dancing horses

dancing horses

Friday, April 28, 2017

Operation 'Do all the Things' is underway

Back in January I wrote a blog post about my goals for 2017 with Carmen.  I've started with the regular lessons. But those goals also included showing and going off property.

I sent in my entry for the show May 13-14. This weekend there's a clinic at the venue and I signed up for it. I really like the clinician and I think it will be good to expose Carmen to the place without the pressure of the show. I'm going today, riding tomorrow and then coming home.

Last night my mind was reeling with all the things that I don't want to forget to pack. I think I need one of those lists on a wipe off board so that I can relax. I so admire the bloggers I read who seem to be able to pick up and go without all the excessive planning that I feel I need to do. I think once I get going it will get easier.

Wish us luck. I will tell you about when I get back.

26 comments:

  1. Good luck and have fun!!! Doing all the things with horses is my absolute favorite :D can't wait to hear about it!!

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    1. I know- I wish you were closer- we could have a lot of fun

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  2. One big reason I don't miss dog shows. Getting ready! Can't wait to read how it went.

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  3. Oooh, so excited for you! Have a great time!

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  4. Pro Tip: Buy duplicates of everything except your saddle, pad, and bridle (and SMBs/Blanket if you use them) and keep them in your horse trailer. That way, packing for your horse is simply loading feed, Saddle, bridle, and pad. Then, you don't have to worry about all those little things - brushes, vet kit, hoofpick, feed pan, water bucket, etc. that are so vital to have but easy to forget.

    I've been doing that for years. The initial investment is a tad painful, but all that stuff lasts forever so, once it's done, you don't have to worry about it again. It's a wonderful luxury not to have to worry about all the little stuff.

    I've forgotten my own clothes before, but my horse is always fully outfitted when we travel. :-)

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    1. I do keep pretty much everything in the trailer except for my tack and clothes. It's more a mental thing for me.

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  5. My secret trick for being ready to go to small shows and clinics: Bridget has a spare water bucket that I use for shows, in which lives a bag with: a stall guard, sample size detangler, whitener, and shampoo, 2 spare brushes, spare gloves, a notebook and pen, scissors, baling twine, hoof pick, duct tape, a small towel, a bottle of water, elastics, and a bridle number tag. This way, I can grab the bucket and go and survive! All I need to do is put my tack and helmet in the trailer and dress myself on the day :)

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    1. I do have a bunch of stuff in there and would be fine but that takes the fun out of worrying and fretting....

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  6. How exciting! I only have to think if I'm gone for a long time, I travel a lot with my trailer on day trips its no big deal.
    Have fun and learn something, it should be good prep for the show

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    1. The more I do the easier it's going to get.

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  7. Girls road trip! Woohoo! You're going to have a blast! Safe travels and enjoy your time with Carmen.

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  8. I am also in camp ''do all the things''!! Have fun this weekend with Carmen and safe hauling :)

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  9. This made me feel a whole lot better since all I have to do is pack myself up and drive down to Los Angeles tomorrow. I have been worried because of the very high winds, 70mph gusts, in the desert, and me in my little Jeep. You have so much more to take care of, but I'm sure it will be a great experience for both Carmen and for you. All the best.

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  10. Yay for us for getting out there and doing the things! I do not know how much you travel with horses, but once you get it down, its not so big a deal. I still over think and make lists, but now my lists are like ya that, that, that. good. got it. done. Doing it the same/having a routine about it really helps. Takes a little while to get it down and figure out what works for the both of you. Can't wait to read about how it all went!

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