Getting Good...

I recently purchased Denny Emerson's book How Good Riders Get Good and it finally arrived today. After only a couple of hours of forced multi-tasking, I am already through chapter three and my mind is spinning. Denny is constantly mentioning choices and how they impact one's future and opportunites; I can't help but to reflect on mine.

I have been fighting for what I want to do with my life for as long as I can remember. I have been told by several people that my dreams of becoming a trainer, instructor, and breeder are nothing but pipe dreams. That it will never happen. That one can't make a living doing that. I have never had the several-thousand-dollar horses. Everything that I have ever rode I have trained myself. I have never had the financial means to compete extensively. My show schedules are fairly carefully planned out and oftentimes I just have to roll with the punches. On top of those things, I have hit many other bumps and snags along the road. Luckily with some hard work and determination I have been able to make childs play out of those.

I am slowly chiseling away at the other major issues on the list. I have a group of wonderful people standing behind me currently and I am so thankful for that. I have a great opportunity to begin pursuing my dreams at the Frederiksborg Horse Farm by training dressage horses and learning the ropes of the breeding side of things. I have a fantastic coming six year old that I am so proud of and am looking at breeding my mare this spring for an event horse prospect.

All in all, things are looking bright and falling into place nicely. I cannot wait to see what 2012 holds for me and how it influences my future. I am also looking forward to finishing Denny's book soon and hope that it continues to impact my life and my riding career.

"Don't let the highs get too high and the lows get too low, or you will never make it." -Karen O'Connor

The Light At the End of the Tunnel...

My new Berney Bros International has finally arrived and it is gorgeous! I have actually had the saddle for about a week or two now but just got to ride in it yesterday. We had a rather large problem of the girth not fitting. Needless to say, I had to buy a new one and impatiently wait for it to arrive. Despite the bitter winter weather yesterday, I was determined to ride in my new saddle. I absolutely loved it and Stretch was so happy to be ridden again. Sometimes you have to admire his work ethic. Now that the trailer and both saddles are purchased, I am well on my way to getting back into the swing of things!

I have already began to mark down shows of interest on my new Smartpak calendar to try to decide where I want to go show. Greenwood, Holly Hill, Feather Creek, and Mill Creek are all possibilities for the Spring. If time and money permits, and depending on how the spring shows go, I would like to attend something a bit bigger during the summer. Chatt Hills and Champagne Run are possibilities there. I am still waiting on the schooling show list to come out, as I would really like to knock off the dust at something more local and cheap. I am so excited and ready! I don't think spring can get here fast enough! Fingers crossed that all goes according to plan!

Merry Christmas y'all!