What is your ultimate goal in riding?

Last week, while mentally prepping myself for my first lesson in months upon months, I started to think of the questions my new trainer would be asking me. The history of my horse, what have we done together, how old is he, how long have I been riding. What is my riding history. And my favorite

What is your goal with riding?

For some, you would think this would be an easy and fairly straight forward answer.
-I want to get to 3rd Level dressage  - or-
-I want to get to 3' Jumpers and successfully -or-
-I want to compete in HUS world champions


oh no, not me. Mine is much simpler. Much less focused.

I want harmony. Sounds simple enough but what a process and intricate idea it really is. Because my goal is not aimed at one particular place in time. I want my horse and I to be harmonious. For us to be in sync and balanced. I want us to be as one. I want us to get to that place in our training where I can think, balanced and be balanced. Where we flow as one into the canter, balanced and methodical. Where we flow as one over jumps, landing on the other side and moving forward as if there was no jump at all. Harmony between rider and horse. It's simple but difficult. It takes time and trust and patience. Of which, I am have an ample amount. So I know that with guidance, we will get there.

That is all I want. Right now. :)

I believe our goals change as we achieve them. But for now, I'll aim for this!

So ask yourself these questions...

What is your ultimate goal? 

And are you riding with your horse, or are you riding your horse?