Year in Review -- Closing the book on 2017

I've had so much fun lately reading through everyone's year in review (and I just saw about ten more to read!). This was a big year for me in terms of work, life and horses and I was eager to see just how much has transpired so I could reflect on everything.

So here we go:

January

We had an extremely busy January at the sales barn and I was riding a lot. Lucky for me, we happened to have an really nice inventory of small, fun TBs that I had to try desperately not to fall in love with! Nolan got his first clip and his body began to shift from fit race horse to riding horse. We got our first big snow, but temps quickly changed enough that I was riding in a long sleeve t-shirt most of the month (fingers crossed we get a replay of that this winter!).

February

February rolled around and the weather continued to improve (Look, I'm even wearing a t-shirt!!!). After Nolan's short-winter break, we set about putting a strong foundation on him. He was proving to be very clever with a busy brain and unparalleled athleticism which was challenging at times. Nevertheless, we pushed forward introducing him to more complex work which he met with gusto. And with his cleverness in mind, I reassessed his behavior on the ground and began introducing daily ground work to improve his attitude and keep him on his toes, giving him a strong leader to look to. My pony also got worked into the routine and he seemed to enjoy the extra attention.

March

March brought cooler temps which had us heading indoors to audit clinics with fresh ponies! We definitely made the most of having Jimmy Wofford just down the road for some inspiration. I documented my physical progress with some before and after (8 months) into my working student job, which was eye-opening. I got to ride some horses that pushed me way out of my comfort zone, like the 17hh behemoth above. And, most exciting of all... I bought a trailer!!!!!!

April

If I had to say which month was the most influential it was for me it would undoubtedly be April. At this point I was getting to ride nearly every horse in the barn and I could feel my confidence increasing daily. Things with Nolan were moving along nicely and he was becoming more and more fun with every ride. He gave 110% into everything, even if it was simply a crossrail, or a spook and I began to wonder if was perhaps too athletic for my liking. I started getting back into sewing again and tried my hand at some wild ear bonnets. And, I met a big, bay gelding that needed a sales video and it was love at first ride<3

May

May was a bit of a whirlwind as I decided on May 5th to buy Scout and 12 days later I'd find myself at Kevin Keane's practice holding Nolan for his PPE. Like with Riley, I didn't advertise him, but sought out suitable riders that he might get along with, so I didn't have to go through a hellish selling process with him. He was tried 3 times in 5 days and when the third girl came to try him, I knew it was a perfect match. I was so thrilled with her sense of humor for his naughtiness and she was eager to find a partner to take her through the levels (She's since taken him to Ocala for a working student position and they came in 1st at their Novice Debut a few weeks ago!!!). And, although I was sad to load Nolan on the trailer, Scout made sure I kept a big grin on my face everyday after.

June

Ahhhh! Another big month! I continued the trend or grinning ear to ear after every ride on Scout. We started his jumping education and he took to it with enthusiasm. I got to ride all over Chester County with my love on his steed pushing myself further out of my comfort zone (going fast and not being in control). I got a tattoo dedicated to my first three OTTBs and I bought a truck to pull my trailer! True story, the woman I bought my truck from posted that photo on her Facebook telling all her friends how her truck was going to have a new purpose in life:)

July

July brought some big advances in Scout's education. Namely, we hacked a lot... sometimes alone and sometimes with others. He learned about streams (not love at first sight) and hill work and flushing deer out bravely. He wore his first western saddle and took my friend's parents for a ride. And I checked in about his over all condition now that he'd finally shed out and gained some actual muscle.

August

August was full of ups and downs. I was starting to really evolve as a rider working with some not-so-easy mounts, including the little bay horse above (he'll get his own post at some point). I got to play around with a very cool little pony that rode much more like a horse and I said good bye to Scout while I headed away for a week at the beach. While I thoroughly enjoyed my break, my fun was cut short by the news that Scout had injured himself in turnout and was three-legged lame. It would be a tough few days while I attempted to manage his care remotely (with my vet and trainer), but I knew his recovery was going to take more time than expected.

