May Goals

I realized in February that my lessons weren't working out. I was very happy to get back with Joan after that, but now she, for reasons beyond her control, can't give us many lessons. I've let my goal writing and tracking slide (see tab above for the previous year).
Tedium warning - this is very boring stuff, but I need to write it to help me train. These were my Jan. goals. I've written shorter and more immediate lists in the interim, but this was my plan, with May 31 goals added. Focus areas are highlighted to remind me where more work is needed. I've made a google calendar which identifies ride times and work, for the next two weeks. That should pretty much guarantee that it will rain for the next two weeks!

Training areaGoal Jan.        
Achieved
April 30
Goal    May 31 
Indicator(s)
Contact 6.5
6.5
7

Bending 6.5
6.5
7
Smoothly, equally changes bend
Working trot
7
7
7.5
Rogo is forward thinking
20 M trot circles
7
7
7.5
Self explanatory
10 M trot circles46
6.5

Lengthen stride in trot

5
Four strides of distinct lengthen
Ramener

5
Three strides in trot and canter
Stretchy circle

7
Perfect shape





Canter:

Transition up/down

Carry


Steer


7
7
7








6/6.5
6
7
7


Transitions are precise (within 1 stride), with engaged hindquarters

carrying has slipped to a 6 and he's lost his 'bounce'. We need to work on that.
Counter canter35
6

Lengthen stride in canter36
6.5
4 strides lengthen and transition back in 2 strides

15 M canter circle5
6
7
One quality circle
Free walk
7
7
8
Straight and forward 90% of times
Halt directly from trot
6
6
6.5
Max. one walk step
Half halt
4
5
6
Responds 75% of time
Straight on center line
7
7
7.5
Self explanatory
Rhythm W

T

C
7
7
7
7
6
6.5
7
7
7

This needs work





Leg Yield


5
4 good trot steps
Should in


5
5 good trot steps
Me



Canter position
7
6.5
7
Legs long, heels down
Hands still

7
Maintain energy and focus throughout ALL of ride

7

Comments

Rising Rainbow said…
Geez! I'd be scared to make a ride schedule. It would rain for sure and maybe do even worse. I'm pretty sure the weather gods are against me making progress this year. LOL
smazourek said…
It seems like all the numbers are getting bigger. That's a good thing, right?
Allison said…
Hi! It's great to 'meet' you. I don't know what I have much to offer-- it looks like we both keep training notes, though~ my horse would love to do dressage, and I hope to go there with him one day. As soon as he works well in the arena! Rogo's pedigree link did not work for me; can you tell more about him? And way cool on your husband's blue! :-)
Carol said…
Thanks everyone!
Hi Alison - great to meet you too! Thaks for following my blog. Do you have one? I didn't see a link but want to make sure I didn't miss it. I'll do a post soon about Rogo's pedigree. He's 3/4 Hannoverian and 1/4 Thoroughbred, son of Rotspon.