a nanny hacking horse (which she will love) and I'm on the hunt for a new one
So I would love 2023 to be me finding a new horsey partner to enjoy stuff with again, no concrete goals, but I asked a friend at camp how she felt about her mare and she said 'I'm so happy every time I get on, she feels like a ferrari and I'm so lucky' so if I can find a sound horse who makes me feel like that, goals are achieved!! Good luck everyone ?
Then I've spent the rest of the year umming and ahhing over what to do, Goose is such a lovely horse, but ultimately not the right one for me. A particular lowlight was going out and winning two BD novice classes, then crying in the lorry when I got home as I had hated every minute of riding her. She's so laid back she's horizontal and ultimately around 80% of the time I don't enjoy riding her as I'm either bored or frustrated. But she's sound, easy to do and gets good results and the next horse could be lame or mental! So it's been a long time coming, but she's going on full loan to someone I know to be a nanny hacking horse (which she will love) and I'm on the hunt for a new one
So I would love 2023 to be me finding a new horsey partner to enjoy stuff with again, no concrete goals, but I asked a friend at camp how she felt about her mare and she said 'I'm so happy every time I get on, she feels like a ferrari and I'm so lucky' so if I can find a sound horse who makes me feel like that, goals are achieved!! Good luck everyone ?
Bernster
Well-Known Member
Ah Jango, that kind of hit a chord with me. I’ve had two particularly fabulous steady neddies who’ve I’ve managed to do loads with, safe, willing, fun. But there that little niggle in the back of your head. I’m lucky now to have two, having bought Bertie in 2020. He’s more sensitive to ride, and has a lot more oomph - he’s a joy to ride even if it’s not as easy as Finn. So I get where you’re coming from, even if it seems surprising as you qualified for the champs (amazing btw!).
MarvelVillis
Well-Known Member
I had no major plans for 2022. My intention was to continue hacking out my 4 year old, getting him brave and fit, then introduce some proper schooling work. I did manage to take him to his first fun ride and also conquer his loading issues, which was a real win. We also attended our first clinic away from home. I then found out I was (unexpectedly) pregnant in June, so stopped riding. Struggled to find a decent sharer so he's been on a break since Oct.
Plans for 2023 is to get through this pregnancy, adjust to being a first time mum and juggling it with having a horse on DIY livery, and then hopefully get back in the saddle/bring the 5 year old back into work when I feel able to. After that I think we'll just be hacking for the rest of the year and then I'll attempt some proper school work the following year!
Plans for 2023 is to get through this pregnancy, adjust to being a first time mum and juggling it with having a horse on DIY livery, and then hopefully get back in the saddle/bring the 5 year old back into work when I feel able to. After that I think we'll just be hacking for the rest of the year and then I'll attempt some proper school work the following year!
j1ffy
Well-Known Member
This is always a great thread to read, both to see some amazing successes and how posters have overcome major hurdles (@LEC your resolve and ongoing success is really incredible, I hope the surgeries go well this year).
My 5yo was always going to be a slow-burner from a competition perspective so we’ve just done a couple of Intros and a Prelim at home competitions, and two Intros away from home to teach him about competition life.
Our main focus has been training - his trot work is now really coming together and the lateral work is very easy. Canter has been tougher but our last schooling session this year suggested that the penny might be dropping as I felt that ‘sit’ and self-carriage for the first time. We’ve done a few overnights at our regular trainer’s and a busy BD camp where he was fab, including respectable Novice scores in the two test riding sessions.
We’ve also dipped out toe in jumping, which he enjoyed, done plenty of hacking and our first fun ride! Overall he’s such a joy and puts a big smile on my face (I can completely empathise with the earlier posters who have had good success but no fun with their horses, having felt similar with my former loan horse - we could get 70+% tests any day of the week but he was a dull lump!).
Next year’s aims:
- Consolidate the canter progress, get the lateral work up to a good level in canter
- Jump more regularly. We’re signed up for the Wimpy Weekender beach camp in July and I don’t want to be the wimpiest ? (Red-1, great to see your good reviews of Field Farm!)
