Make it a point this year to try something new with ole' Betsy. No matter what your chosen discipline is, you and your horse can learn from the experience.
What to choose first? Depends on how much of a risk taker you are. Last year I thought I'd pick dressage, a category completely opposite from my adrenaline rush gymkhana profession. I audited a dressage clinic, even rode twenty-meter circles on one of the instructors school horse. Two things a learned that day-one: gymkhana and dressage horses have a whole heap of exercises and training in common and two: I prefer the rush of a perfect gymkhana pattern.
Because of the dressage clinic I did borrow an English saddle for the first time to try out for trail. I like the fact the English saddle was lighter weight then my 27-pound barrel racing saddle. I ride many hours bareback and the English saddle made it easier getting on and off my horse not to mention it distributed my weight better over my horse's back. Yep, this western gal is seriously considering an all-purpose English saddle for my "lazy riding" days.
Videos, shows and clinics are a great testing ground to see if you want to try the discipline with ole' Betsy.
For the adventurous--try: Cross-country jumping, barrel racing, cutting, pole bending, team penning, gymkhana, team sorting, roping, endurance riding, reining, polo.
Need more slow to your go-try: Dressage, hunter-hack western and English equitation and pleasure show classes, trail riding, trail courses, driving.
Attend a Breed show, Rodeo, Grand Prix, Turf Race, Three-Day-Event. Don't forget about your local horse shows. They're a great place to find out about local events and the local trainers in your area.
There is evolving horse world out there all you got to do is try something new. You and ole' Betsy may just learn something or at the very least truly appreciate the discipline you currently ride.
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