As we begin the end of the Mayan calendar, I just have to say - I have WAY too much to accomplish for the world to end just yet. And I'm having way too much fun!
A look back: 2011 was a great horse year for me. I struggled through some very difficult situations including Beauty's snake bite and Jeffrey's hoof defect. I learned to rely more on friends to help me through when I wasn't feeling mentally up to the challenge. Kimberly and I settled into a nice routine of taking turns on Beauty, which allowed my confidence to grow slowly and steadily. Beauty also benefitted from Kimberly's firm, but fair leadership.
As I look forward to this new year, I'm wondering what should I declare as my goal, my plan, what dreams do I have? Not being big on resolutions, I still want to make a declaration, if only for myself, as a way to keep these dreams alive and moving along.
Regarding Jeffrey, I will ride more and focus on being particular about what I'm asking. Not only being particular, but following through until I win the game. He is my 'big easy' and I tend to let him slide and get away with so many little subtle things. What I wasn't understanding (and found out on the trail New Years Eve) is that the less particular I was about winning the 7 games, rather than just playing them, the more I allowed Jeffrey to assume the leadership role. I was passive which allowed him to become passively aggressive. I'm talking very small, subtle things. For instance, riding along the rail in the arena, if I ask for a shoulders in he would immediately start to grind his teeth, twisting his head sideways, telling me he didn't want to do that. More times than not, I'd feel bad for him for causing him anxiety, and would let go. In essence, reward him for his behavior. Duh! Anyway - without too many boring examples, suffice it to say, I plan on resuming my leadership role between Jeff and I.
Regarding Beauty, my goal is to step up to the plate more with her. She is very left-brained, which means that she is a strong dominant mare. However, she has a very sweet, friendly nature and quickly allows me (or Kimberly) to take over leadership and follows along sweetly and calmly. However, she tests me constantly - almost with every step that she takes, always waiting for me to lose focus so she can resume leadership. She is saucy (sometimes naughty) and so easily pushes my buttons. Contrary to popular belief, Arabs are GREAT buckers! Beauty enjoys kicking up her heals in protest on the trail when I ask for change of direction from trot to canter. Like I said, she tests me constantly. My dream for 2012 with Beauty is to have smooth, flawless transitions and changes of gait - even changes of speed within gait. I will focus more on being particular in what I ask. And I will continue to go outside of my comfort zone with her in an effort to be the strong leader that she requires.
Regarding my own plans, goals, and dreams as they relate to me, I will strive to move outside of my comfort zone more often, stay outside for longer stretches - allowing the learning that is gained there, and continue to develop my natural partnership with my 2 beautiful equine partners.
Happy, Healthy 2012!
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