Looking Ahead

It's that time of year when we reflect on what we've done over the past 12 months, and look ahead to what is to come. This year has been AMAZING for Dino and I! We've both grown and changed so much, faced so many challenges, and our partnership is stronger than ever. I had one goal for 2015: to move up to Beginner Novice, and we accomplished that early on in the season. We finished the competition season on a bit of a sour note, but regardless, I'm feeling pretty confident about this coming year.

Seeing as how I'm blessed with a pony who is still sound and healthy and capable, and frequently mistaken for a pony half his age, my plan for 2016 is to keep on eventing him.

Depending on how the rest of the winter goes, we'll start our season in April or May at Beginner Novice, and go from there!

As far as goals for 2016 go, I'm not setting my sights too crazy high. While I absolutely want to challenge Dino and myself, I know that I've got to stay grounded and keep the pressure low in order to keep competing fun for me!

Next year, if the stars align, I'd like to accomplish the following things, in no particular order:

Score 30 or under on a dressage test
This would be such a huge success for me! While our dressage has come a LONG way over the past year, with a 33 being our best score all season, I can just TASTE that sub-30 score! We are so close!

Complete a BN horse trial with no XC penalties
My lack of guts on XC continues to be the thorn in our side at competitions. While we've had double-clear runs at Elementary, at the BN level I still wuss out on occasion, resulting in refusals. My top priority next spring is going to be lots of pre-season schooling to build both my own AND Dino's confidence on the cross country course!

Finish on my dressage score
This is self-explanitory! Once I get the XC kinks worked out, this should be something we can definitely accomplish. WonderPony no touchy the stadium rails.

Finish in the top 3 at any horse trial
While I know the placing isn't the most important thing, it's fun to feel truly competitive.

Compete at at least one new venue
I wanted to compete at Fair Hill or Plantation this year, but neither worked out. Both are excellent venues that I'd love to experience as a competitor.

and...

HAVE FUN AT EVERY SINGLE EVENT WE ATTEND!