 |
| Focus. |
Sometimes I get a little toooooo focused on all things dressage. And shows. And scores, and working up the levels. Goals are not bad, and striving to work up the levels is not bad either.
But it's good to step back and remember why you really do this.
 |
| From today (that's the farm on top of the hill) |
Like today, I hopped on Hampton after he has had nearly 3 weeks off and went out back in the big, hilly field covered in snow. It's warming up and our hack was downright heavenly. We both enjoyed it. He was perfectly behaved and had a wonderful pep in his step for a while. Until walking up and down the hills in the snow started to tire him out. haha.
It was just me and him. Like it always has been.
Life is so short. Appreciate these moments with your horses. In the end, the scores don't matter.
I don't want a horse that gets big scores in the ring. I want a horse who I can jump on after 3 weeks of a nasty winter and enjoy a relaxing ride in the snow and not fear for my life.
I want a horse I can trust. And who I enjoy being around.
Here are some photos of "ear shots" throughout the years. We have done so much together and experienced some really cool (and a few terrifying) adventures.
Whatta guy.
 |
| His first jump lolz |
 |
I think this may be the first ear shot of Hampton I took. When I was finally brave
enough to take both hands off the reins. ha. |
 |
Long-time readers may remember that when we switched barns in 2010, I did
not have a trailer. So I RODE Hampton (3 years old at the time) from one barn to another taking
back roads. About 6 or 7 miles. |
 |
| Another snow ride |
 |
| Hanging out at a 4-H show. |
 |
| Trail riding |
 |
| Indiana corn fields and windmills |
 |
| Checking for gators |
 |
| Fall trail ride |
 |
| We moved to Kentucky in 2012 |
 |
| Trail riding with friends. |
 |
| Um, gorgeous |
 |
| Kentucky horse park |
 |
| More Kentucky Horse Park |
 |
| "Oh hey Davey I likes your bridles. Can I eats it?" |
You have lived in some really beautiful places!
ReplyDeleteEar shots are my fav. Those are great ones!
ReplyDeleteHaha! Walking my horse to a new barn would totally be something I would do! I'm with you, competing and goals are nice, but my favorite thing about my horse is being able to take him anywhere and do anything with him. Race friends across fields? Okay! Trail ride on a lazy day? Okay! Take the puppies for a walk down the road? Yep!
ReplyDeleteThose moments are wonderful. :)
What an amazing way to chronicle your journey with your horse! Now I'm going to try to take some more ear pictures :)
ReplyDeleteI love this post and everything it stands for!
ReplyDeleteHappy ears in beautiful places!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post! What adventures you two have had, so special :)!
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice look back :)
ReplyDeleteYup, this.
ReplyDeleteYou guys seriously have my favorite horse/rider relationship out of any blogger pair. I love looking at 'through the years' posts from you!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to have to start doing more ear photos. I love this set!
ReplyDeleteMakes me sad I only have one ear pic of Riva! Must get on that :) Love those Hampton ears!
ReplyDeleteHey! So it's come to my attention that Blogger isn't updating/redirecting my old blog to my new one. I'm going around commenting on all the blogs I follow because I don't know how to contact everyone otherwise. My old blog Horses: The Process of Learning is back in action at www.mrsashleyandolivia.com. This is some kind of blogger error. But I would love for you to come follow me over there! Thanks girl!!
ReplyDeletejust found your blog and LOVE this post! excited to get caught up with everything - and good luck with Lady!
ReplyDelete