2011 Goals

I was inspired by Hannah Burnett's article for Eventing Nation on goal setting. After reading it, I decided to follow her approach and set goals for this year. Mike and I are moving to Charlotte, NC this summer which introduces some new complexities. I must find a new barn for the horses, new trainer, new horse community, and get acquainted with a new set of horse trials. (Not too mention finding a home and a job, but that seems like small potatoes compared to transplanting my horse life). In light of all the changes a head, I know I need clear plan to help me stay on track through the chaos of a big move.

1) First make a list of what events you are planning to do and the "ultimate goal" of your year.

Ultimate Goal: Move up to training and compete at training level through the fall.

Possible Competitions:

• March 19-20 Pine Top HT - Beginner Novice
• Apr 16-17 Plantation HT - Novice
• May 1 St. Augustine HT - Novice (optional)
• May 7-8 MCTA HT Novice
• May 22 Flora Lea Novice
  
• May 29-30 Fair Hill HT - Novice
  
• June 8-9 Lucinda Green clinic
• June 18-19 Seneca Valley - Novice
• JULY - THE BIG MOVE
  
• Aug 27-28 Full Gallop HT (SC)
• Sept 2-4 5 Points HT at Carolina Horse Park (NC)
• Sept 5 XC CHP
• Oct 2 CHP Starter HT
  
• Oct 8 - The Ark HT (NC)
• Oct 23 - Paradise Farm HT (SC)
• Oct 23 Fenridge HT unrecognized (NC)
  
• Oct 28 - 30 - Virginia HT (VA)
• On 26/27 Pine Top (SC)
• Nov 5 Thoroughbred Training Center HT unrecognized (NC)

I'm not super familiar with the events down south yet. It would be nice to do one unrecognized training before I leave Pennsylvania, but that will depend on our novice outings and how well our training is coming along. I don't want to move too fast and create gaps in our training - or worse over face myself and loss confidence. I don't have extensive competition experience; I'll be gaining that as I go with Leo.

Ideally, we'll have the chance to compete in at least 5 horse trials before moving. Pine Top is a definite. Everything else is up in the air.

2) Think about the things you need to improve to get to your "ultimate goal."

• Adjustability
• Control
• Relaxation
• Successfully compete at novice - minimum of 4 clear xc
• Better sense of speed / mpm
  
• Get comfortable jumping off banks
• Collecting and extending the trot
• Lateral movements - leg yielding, shoulder in, haunches in
• Practice dressage tests and riding in a dressage ring

3) Next, make a list of everything you would like to make exponentially better than last year.

ME:

• Improve upper-body position and core strength
• Elastic, soft elbows and following release
• Keep hands lower when jumping - particularly during landing
  
• Stronger leg position, keep heels down through landing
  
• Improve warm-up routine for dressage
• Be more effective without using my hands
• Relax and have fun!

LEO:

• Acceptance of the bit
• Acceptance of the leg (it doesn't just mean go forward!)
  
• Maintain a steady rhythm to fences
• Maintain a steady rhythm over trotting poles and cavaletti
• Relaxed, stretching free walk
• Square, straight, steady halts
• Better upward canter transitions
• Overall strength and ability to carry himself
  

4) After you make a list of all the things you really despise about your riding and want to see really improve, write how you plan to improve them. Try to be imaginative and think out of the box.

• Improve upper-body position & core strength: Review goals with Becca and have her nag me during my lessons, do yoga once a week, run once a week, do pilates abs/core for 10 minutes 3x a week
  
• Keep lower leg strong: Practice 2-point position during every ride - even if just at the walk (minimum once around the ring at a walk), ride without stirrups for 5-10 minutes 2x a week (on Apollo who is less sensitive)
• Improve release: practice position using gymnastic exercises

5) Next make a list of things that you are good at and would like to continue to improve.

• Keep improving seeing a distance to a fence: At least 3x/wk while doing flatwork or before jumping, see how many strides I can count out-loud to a rail on the ground. Also when jump schooling.
  
• Committing to riding: I ride regularly but need to diversify our exercises to promote Leo's overall fitness. Per Jimmy Wofford, Leo should have the ability to comfortably canter 3 4-minute sets of slow canter before competing. Begin 30 days before the first competition, canter sets every 4-5 days.