Spring has sprung, and Swish (the wonder horse) and I are working hard to further our jumping skills development. We are looking forward to opportunities to test those skills, and so far in 2014 we have been fortunate to be able to attend three educational clinics and a jumping derby competition. These activities early in the year have given me a good idea of what Swish will need to prepare her for the upcoming show season where she will be competing in the sport of 3-Day Eventing.
It's great to have a vision of where you are going with your horse, whether related to competition or simply achieving greater skill in your pleasure riding. Imagine what you want to be able to do - wouldn't that be great? Riding down a new trail, say, or staying in contact with your horse as you ride a pattern in the arena.
Goal setting can be as simple as working toward strengthening your maneuvering skills so that you and your horse can stay in rhythm and balance while negotiating turns confidently on the trail or in the arena. So I'd urge you to pick some aspect of your riding you've been noticing lately, and articulate it as a goal, while holding a vision of what success will look like, and plan a few steps to get you and your horse there.
Picking manageable goals within your vision will give you steps in the right direction. Taking those steps to accomplish your goals will give you a well-deserved sense of accomplishment and a deeper appreciation for the partnership you are developing with your horse.
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| Michelle and Swish! |
(Originally published April 2014)
