Andy: the BEST Christmas reindeer! For the last decade of my having horses at home and riding outside, December has been a time to slow down, enjoy the holidays, and to start thinking about next year. I just received my new Dressage Judges Card, and as I reflect back on this past year, it seems like such a blur of weekends away, watching horse after horse. But my eye was trained, my discipline to watch was strengthened, and my ability to score correctly was developed. What do I do with it now? Will anyone call me to judge next year? How does this translate to my home life?
What's my vision for 2015?
It is still not clear to me what I am building a foundation for here in Pembroke. Yesterday the weather was mild and I organized the stable for winter. I went through all my stuff, including the games we'd play with young or special-program students. I have so many happy memories....is there a demand for that here? Do I find suitable school horses for that? Last weekend I took a truckload of ardent ladies to watch Canadian Grand Prix rider Tom Dvorak teaching, is there a market here for a dressage group to coach and take to shows? I've also had some inquiries on taking horses in for training in the spring, which would put riding my own horses on the back burner. Do I want to compete at all next year to put my riding out there and to work on my next judging level? Do I become exclusive to dressage, when the revenues for teaching group jumping lessons, and the local showing opportunities, are better?
What's my vision for 2015?
It is still not clear to me what I am building a foundation for here in Pembroke. Yesterday the weather was mild and I organized the stable for winter. I went through all my stuff, including the games we'd play with young or special-program students. I have so many happy memories....is there a demand for that here? Do I find suitable school horses for that? Last weekend I took a truckload of ardent ladies to watch Canadian Grand Prix rider Tom Dvorak teaching, is there a market here for a dressage group to coach and take to shows? I've also had some inquiries on taking horses in for training in the spring, which would put riding my own horses on the back burner. Do I want to compete at all next year to put my riding out there and to work on my next judging level? Do I become exclusive to dressage, when the revenues for teaching group jumping lessons, and the local showing opportunities, are better?
2012: Rondo, a sales horse I had in training. Larger than life, that guy!
My mind is nebulous, always wondering how to move forward. I'm a big believer in walking the talk, and that people need to see what you can do to make what you say more important. We spent 9 years in Timmins, in a tough climate and a remote community building Silver Tree Stables. I taught, took students to their first shows, trained, started horses under saddle and took them to their first shows, bought, sold, and competed at my highest-ever levels, and met every goal I set for myself with happy, healthy horses and satisfied clients. Who believes that here in Pembroke? Now isn't when the answers come, it's just when the questions are asked.
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