Southwind Farm and family had a wonderful Christmas holiday! Jenny, Sheri's daughter, welcomed a new family member to the Southwind crew...meet Walter:
How cute is he?
Also, Spike got to model his Christmas jammies for everyone:
On another note, with 2014 only two days away, we wanted to share with you the Top 10 Rider Resolutions for the new year, as polled by Horse Listening.com. Do you have any resolutions as a rider? What about goals for your horse in 2014?
10. Use your outside rein more and don't pull on the inside rein (do your best to keep the horse “straight”).
9. Follow the horse’s back with your back and keep supple (aka ride “with” the movement).
8. Keep working to refine your most-used aids – hands, legs, and seat.
7. Video your rides and analyze what you are doing right and what you could improve upon.
6. Set realistic goals and attend at least one competition (small and achievable; schooling show or recognized).
5. Ride regularly and set goals to accomplish each ride (make each ride a mean something).
4. Lesson regularly; Find an instructor you trust and lesson with them.
3. Ride in and/or audit clinics. There are tons of opportunities for clinics with top-level professionals. Even if you can't afford to ride in the clinic, see if you can go audit and take notes!
2. Read, read and read some more. There are tons of materials out there that can help you meet your goals or help you learn new aids and training methods for your horse.
1. LISTEN TO YOUR HORSE! Be sure not to set unrealistic goals for you and your horse's abilities. Your horse will let you know what they are capable of and how far they can take you.
