June Conversation Starter - My Thoughts

Do I as a rider constantly keep learning? I think so. I'm nowhere near where I want to be. Maybe I should clarify that... I decided about the middle of last year to stop "setting goals" with date-deadlines. If I was in a sport that only required my efforts, I might be able to set drop-dead dates. But the horses seem to always have their own plans, and it's become easier to set goals and work on them at *our* pace.

MY GOALS
RANSOM
Walk, Trot, Canter in a dressage test - Reach First Level with scores in the high 60s
(Intermediate goal - ride Training Level and do well)
Ride a 2'6" hunter course clean
(First Step goal - Crossrails clean at canter)

ROMEO
Walk, Trot, Canter in English tack on the flat
(Collected, easy gait, not rushed, nice transitions)
Trail ride solo on some country property, without fear
(Intermediate goal - ride with someone else, comfortably picking up all three gaits)
Reining Pattern successfully
(First step goal - solid canter with collection)
Ride a 2' hunter course clean
(First Step goal - crossrails at canter)

Included in the rider goals are of course the horse goals. In the case of Ransom, he needs muscle, repetition, and not much more. He isn't requiring training to complete anything on his "list". Romeo, however, needs training. I'm pretty sure I can work him through most of it, but I'm a bit un-confident about my abilities to get him over some of his rushing through gaits. I don't think he's got it in him for a slow QH-lope, mostly because I haven't ever felt him canter easy. He'll collect up for a few strides with a little bit of effort, but certainly not slow. He's got a lot of hours required before he'll stay easy & steady. Am I really qualified to teach him myself? I've also got a hope to take him to BRM sometime, and have someone else ride him, give me an opinion on what he can accomplish.

To the two responders that gave their input (and the DG-crew that kept the discussion moving on the board & reads here), THANKS! It's a neat discussion, and I hope to get another one going sometime soon enough.. If you haven't responded & want to, now's a great time to get in the fray...

Also, as a reminder, the survey's still tickling ya'll on the top right. I've voted, but I'll keep my vote quiet until after the survey closes. Have a great day!