Triple Trouble: 2024 Round-Up and 2025 Goals
“My focus this year isn’t going to be on major events but rather exploring my horses and getting together with them on a deeper level. Sometimes stepping away from a highly competitive atmosphere is the exact thing that is needed to excel further in the sport.”
Another year has swiftly passed by, leaving me in awe of how quickly time flies. It feels like just yesterday I was reflecting on 2023, and now here I am, wrapping up 2024. Throughout this year, I have witnessed numerous changes and developments, both positive and negative. I have gained a deeper understanding of the horse industry — whether I wanted to or not — and made informed decisions for my equine companions.
As I reflect on the goals I set for my horses at the start of the year, I am proud to say that I have made progress towards some of them. Let’s delve into the details and see how far we’ve come.
Photo by DeAnn Sloan
Sunmans Irish Pay (Payco)
I was able to achieve my initial goal of obtaining my last two CMSA Ladies Level 4 qualified wins and moving up to a Level 5, but, with the help of my horse Buns, not Payco. Additionally, while my goal was to attend three CMSA major events, I successfully traveled to two, with the unfortunate circumstance of Payco fracturing his radius preventing us from attending CMSA Worlds. While I have yet to ride Payco since his injury, I am eager to work towards navigating patterns with a looser rein once he is fully healed. However, I did meet the last goal of more efficient shut downs at the end of patterns thanks to my previous experience and growth in handling unexpected situations.
Photo by Mountain Ember Photography
Unbridled Fame (Hot Sauce)
Despite the changes in plans and timeline, my goals for 2024 with Hot Sauce remain intact and strengthened. My first goal of preparing for the CMSA Futurity with many wet saddle pads was adjusted to accommodate having my trainer, Ezra Yoder of No Reins Performance Horses, ride Hot Sauce at the event. This decision pushed our wet saddle pad dates back, but I am confident in the expertise and skill that Ezra brings to the table.
Additionally, I have successfully achieved my goal of loping through a shooting pattern with effective course management, thanks to the lessons and guidance from No Reins Performance Horses. While there is always room for improvement, I feel comfortable and competent in my abilities to handle this aspect of our training.
Lastly, my goal of enjoying the process of coming together as a team with Hot Sauce has been an ongoing journey throughout the fall. I have learned that building a partnership with a new horse requires trust, communication, and dedication from both parties. Like any partnership, whether in figure skating, acrobatics, or synchronized swimming, it takes time and effort to establish a strong bond and work together seamlessly. Despite the challenges and adjustments, I am committed to continuing to grow and strengthen our partnership in the year ahead.
Photo by Marlee Fritz
Funny Bunny B
My first goal for the year was to let Buns rest for most of it. Looking back, I can’t help but laugh because I couldn’t have missed that mark more spectacularly. Instead, Buns and I had our most successful mounted shooting season to date. So, maybe next year, Buns — maybe next year.
One goal I did manage to meet (sort of) was taking him on periodic trail rides for some light, easy work. Well, we did go on trail rides… for about 40 miles. Not exactly the “easy work” I initially envisioned, but Buns was fit and ready for the task. This brings me to another crucial goal — keeping his pain managed and his weight up.
At the start of the year, I made sure Buns got the care he needed. I had his hocks and SI joint injected and introduced acupuncture into his routine. The results were nothing short of miraculous. After these pain management interventions, his appetite improved, his weight stabilized, and his performance soared. It’s safe to say Buns is feeling the best he has since before his big injury, and seeing him this healthy and happy has been the most rewarding part of the year.
Photo by JMF Photos
Here are my goals for 2025:
Sunmans Irish Pay (Payco)
- Let Payco’s radial fracture heal
- Get Payco upgraded from stall rest to small turn out by summer
- Start light riding at the end of summer
- Keep Payco comfortable and sane through his rehab process
Unbridled Fame (Hot Sauce)
- Come together as a team through lessons, trail riding, and exhibitions at mounted shooting events
- Feel comfortable navigating a pattern at a high lope
- Get Hot Sauce more relaxed in the saddle while navigating a mounted shooting pattern
- Aid her in finding confidence in herself while performing her job as a mounted shooting horse
Funny Bunny B
- Continue enjoying my heart horse
- Keep pain managed
- Obtain my last four qualified wins as a Ladies Level 5 and move up to a Ladies Level 6
- Take a few weekends to trail ride in places we haven’t gone
Photo by Kari Anna Photography
As 2024 comes to an end, I am excited to see where my crew and I go and what we accomplish in 2025. There’s a lot of schooling and rehab that will be done this year, but, I’m going to make sure I enjoy each horse and where they are in their journey. My focus this year isn’t going to be on major events but rather exploring my horses and getting together with them on a deeper level. Sometimes stepping away from a highly competitive atmosphere is the exact thing that is needed to excel further in the sport.
