Horsey New Year Goals

The beginning of the year! Resolutions are almost a cliché, however there is nothing wrong with making goals and setting the New Year out as a timeline to accomplish them. My Mom always stressed that we should make physical goals, academic goals, relationship goals and spiritual goals. Well, I’m adding to that list with my five “horsey” goals for the New Year.

   1.    Learn how to braid and clip (well)

This one is a little embarrassing because I feel like everyone in the horse industry has known how to braid and clip horses for ages. Except for me. I’ve read articles and read books on how to braid and clip but I have never taken the time practice and learn it hands on. This goal will take time and patience, not only on my part but on my horse’s as well. A fidgety horse would give me good practice right? Also, looking past my pride and asking friends at the barn who have experience in grooming to teach me will be an important step in achieving this goal.

   2.   Stop leaning when I jump

I hear this almost every time I have a jumping lesson. I forget until the horse stops, we rush the jump and especially when my coach yells at me. Making sure that I focus on not leaning, especially when practicing on my own. I have a fear of the horse stopping in front of or (even better) in mid jump. This has resulted in my lean-and-run-at-the-jump approach (I don’t recommend it). I’m planning on having friends video me so I can review my practice and hopefully see some progress.

   3.     Relax when I have lessons

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More confessions, I have this weird habit of trying so hard to get my position right that my entire body tenses up and I work against the horse. Then I add this extra movement in my post that my coach calls a “double post.” Usually, the horse picks up on my stiffness and the ride goes south. Before every ride I’m hoping to stretch or loosen up so that my lessons can be productive.

   4.     Get to Zone competitions in IHSA

I finally qualified for regionals in Novice on the flat and over fences. I know I’m not the best but I want to work at it and get better. I’m hoping my work and progress will help me get first or second place at the Regional show and get me to Zones!

   5.     Do at least 15 minutes of no stirrup work when I ride

This might be the hardest one for me to keep. Though when I think about it no stirrup work is smart, helpful and a great tool for improvement, when I get on a horse it somehow seems like something I should do tomorrow. No more! Even if I don’t get no stirrup time during lessons, I will try and make my self ride stirrupless for at least 15 minutes when I practice on my own. And not all at a walk either.

So here’s to the New Year and new goals. Hopefully, I’ll remember to revisit these come December and have improved. What are your horsey resolutions? Any tips on how to keep up with them? Comment below!

Horselessness: Five Things to do if You Don't Own a Horse

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This is a conversation that happens to me more often than I would like:

Person: I like your horse shirt! (Or some other reference to horses)

Me: Thanks, I ride horses and it is so fun!

Person: Oh really!? Do you have a horse?

Me:... No

Person: Oh

Now, perhaps this doesn't seem as sad as I think it does. But it often feels like I am being judged as someone who only has a child's "horse obsession" or casual interest in horses because I do not own my own equine. Those of you who have horses you are great and should be thankful for your four legged friends! But, for those who don't own your own horse (this includes me), your horselessness does not make you less of a horse lover. Owning a horse is a big commitment and if you are not ready for it monetarily or otherwise it is actually in a horse's best interest if you wait until you can properly care for it. But, in case you feel left out at times from the horse owning circle, here are five tips on how to get your horse fix without having to own one.

1. Volunteer or apply for a job at a barn.

We have all seen this in the movies. Girl volunteers at barn, finds horse she loves, get given the horse and wins some national competition. While you may not win a big show or given your own horse, if you show a good work ethic and a desire to learn, those in charge will notice you in a good way. As a college student, I have the energy and willingness to  take care of and ride horses but not the finances. By marketing what I did have -- energy and ability -- I was able to work for a chance to ride over the summers. Also, do not be afraid of hard work. The better you do the menial jobs at a barn, the more your instructor or whoever else will see that you really care about what you are working for.

2. Offer to show or exercise horses for their owners or barn manager.

About to exercise Splash

While this follows with the trading work for riding time tip, you need to be well established as a good rider and accountable person before you go for this one. Be careful and make sure you have all the proper liabilities signed and taken care of before you ride someone else's horse for your protection as well as theirs. However, if you can, this is a great way to get experience for yourself and the horse you ride without having to pay for show fees. Exercising horses gives you the chance to ride as well as learn how to deal with different horses. Just be sure that your riding skill matches the type of rider the horse needs.

3. Do lots of research!

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Even if you don't have a horse you can still learn all about them. There are so many books and videos out there that can teach you everything from riding skills to wrapping to braiding. When you hang out at the barn be looking for things to learn and ask questions to the vet, farrier, trainers and other knowledgable people. This will give you a window into the horse world and show others how eager you are to learn. If you get a handle on all these things now, you will be even more prepared when you do have a horse.

4. Hone your horse riding and horsemanship skills

                                                            morguefile.com

When you do get to be on a horse, make the best of it. Try to learn from every horse you ride, every time you ride. Watch when other people ride and learn from their successes and mistakes. Since you do not have one horse that you need to ride, you can learn from the variety of horses that you do get to ride. And have fun! Spend time with horses that don't get a lot of attention or need some extra socialization.

5. Be thankful for the position you are in

Helping teach a lesson on Jack the pony

Though not having a horse is hard at times, it gives you the opportunity to learn and experience things that you would not normally get to do. It does not mean you cannot learn about and immerse yourself in horses. Though owning a horse is still something I dream about and look forward too, being horseless is not the end of the world!

Do you own a horse? If not, what do you do to get your horse fix? Tell me below in the comments and subscribe for more horsey tips!