Saturday, April 23, 2011

2nd Anniversary

Two years ago today STA delivered Gem to where I board him with LA. I can't believe how time has flown! For those of you that are new to my blog, STA was my sanity check when I purchased Gem and was instrumental in making sure that I chose the right horse for me. I actually purchased Gem on April 11, 2009, but the deal wasn't sealed until he passed his vet exam. With the exception of him being "over conditioned" or in other words fat, he passed with flying colours. :-) STA drove him home to her place on April 18th where he waited out the results of his Coggins test and then she trailered him to LA's on the 23rd. STA and I will be having our anniversary lunch next week.

Our first year together was definitely getting to know each other. There was so much to learn!!! In particular I had to get over his size. Now I can't image riding anything smaller! This second year has been about me gaining confidence and for both of us to learn how to work as a team. It's been bumpy at times, it's been amazing at times, it's been magic every time. We still have a long way to go. Boy, he is definitely teaching me how to ride! :-) He has also taught me a lot about myself and for that I am grateful.

This year was almost starting over again for me. I had surgery last April and my recovery took me into the fall. Physically I didn't have the endurance to pick up where I had left off in my lessons before surgery. Gem knew I wasn't 100% and was generally pretty patient with me. I feel better about where I am in my lessons now. Hey, I loped around the arena twice, controlled and (pretty) balanced in the saddle! And, I jumped! :-)

A big "thank you" to my blogging friends for your encouragement over the last year! :-) I can't tell you how much your support, insight and knowledge sharing has meant to me. You guys rock.

This coming year, I am hoping to lope small circles, learn how to do a proper sidepass and go on tons of trail rides. As much as I am looking forward to the next year with my boy, I almost wish my time with him would slow down.....it just seems to rush by and I really just want to savour every minute we are together!

I love him.

15 comments:

  1. I love Gem too and I'm so happy you found each other. You've had an amazing journey with him so far with only good things to come. Happy Anniversary!

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  2. The first year is the hardest, IMHO. You just don't know enough about each other. So many don't make it through that period - its like the opposite of a honeymoon! LOL

    Glad you are on the road to ride! Happy horseyversary!

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  3. Wolfie, I've loved reading about you and Gem, and I feel grateful for how much you've shared your journey together. It does rush by, you're right, but remember, time also stands still when you're up on the back of a horse you love. Congratulations on your two-year anniversary, and here's hoping for many, many more!

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  4. Congrats Wolfie and Gem! I love reading about your progress and bond with Gem :)

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  5. I've enjoyed your journey together so far, and look forward to hearing a lot more from both of you.

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  6. Congrats you two! You have made it so far - I was reading through the archives yesterday and you've both changed a lot. Consider yourselves lucky: a lot of horse-owner pairs don't make it through the first year! You two are both very unique and you're a perfect match.

    Congrats again!

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  7. Well happy anniversary and congratulations!

    You have a good partner in Gem.

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  8. Congratulations on your commitment to Gem!

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  9. Good morning! Thank you for your kind wishes.

    GHM - I am glad you love him too. :-)

    Breathe - As you know, there were a few times that I thought I had made a mistake, but I am so glad I saw it through.

    Muddy K - You are right; time does stand still.

    JPS - Thank you. Good luck in getting ready for your show!

    Kate - I really appreciate your support.

    Gabriella - First year was a bit scary but my confidence is much better.

    LTD - I appreciate your support. Canadian horses rock, don't they? :-)

    Detroit Dog - It certainly is a commitment, but one I am very happy to make!

    Minus Pride - Thank you!!

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  10. Congratulations to two years with your handsome feller. May you have many more!

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  11. Wow! Happy Anniversary Wolfie & here's to many more with your Super-Gorgeous boy :D xx

    You jumped?!?!! Way to go, you! Colour me oh so impressed!

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  12. Thanks, Joy! Yes, I jumped....it was only over a cavelletti, but it was jumping none the less! :-)

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