A very Merry Christmas :)

So, it's that time of year again- when the New Years Resolutions come into play, we reflect upon the year that has just passed us and we begin to embark on a better new year. So what does 2011 have in store for us??
It looks weird writing it like that- 2011.

I decided to be slightly cliche and join in with the whole reflection of the year- and am going to talk about my hopes for next year- so just heads up for what this post is going to entail!!

At the beginning of last year, I had a whole array of hopes and dreams- some perhaps more unrealistic than others. I hoped to be riding Andalusians and Lusitanos, to be a wonderful classical rider which I aspire to be.

In March, my journey with a Piebald pony perhaps changed my outlook on horses for the rest of my life.
I'd never heard of clicker training, I didn't know about learning theory and I thought that teaching tricks was only for the totally genius! I am sure no doubt, that this time next year, I'll be laughing at some of the silly things I've said over the next year and continue developing my knowledge. I also hope that Shadow will evolve into even more of a Gentleman than he already is at present.


For Christmas I got Anja Beran's book, two in-hand books ( so I have three now), Ben Hart's Art and Science of Clicker Training, Marthe Kiley Worthington's 'Equine Education' and Gincy Self Bucklin's book ''What your horse wants you to know''.

I know a lot of people say that you shouldn't follow things from a text book; as it's not the 'real world' but to me, it is. Literature- particular from the collection of wonderful authors, have put a pen to paper and documented their journeys, their discoveries and experiences with their horses. Why can't I take some of that and apply it to my work. I document my journey, how I feel and what I do with Shadow. So there is no wrong in taking knowledge out of books- you can manipulate it to suit you and your horse.

I'm hoping to do lots of long-lining and in-hand work with Shadow this year. I'm determined to go at it. Shadow was never confident on the long lines and would bolt, so using our dear friend the clicker and using it to help overcome the fears of longlining, we can hopefully begin to work on that fear and our ridden work can progress.

Of course; whatever happens this year- as long as Shadow is happy, then I'm happy. I hope to continue enjoying the pony of a life time- I couldn't ask for much more. He may be a fat yack to some, he may be nothing special, with no special breeding or claims to fame. We may not be wanting to hit the competition circuits- but that's fine, means I can appreciate my beautiful boy even more :)


Amy xx