It'd be a little cliche to say that 2015 was a whirlwind year. While not much changed in some ways and I felt the year slipped by innocuously, some things changing irrevocably. It was certainly not my banner year, but I have to say I have a very good feeling about the time spent in 2015 with Holden. He blossomed from a very curt, semi-grumpy professional into this inquisitive, willing partner -- my first rides in 2015 were bepopulate with melodramatic whirls, hind hoof airstrikes undersaddle, miscommunications and a general dread to slug through the cold and snow to ride this challenging animal... fast forward to the end of December and I have been chewing at my nails waiting for my shift at work to end to work with this remarkable horse. We've discovered he has a sense of humor, in his own way - he has discovered not all people are going to expect unfair things of him -- and in turn, has converted into this willing, intelligent horse under-saddle. His dressage has improved immensely despite sparse lessons in 2015 (okay, I think we had 6 total!) - despite every obstacle in our way from the icy outdoor to the unforgiving slope of our riding ring, he is as soft and through as ever. He is still challenging, but not in a disobedient way -- my new challenge is providing him with the best possible ride I can get out of myself, not him.
I'm really looking forward to the spring with this guy. I am not the type to set resolutions or goals with myself, but I am setting a goal here: I want to finish the end of the season at a solid Novice, and I'll take some dressage shows in between
Time will tell, won't it?
Holden is such a cutie. Here's to 2016!
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