No rider, beginner or experienced, wants to be average. When it comes to showing horses, equestrians all have a competitive spirit that pushes them to want to come out on top. Here, we looked at a list of traits that most successful people share and we compiled them into horse related anecdotes. This list of characteristics offers many useful reminders when it comes to aiming for success in the horse world.
1. Savor Small Accomplishments
As competitive horseback riders, we all have some pretty big dreams. From qualifying for the world show to bringing home a Congress bronze, all of us are guilty of setting the bar extremely high and running full force to achieve it.
However, sometimes we are guilty of another habit, and that is ignoring or paying less attention to our smaller accomplishments. Accomplished riders would agree that while it’s great to have goals, often, significant milestones are made up of many smaller steps. In the meantime, don’t overlook those smaller steps like nailing a flying lead change or receiving a “plus” earning showmanship set up from a judge.
2. Commit to Your Goals
Typically, when an athlete sets a goal, realistic or not, the hardest part is sticking to achieving this aim. When the beginning of show season comes around, it is important to sit down with your trainer and have a discussion about your goals for the year. Some goals could include placing top ten at a particular show or mastering a maneuver in a new class. Whatever your individual goals may be, committing to them is just as important as selecting them. Most things worth having require time and effort and will not happen overnight. In the past, most people who fail to achieve their goals do not fail from lack of skill or talent. The reason why most come up short is that they lack the drive and the dedication that it takes to succeed.
3. Stay Positive
Horses are not perfect, nor are they robots. Just like humans, they have their off days and they can be cranky, crabby and uncooperative. While horse showing is more of an art than a science, the bad days are typically sprinkled with the good. Elite riders faced with a difficult situation will make the best of it. Just like the old quote says, “When it rains, look for rainbows…and when it’s dark, look for stars.” In sticky situations, we can find a silver lining. The tougher the obstacles that we are faced with and forced to overcome, the sweeter the win. Just remember, a diamond is a piece of coal made under pressure.
4. Avoid Comparison
In an era full of social media tools like Facebook and Instagram, we are forced to become an audience and have a front stage view of other people’s lives. We see what others eat, what they drive, where they go and most importantly, what and how they ride. Almost everyone these days records, uploads, and shares videos across the internet where we can get a sneak peak into other training environments. However, what most riders don’t keep in mind is that a thirty-second video of a horse beautifully loping around did not just magically happen. The longing, prepping, schooling, etc. that all took place beforehand was not captured in the video because that is not typically what most people want to showcase. Insecurity stems from comparing our behind the scenes, 24-hour access to our lives to other people’s highlight reel that they show off on the internet.
5. Nurture Relationships
Notable people would tell you that to build themselves up; they cultivate meaningful relationships with those around them. Having deeper interactions with those around us helps to inspire and guide us and push ourselves to do better and succeed more. The horse industry is a place full of genuinely interesting people and getting to know them individually can be a great tool in your success. Nurturing relationships with your vet, farrier, show management, barn family, horse traders, tack store employees, show clothes designers and others is crucial. Everyone in the industry that we all love has something to offer when we need it, no matter if it is advice or just an ear to listen. Start nurturing your relationships now and watch how quickly they can blossom.
6. Express Gratitude
How many times have you seen, heard or said the phrase, “It takes a village” when it comes to horse showing? No truer words have ever been spoken as some people with hands-on help for each horse can amount to a lot. From farriers to vets to trainers and grooms, many people are instrumental to the success of each horse and rider duo. Remaining thankful to each and every person who takes part in your success will not only show them that you care, but it will also promote you even further. Getting caught up in our dreams and the things we want cannot begin to overshadow the things that we already have. Expressing gratitude in every way possible is necessary when it comes to being a successful rider.
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When it all adds up, being thankful for what we have achieved, no matter the size of the accomplishment, is vastly important. Selecting a set of achievable goals and clinging to them while remaining confident along the way will also naturally set you up for success. Don’t forget to make real connections with the horse people in your life and when the going gets tough, don’t let what you may think is a walk in the park for other people, get you down. We are all faced with obstacles to overcome, but searching for the highlights in any situation will elevate your success anywhere, anytime.
