Prancy one

This photo came up on my memories today. 10 years ago, Murphy and I were out dancing. We got a 9 for our final halt. The one and only time I’ve got a 9 in a dressage test. For basically standing still!! Kinda sums up my relationship with dressage.

I’d love to say that I’ve improved since then. Buddy is very different to Murphy. Let’s just go with I’ve tried really hard to improve since then. When he’s not spooking at the markers and I’m not riding like a muppet.

I’ve had a lot of time to think about my horsey goals this year. With Buddy being off games for a big chunk of it, it’s given me time to reflect on stuff. I know my biggest issue with dressage is that I don’t feel I’m good enough. So I’ve been looking at why. Not got to the bottom of it. Yet.

As equestrians, we literally pay someone to judge us! In my book, that takes guts and confidence. Maybe it’s time to stop thinking and just start dancing…

Sunshine

Still feeling a tad crappy when I woke up. So stayed in bed and got more sleep. When I’m ill, sleep really is the best thing for me.

It was a lovely sunny day, so I once I’d gotten up, I sat in the conservatory soaking it up and recharging my batteries. It was still rather chilly so I broke out the blankets too. It does make me giggle as I feel like a 90 year old wrapped in a blanket with my cats. Still I was warm and the kittens appreciated it.

Being forced to slowdown has given me a chance to reflect on things. 2023 was a challenging year for me, but a successful one nonetheless. I haven’t really thought much about 2024 and what I want to achieve. So today I did just that. I’m starting to create my vision for the next year and beyond.

But mostly, I enjoyed the sunshine.

Enjoy the ride

I’ve lost a bit of my riding mojo lately. It’s kinda understandable given the past few years and the number of plates I’m spinning. 2019 was the best year Buddy and I had together. We ticked so many things off my horsey bucket list and achieved so much together.

Sure I set my goals for 2022. But I felt downhearted and like we were going backwards. Things I’d normally look forward to or find easy suddenly seemed daunting.

Today I tackled it head on. First a dressage lesson with a new instructor at a new venue. Two things that could have concerned me in the past. But I felt confident, learnt a lot and really enjoyed my lesson. She was really insightful and explained so much of what’s going on with us. And gave me homework. We both got a good workout!

Then a coaching call with an equestrian coach to talk through my rider mindset. Another really insightful lady. She gave me some brilliant strategies and really helped sort my spaghetti brain. Oh and more homework.

We can struggle with any aspect of our lives. I’m grateful to have some amazing people in my tribe who I can reach out to. 😘

Making plans

I’ve booked my first clinic for 2022 today. And it’s with European Champion Nicola Wilson. Well if you’re going to learn, why not from a champion?!

I met her at The Rolex in 2015. She was so generous with her time. And a really down to earth person.

I’ve been feeling a bit down about my horsey journey recently. I don’t feel like I’ve achieved much this year. We’ve been a bit thwarted. I totally get it. There’s been a lot going on. It’s been hard to fit everything in. My focus has had to be on my business and my parents.

I adore Buddy. That hasn’t changed. And never will. But I’ve definitely lower the intensity in his training in the past couple of years. I’ve realised that I’ve been hesitant to set goals in case next year is more of the covid sh1tshow we’ve had so far.

Booking the clinic made me want to set goals again. So that’s what I’ve done. Horsey goals are set for 2022. Bring…. It…. On….!