The list is real. Every December/January I like to write down a few goals for the coming year and for 2014 it looked like this:
As I look at my little sticky-note list now, I remember being moved to make it on some cold and quiet afternoon in my office job. Just a few months ago I remember worrying that my goals for Ludi & DiMaggio might not happen this year. Riding was not my focus, networking and becoming a better judge was. I could never have foreseen how supportive the equestrian community would be in helping to fold me into this new space, or how circular the season would be for me, bringing me back to places I knew well.
In September I went back to judge twice to Terelisa Farm, where I rode from about age 14-22. My time with Tess and her family is when I learned how to ride out of the ring, to enjoy trails, terrain, speed and competition. It's where I put a horse on the bit and rode a dressage test for the first time. It's where I found my first horse, Andy. I was just a typical kid who knew nothing about what it really takes to make a facility and run a program. I'm so grateful that the Dunklins just let me hang around and ride.
- Join Ottawa Area Dressage Group - Done!
- Join Dressage Canada (again) - Easy!
- Attend Judge's Clinic June 7-8 - Made it!
- Take Ludi off the property - Four times so far!
- Clinic with DiMaggio - We had an inspiring weekend with coach Ron King right here in Chalk River in early September
- Update Silver Tree Stables website with new pictures - How do you like it?
As I look at my little sticky-note list now, I remember being moved to make it on some cold and quiet afternoon in my office job. Just a few months ago I remember worrying that my goals for Ludi & DiMaggio might not happen this year. Riding was not my focus, networking and becoming a better judge was. I could never have foreseen how supportive the equestrian community would be in helping to fold me into this new space, or how circular the season would be for me, bringing me back to places I knew well.
In September I went back to judge twice to Terelisa Farm, where I rode from about age 14-22. My time with Tess and her family is when I learned how to ride out of the ring, to enjoy trails, terrain, speed and competition. It's where I put a horse on the bit and rode a dressage test for the first time. It's where I found my first horse, Andy. I was just a typical kid who knew nothing about what it really takes to make a facility and run a program. I'm so grateful that the Dunklins just let me hang around and ride.
1994? Pony Club Rally with school horse Fred The St. Lawrence-Ottawa Valley district of the Canadian Pony Club brought me in to teach about equine nutrition twice, and I judged the National Dressage Championships in July. I hold tight to many of the principles of good horsemanship that Pony Club instilled in me. I saw many people still tirelessly volunteering to keep this Club running who were doing it 20 years ago. I have a sincere appreciation of their dedication in giving up hours and weekends to make something fun and educational happen for so many kids.
Riding DiMaggio in clinic with Ron King I went back to Queenswood twice to judge. I worked there from about 2000-2002, and Simone mentored me in becoming an accredited Coach back in 2007. There I learned what exceptional horses are, and what kind of commitment it requires to take care of them. I learned that I wanted something like that for myself. I will go back whenever I want to experience excellence in training.
Beyond the surreal experience of returning to places where I spent a lot of time as a 'kid', I've met many new and lovely people who are just as into this whole thing as I am. I've sat with judges whose concentration during a long hot day of introductory dressage is nothing short of superhuman. I've blasted some trails laughing out loud with folks who think it's just as much fun as I do. Just chatting while the horses go around is a pretty happy place for me. To say 'Networking was my goal' strikes me as a wonky way of saying that I just wanted to meet like-minded people and it felt great to see some familiar faces again.
Beyond the surreal experience of returning to places where I spent a lot of time as a 'kid', I've met many new and lovely people who are just as into this whole thing as I am. I've sat with judges whose concentration during a long hot day of introductory dressage is nothing short of superhuman. I've blasted some trails laughing out loud with folks who think it's just as much fun as I do. Just chatting while the horses go around is a pretty happy place for me. To say 'Networking was my goal' strikes me as a wonky way of saying that I just wanted to meet like-minded people and it felt great to see some familiar faces again.
Runnin' & Gunnin' somewhere near Foymount about a week ago
If you knew me before, I want you to know that I've grown and gotten some perspective. If you know me now, know that I'm still hungry to get better. If we haven't met yet, let's!
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