Update

So I enrolled myself in one of those "career colleges" to get a certificate in Surgical Technology. Then I found out it's an accelerated class and we are supposed to learn everything in one year as opposed to the usual two. Ergo, the Anatomy and Physiology class that I am taking is insanely intense, and we're cramming a year's worth of classes into about 2.5 months. Needless to say, I haven't been getting to the gym much. And usually when I do, I am armed with my Medical Terminology flashcards and study them while on the elliptical/treadmill/stationary bike. I'm pretty sure I am not getting the best workout ever, but I DO know that increased blood flow also increases cognitive abilities, so hopefully I am retaining things better... we'll find out.

Other than the excessive studying required, I am very excited about becoming a Surgical Technologist, and will love my future paycheck even more.

Now, back to the horses. ;-)

I am trying to not let my crazy schedule interfere with my horse-time. I NEED horse-time to function. I was concerned that being overly busy would cause me to forgo riding in exchange for even more study time, so I just filled out an entry for a local dressage schooling show for my OTTB. This will be her very first horse show ever, and so I'm keeping it low-key. We're just doing Intro A and B. Nothing too strenuous. The show is Oct 30, so I have a few things I'd like to work on before then:

1.) I'd like to get her more bendy to the right (yes, that's the technical term. LOL). Like all OTTBs, she was very one-sided when I got her, and she's much better now, but I'd like to improve it even more.

2.) Our centerlines and diagonals are more "squiggles" than "lines." Now that she understands what leg means, though, I have a feeling it will improve with repetition.

3.) I just want to get her a little more consistently on the bit. She is good about being on the bit about 75% of the time. I want to bump it up to about 90% of the time.

Clearly, we do not have lofty goals. I am not planning on going to the show to win a ribbon, I am planning on going to the show to, well, get my mare to a show. I want to see how she does away from home in a show environment. And, I wont lie, I also needed motivation to keep riding her consistently while I am trying to avoid pulling my hair out from the excess studying. It's good for me; I NEED my horse-time.