- Longer hacking. I need to give myself a kick up the backside and get more confident taking Chilli up the hill, where we need to deal with gates, sheep, kids, kites, so we can access the amazing hacking over the Lambourn Downs
- Have a go at working equitation
- I’m not sure about competition goals. I could go and do some Novice tests, and probably should, but it won’t play to his strengths. I hate Elementary so I’m minded to get him stronger and more established then aim to do a Medium by the end of the year…
But before all that I’m ticking off a bucket list activity - a horse safari starting tomorrow ??
My 5yo was always going to be a slow-burner from a competition perspective so we’ve just done a couple of Intros and a Prelim at home competitions, and two Intros away from home to teach him about competition life.
Our main focus has been training - his trot work is now really coming together and the lateral work is very easy. Canter has been tougher but our last schooling session this year suggested that the penny might be dropping as I felt that ‘sit’ and self-carriage for the first time. We’ve done a few overnights at our regular trainer’s and a busy BD camp where he was fab, including respectable Novice scores in the two test riding sessions.
We’ve also dipped out toe in jumping, which he enjoyed, done plenty of hacking and our first fun ride! Overall he’s such a joy and puts a big smile on my face (I can completely empathise with the earlier posters who have had good success but no fun with their horses, having felt similar with my former loan horse - we could get 70+% tests any day of the week but he was a dull lump!).
Next year’s aims:
- Consolidate the canter progress, get the lateral work up to a good level in canter
- Jump more regularly. We’re signed up for the Wimpy Weekender beach camp in July and I don’t want to be the wimpiest ? (Red-1, great to see your good reviews of Field Farm!)
- Longer hacking. I need to give myself a kick up the backside and get more confident taking Chilli up the hill, where we need to deal with gates, sheep, kids, kites, so we can access the amazing hacking over the Lambourn Downs
- Have a go at working equitation
- I’m not sure about competition goals. I could go and do some Novice tests, and probably should, but it won’t play to his strengths. I hate Elementary so I’m minded to get him stronger and more established then aim to do a Medium by the end of the year…
But before all that I’m ticking off a bucket list activity - a horse safari starting tomorrow ??
Chippers1
Well-Known Member
I didn't really have many plans for 2022 and didn't really post a lot here much either. We stepped down levels a bit as my confidence had taken a bit of knock so did quite a few jumping clinics which Buzz just got better and better. We did manage to qualify for the Eland hunter trial championships which I was so proud of as we'd not managed it before, even if it only was the 50cm class! And we went clear in it too so I was so incredibly proud of us.
Fell off SJ for the first time but realised it isn't as scary as I'd built it up in my head
We also just about squeezed in a prelim dressage test at the end of the year, a first as I'd only done ODE dressage tests with Buzz before, with some nice comments from the judge:
There was a photographer there as well and it's made me realised how short I ride, so stirrups have been dropped many holes and I'm starting to get used to dressage length!
This is because my main aim for 2023 is to attempt a Novice dressage test, so I will have some lessons and work on Buzz's suppleness and do a few more prelims. I'm not a fan of dressage so it's definitely out of my comfort zone! I'd also like to jump around the 70cm hunter trial at Eland clear, and try and work on our speed (Buzz likes an amble!). I'd also like to go back to 70cm SJ.
Edited to add, i'm off to camp too! In March. So that's exciting.
I'm also moving house this year so there's a possibility of a yard move which is freaking me out, i've been on the same yard for over 20 years (not all with Buzz
).
Here's to 2023 and more of this
Fell off SJ for the first time but realised it isn't as scary as I'd built it up in my head
We also just about squeezed in a prelim dressage test at the end of the year, a first as I'd only done ODE dressage tests with Buzz before, with some nice comments from the judge:
There was a photographer there as well and it's made me realised how short I ride, so stirrups have been dropped many holes and I'm starting to get used to dressage length!
