What a year of ups and downs 2022 has been. I ‘achieved’ very little in terms of my goals and actual success on paper. But despite that I have learnt a lot, I have had fun and I’ve struck a balance between horses and other life activities that I haven’t really had before.
My definite highlights have been completing Roo’s novice season and training him for 80km. I really enjoyed getting back into continuous canter work and Roo is a dream to canter. That unfortunately was coupled with a low point of his tendon injury in June, so we never actually made it to that 80km. But we’re on the up again and he’s doing just fine now.
A huge low was having Qantas put to sleep. I miss his silly face and soft muzzle and the way he used to steal all my sandwiches. But I also got to welcome Estrid into our lives and I love the sweet, honest, clever horse that she is. Backing Estrid has been great fun and I’ve really enjoyed the process with her. She even surprised me and did her first Pleasure ride this year with Tissy by her side.
I also got to go on my first ever horsey holiday and Roo plastered a great big smile on my face by being such a good boy around the cross country. Tissy went on several fun rides, including her first pub ride and it makes my heart glow every time I ride behind her little ears, she just absolutely loves to be out and about.
I am so grateful for everything I have, for the person my horses have made me become and the adventures they allow me to have. I’m tentatively excited for 2023, but my main goal is to have fun and enjoy my time with my horses.
Beth Endurance 