Eventing Nation had a good topic up last week about bucket lists for equestrians. They asked people to name the things they wanted to do with horses, other than eventing, before they died. I decided to make my own list, but I’ve included eventing things too. I think some could be attainable this year if Oh So and I work hard. It’s a modest list, but I don’t have huge aspirations. As a perfectionist, I’m more interested in seeing and feeling the results in my riding, so no horse diving or steeplechasing on my list.

• Finish on my dressage score at prelim. Heck, finishing on my dressage score at training level more would be nice too! At prelim, it never happened for me because of Sam’s lack of respect for the colored poles!
• Complete a CCI*. It could be long format, or short format, but I want to experience dressing up for the jog and learning the FEI ropes. Of course, Oh So would suit the long format and I think the steeplechase would help me open up more than him.
• Earn a USDF medal. My dream would be to have a prelim/intermediate event horse and a horse capable of FEI levels in dressage. I want a big warmblood so I can feel that powerful movement and so I can perfect my upper level work and finesse my aids with a double bridle.
• See an event/show in England (Burghley, Badminton, etc). It almost happened in 2007 when I visited the U.K., but the event got rained out. In truth, I’d love to just live in England or Ireland. I’m an Anglophile at heart and I’m obsessed with their culture, scenery, history and equine scene.
• Spend a winter down South. I keep hearing about how much fun everyone is having down there this time of year, so if I could afford it, I’d love to go.
• Swim with my horse. I’m kind of scared to try it, but I want to go swimming with either of my horses. Sam has gone to the equine pool before, so I sort of know how he would react, and I know Oh So would go in because he loves water, but after that? Morningside has a lake that people can take their horses to and they had clinics last year on how to swim with your horse, so I might have to sign up!
• Train another OTTB. I’ve learned a lot with Oh So, and I’m still learning, so to be able to apply that to my next horse would be fun.