This is because my main aim for 2023 is to attempt a Novice dressage test, so I will have some lessons and work on Buzz's suppleness and do a few more prelims. I'm not a fan of dressage so it's definitely out of my comfort zone! I'd also like to jump around the 70cm hunter trial at Eland clear, and try and work on our speed (Buzz likes an amble!). I'd also like to go back to 70cm SJ.
Edited to add, i'm off to camp too! In March. So that's exciting.
I'm also moving house this year so there's a possibility of a yard move which is freaking me out, i've been on the same yard for over 20 years (not all with Buzz
).Here's to 2023 and more of this
nikkimariet
Well-Known Member
Win a rug - smashed it (advanced medium music silver pet plan champs)
Get back into jumping - yes, and buzzed to make a 80cm clear round feel easy
Debut at PSG - yep
Sorry for any losses, they are so hard. Big smiles for all the happy moments though.
Get back into jumping - yes, and buzzed to make a 80cm clear round feel easy
Debut at PSG - yep
Sorry for any losses, they are so hard. Big smiles for all the happy moments though.
SaddlePsych'D
Well-Known Member
Need to add to my goals:
- Not be scared of hacking (again!)
First hack on new share horse at the weekend. He was great but I am not at all used to a horse who marches out properly. In time I think I will enjoy this but I got tense which gave us fast trot, broke to a step of canter and then big marching walk again. Then came all the negative thoughts about myself. It was me 100%, not him, although no need to beat myself up about it. I will get myself forward thinking this year, who knows where that could take me!
- Not be scared of hacking (again!)
First hack on new share horse at the weekend. He was great but I am not at all used to a horse who marches out properly. In time I think I will enjoy this but I got tense which gave us fast trot, broke to a step of canter and then big marching walk again. Then came all the negative thoughts about myself. It was me 100%, not him, although no need to beat myself up about it. I will get myself forward thinking this year, who knows where that could take me!
ycbm
Overwhelmed
House move was hard on all of us in 2022 and if I'm honest with myself it was only today, after selling Joe in March, Ludo being on his own for 3 weeks, (which made him very unhappy) then moving him into livery on April 17th, to another barn in August and another barn in September and a whole new yard in October, with a bad reaction to the wrong food in the summer, that Ludo was completely relaxed with a big soft eye. I have felt so guilty for what I was forced to do when we sold his field and barn.
Last year was consumed with a difficult, traumatising sale, and moving house. It also saw me persuading the horsepital to xray and scan him when they couldn't make him lame, to find he was born with, or developed really young, bone spurs on his hocks. I knew there was "something", it's good to know what it is.
On changing yard it was immediately obvious that waxed surfaces had been a real problem. So although I moved for longer hours and 7 days a week of turnout in a proper herd, I also got the bonus of hugely improved schooling.
So he's nailed a flying change right to left, and as soon as we've got left to right to the same standard I'll start working on tempis, which has always been my lifetime goal. I got my warmblood to 3 time tempis just before his wobblers went critical, so I'm hoping maybe to get 2's, in time, with Ludo.
He's 8 this year and because he's hypermobile I've taken him very slowly. I have always said he would be 8 before he would really be ready to work, and he's looking very different, much stronger, the last few months. I don't want to compete, and my only goal is to enjoy owning one of the nicest, kindest, sweetest and prettiest horses in the world. And tempis ?.
https://youtube.com/shorts/ZDn0Z3DjwRk?feature=share
.
Last year was consumed with a difficult, traumatising sale, and moving house. It also saw me persuading the horsepital to xray and scan him when they couldn't make him lame, to find he was born with, or developed really young, bone spurs on his hocks. I knew there was "something", it's good to know what it is.
On changing yard it was immediately obvious that waxed surfaces had been a real problem. So although I moved for longer hours and 7 days a week of turnout in a proper herd, I also got the bonus of hugely improved schooling.
So he's nailed a flying change right to left, and as soon as we've got left to right to the same standard I'll start working on tempis, which has always been my lifetime goal. I got my warmblood to 3 time tempis just before his wobblers went critical, so I'm hoping maybe to get 2's, in time, with Ludo.
