Incredulous as that sounds today with temperatures due to be as high as 7 degrees F tomorrow.
Naturally the New Year beckons as a clean slate to be filled with new goals, promises and optimism invades us as we recover from the champagne toasts and holiday fare.
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| Balmy December ~ Clipped & No Blanket |
As athletes, probably everyone of us pledges some sort of fitness goal. For myself I've been impressed with Riding with Chi and Success in the Saddle DVDs. These are attainable given my age and my desire to not over-stress the aging body! Perhaps we'll eat less junk food, take healthy snacks to shows instead of eating showground fodder. Yeah, like we'll have time to prep that.
For our horses we also begin to make plans. Show dates, training goals all bounce around in our heads in a dizzying array. Which clinics should we attend? Which shows should we do? The schedule is so open at this time of year but it sure fills up fast.
But perhaps the most important thing we should do is look to our horse. Hitting different clinicians can be very good for us or very bad for us but the horse has no choice in the matter. Should you find a clinician you like and stick to their program? Will you confuse your horse by cramming him around different instructors or will you both learn faster or better?
Think about why you show. Is it to show off? Is it to gain a medal score? Is it something you enjoy? Does your horse enjoy the competition lifestyle? Are you over-stressing him physically or mentally to achieve your own goals?
It is a good time to take stock. To pause a moment and to be honest with yourself. Your horse will thank-you for it.
