Looking Forward

So it's the last week of 2010 and I can't help but look back at all that's gone on this year. Boy has it been long and fraught with drama!

I can honestly say that this year was one of the worst for me personally. When I compare it's major events to years past it is easily in the top three.

However, that doesn't mean it didn't have good moments too. One of the big ones were finding and purchasing UK (obviously). I mean, talk about things just falling into place. I think fate (or the powers that be) couldn't have done much more short of putting up a sign to tell me that if I didn't buy this horse I'd always regret it.

I know I sing his praises quite often, but he really is a honest to goodness good guy. I'm not saying he's perfect, every horse and every person have their faults. His are just minor compared to all his pluses.

So looking back at 2010 what am I happiest about (I'm sticking to horse related things for my own safety)?

1. UK (duh!)

2. Finding Tess a great home with a girl/woman that adores her. Which is more then a lot of horses get these days.

3. Finally being honest with myself about what I really want to do instead of letting other people's opinions overshadow my dreams. (I let that happen a lot when I was younger)

4. Remembering to count my blessings often so I don't loose sight of the real things.

Now then, looking to 2011 I do have some wishes and goals. Will I manage to do all of them? I really hope so, but as any horse person knows having goals just seems to tempt ill luck sometimes. So crossing my fingers, knocking on wood and saying a prayer before I put the pen to paper/ fingers to keyboard...

1. Go Eventing! Or a horse trial or SOMETHING that is actually a real riding competition other then a fair with my horse.

2. Actually take some lessons with an eventing trainer. (I have a history of reading a lot and then going it alone, which I'm getting too old for)

3. Take UK to a show and do a Halter class. Not only have I never done one, but I think it would be a great way to see how Mr. Yuke does in a show atmosphere.

4. Do a hunter pace, hopefully Ride for the Cure.

I know to some people those don't seem like huge goals, but they are for me. I've basically only been riding recreationally for 2 and a half years when it comes to my own horse(s). Sure I've been training, showing and teaching other people and their horses, but not my own.

Plus life keeps throwing up roadblocks, and I'm sick of having to tear them down or go around. Now I'm going to try to jump them! HA! (I can hear my husband wince at the mention of jumping, he can't understand why I can't be happy doing dressage like his mother and sister. Silly man.)

So Friday night I'll be at my good friend (and farrier)'s house for a new years bash, and I'm going to do my best to just look forward and leave this year in the dust.

-- On a separate note, I'm very excited to note that my good friend Kristy (the one who rode UK for me) is getting a new horse on Saturday! I will update and hopefully have some pictures once we get her settled. UK will be so happy to have a new friend! --

So.... I bid adeu to you 2010 and I'll do my best to Rise Up, Ride Forward and Not Be Afraid to Grab Mane in 2011!