“My focus this yr isn’t going to be on main occasions however reasonably exploring my horses and getting along with them on a deeper degree. Generally stepping away from a extremely aggressive environment is the precise factor that’s wanted to excel additional within the sport.”
One other yr has swiftly handed by, leaving me in awe of how shortly time flies. It seems like simply yesterday I used to be reflecting on 2023, and now right here I’m, wrapping up 2024. All through this yr, I’ve witnessed quite a few adjustments and developments, each constructive and unfavourable. I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the horse business — whether or not I wished to or not — and made knowledgeable selections for my equine companions.
As I mirror on the targets I set for my horses at first of the yr, I’m proud to say that I’ve made progress in direction of a few of them. Let’s delve into the small print and see how far we’ve come.
Photograph by DeAnn Sloan
Sunmans Irish Pay (Payco)
I used to be capable of obtain my preliminary purpose of acquiring my final two CMSA Women Degree 4 certified wins and transferring as much as a Degree 5, however, with the assistance of my horse Buns, not Payco. Moreover, whereas my purpose was to attend three CMSA main occasions, I efficiently traveled to 2, with the unlucky circumstance of Payco fracturing his radius stopping us from attending CMSA Worlds. Whereas I’ve but to experience Payco since his harm, I’m desperate to work in direction of navigating patterns with a looser rein as soon as he’s absolutely healed. Nevertheless, I did meet the final purpose of extra environment friendly shut downs on the finish of patterns because of my earlier expertise and progress in dealing with sudden conditions.
Photograph by Mountain Ember Images
Unbridled Fame (Sizzling Sauce)
Regardless of the adjustments in plans and timeline, my targets for 2024 with Sizzling Sauce stay intact and strengthened. My first purpose of making ready for the CMSA Futurity with many moist saddle pads was adjusted to accommodate having my coach, Ezra Yoder of No Reins Efficiency Horses, experience Sizzling Sauce on the occasion. This determination pushed our moist saddle pad dates again, however I’m assured within the experience and talent that Ezra brings to the desk.
Moreover, I’ve efficiently achieved my purpose of loping by a capturing sample with efficient course administration, because of the teachings and steerage from No Reins Efficiency Horses. Whereas there’s all the time room for enchancment, I really feel comfy and competent in my talents to deal with this side of our coaching.
Lastly, my purpose of having fun with the method of coming collectively as a workforce with Sizzling Sauce has been an ongoing journey all through the autumn. I’ve discovered that constructing a partnership with a brand new horse requires belief, communication, and dedication from each events. Like several partnership, whether or not in determine skating, acrobatics, or synchronized swimming, it takes effort and time to determine a powerful bond and work collectively seamlessly. Regardless of the challenges and changes, I’m dedicated to persevering with to develop and strengthen our partnership within the yr forward.
Photograph by Marlee Fritz
Humorous Bunny B
My first purpose for the yr was to let Buns relaxation for many of it. Trying again, I can’t assist however chuckle as a result of I couldn’t have missed that mark extra spectacularly. As a substitute, Buns and I had our most profitable mounted capturing season thus far. So, possibly subsequent yr, Buns — possibly subsequent yr.
One purpose I did handle to fulfill (kind of) was taking him on periodic path rides for some mild, simple work. Properly, we did go on path rides… for about 40 miles. Not precisely the “simple work” I initially envisioned, however Buns was match and prepared for the duty. This brings me to a different essential purpose — protecting his ache managed and his weight up.
At the beginning of the yr, I made certain Buns obtained the care he wanted. I had his hocks and SI joint injected and launched acupuncture into his routine. The outcomes had been nothing wanting miraculous. After these ache administration interventions, his urge for food improved, his weight stabilized, and his efficiency soared. It’s secure to say Buns is feeling the very best he has since earlier than his huge harm, and seeing him this wholesome and glad has been essentially the most rewarding a part of the yr.
Photograph by JMF Photographs
Listed below are my targets for 2025:
Sunmans Irish Pay (Payco)
Let Payco’s radial fracture heal
Get Payco upgraded from stall relaxation to small prove by summer time
Begin mild driving on the finish of summer time
Maintain Payco comfy and sane by his rehab course of
Unbridled Fame (Sizzling Sauce)
Come collectively as a workforce by classes, path driving, and exhibitions at mounted capturing occasions
Really feel comfy navigating a sample at a excessive lope
Get Sizzling Sauce extra relaxed within the saddle whereas navigating a mounted capturing sample
Support her find confidence in herself whereas performing her job as a mounted capturing horse
Humorous Bunny B
Proceed having fun with my coronary heart horse
Maintain ache managed
Acquire my final 4 certified wins as a Women Degree 5 and transfer as much as a Women Degree 6
Take a number of weekends to path experience in locations we haven’t gone
Photograph by Kari Anna Images
As 2024 involves an finish, I’m excited to see the place my crew and I’m going and what we accomplish in 2025. There’s lots of education and rehab that might be performed this yr, however, I’m going to ensure I take pleasure in every horse and the place they’re of their journey. My focus this yr isn’t going to be on main occasions however reasonably exploring my horses and getting along with them on a deeper degree. Generally stepping away from a extremely aggressive environment is the precise factor that’s wanted to excel additional within the sport.