Goals

In the past I have been making goals for Gatsby and I in my head...and then quickly dismissing them as soon as we stray from my original plan. Obviously, this is not very productive as I tend to give up on my larger goals or at least put them off to be accomplished at some yet-to-be-known date. Since I have decided to actively track our progress and training with this blog, I figured this would also be a good place to keep track off my goals for us. So, here goes...

2011 Goals

1. Successfully compete at Training level.
2. Get our dressage score in the 30-35 range.
3. Compete in at least one dressage show at Training 3 (possibly First level if all goes well).
   
4. Compete in at least one jumper show at 3'7 (possibly 3'9 if all goes well)
5. Qualify for and successfully complete the T3D at Galway in November.
6. Feel confident and prepared for a move up to Prelim next season. (Possibly do one Prelim this season if everything goes spectacularly).

I know these goals are very competition oriented but I plan on making our monthly goals much less so and on a much smaller scale.

February Goals

1. Continue to work on keeping Gatsby relaxed and fluid to his fences. I would love to have him jumping a small course in this new mindset by month end.
2. Continue to work on keeping him relaxed and FOCUSED in our dressage work.
3. Start playing with deeper leg yields and more significant extensions.
4. KEEP HIM STRAIGHT. I have A LOT of work to do with using my outside aides more effectively and consistently.
   
5. Lunge at least once a week with side reins.
6. Venture out of the arenas and explore the trails/galloping track at our new home.
7. Map out a conditioning plan for this season.
8. School cross-country fences at home at least once? (This is a maybe because I am not sure how mine/Alexis' schedules will match up on the weekends for the rest of the month.)

Clearly we will have our work cut out for us this month! I am super excited about it though and I think he will do just great:) We had an amazing dressage ride yesterday and right from the start he was reaching into the contact and only rarely brought his head up. I was so happy I didn't even want to get off! I ended the right cantering around the arena with Gatsby stretching into a very loose rein...AMAZING!!

This weekend I am going home to celebrate the superbowl and go linedancing with my BFF and then on Monday I am going to a Warriors' game. Gatsby will be getting a few days off since my barn is going schooling at Twin this weekend so Alexis won't be able to ride him. I have no doubt that he will be ready to roll come Tuesday though!