He's 8 this year and because he's hypermobile I've taken him very slowly. I have always said he would be 8 before he would really be ready to work, and he's looking very different, much stronger, the last few months. I don't want to compete, and my only goal is to enjoy owning one of the nicest, kindest, sweetest and prettiest horses in the world. And tempis ?.
https://youtube.com/shorts/ZDn0Z3DjwRk?feature=share
.
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Titchy Pony
Well-Known Member
I think this is the best goal ever! May I steal it?
(though I may have to adjust it: Little Madam is not always the kindest despite her butter wouldn't melt face and and it would take a generous (or non-horsey) person to call the Old Lady pretty - I still love them both though)
Good luck with your goal (including the tempis!) and I hope this year is easier for you than the last.
smolmaus
Well-Known Member
The goal was to get little rescue Sadie backed and riding so CHECK. I didn't intend to do it all myself but thats how it ended up and nobody died so I'm more than happy.
Went round a XC hire easy peasy
Did 2No. Intro tests and was 65+% in both. She has more than exceeded all of my expectations and I might actually like dressage comps which I didn't see happening. A stumpy-legged, knock-kneed little bog cob and her idiot pilot are never going to win anything but we can enjoy it!
2023 goal is to get her out more. We were on a roll for a few weeks then she went very briefly lame then it was frozen, then it was Christmas.
Local forest, local beach, the annual fun ride we missed this year because she colicked and some arena hires, winter dressage league again for the prelim. I will be a happy maus!
Went round a XC hire easy peasy
Did 2No. Intro tests and was 65+% in both. She has more than exceeded all of my expectations and I might actually like dressage comps which I didn't see happening. A stumpy-legged, knock-kneed little bog cob and her idiot pilot are never going to win anything but we can enjoy it!
2023 goal is to get her out more. We were on a roll for a few weeks then she went very briefly lame then it was frozen, then it was Christmas.
Local forest, local beach, the annual fun ride we missed this year because she colicked and some arena hires, winter dressage league again for the prelim. I will be a happy maus!
Alibear
Well-Known Member
Last year was ok but a confidence wobble and a bit of bad luck meant competing didn’t go as well as I’d hoped and worked towards.
Slightly delayed start to this year as I had an op yesterday and and am out for a few more weeks yet but Ambers enjoying her first pre planned time off since 2020 so hopefully we can re group in Feb and pick back up again. Goal is crack the lope, I’m confident to ride lope but she’s too in the forehand , to leaning and to fast and I just don’t have the skills to correct it yet. My seat needs work to enable this so human lunge bungee will be coming back out. I’d like to get solo hacking but circumstances, time, friend’s availability and weather all play part in making progress there so if it rolls into 2024 that’s fine. Again it’s me not her. Hopefully Aspen has a happy year in the yearling herd and continues to mature nicely. Somehow I hope to juggle finances to keep all 4 happy and healthy and potentially put Daisy in foal again in the spring.
Slightly delayed start to this year as I had an op yesterday and and am out for a few more weeks yet but Ambers enjoying her first pre planned time off since 2020 so hopefully we can re group in Feb and pick back up again. Goal is crack the lope, I’m confident to ride lope but she’s too in the forehand , to leaning and to fast and I just don’t have the skills to correct it yet. My seat needs work to enable this so human lunge bungee will be coming back out. I’d like to get solo hacking but circumstances, time, friend’s availability and weather all play part in making progress there so if it rolls into 2024 that’s fine. Again it’s me not her. Hopefully Aspen has a happy year in the yearling herd and continues to mature nicely. Somehow I hope to juggle finances to keep all 4 happy and healthy and potentially put Daisy in foal again in the spring.
ycbm
Overwhelmed
Of course ? I know I am biased but it's a comment made about him often and this morning a youngish male motorist stopped and wound his window down just to tell me how pretty he is ?
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McFluff
Well-Known Member
Wow, lots has been packed into 2022. To those facing challenges, virtual HHO hugs, and wishes for a better 2023.
