[Jessica] The 5 Year Plan

What I want to accomplish in the next 5 years:

1- Finish my Bachelor's degree and move on to either a Master's or Law School.
2- Ride a Prix St. Georges test from start to finish. I almost want to say Grand Prix here but I gave myself a reality check.
3- Be confident riding a variety of horses at a variety of levels.
4- Become a Level One certified coach. And/Or 'r' level judge.
5- Be self-sufficient and independent financially.
6- Gain show experience.

How I am going to accomplish the previous in the next 5 years:

1- Work at a more consistent pace and finish classes earlier. Rather than do a big chunk and wait a week or two do a small bit every day. Aim to finish courses in half the required time or less.
2- Ride as much as I can without stirrups on all horses. Write a detailed description of exercises used after every lesson and clinic, otherwise I forget and lose focus in between. Read as much as possible and watch as much as possible. Try to fit in Pilates as much as possible. Develop an independent seat and a stronger core. Remain focused!
3- Within reason of my ability be willing to accept rides on other horses when generously offered. When on new horses, keep it simple so I don’t over face myself with nerves of riding a movement and being on a new horse. Basics, basics, basics.
4- Build more jumps. Once I am in a better, consistent, routine with university proceed with the riding levels one at a time. Get jumping lessons with Sue. I'd like to get #4 done before I have to get a "real job" because once that happens I doubt I will have the time and I think it would help my riding!
5- Get a good job (outside the horse industry) once out of university and in the mean time do as much as possible to pay down the small amount of debt I do have.
6- Get off my behind and do it. Get my memberships in gear. Learn how to trailer and not need anti-anxiety medication to do so ;).

[Jessica] The Balancing Act

Four months in as both a part-time working student and part-time university student I'm realising that those two labels do not neatly combine into a nice full time package. I am often torn between wanting to stay longer at the barn and having to write an essay. I now know for future courses I need to break each part down a little more and continue to work on the course everyday not just bits and pieces sporadically. Doing the courses online there's that temptation of simply putting it off until the opportune moment. However, I will do what I do best... carry on, and hopefully add a little more scholarly balance to my life. :-)

[Jessica] The new year brings us lots of work. :)

So with a sad heart I said goodbye to Lauren but I know she'll learn lots in New York! Hopefully she will be able to update this with the nuggets of knowledge and life experience she will acquire during her time there. This site won't 'officially' open until we can work on content: pictures, videos, etc. but it is my hope (at least on my end) that this blog will be more active.

Alex and I have not been working as consistently as I would like and if I want to get to Third Level next year that needs to change. However with that being said every time I take her into the arena she gives me great First/Second level gold. Which is why I need to push myself more and just build on what Miss Princess is willing to give me, because with each ride I realize she is willing to give it to me when I'm riding properly. It's a blessing and a curse ;).

[Jessica] One Step Back, One Step Forward.

This weekend we lost all ability to do a flying change yet magically we were able to do a fantastic extended trot and keep it for an entire diagonal/long side. We're a funny pair, that is for certain. I just need to open my hips more and relax into the canter. Some days I can do that without any problem and then their are days when I'm tight and falling forward. Of course my super intelligent, super athletic and super opinionated mare will not canter when my body is not relaxed and breaks when I fall forward. I laughed and told Debbie "this is why I love her!"

And whenever I feel as though things aren't going right, all I need to do is remember Alex that doesn't care whether we get a perfect flying change all that matters to her is a good scratch and all she can eat cookies.

[Jessica] Welcome to DressageStudents.com

With this website Lauren and I hope to chronicle our dressage journeys. Lauren is hoping to follow her dreams going the working student route, dedicating her time 100% to the sport. While I hope to follow my dreams working part time at a local barn and attending University. The question is always asked on forums we frequently visit which is the better path for the young dressage rider starting out on their journey in the sport: working student or university?

So with similar goals and starting at a similar point, this website may provide the pros and cons of both paths while providing motivation to the writers :).

So stay tuned!
Jessica