Year End 10 +1 Questions

 I had a whole 2022 recap-by-month post typed out but meh, Anxiety At A's blog hop is so much better. Let's go with it :)

What is your favorite accomplishment in 2022?

From the standard pony blog metrics, I really didn't do much. No show results, no big training progress 'then vs now' updates to share, no typical quantitative goals checked off. In fact, I think this year even has the smallest amount of blog updates in the history of.

But, a lot of big things have happened. Behind the scenes, life simplifying things that are the base for checking off those pony goals and achievements I'd love to be posting more about. The property got a ton of work done, the ponies moved home, I got a good start on an arena build, we're renovating the house and moving in! So, I’m giving property improvements and renovations the win. 

Soon to be home

Was there an item purchased was the best thing you bought all year for yourself or your horse?

This is so boring, but I appreciate all the barn upgrades! Rubber stall mats ? Ohh, or water AT the barn. An arena base? We went big on all the pony keeping life simplifying stuff this year and I still have ‘pinch me’ moments after so many years of self board and making do with very limited amenities. I know that sounds a bit over the top since my place is not fancy at all, but it’s mine and there is a lot of peace of mind and security wrapped up in that.

Riding in my own space <3

Rubber mats! 

Favorite memory from the year?

Split between the adult pony camp on Vancouver Island and the fun days my husband and I have had working on the property and house together. He's recently retired from a job with shift work, and I feel like I only just moved 'home' from working out of area for years, so the novelty of being in the same place at the same time and doing things together with no deadlines has not worn off.

Worst moment?

When the vet called and said they mis-timed it and Bridget wouldn't be in foal. I had promised myself and my bank account that was the final try and I had so much hope. To have the 'last chance' be pretty much a wasted effort really made it feel harder. Also, getting a super stressed out Sophie back from what I hoped would be a happy trail riding vacation with the cowboy, made me feel like a pretty crappy human. Bridget not staying sound in heavier work was also a downer.

 Whew, this makes it seem like it was a bad year, but honestly sitting here now I feel really positive!

She’s so cute and fun you can’t blame me for wanting another

Do you have a favorite photo from this year?

So many. Not so much from a technical standpoint, my photography hobby suffered from a lack of time this year. But lots of happy memories documented!

Bridget’s first week at home

Sophie loving the snow

A test run pony camping last spring of whether there really would be enough room at home for a Sophie. A: there was!

B with her little stall and nameplate. Wanted this in my backyard ever since I was a kid! 

Sophie looking grown up and fancy at a rare clinic we attended. 

I just like the colors and softness of this one and might frame it.

Sophie’s first week at home

After a really good ride

B surveying her kingdom

Was there something (podcast, book, quote, post, blog, etc.) that impacted you this year?

Dr Jenny Susser's mindset masterclasses on Noelle Floyd made a life changing difference. I hit a real low anxiety and confidence wise maybe 2 years ago and feel like I'm still not quite back. To have someone sitting there explaining it all in simple terms, with science, as something completely normal and measurable was huge. 

Is there something you wanted to do this year that didn’t happen?

Bridget in foal would have been nice, but I really organized a good effort there so no regrets from an 'I could have tried harder' viewpoint. I do wish I had travelled down to my coach's for a week and a little show with Sophie this fall as I had planned, but I just didn't make the time.

Did you accomplish any of the goals set for the year?

I was going to lean towards saying I didn't achieve much, but when I look back at my 2022 goals post, I exceeded goals for myself and the property improvements. My original goals for Bridget being in foal didn't happen, as above, but what a treat it was to have her back in work, take her camping, and even have an impromptu cross country school later in the summer. Unexpected for sure, but making great memories. Sophie progress was less successful, but zero regrets as I really believe she needed the summer off to decompress and mature and overall we still made so many positive gains together.

Sophie did make progress though, I actually got a lot of riding in last winter and spring

Oh, and I found another for the 2022 “favorites” folder. We had snow last New Years and Sophie appreciated that. 

Do you have any major goals for 2023?

Continue on the positive trajectory I'm on now. Riding wise I’ll be prioritizing it again once the renos slow down and we’re moved, likely in Feb. I've got a ton of little goals I’d like to accomplish. To be honest I don’t think I’d find it productive or healthy to set big goals on timelines this year with everything else that’s happening. I think celebrating the small wins is a good place for me right now. 

Are there any major plans or purchases already in mind for 2023?

Aside from all the property plans (finish the ring, build a new run in for Sophie, complete house reno), I had been putting money aside just in case I wanted another try to get Bridget in foal. I'm leaning towards that not happening for a variety of reasons, but I've kind of decided the money is going to be used for a fun horse related thing...maybe something as simple as taking a time out somewhere different for a week or two of lesson bootcamp or camping, maybe something special for the barn. Maybe something as exciting as just purchasing an on the ground foal.