Reflections on 2010

[noblesteed]

As the year ends, I have been reflecting on the ups and downs of horse ownership and thinking about how far we've come in a year.

Highs -
Gradually turning from jibbering nervous wreck after a broken arm to being able to deal with my confidence issues effectively.
Starting jumping again, first with instructor then at home and getting round our local show at 2'6".
Hacking alone to the beach and the moors for the first time, and many times and other places after.
Qualifying for Trailblazers in dressage.
Finally 'clicking' with my horse which has allowed me to do all the above, because at this time last year he was on his last chance before being sold. He is now my best friend.
Making a set of showjumps by myself.
Not being made redundant! (which would have meant no horse!)

Lows -
Battling with a good-doer's waistline!
Time off with bruised sole, snow, ice etc.
Falling off.
Battling with my confidence issues.
Going through a redundancy at work - really affected my confidence.


What would be your highs and lows of 2010??? And wishes for 2011?

 

[wellsat]

Highs
- Learning to jump 1m05 with confidence and finally leaving beginners SJing behind.
- Completing my first HT and not getting eliminated
- Finally developing "feel" I may not always be able to ride my horse into a lovely, consistent contact but at least I now know what I'm aiming for.
- realising that I may not be all that as a rider but I have a remarkable ability to cling on where others would have been bronked off
- Gerry arriving

Lows
- buying Lily and discovering I had bought a deranged loon.
- Lily bolting down a hill resembling the Hickstead bank, me flying off at the bottom and partially dislocating my hip.
- Lily going beserk on a pleasure ride and trying to attack other horses. I got back to the trailer and sat and sobbed. Made the decision that day that I had gone as far with her as I could.

 

[dafthoss]

highs
-getting my boy (the first pony I have owned)
-gaining the trust of my boy
-taking him from not understanding or trusting a contact to working in a nice contact (still working on him searching down for the contact but progress all the same)
- getting him fit
- his weight loss so happy with this one being worked has dropped his weight dramatically can now see his shoulders and just about feel his ribs
- clipping him for his first clip he was good as gold
- first ridden show he got 2 firsts and a 2nd
- first jumping round only a tiny clear round but a course
- mum becoming confident enough to lead him to the fields with me walking a distance away (wouldnt do anything without me being very close if at all before)
- him being nervous of the smallest of cross poles to now popping 2'9
- hacking round the fields alone, something he had never done before I got him
- jumping his first logs

lows
- loosing confidence in my riding after having a rubbish instructor at college managed to keep home and college seperate tho
- finding the boy has a filler phobia but it is improving
- young pony tantrums

had a great year so far and looking forward to 2011 only had him 6 months so hoping in another year we will be having a great time