Chester and I were not on the same wavelength last night. His haunch and forehand turns were a mess. I just kept on getting frustrated, which does not help matters. We finally got a few good turns in each way and called it quits.
Showmanship practice was a little better. Chester's set ups are getting cleaner and I can finally set his front feet up evenly - his front left hoof has more white and thicker stripes, which causes a bit of an illusion. When I think he's square, he really isn't. I realize that I have to look at his ankles and not at his hooves to get a good set up. Like I don't have enough to think about during showmanship. **grumble grumble**
Chester's back ups have always been a struggle. He tends to curl his right hip around, resulting in a crooked back up. Last night, I checked for operator error and realized that, like most everything else that goes wrong, I was to blame. I have been turning my right shoulder in, which pushes Chester the opposite way. Now, I have to consciously remember to keep my shoulders square during the back up...and the halts...etc. etc. etc.
As for meeting my 2009 goals, I realize that I have quite a way to go. For some reason, my riding and showmanship session last night knocked me on my butt. I am humbled, frustrated, and defeated...for now.
Goals for 2009:
- Finish ROMs in English and Western Amateur Showmanship (Pinto)
- Work toward finishing ROMs in Amateur Equitation, Amateur HUS, and Amateur English Pleasure (Pinto)
- Win an open HUS or English Pleasure class (Pinto)
- Earn points in Amateur Ideal Pinto and Amateur Disciplined Rail
- Receive a year-end award in Showmanship for NY Pinto
After last night's session, I'm not feeling too confident about any of these goals. That won't stop me, though, from working harder to get there. Stay tuned!
