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| All photos in this post courtesy of Austen |
I'm not going to pretend this was an easy year. It wasn't. But looking back on it, I feel confident that every decision I made this year was the right one. And that those decisions are collectively starting to pay off.
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| Seriously not sure I've ever seen this much butt engagement out of him at the canter before. At least in pictures. (Side note: this part of the indoor previously housed temporary stalls, so the fluffy white stuff is some new, not-quite-totally-mixed-in-yet TruTex. It won't look like that forever.) |
This time last year, I didn't feel ready for a full season at Second. I couldn't really articulate why, which is part of the reason I struggled so much the first part of the year. But I knew we needed to back off and fix some fundamentals to be successful in the long term.
I did scrape together a 60.000% at 2-1 in July of 2017 so I definitely could've done it in 2018, but I don't want to scrape by just to check the "Second Level" box off the list. I'm doing this to learn, so that even if Connor and I don't make it to GP, I'll have a solid education to bring my next one along with. And hey, if we do make it, that's awesome. Either way, we're going up the levels at our speed.
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| 20 minutes later, goofing off. This is how Connor would PREFER we canter... |
So as I look to 2019, it's a big change to feel ready to show at Second. To be looking at budgeting for a show season again. To be thinking through what exactly needs polish before we can go after our Second Level Bronze scores.
Here's to surviving 2018 - in a lot of ways, I can say "I'm glad I went through it, but I'm so glad it's over!" And here's to continued progress and lots of fun in 2019.
pics look great - love that first shot and the canter pic! here's hoping for 2018 serving as the perfect springboard into an exciting and happy 2019 ;)
ReplyDeleteShe did an awesome job with the pics, I am so happy to have photos like that. Thanks!
DeleteThat first picture is just awesome! As I've said before, you and Connor are inspiration for me - and I'm excited to hear all about your journey in 2019 :)
ReplyDeleteYeah! That was one of my favorites from the shoot.
DeleteConnor is looking incredibly super sexy -- I have no doubt that 2019 has many wonderful rides in store for you both!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteAs always, I've loved following your journey this year. I have no doubt you'll be hitting those second level goals in 2019 :)
ReplyDeleteThanks! I love following yours too. Thanks for letting us ride along with Sophie and B!
DeleteI like your mindset -- it's not just about ticking boxes at a level, it's about truly learning things inside and out so that you can not only bring out the best in Connor, but that down the line you can do it again. I have no doubt you will shine in 2019!
ReplyDeleteWait you got your new job this year? it seriously feels like ages ago.. what a year.
ReplyDeleteI know, right? I changed jobs in August of 2015 (the job that took me out to see you) and then I changed jobs again in March of 2018.
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