I can’t find what I wrote as my 2022 ambition, but I’ve had a fun year and am more in love with my boy than ever before.
2022
We got some novice BD points
We’ve steadily improved our dressage scores
We’ve done some solo shows
We’ve moved yard (unplanned, but turning out to be a good thing)
We’ve done some work on our solo hacking (one of the benefits of the new yard)
We survived colic
2023 aims
Keep having fun
Keep him fit, healthy and happy
Improve our loading
Ride our novice music test
Establish novice work (super ambitious would be to try an elementary test)
Get him hacking with confidence (build on work started in last couple of months)
Try mounted archery with him
I can’t find what I wrote as my 2022 ambition, but I’ve had a fun year and am more in love with my boy than ever before.
2022
We got some novice BD points
We’ve steadily improved our dressage scores
We’ve done some solo shows
We’ve moved yard (unplanned, but turning out to be a good thing)
We’ve done some work on our solo hacking (one of the benefits of the new yard)
We survived colic
2023 aims
Keep having fun
Keep him fit, healthy and happy
Improve our loading
Ride our novice music test
Establish novice work (super ambitious would be to try an elementary test)
Get him hacking with confidence (build on work started in last couple of months)
Try mounted archery with him
rara007
Well-Known Member
I can’t remember if I posted for 2022.
Rocky had a good year. We spent almost the whole year in the top 50 on the league, were the best British at every international, cracked a 70% dressage at fei 3*, completed our second worlds gaining us our first FEI badge of honour. We were hoping for top half, nothing went wrong, but we just need to train harder. My aims for ‘23 for him are to do some more mediums, keep in the top 50 and retain our dressage national championship trophy. I also want to preserve him and not go bankrupt so we’re being quite selective over FEI shows and don’t plan on any national level driving unless it’s needed for the ‘24 selection cycle. This horse owes me nothing. He’s enjoying it and progressing and I hope that continues for many years but as soon as he doesn’t he gets what he wants. The experiences and places he’s taken me to is beyond what I could have dared to imagine.
Lottie was sold by this time last year awaiting new home. On paper it was fab for her but I think she’s moved on again. Unfortunately just too sharp for my job.
Sir came and sadly went back again after around 8 months. There were complex issues there not compatible with our needs.
Enter the hairy pony Storm. He’s great fun. I’ve pencilled in plenty for him but he’s so early in his journey who knows where we will end up. Showing, dressage, driving are all on the cards.
Photos in random order
Rocky had a good year. We spent almost the whole year in the top 50 on the league, were the best British at every international, cracked a 70% dressage at fei 3*, completed our second worlds gaining us our first FEI badge of honour. We were hoping for top half, nothing went wrong, but we just need to train harder. My aims for ‘23 for him are to do some more mediums, keep in the top 50 and retain our dressage national championship trophy. I also want to preserve him and not go bankrupt so we’re being quite selective over FEI shows and don’t plan on any national level driving unless it’s needed for the ‘24 selection cycle. This horse owes me nothing. He’s enjoying it and progressing and I hope that continues for many years but as soon as he doesn’t he gets what he wants. The experiences and places he’s taken me to is beyond what I could have dared to imagine.
Lottie was sold by this time last year awaiting new home. On paper it was fab for her but I think she’s moved on again. Unfortunately just too sharp for my job.
Sir came and sadly went back again after around 8 months. There were complex issues there not compatible with our needs.
Enter the hairy pony Storm. He’s great fun. I’ve pencilled in plenty for him but he’s so early in his journey who knows where we will end up. Showing, dressage, driving are all on the cards.
Photos in random order
Bernster
Well-Known Member
Lovely photos rara and a great year. Is the bay one you bought a couple of years back? Super smart. The hairy one looks to have a cracking hind leg in that trot picture!
rara007
Well-Known Member
Yes I’ve had Rocky 3.5 years now Flys by!
Flys by!humblepie
Well-Known Member
Rara - Rocky is so super smart and some achievements. Love your reports as very different from things I know about.