September

September brought some very difficult decision making for me as we narrowed down Scout's diagnosis. We fought to get his cellulitis under control and we began talking about resuming some tack walking and light turnout. His leg was still angry and hot, so we needed to take it slowly and carefully. Ultimately, I made the decision to leave the sales barn and move Scout close to home so I could manage his care more closely. He settled in quite well and they were able to accommodate him with a great rehab paddock and safer turnout. Eventually, the leg settled down and we were able to start hacking around and even going on trail rides with bloggers. I flew down to Florida for my best friend's baby shower and I leased my pony to an eventer (who absolutely loves him).

October

While September was an emotional roller coaster, October gave promise that there was indeed light at the end of the tunnel. Scout and I continued to hack out. He got cleared for full turnout and blossomed with his new field and friends. I went to Fairfill and met up with a great group of bloggers and found time and money to hire Britt to come take photos of my two favorite guys! Scout got his first clip job and was an absolute champ. And, we started taking lessons at a nearby barn where Scout proved to be quite reliable about trailering and going to new places.

November

November brought lots of rain, but we plugged along at our work. Scout was improving steadily under saddle and really starting to use his body. We went to our first show and didn't die and we added in some trainer rides to mix things up and keep Scout sharp. We started to play around with some biting ideas and we incorporated lunging into a regular part of his workload. He learned some remedial groundwork and proved once again that he's got a terrific brain by letting me hop on him bareback in a rope halter and go for a ride.

December

With all his new found muscles and cooler temps, Scout was starting to become quite energetic and so we had some talks about appropriate behavior on the ground and under saddle. He got his second clip of the season and is starting to look like a real event horse. I think he may have grown again but at last measurement he was 16.3 (+3/4) so I really hope I'm just imagining it. With the ground frozen and daily highs wavering around 20, we've pumped the brakes on his serious training, but we'll hopefully be able to resume in a week or so. December is always a busy month with my birthday and Christmas, but I've tried hard to him feel important every time I see him. In the meantime, I hope he's gaining some pounds with all the extra grain and alfalfa he's getting and I can't wait to pick up where we left off.

Stay tuned for Goals 2018 post, but for now I hope everyone has a wonderful Holiday and New Year!

Scout's show debut!!!

I signed up for this little schooling show last minute, but with things going well on the flat I figured a chance to get him in front of a judge would be a great idea. With that in mind, and to keep my nerves at bay, I set some goals that I thought would be attainable.

Mainly...
1. Don't get eliminated for something stupid
2. Don't fall off
3. Conquer our first warm up
4. Remember my tests
5. Have fun

When one of the trainers at the barn asked me if I'd like to let Scout stay the night before the show (due to my ride times) I jumped at the chance. Having him there and settled could only improve our experience and in the long run, it will help give me a good indication of how well he handles overnighting in a new place -- and more importantly, how rideable he'll be without turnout in a show atmosphere.

So he got bathed and primped and we packed up his things on Saturday.

He's becoming such a little diva now that he gets all my attention (also, he doesn't let me wash his face like that -- so spoiled by his Dad!)

There was nothing to fret about though because he traveled over there like a champ and settled in like he already lives there. *Fun fact: he got to spend the night next to Nolan (Tango)! I tucked him in and spent the rest of the day cleaning my tack and getting myself organized for the show. It's been almost 2 years since I've competed so I was feeling all sorts of nervous and rusty. I really wanted Scout to have a positive and rewarding first show experience, so how I was feeling was really secondary. I think focusing on that aspect made me less nervous in the end.

On Sunday, I checked in and grabbed my number. They told me I could take him into the indoor to look at the dressage ring (it's kinda old school with BIG letter boxes and chains that make noise if you hit them). He was so ho-hum about the whole thing. No spooking, no snorting, just wandered around and took a breath and then kinda looked at me quizzically.

