Monday 16 March 2015

Mother's Day

Best day ever!
Not only did I have my husband off work all day, the kids had made some lovely cards, presents and a bloody good breakfast in bed for me (with quite a lot of help from said husband) Also, very little whinging to be heard (amazing!!)

We spent the morning getting all the yard jobs done, then the afternoon playing at Ely Eventing Centre over the xc jumps. So much fun! Lovely little horse was just so cool about the whole thing, we jumped lots, and I think her favourite jumps are the steps up and down, totally nailed them. Did lots of ditch practice, even jumped the trakhener twice (I hate the things!) and lots of little combinations.

We had a good group of us which pushed us all on a bit, and everyone felt fantastic at the end, having felt we had all achieved loads.

Unfortunately I had a silly fall. Silly because I knew the horse was tired, but because the others wanted to do the 'big' ditch, I decided to have a little pop over it. She is such a good horse, and will figure them out for herself, I just have to wait patiently. Unfortunately she stumbled when she decided to go and lost her footing so the front end came down and me with it! Bang went the air jacket (and £17 on a replacement air canister....) Thankfully I landed on my feet, but have somehow got a cracking bruise on my arm, and have learnt a very valuable lesson to go with your gut instinct and don't push a tired horse. I got back on and popped a smaller ditch on the way back to the lorry park no problem.

Home to cold hose tired horse legs and tuck her up for the night with lots of haylage and a tasty looking dinner. Then onto my home with my fab family and a huge roast and soak in the bath.

Thanking my lucky stars this morning when little horse walked out without bumps, bruises or any hint of stiffness, unlike myself...

Sunday 1 March 2015

Perhaps I'm just ungrateful?

We had a jump clinic today at our yard with an event rider. It was bloody awesome, felt I learnt a lot, and have been bouncing ever since!

But, the more we do, the more we improve, the more capable and in control I feel, the more I feel I don't actually know where I'm heading.

Last year my goal was to get back into it, to improve my confidence and fitness. Then it was to compete more, which we did, then I felt like I wanted to perhaps give British Eventing a go.

But after this winter I feel a bit lost. Ironically because I've had more time to ride, more disposable income to spend on pony outings and things have improved loads.

But what now? I feel we need to practice our newly acquired jumping skills until they become habit, we should definitely work on our dressage, and I really need to get out xc schooling. But I feel flat, not excited. Maybe I just need sunshine? Or more sleep?

Team Chasing starts for us in 3 weeks, hopefully that should help perk me up. The horse is feeling really well by the way, so no concerns there.

Maybe its just the realisation that we're only ever going to be mediocre? I'm horrifically competitive and I'm no good at being just 'ok'

Meh, maybe I just need to man up and stop moping!