Horsey ambitions for 2011 - how did you do?

[mrsmills]

"When the winter weather is bad, what could be better than drawing up a chair to the fire, supping hot chocolate, and making plans for the next year (hopefully we'll get some riding in if this snow ever goes!)

My year will be focused on bringing my newest girl Riti slowly back into ridden work. Lots of long hacks on Reyes and Millie, hopefully with friends (once I've saved up for a new saddle). Lots and lots and lots of groundwork, and playing with the dartmoors. Nothing too ambitious really.

Oh, and just sitting in the field watching them quietly munch that beautiful green grass!

What are you hoping to achieve in 2011?"


This was the thread I started at the beginning of the year, and as promised I've re-visited it to see how we've all done - how many of our ambitions for 2011 did we realise?

Read more: ihdg.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=gh11&thread=112118&page=1#ixzz1g9WF0GMi

As far as my ambitions for the year are concerned, in some ways I have achieved more than I originally set out to do:

My biggest achievement is with EE. In August, I attended Heather's EE Intensive Teacher Training course, and am now working through Case Studies in preparation for my assessment, and hopefully on my way to a new and exciting career as a Freelance EE Teacher.

The EE training has also enabled me to develop my own riding skills, and thus improve my bond with my own horses. Riti is now back in work, and is progressing really well. Reyes has also developed into a more confident young lady, and we have enjoyed some wonderful hacks and schooling sessions. Millie has become my schoolmaster, and through EE our relationship has gone to the next level.

Oh, and I also bought a wonderful leather HM dressage saddle which actually allows my horse to "move" - what a revelation!

EE has also enabled me to meet some wonderful and inspirational horsey people, who have helped fire me with enthusiasm for my future with horses. Bring on 2012!

And lastly, the dartmoor ponies have just been themselves - totally adorable and the best friends you could hope for!

My only problem, is that there aren't enough hours in the day!


So, how did you all do?

[Mellymoo]

OOh great idea! I have just read my last effort, and some of it I have done. I can sit to canter and get into canter without appearing chicken-like (most of the time) and I have managed to ride 10 miles in one go. I wimped out of the hunter trial and ODE, and still don't have my lorry (although there is still time, just need next pay packet then we'll see how we are financially)

I'm pleased with what we've done this year, and I already have grand plans for next year (which I'll save for the 2012 thread ;D)

[sandy]

Nice thread. I wanted to get Ari backed and ride him which we have achieved! Still got a long way to go but I have a lovely, calm lad who is a pleasure to be around.

Got to put piccies up...........

First sit on at Hartsop


First ride back home


First ride in fields


My dream - riding in the sunshine in the fields on my lovely Arizona






Now next year............................

[kafee]

I aimed to back and start riding my three 3YO's up to canter and trotting over poles, and sell two of them to good homes, and school my 7YO NF and take him to some shows.

Well, I backed the three 3 YO's, got two as far as working in trot and hacking out, and sold one to a lovely home. I've restarted schooling the 7YO, but not taken him to any shows.

So some success.

Next year I aim to restart both 4YO's. Finish the basic schooling with the one who I was riding this year, get him out to some shows etc., and hopefully sell him to a wonderful home where he'll be loved.
Finish schooling the 8YO, get his jumping established, take him to some shows, and sell him to a wonderful home as well.
Back Tor and improve his leading and manners: ie, put a felt pad saddle, and possibly a weight, on him, and take him for lots of walks.
Then in November, buy 2 more large NF colts at the Beauleiu Road sales, unless I can find a breeder I can buy from direct.

That should keep me busy!

[jen1]

i didnt have any really other than to get my Fleur ridden away, which ive done, and back my 4 year old , next year i want to get a trailer and get out and about and do our local x country , even if its just in walk or on the long lines, or both,

[arabiangem]

I didn't have any for 2011: my focus was qualifying as a teacher. Now that I have done that and am starting to settle into a routine with work, my attention returns to my girls! We will be back out there in force in 2012. Mark my words!!!

[jules26]

I decided after 15 years of putting my ambition on hold (due to
work commitments and having a family) that I would continue
with my BHS teaching exam. So I finally qualified as a riding
instructor. I plan to get my website up and running and start
building a client base. Really excited as I love seeing people progress and gain confidence. ;D

[Azrael]

Mine was:

Do prelim stressage with Mia and try to get 60%+ at novice with Roxy (maybe a bit too ambitious lol). Go bombing around on the beach with Mia (Roxy is already an expert at it ;D )

Did prelim stressage and a bit of bombing around on the beach with Mia. I did do a few novice tests with Roxy, didn't get over 60% but came close and quite happy to be trying it at all since she spent a lot of the summer out of work lame.