Since we were the first and third rides of the day I was hopeful that warm up would be nice and quiet.

A moment of peace and quiet

He was a little goofy for me to get on, but once I swung up he felt fine. We walked over to warm up and we were one of two to start. This was a perfect way for Scout to get used to the feeling of a warm up without too much chaos. There was still plenty to look at with the indoor within view, trailer parking traffic passing by and horses coming in from turnout. People were setting up chairs around the warm up area, and more horses started trickling in (including Megan and Indy) and Scout didn't seem to care at all. He started a little tense and looky (boy does he know when he doesn't have a running on), but I just kept his mind busy and asked him to pay attention and he started to settle in.

A little tension

So cute!

Starting to relax (both of us!!)

I was conservative about how much warm up time to give him because I needed to stretch his legs and get him listening to me but I also didn't want to cook him or get him worked up if he found the other horses going around too much to handle.

We got our warning that we were up next and before I knew it we were heading down centerline for the first time together!!!!

YAY! First time trotting in:)

We rode Intro A first which was a perfect way to get a feel for him in the dressage court. I was worried it would feel very claustrophobic for us, so I made my goal to maintain tempo and have a nice obedient test. The judge was super nice and jumped out of her truck after every test to give individual feedback. She asked me a little about Scout and was really complimentary of him saying that he had an exceptional mind. She said he's going to be a very, very nice horse and gave me some things to work on at home.

Just being the cutest

We got great comments on his walk, but he needs to learn to stretch down

That test scored 61.250 with remarks that I expected (lacks bend, above bit), mostly 6.0's across the board with two 7.0's and a 5.0 on our free walk. I was most pleased with her notes on the collective marks, which again were 6.0's across the board, 7.0 for rider and a comment that he was a lovely horses with lots of potential + that I am a very accurate rider (!). There was an additional message to me to remember to sit in the center of the saddle (hahaha... helps when your stirrups aren't a full hole different, oops).

Next up was Intro Test B... two halts!!! Much Complexity.

Looking like a team

OMG, why is my horse so big?

More cute

We didn't do as well in this test, but I wasn't unhappy with how it rode. I tried to remember that even if we flubbed a movement to just move on and try not to leave any points on the table. He felt really obedient and quiet (possibly too quiet, but I resisted the urge to ask for too much trot, having him get unbalanced and then having to reel him back in). The judges commented that she's curious to see how he'd go if I pushed for more trot and gave him nothing to brace against on the inside rein (specifically tracking right). I totally appreciate her comment, and she gave me more things to play around with as practice.

Again, mostly 6.0's, one 5.0 (centerline/halt -- not immobile), one 4.0 (free walk) but THREE 7.0's (both medium walks, and our last centerline/halt). Collective marks were the same as the first test, and a 7.0 again for rider. She also remarked "lovely pair" and "very accurate".

If you want to watch some really boring intro tests, you can find them here:

Intro A

Intro B

Overall, I was absolutely thrilled. My main goal for the show was to make Scout feel like a superstar. I'm not sure he fully understood what all the fuss was about, but he certainly didn't complain about all the extra attention:)

The icing on the cake was getting Scout's very first ribbons:

A big shout out to Travis for being the epitome of calmness throughout the show and learning a little more about horsemanship one show at a time (he put Scout's bell boots on before he got on the trailer, swoon) -- I don't know how I'd shine so brightly without you.

And Scout? Well, I took him home and reunited him with his turnout buddies and hilarity ensued. He thought he was such hot shit showing off for his friends.

Guys, I did the dressage, and had a sleepover, and got ribbons and everything!!!!

I'm so pleased with the kid. This winter I think we'll try to get out to a couple of dressage shows and some little jumper shows to get some experience under our belts so we're ready to go in the spring. Thanks to everyone who wished us good luck and gave us positive feedback on the blog leading up to the show. We love you guys!