Thought it would be nice to reflect
What a year…
January
Started the year off with a lot of ‘what have I done?’ thoughts about 2008. Felt awfully guilty about it all and shed a lot of tears over how I felt and how guilty I felt for even thinking about parting company with Alfie. I think it was the getting back in the saddle that threw me. I was really enjoying my lessons and for the first time in a long long time I was able to work on my confidence and actually enjoy being in the saddle and my lack of patience to have my own ridden horse so I had to make the hard decision to sell little Alfie. I put it through my YO and good friend and various other good friends about what I should do¡K The decision was made easier when I first met Holly.. She arrived at the yard on January 21st 2009 along with a young cob gelding whom my YO hoped he would help me decide on parting with Alfie.. Little did she know it was Holly (then called Monica) who caught my attention¡K Alfie was advertised on horsemart that Saturday and sold early on Sunday afternoon he went to his new home on the Tuesday evening! I still miss him lots but I am glad I made the decision that I did cause I would never have my little Holly¡K
January 27th - April 30th
I spent the above period grooming and bonding with Holly, taking her little walks, pulling her mane etc¡K While I was still having my weekly lessons at Wester Deanhead working on my position, confidence and balance to ensure I was ready to get on Holly when the time was right.
May 1st - May 13th
Got on Holly for the first time It was a huge mix of emotions as I really didn’t know what to expect but I feel the time we spent bonding and on the ground really helped as we both managed to remain relaxed throughout the 10minute session around the yard. This followed with similar sessions over the next couple of weeks introducing some trot work and a few short sessions in the indoor school.
May 14th the now...
Big milestone in 2009 as this was the day that I officially bought Holly. My dreams came true I had what I believed and still do believe to be my perfect partner in Holly! Things certainly haven¡¦t been smooth over the past 7 months but the good times have far outdone the bad times! She is a stubborn, opinionated, intelligent, and timply stunning little princess¡K Although she can be pretty naughty when she is having a nappy day I feel totally at ease on her and feel confident that we can work our way through it with the help of my amazing trainer Karen. Ridden wise the biggest lesson I have learned this year is about balance and developing a secure independent seat and how to enjoy riding again! A newly backed youngster and an experienced but lacking confidence rider aren¡¦t the textbook combination but I feel that between Holly and myself we have proved the majority wrong! I have a well (most of the time) balanced youngster who has been described as a pleasure to ride and handle by everything who has met and ridden her. I am very proud of my little princess and I am looking forward to our future in dressage and working hunter! I definitely made the right decision and I am glad I didn't listen to those ever so helpful people who have never met me personally yet seem to know exactly what is best for me!
What a year…
January
Started the year off with a lot of ‘what have I done?’ thoughts about 2008. Felt awfully guilty about it all and shed a lot of tears over how I felt and how guilty I felt for even thinking about parting company with Alfie. I think it was the getting back in the saddle that threw me. I was really enjoying my lessons and for the first time in a long long time I was able to work on my confidence and actually enjoy being in the saddle and my lack of patience to have my own ridden horse so I had to make the hard decision to sell little Alfie. I put it through my YO and good friend and various other good friends about what I should do¡K The decision was made easier when I first met Holly.. She arrived at the yard on January 21st 2009 along with a young cob gelding whom my YO hoped he would help me decide on parting with Alfie.. Little did she know it was Holly (then called Monica) who caught my attention¡K Alfie was advertised on horsemart that Saturday and sold early on Sunday afternoon he went to his new home on the Tuesday evening! I still miss him lots but I am glad I made the decision that I did cause I would never have my little Holly¡K
January 27th - April 30th
I spent the above period grooming and bonding with Holly, taking her little walks, pulling her mane etc¡K While I was still having my weekly lessons at Wester Deanhead working on my position, confidence and balance to ensure I was ready to get on Holly when the time was right.
May 1st - May 13th
Got on Holly for the first time It was a huge mix of emotions as I really didn’t know what to expect but I feel the time we spent bonding and on the ground really helped as we both managed to remain relaxed throughout the 10minute session around the yard. This followed with similar sessions over the next couple of weeks introducing some trot work and a few short sessions in the indoor school.
May 14th the now...
Big milestone in 2009 as this was the day that I officially bought Holly. My dreams came true I had what I believed and still do believe to be my perfect partner in Holly! Things certainly haven¡¦t been smooth over the past 7 months but the good times have far outdone the bad times! She is a stubborn, opinionated, intelligent, and timply stunning little princess¡K Although she can be pretty naughty when she is having a nappy day I feel totally at ease on her and feel confident that we can work our way through it with the help of my amazing trainer Karen. Ridden wise the biggest lesson I have learned this year is about balance and developing a secure independent seat and how to enjoy riding again! A newly backed youngster and an experienced but lacking confidence rider aren¡¦t the textbook combination but I feel that between Holly and myself we have proved the majority wrong! I have a well (most of the time) balanced youngster who has been described as a pleasure to ride and handle by everything who has met and ridden her. I am very proud of my little princess and I am looking forward to our future in dressage and working hunter! I definitely made the right decision and I am glad I didn't listen to those ever so helpful people who have never met me personally yet seem to know exactly what is best for me!