Goals for 2010

Being a Student Affairs Professional, I have had lots of practice setting goals for myself and helping students set goals for things they want to achieve. I like to make sure my goals are specific and I can outline what steps I will take to achieve them as well as how I will measure that the goal has been completed.

So with that in mind, these are my goals for Savy for this year:

1. At the end of this year, Savy should be able to do a walk to canter transition on the correct lead in both directions on the lunge line and under saddle.

How to Achieve: Continue to work on lunging transitions with Savy at least 3 times per week and begin to work on under saddle transitions at least 1-2 times per week. Under saddle transition work should increase to at least 3 times per week by July.
Specific Measurable Outcome: After a good warm-up on the lunge line, Savy should be able to do a walk to canter transition on the correct lead on the first request in both directions. He then should be able to be tacked up and asked for the same walk to canter transition under saddle and be able to pick it up on the first request.

2. By the end of October, Savy should be able to go on a successful trail ride.

How to Achieve: Continue to work on desensitization work in arena. By May, this work should be moved outdoors to the back field. Desensitization work should be done at least 2 times per week. In May, begin to take short trail rides, gradually increasing the distance and diversity of locations at least once per week.
Specific Measurable Outcome: By October, I should be able to take Savy on 2 - 3 mile trail ride without any spooking or refusals.

3. By the end of this year, Savy should have a noticable amount of muscle built up in his chest, shoulders and hind end.

How to Achieve: Continue to work on long lining and driving using techniques that Alisha has shown us. We should be doing a good work out in hand or under saddle at least 4 - 5 times per week.
Specific Measurable Outcome: Compare pictures taken in February to pictures taken in November. There should be a noticable difference in muscle mass and overall tone.

4. By the end of this year, I should be able to have complete control over Savy's trot speed on the lunge line and under saddle.

How to Achieve: Continue to work on the lunge line for responsiveness. Work up to responsiveness under saddle controling the speed with my seat and posting speed.
Specific Measurable Outcome: I should be able to control Savy's trot in time to the beat of music.

5. By the end of this year, Savy should be able to successfully complete a side pass.

How to Achieve: Continue to stretch out Savy's hips using different techniques on the ground. Introduce him to side passing under saddle and continue to work on understanding the commands.
Specific Measurable Outcome: I should be able to have Savy side pass under saddle down the long side of the arena.

So...let me know what you think. And if you have any suggestions or specific exercises that might help with my goals, please bring them on! We need all the advice and help we can get:)