My son Bobby, 13, learns the
fine art of grooming on Twilight

Nothing makes me happier than horse time with my son or daughter. Bobby confirmed this evening that he will be my groom for the Prix. The thought of it makes me inexplicably happy for some reason.

He should be plenty strong and capable by the time I’m ready for the prix, no doubt with years of practice and training under his belt. Hopefully he’ll be living at home still…

I hope to make a rider out of him, too. “Grooms have to know how to ride,” I explain, “to warm up and cool down the horses for their riders,” he nodded in agreement as if to say “no problem Mom, piece of cake.”

Ignorance seems to run in the family. But you know what they say, ignorance is bliss…

With my horse laid up for now, the jury is still out on exactly what is wrong with her, my mission is to train, train and then train some more this spring and summer.

I recall my Army drill sergeant telling me, “Victoria, take the cotton out of your ears and put it in your mouth.” In other words, shut up and listen.

I know there must be a correlation like this to riding.  Mine, it would seem is to “get out of the competition arena and into the practice ring.” At least for the next several months anyway. 

This is not a bad thing, given the results of my first and last competitions, which really, in all honesty, can’t be referred to as competitions at all.

Cormac on Primetime at Fieldstone (April 2012)

So to that end, I plan to “watch, listen and learn”  from the best this show season starting with my trainer, Cormac Kennedy.

My riding goals for the summer of 2012

In addition to focusing on daily riding goals, it is important to write down your longer term goals. Here are some of mine for 2012:

I would like to achieve the following goals by August:

• To ride with hands quiet and heels down
• Canter a figure eight over a pole with smooth transitions while changing direction
• Land on the correct lead after every fence (9 times out of 10)
• Get my distance to a fence, five times in a row, then ten

I would like to achieve the following goals by October:

• Master lead changes
• Complete a course with the right pace, track and balance
• Make it to the jump off in at least one competition
• Ride confidently

Here we go!

Just when I thought I was well on my way to a Prix, in record time I might add, I realized this weekend just how far I have yet to go.

The one thing I know for sure, besides my lack of skill, is that I am 100% committed to my goal.

I am “in it to win it” and no matter what “I shall never give up the fight” (I took that last part from my Army pledge).

Anyway, it hit me after riding over the last few days that I need to do something radical to up my game.

I’m not quite sure what this means, but I’m looking forward to finding out.

It was suggested that I make a plan prior to my practice rides each day. I should think through and write down exactly what I need and or want to focus on during each of my training sessions. Obviously, this does not apply when I am in a lesson as that is what I am paying the instructor to do. So when I have a practice ride, which I try to do at least 3 to 4 days a week, I now make a plan.

Following is my plan for today and the rest of the week.

Today is Saturday and I am riding Teddy, Adrienne’s talented and spirited Eventing horse. He is a lot of fun. I plan to work on getting him round on the bit while working on consistent circles during my 25 minute warm up (all the while paying attention to small posts and quiet hands). Next, I will practice figure eights over a pole in trot and then in canter, making a point to look early at the pole when changing direction. Last, I will work on nailing the correct take off spot (or distance to the fence) when jumping a small cross rail and to keep a quiet seat after the jump so Teddy maintains an even pace prior to and after the fence. My goal is to achieve a perfect takeoff distance and landing seat for at least ten jumps, preferably in a row.

Sunday I’m riding Twilight. My plan with her is to focus on keeping my hands quiet or still at all times and sinking into my heels. I will continue focusing on reducing the size of my post when in trot and trotting figure eights over a pole. I’m going to see how well she does in trot prior to having her canter it. If she is successful in a trot then I will work on cantering figure eights over a pole, too, remembering to look early at the pole when changing directions.

Monday I will work on all of the above, trying to bring it all together.

Tuesday I have a lesson so my dressage trainer Kathy will be in charge.

Wednesday I will figure out where I have been weakest and focus on improving in those areas.

Thursday I am in Chicago on business.

Friday is my jumping lesson and therefore my jumping coach will be in charge.

Saturday is open at this point. I have a few different riding options so it could go either way (and yes, it is really nice to have options).

Sunday I will ride either Teddy or Twilight and will figure out a riding plan closer to then.

Making a plan ahead of time is a great exercise to get the most out of your time in the saddle. It’s also helpful in terms of getting your ring set up for your exercises. Making a plan and sticking to it is great for riding, for a busy day at the office, or any time you want to be productive.