The dreaded goals projection post

I have been sort of putting off writing this post because I was so off base in my goals for last year, that I really worry that I can't set realistic goals for us on either end of the spectrum. I dont want to set any too easy but dont want to set them so they are unattainable like I did this year.

Felt like we had more rides like this then rides without

This last year with Tillie has been one that has felt extremely frustrating for a number of reasons...in hindsight I now see it was a year of tremendous growth, but it hasnt really caught up to me until recently ever since starting lessons with P. Check out my year in review post here.

Many days I would repeat "I love my pony" to remind myself why I do this.

I learned this year that I hold myself to the standards of a professional rider and finally learned how ridiculous that is within the last two months. Since letting some of that pressure go, I have found I can breath a little more, laugh at our mistakes and it certainly has seemed to allow some stars to start aligning for us.

Who knew I could actually smile when riding?

I am so thankful for the new horse friends I have gained this year...I know I had a lot of lows of really beating myself up and questioned whether or not Tillie was the right fit for me. It was a lonely place made not so lonely by words of encouragement insisting I keep trying and not to give up.

Well here goes....my best attempt to outline goals for 2o16:

1. Get a stronger half halt off my seat
2. Get over my fear of down banks and riding down hills
3. Show in at least 1 dressage show
4. Show in at least 2 jumper shows
5. Show in at least 5 eventing ST (no matter what level) 
6. XC school more and have a horse that doesnt take off after or between fences 
7. Try to even out my crookedness issues
8. Release more over fences
9. Ride more geometrically/planned in training rides
10. Gallop Tillie at home in the field without losing our minds
11. Get BN to where all three phases include a horse that is listening and I feel confident
12. Move up to Novice
13. Trail ride more

My Greatest Fear Realized

Ok, so just throwing this out there to everyone and anyone that follows me that I have a very irrational fear of down banks, drops and downhill slopes in general.

Like, shake in my boots, feel like I am going to vomit...etc. If that isn't enough of a picture I am not sure what else is! **knock on wood** I have never had a fall at one or anything to warrant this fear, but it still exists all the same.

So, while working I will listen or catch up on some things and today happens to be the Pan American Prep event broadcast on USEF's network: http://www.usefnetwork.com/featured/2015GreatMeadow/

Well let me tell you, their drop in the XC phase made my heart stop...literally every time a rider went through it...it didnt help a few almost or did wipe out.

Anyway...here is a recent attempt back in May schooling (good things these don't happen until Novice!)

Needless to say this was hairy at best all three times...but my saint of a horse babysat me when majority of the time she really doesnt! At least she has my back for me on this one!