RoW Hop: Everyday Win

Thanks Firn for saving me from scaring up new content while pulling together details etc. from last night's lesson! 

After all the many participants in Nicole's 'Everyday Fail' blog hop, Firn took the natural next step to our everyday wins, writing: So let's pull out some schooling (or unaffiliated schooling show) photos we're proud of. Moments where our horses are taking steps to greatness; where they may be a long way from the blue ribbon, but advancing on the right path.

This obviously appeals to me as it's in line with my constructive criticism v. public shaming ideas, wherein our proudest moments aren't always our prettiest - and that's totally fine. 

So again, to pull from the archives, some of my favorite (recent-ish) moments where Isabel's really getting it done and making me proud: 

We spent the whole winter hauling out to various indoors trying to stay in some semblance of regular work, and Isabel seriously rose to each occasion. She showed up for work every time, making the springtime transition to real full work effortless. 

Even our first cross country schooling of the year was leaps and bounds beyond where we finished last fall! She remembered exactly what was up and was ready to play :)

Same goes for lessons: she's been happy to keep pushing the envelope, even when I'm not always riding my best.

While our water demons aren't really conquered, she's making great strides here. Practicing in familiar water complexes has helped her be a little braver about new water - like at Fair Hill when she really just went right in with minimal pause.

So I did have to include one show pic bc... well, we moved up to BN!! Isabel came out of the winter operating at an entirely new and better level, and it's done so much for my confidence that I've started raising my eyes to higher heights. Pretty exciting stuff! 

Sadly we have very few progress pics of our flat work outside of shows - but really the developments here have been just as impressive. Isabel has proven to be incredibly willing and obedient - two words I would have NEVER used to describe her when I first met her. And yet, here we are. Now it's up to me to capitalize on it :)

What about you - what are your everyday wins with your horse?

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