2012: Equine goals for the dressage arena

As I map out my goals and plans for 2012, I'm thinking about what to do about my equine plans, hopes and dreams.

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Ultimately in 2012 I'd like to compete - either on Kadey or a different pony. The only downside to a different pony is having to get rid of Kade. But my partner said we have room for two this afternoon, as long as I can afford it. I think he may go back on that if push comes to shove but it was something I hadn;t even considered - what about keeping Kadey, leasing or purchasing a schoolmaster for 18 months and keep Kadey in work with my trainer. Then at the end of the time period, sell or return the schoolmaster and compete with Kadey.

My secondary goal would then be to work with Kadey until he calms the %&*$ down and can be ridden sensibly. 

It could work, I like it :)

Reinpony Kadey is unimpressed

Poor Kadington, I made him into a reinpony for Christmas :)

What to do...

Pretty much everyone, aside from my trainer, is saying SELL KADEY. My family, my partner, even the saddle fit guy. I think yes, no, yes.... no. I watched a video a local lady made today about why we do dressage and it hit me - with Kade, it will take me a LONG time to compete properly; mainly because I have to spend so much time not only educating him but even getting him to calm down enough to enter an arena calmly at A! But then... it's still hard. I love him, he's my oversized furbaby who diligently ignores me unless I have food and I'm used to that now.

Then I see things like this:

Showjumper / Dressage SCHOOLMASTER

“Centro Robba”- dark bay, 16yr old 16.2hh Thoroughbred with great confirmation is sadly offered for sale.
Robba is a schoolmaster type in the disciplines of Dressage and Showjumping. Robba’s a D grade show jumper who happily jumps 1m - 1.10, and has attained a dressage level of elementary. He has been lightly competed in 2010 & 2011 in combined training days, local shows and the Fraser Coast Interschool Equestrian. At the 2010 interschool, he won his dressage and jumping classes. He is a complete gentleman, who is extremely well mannered. Robba’s quiet demeanor and extensive experience would make him an ideal mount for an up and coming young rider to progress on. Robba loves trail rides by himself or with company, is great with traffic, trucks, tractors, dog’s bikes and no spook/shy in him.
Robba is absolutely vice free. Very easy to catch (waits at the gate for us), wash, worm, shoe, rug, clip etc…. Paddocks well by himself or with others, self- loads on the float, ties up all day long at events. Robba never hot’s up even after a spell. Robba is definitely a confidence builder for any rider most patient and willing to teach them the ropes………
Robba is reluctantly offered for sale as his current rider has now gained the confidence to move onto a new mount. He will be sold with his summer and winter rugs & a work bridle and bit.
We would like to see Robba continue with his outings and competitions, so he will only be sold to the best of horsey homes.

$2,500

Ph: 41268382 or 0429018939

 
I'm going to call them in March and if he's still available, I'll go have a look. It'll help me decide either way. 

Broken pelvis, broken dreams.

In less than optimum news, I'm now stuck on crutches with a broken pelvis and can't ride for 3 months. THREE. WHOLE. MONTHS. Meaning I'll miss being able to use my Christmas holidays to ride, I'll lose out on all the hard work Kadey and I have been doing AND I'm going to miss most of the next show season as I can't ride til March, then will need a few months to get my seat back in order as it'll be a bit different.

My family all want me to sell Kadey and I guess I have some big thinking ahead. It's so hard, we've done so much work and I love him to tears. But he's always going to be a bit flighty. But he's so lovely. But, but, but....