failing (Just a Little)

It's not even the end of January and my goals for the year are taking a bit of a beating. It's fine though, they're not goals because they're easy!

With all the things that don't go to plan, I'm getting better at prioritizing my efforts and not taking things too much to heart.

My lesson goals have gone completely off the rails so far. I have not travelled to EC's barn for lessons with Bridget, I cancelled my lessons on Audrey in order to give myself an evening off once a week (and more cash!) and the clinic didn't work out last week. I rescheduled to February's date on the 4th, but I only have 1 person committed....so probably it's not going to happen. I spent a bit of time trying to figure out how to get people motivated to attend, but you know what? I can't worry about it. We've all got different goals in life. My plan is to just trailer to EC once a month, if the clinic that month doesn't fill. That way I get a couple of lessons a month no matter what.

So cute

Due to my insane schedule and the equally insane winter weather, even though I've been riding in the dark in hurricane winds, I'm still not getting out as much as I had hoped (3-4x a week average, vs the 4-5 I had hoped) so Bridget's fitness is not coming along as well as I'd liked. It's funny, the cardio really isn't that bad now because she's got zero COPD like symptoms here, but she feels a bit weak physically. I'm noticing it in the canter, especially when I've ridden the day before. Her mind is really sharp right now and her motivation high, but her body needs to catch up.

On the flip side, goals I probably should have had (but didn't) are getting crushed right now! All this riding alone and self boarding has really helped B and I tune into each other and I think we are both super happy.

When I first got B, you'll recall she was barely awake at any given time. And, as far as feelings about stuff, she was all 'Meh, with a big side of nope'. She was perfectly polite, perfectly easy to deal with...just not interested in me or my wishes, and super, super reserved.

Very nondramatic reenactment of previous energy levels and interest

That's been gradually changing over the few years I've owned her. Recently, though, it's been changing dramatically. Reserved little pony is meeting me at the gate, is not shy at all about telling me where she's itchy, what trail she'd like to take, how much she loves apples.

Even when we're 'at work' she's meeting me more than half way. Totally willing to try a new thing, trying to anticipate what I might want next, normally with happy, relaxed, forward ears (and thinking).

Walk to canter, NBD last weekend. 

Looking for a dressage prospect is still very much on the table, and the topic of an upcoming post. But, that goal might get shoved to he bottom of the pile for 2018 as well, if B continues to be so happy (and fun!) at work.