In the third article of Stephanie Lynn’s series, “10 Steps to the Winner’s Circle”, Lynn discusses how showing up early and often is crucial to success in the show pen.
I love it when a student says they just didn’t have time to practice showmanship or ride without stirrups or to go to the gym. Next thing out of their mouth is usually something about the latest Bachelorette episode, a funny picture someone posted on Facebook, how long the line was at Starbucks or the great movie they saw with friends over the weekend.
Funny thing is, we all make time for the things that matter most to us. Whether it’s watching your favorite show, going to the gym or doing a couple of laps without your irons, the fact of the matter is, we do what matters most to us. I am not saying you should not watch TV, go to the movies or stop at Starbucks. But there is a correlation between the time and effort contributed and the success of the project.
We all make choices. And choosing to show up early gives respect to who you are, what you are doing and the people you are doing things with. It substantiates your commitment. If a matter is serious to you, you will not only give it time, but show up early.
A couple things happen when you show up early. First, as mentioned above, it shows seriousness and a strong desire to be successful. Other people who show up early are also serious individuals with knowledge to share. They provide endless opportunities for you to learn and make connections. You will have the undivided attention of those few who show up early – the dedicated elite.
Opportunities abound when you show up early. You may notice that your horse wakes up with a swollen hind fetlock. A call to the vet may lead to treatment for a medical issue that grossly improves your lead changes. Perhaps it leads to your meeting another early arriver who has suffered the same fate as you and offers a solution you had not yet discovered. Conditions are often best when you show up early. Arrive at the horse show at 6:30 for an 8:00 a.m. start and you will likely find the show pen packed wall to wall with horses, their riders crossing paths as if at a demolition derby. Arrive at 5:00 a.m. and you ride in an arena void of conflict with time to spare. The extra hour and a half allows you to feed your horse breakfast with punctually, have a meal yourself and prepare for the day without dashing around in anxious anticipation. Result: a happy horse, eager to perform for his calm and cool partner.
Benefits of showing up early include:
• It shows respect to your commitment.
• It shows respect to your commitment.
• Preparation will be more thorough.
• Opportunities will arise that otherwise would not.
• Conditions are best when you show up early.
• Early arrival allows you to keep a quiet calm as you will not be rushed.
• You will have the undivided attention of other devotees.
Showing up early does not necessarily mean that you have to be up at the crack of dawn. I am always struck by the determination of the women around me as I leave the gym at 6:30 a.m. after a workout. I am constantly impressed by their commitment to good health. Most of them leave the gym wearing full make-up, nice clothes and perfectly coifed hair, ready for the day. I am lucky; after hitting the shower, I leave the gym headed for the barn, sans makeup and fancy shoes, hair thrown up in a ponytail.
We all leave the gym buoyed with energy from the endorphins released during our morning exercise. Everyone’s attitude is excellent, spirits are high as are expectations for the day. We are ready to go, excited for what lays ahead and eager to take advantage of the opportunities we know will unfold because we have shown up early and are there to receive them.
Those who run into the auditorium just in time to hear the first lines of the speech, missed the offer made at the beginning – no free lunch for that guy. They did not notice the sign as they dashed in the door. We have all done it; ran late and missed the boat. Don’t miss the boat, show up early.
Show Up Often
Showing up often sounds self explanatory – the more you do something the better you get. It sounds both easy and obvious, but how many of us actually do it? I am new to writing. If I do not write often, as in every day, I cannot expect to get better. If you are trying to establish a new habit, as in holding your hands closer to the horse’s neck for the equitation, you will need to practice often.
Research varies on how long it takes to break and old habit replacing it with new behavior. One thing all science confirms is that the more complex the behavior, the more time it will take to replace the old habit. If you are new to riding, it is easy to learn to ride with good fundamental position. That is why it is so important to find a good instructor early. But it is very difficult to change a position that has become natural but is incorrect!
For instance, there seems to be a trend for an equitation rider to hold their forearm perpendicular to their upper arm. This is incorrect. The forearm should be at an angle that leads from the elbow down to the horse’s mouth. If you have learned to ride, make corrections to your horse and work from the wrong position, it takes a lot of time along with concerted effort to change that fundamental position. When an emergency arises or you get into the show arena, you are naturally going to revert back to your old habit.
The amount of time required to establish new habits varies on the importance placed on the new behavior. It also depends on the degree of difficulty the new behavior requires. Repeat any behavior or pattern enough and it will become natural. i.e. show up often, practice the right response and new patterns develop! One action triggers the next. Rise in posting trot, drop heel down; practice stepping of at jog without clucking, the horse begins to trot off without verbal cue, drop the wrist as you enter/exit a turn and your hand will be in the correct position.
Eventually the correct response will happen without thinking – becoming automatic. Remember how much Tiger Woods practices? Every day, 10 hour days. For hours of practice ideas go to stephanielynn.net to purchase any one of the books in The Good Rider series.
You have to show up often, practice correctly and practice often if you are going to replace a bad habit with a good habit. Repeat behavior until it becomes automatic, just like you no longer have to think about which hand reaches out to grab your Starbucks as you are driving.
Change does not come easy to most of us but change will happen when we show up often and show up with determination. Have faith in your ability to be the rider you want to be. Prioritize. If it really means that much to you, you will take the time to get there – on time and often!Have Fun – Horses are the best teachers!
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About Stephanie Lynn: Professional Horseman Stephanie Lynn coached her first AQHA World Champion in 1988. She has since coached, trained and shown World, Congress and Honor Roll horses across disciplines. She is a judge for AQHA, NSBA and APHA and has judged World Championship shows for each association. Most recently, Stephanie is the author of The Good Rider Series and A Lifetime Affair: Lessons Learned Living My Passion. The Good Rider Series is a library of resource material that is both practical and applicable in the barn and show ring for riders. Stephanie can always be reached through her website: http://www.stephanielynn.net to answer your questions, schedule a clinic or lesson.
