Goals for 2013

I know that setting goals should be a positive time, looking foreword to the future, and for us horse people, show season!  However last year at this time I was in a much different situation than I am now.  I had just brought Lucas home from my old bosses training barn where he was to be sold, thinking that we could give "us" another chance.  Even reading though the old posts, its hard to see where it went wrong, it just wasn't right for either of us.

His new owner loves and appreciates him.  And in the end that's what matters now.  I'm happy riding Oscar, hes given me confidence back, and let me realize that the issues I was having with Lucas were not all my fault, and that I can actually ride reasonably well!

So onto the goals for 2012 to see how I did!

1) To loose the weight that has been holding back my riding. Now that my joints are better, becoming a fitter rider will only help my balance and skill on a horse.
Well that didn't go so well although I have made a good start on it this year.

2) To stop listening to the voice in my head telling me that I'm not good enough, that Lucas is going to spook, that I'm going to fall off... any and all of it must stop!

Yeah so not such a good goal with Lucas but I haven't heard that voice in my head for about 2 months now.  Its kind of funny, that's not something I think about on a regular basis anymore but I thought about it all of the time when I was riding Lucas.

3) To give up my crutch of a bit, the twisted wire. I'm a good enough rider, and Lucas is broke enough that we really don't need it.
Again something that I don't even use now that I'm not riding Lucas. 

4) To ride in a pattern class at every show (as long as it doesn't require dropping your irons, and if the English one does than I have to show horsemanship)
Yeah only got to one show and only did showmanship at it.

5) To trust in Lucas so that he can trust in me. I can do it at a show, its time to do it at home.
Again only got to one show and only did showmanship

6) To do a trail class with Lucas (with me in the saddle) although I will be ok if we do not complete every obstacle.
See above. (4 & 5)

7) To apply for my AQHA Amateur card. Its been more than 5 years since I last accepted money to show/train a horse or judge a show. I need to accept that an Amateur is what I am now and it is ok to compete at that level!
Done and sent in, should have my Amateur card in my hand in the next couple of weeks,

So onward and foreword for 2013!

1) Ride different horses.  Even if its just the kids horses, more saddle time on different horses will make me more confidant.

2) Try to continue to ride Oscar at least twice a week.

3) Take more pictures of the horses and try to get someone to take photos of me on the horses.

4) Try to get to 2 horse shows this summer and show!

5) To loose 20 pounds before show season. (May)

6) To have more "wow look what we just did" moments weather at home or at shows

7) To keep on top of my finances, If I want to seriously start looking for a new horse in 2014 I need to have a decent size budget to do that with.  Most of Lucas' money went to fixing my car, and paying off loans not so much saving for a new horse.