Dressage Day by Day

So I managed to win 2 lessons at Hilltop in a charity auction. I've ridden with Michael in clinics and have enjoyed the lessons so much. Having seen him work with young horses, I knew he would be fantastic to help me with Iggy. Hani trekked the 5 hours to Hilltop in the freezing and snowy December weather with me. The main barn was full, so we stabled at the breeding barn. It's on top of a hill and there is a small bridle path down the hill to get to the main barn. With a fresh coating of snow, it was a beautiful walk. And the barn itself was beautiful and airy. Iggy handled the slick walk and the giant, new arena with total aplomb. He walked in and I could feel that he was looking around, but he went right to work. My heart was bursting with pride. In the first lesson, Michael watched me warm up a bit and then very quickly zeroed in on our issues. I was riding Iggy in a working trot with a fairly stretchy frame. The rhythm felt good and Iggy felt swingy, ...

End of year Wrap-up and Goals for 2018 As I say every year, I love to start planning for a fresh year. With a fun young horse, it's even more exciting this year. However, when I started writing this post, Gadget was healthy and I was feeling so optimistic for both horses. Now, Gadget has been hospitalized with a large abscess on his hock. So my number one goal is to get Gadget healthy and back home asap.  First, I want to look back at the goals that I set for 2017 because I feel like I accomplished so much this year! 2017 Goals:     Get my last score of 60% at PSG for Silver Medal.   This seems very obtainable, but I still don't think it will be easy. To get bronze and silver on Gadget will be so fulfilling, if it happens.  CHECK! At our first show in March of 2017, we scored a 65% to finish my silver medal! I'm still so incredibly proud of Gadget.  Nail the Tempis!   I think I am getting the timing and feeling how uphill he needs to be to g...