Goal Setting

One of the many things I love about the barn where Natalie rides, is that every new year they have a goal setting party. Janice, the owner of Windsong Farm and one of Natalie's trainers, sets aside a slot of time to meet with each rider. The riders also fill out a goal setting sheet, and come prepared with a list of dates for future shows, etc. 

It is also fun to hang out with the other horse families, drink wine, and eat good cheese and chocolate!

Natalie has some great goals this year. Last year was definitely a learning year since it was her first on Memo. Memo definitely is a challenging horse! This year she plans on earning her C1 rating in US Pony Club, hopefully in July. She also wants to show at Beginner Novice level in eventing, and do her first rated show at Inavale. Our show year will start out with the Arabians in Motion Dressage Show at DevonWood in April. She will be doing Training Level Tests 3 and 4, which is a step up from last season.  There is another AiM show in August where she will do hunters/jumpers. I know there will be some Pony Club Rallies along the way as well. Should keep us all hopping.

Natalie and I are heading up to Auburn, Washington in early February for the Northwest Region Annual Conference for United States Pony Club.  It is at a retreat center so we will be bunking in cabins.  Some of the interesting clinics will be on polocrosse, tetrathlon prep, musical freestyle... and the one we really need..."Dealing with Problem Horses: Q&A". LOL

Memo really isn't a problem horse, she is just really high-strung. She is a very, very athletic horse used to having a 20 year old rider on her. Natalie does a GREAT job on her and has made huge strides with her. Janice and her other trainer, Elise, are amazing problem solvers and have really helped Natalie and Memo on their journey together. The potential they have together is so exciting!

Here's to a fun and exciting horsey year in 2008!!