Have you ever watched someone enter the show pen and thought, “Wow, they look so elegant and professional?” And then maybe saw another group of exhibitors go by and thought, “They do not look very sure of themselves.”
It is not a difficult challenge to tell a confident person from someone with a lack of confidence. The same goes for exhibitors in the show pen. This industry is tough; everyone wants to win a globe, high point award, etc. One thing that separates the winners from the losers is their confidence.
The people who lack this winning quality always compare themselves to others; whether this is through their show clothing, placings, or even their tack. Confidence is truly beautiful. It can change the entire trajectory of your life – both in and out of the pen.
Here are ten things confident riders won’t do.
1) They do not put other riders down
Confident exhibitors do not feel the need or want to put others down. They are sure of who they are – both as a rider and as a person. Instead of making rude comments and throwing smirking glares, they spread encouragement. An uplifting comment or even clapping for someone else you do not know can make a world of difference. Work to build others up rather than tearing them down.
2) They do not compare themselves to others
This is what leads to the death of confidence. When people constantly compare, compare, compare, they do not focus on bettering themselves. Do not compare the quality of your show tack or the label on your show clothes. You also have to remember that every rider has their strengths and weaknesses. You may excel in the showmanship whereas your friend excels in the trail. You are not going to be perfect at everything; perfection does not exist. All you can do is not compare yourself to others and work towards progress.
3) They do not say “I can’t”
Confident riders believe in themselves. “I can’t,” “I won’t,” etc. is not part of their vocabulary. They instead think positively and work hard towards their goals. Little bumps in the road do not throw their ultimate aspirations off. The most important thing to remember about confident riders is that they are always improving.
4) They do not make excuses
Someone once said that, “There are only two options: Make progress or make excuses.” This could not be more true. Excuses only lead to more problems. Confident riders do not make excuses for their failures or mistakes. They learn from the experience and continue to grow. This can be hard to learn and even more difficult to implement, but it is more than worth it. Next time you want to make an excuse, think twice.
5) They do not need constant praise
Confident people do not need constant praise for everything. They are completely sure of themselves. They do not need an ongoing pat on the back. We all know a person or two who always needs to hear how great he or she is. This can get very annoying very quickly. Confident exhibitors do not believe that their success relies on other people’s opinions. Confidence comes from within, not from other people.
6) They do not avoid conflict
Avoiding conflict only leads to increased tension and problems. Confident riders face this conflict head-on without fear of failure. These types of riders effectively manage struggles. They look at comfortable situations or unpleasant decisions as significant obstacles to work around. They know that conflict is an essential aspect of showing and life.
7) They do not get too comfortable
Confident riders only push themselves outside of their comfort zones. They do not get too comfortable with their abilities. These riders understand that being too comfortable is the death of dreams. Riders who push themselves are more likely to achieve their goals. Remember that a little discomfort is a good thing and is needed to make progress.
8) They do not just wait for life to happen
Confident riders do not just sit around and wait for life to happen for them. They do not expect success to be handed to them on a silver platter. These riders make their own path. They are the first ones awake and the last ones to go to bed. They work hard and set big goals. This confidence is what ultimately leads these equestrians to wonderful achievements.
9) They do not confuse confidence with arrogance
Being confident is not the same as being arrogant. Arrogance is centered around intent. Arrogant people base their self-worth on putting someone else down. Confident exhibitors focus on building themselves and others up. They base their self-worth on personal progress and growth. External validation does not define a confident exhibitor’s worth. It is crucial to know the difference between confidence and arrogance.
10) They do not quit
It’s been said before that, “Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will.” Confident riders do not give up or give in to fear. Their ambition outshines their doubt. Quitting is just not an option, no matter the situation. They see challenges as learning opportunities rather than brick walls.
