Generic New Year Goals Post

because goals are underrated.

Isn't she gorgeous? I'm so thankful for this filly. <3

It's 2019 already (technically not yet, I know, but almost). 2018 started with the death of Gambler. That may seem incorrect since Gambler died in September of 2017, but during the New Year his death was still fresh on my mind. My New Year's resolution was to take more risks, in honor of Gamby. 

An old photo of the Gambster.

Ava is one of those risks. I purchased my second horse as a birthday gift to myself on May 15th, 2018. Ironic since I brought Gambler home in May. Avalon's training progressed quickly since I am more experienced than I once was. It helped that she came to me with better manners than Gambler had when I first got him. 

Winter colors really her!

Concise overview of things Ava has learned so far:

*to back up from light pressure

*to change directions while lunging without sass

*to lead more politely

*to yield the hindquarters immediately (she came to me knowing this skill, but liked to take her precious time responding)

*to yield the forequarters (an accomplishment with a dominant equine)

A few other highlights:

*introduced ground driving

*introduced ground poles

*introduced transitions between gaits

*introduced rider (roughly five 2-5 minute rides)

On to the goals.

1st Quarter Goals (January, February, March):

*Find a saddle to start Avalon in

*Start regular groundwork again (when the weather changes)

*Continue messing around and bonding 

January Goals:

*Get to the barn regularly 

*Try all the saddles I currently have on Avalon

*Keep plugging away at the warm up exercises

*Play with some desensitizing (weather permitting)

If, and this is a big if, we get a deep fluffy snow that isn't slippery, I'll put a couple more rides on Avalon. However, at the moment the ground is either mud bog or ice skating rink. 

My Horses

I keep catching myself using the phrase "my horses." This is how I prefer to lead my horses. My horses have all been babies. I love just spending time with my horses. And then I realize awkwardly that it sounds like I have more than one horse.

I guess . . . it feels like I have more than one horse. Enough time has gone by that I can think about Gamby without breaking down. I still tear up if I think too long, but in general I have fond memories. I find myself thinking about him often. Even talking to him in my head sometimes. Avalon will spook at something and I'll think, oh Gamby still spooked at that... He is still mine. My mind is never going to truly accept that he's gone.

Winter Afternoons

Ava scared me half to death a couple of days ago when I arrived at the barn to find her laying down. My immediate instinct was to imagine that she was dying (the same thing happened over the summer when I caught her napping). But I had nothing to worry about. It was a warm day and she was just resting. I managed to get some pretty cute pictures before she got up. 

Do you have treats?

That awkward sitting-like-a-dog moment.

See mom? I'm fine!

I've had a few thirty-forty degree days in the last week, so I've been working on Avalon's warm up. My goal is just to successfully warm her up without bolting, bucking, etc. This is more difficult than usual since she isn't in regular work. The session usually starts with Avalon bolting over and over and over while I attempt to keep her to a high-stepping giraffe-style trot. After a few steps she bolts into a canter or gallop and I when I ask her to stop I'm treated to a series of firework rears, bucks, and kicks. The trick is to sustain the trot for as long as possible, because once she trots in a few circles she calms down. Then we end the session with a quiet walk, head low and emotions calm. Basically, the closest we've come to a warm up is a cool down! Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining. I love the awkward quirky babies that want to run like crazy. My theory is that her bucking has a lot to do with being off balance. We'll be starting pole work this spring to build those muscles!

She follows me to the gate like she loves me, but I know she's only after treats. :P

November/December Goal Recap

As expected, none of my November goals were completed. It's winter. It's cold. It's the school year. All reasons why most of my visits to the barn have consisted of about five minutes worth of cuddles, treats, and Bannix. She is getting better slowly but surely. . Until I get that situation sorted out I'm going to procrastinate the saddle fit check (which is driving me crazy since I just bought a new dressage girth!!!). 

I have high hopes for winter break. As long as the weather isn't terrible, I should be able to spend a lot more time with Avalon. I'm also way behind in reading the blogs I'm subscribed to. Hopefully I can use my time off to catch up. 

How are the goals going?

*Leading: I haven't worked on this one much. I'm still leading from the left side (bad habit), but we have practice the lead cues. I lead my horses a specific way that build toward future liberty work (or emergencies if the gate is left open). Maybe I'll write a post about it.

*Explore: I have not taken Avalon for any walks in the woods. However, we did spend some time in the arena without too much spookiness. 

*Yields: I haven't spent time on this yet.

So curious! I love her facial markings.

We have had a few days of 30 degree weather, which is nice because I can give Avalon a bit of a workout without worrying that she'll catch a chill. I "lunged" her a little in the arena spending time on walk-trot transitions and encouraging her to bend. She has had a hard time holding a round circle, but now that she is getting better I'm going to move her out onto a larger circle. I will be writing about that more when I get pictures of it. 

When you thought you got a million pictures . . . but really you only took this one. 

Wintre

I almost made it to the barn today...