Winter for me is always the horse show off season. It’s the time to set new riding goals for the upcoming show season, evaluate areas you need to work on and improve, and reflect on the previous season. This past show season I was able to achieve a dream of mine by obtaining the USDF bronze medal. That was the result of countless hours of hard work, riding, reading, studying, and watching videos. I was constantly looking for ways to glean nuggets of info that might help me in my journey. One of my favorites was watching videos with Janet Foy. If you would be interested in me writing a post about my journey to bronze, please drop me a comment below or on social media!
I would also love to know what you do in the show off season and what are your riding goals for the year? There are no small goals and no too big goals. Anything can be achieved with hard work and dedication. Comment below and let me know what you’re working on. I am working to improve our half passes, flying changes, self-carriage, and collection while working to add in pirouettes. It’s definitely not easy! Always remember to enjoy the journey (even the frustrating moments!) because it makes the successful part that much sweeter.
I’m not riding now, but horses had a huge impact on my life. My dad taught me to ride after doctors said I’d never walk. He would’t accept that and we had the best time proving the doctor wrong. It was a difficult journey, but we prevailed. I wouldn’t want to change anything. My experiences led me to write an award-winning children’s book.
I think everyone should set goals and work hard to meet them.
Here in the UK winter is also an off season. Riders usually let their horses have a bit of downtime and then start practicing for the following season.
We would be interested to know what you had to do to get your Bronze – is it a rider or trainer qualification?
Hi Claire! It is a rider certification. It is with the our dressage governing body – United States Dressage Federation. For the bronze medal, you have to earn 2 scores of 60%+ at First, Second, and Third Levels. Feel free to email me if you’d like more info.
Hi there
Ive just done an infographic on the full schedule of events for the World Equestrian Games in Tyron this September.
It’s yours to use if you want too
Below is the link to it
http://clear-round.com/index.php/2018/08/25/weg-tryon-2018-schedule/
Hope it’s useful
Cheers
Dave
Thank you so much!
Hi Guys
Here are the final results for the Eventing at WEG 2018
Ingrid Klimke’s one rail down in the showjumping cost her and Germany dearly, and open the way for young Rosalind Canter and Team GBR. Here are the top 20 individual results and the top 10 team results in the Eventing at WEG 2018
http://clear-round.com/index.php/2018/09/13/eventing-results-from-weg-2018/
Enjoy
Dave
I am working on pirouettes as well with my beautiful Candi. Any tips?
I love this! Your blog is so cute, it would mean the world if you could check out mine💕 notsoaverageavery.blogspot.com
Hey guys
For the show jumpers out there, here are some great tips and exercises to help you get really good at riding a related distance. I use them on all the people I coach, and get excellent results.
http://clear-round.com/index.php/2018/10/28/showjumping-training-related-distance/
They’re yours to use, and I hope they help you jump more clear rounds
Regards
Dave Miller