It’s hard to believe that another year has gone by. That Freedom is nearly 20. That I’ve had Zelda for almost 5 years. That I still look forward to riding every, possible day.

Looking back at 2017, there are a few things I wish I could do over:

• I would have liked to get to the bottom of Freedom’s hind end lameness sooner. When the SI injections didn’t make a difference, I wish I’d done a full workup right away. I feel like I don’t have that much time left with him and I’d like him to be as comfortable as possible.
• I wish I’d taken more field trips. Ridden in new places. Jumped more cross country fences.
• My novel (equestrian themed) took a back seat to paid work. I wish I’d made more progress on it. I’m hoping that in 2018 I can manage my time better.

There are a lot of moments I’d like to hold onto as well:

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  Watching the seasons unfold from the back of a horse. From the first sprigs of green to the magnificent fall foliage, everything looks better when you’re riding.

• The thrill of the hunt. This year made a bit sweeter by the fact that my hunt season was limited by outside circumstances. That made the hunts I made all the more special.
• The lazy trail rides in the summer, right before the flies came out.

Mostly, though, I’d like time to pass just a little more slowly so I could fit a few more things in . . . and savor the things that I enjoy.