What’s the Hardest Lesson You’ve Had to Learn as an Equestrian?
By: Brittany Bevis
Like in life, some of the most valuable lessons we learn, as equestrians, come as a result of going through a difficult experience. We asked our The Equine Chronicle fans the following question: What’s the hardest lesson you’ve had to learn as an equestrian?
This question touched a chord with our readers, and the answers submitted included topics ranging from patience and acceptance to disappointment and loss. Scroll below to see what they had to say.
Lori Fair– “Patience. Don’t carry over what might have happened the day before, or the week before, into the next day’s ride. What might work for one horse doesn’t necessarily work for the next one. They are individuals.”
Scott Reinartz– “Patience. Struggle [with this] every day. Also, hear the words. If your coach is repeating themselves, you’re not listening.”
Patty Baker– “Some clients aren’t going to be happy, no matter what we do or how much they win.”
Heidi Ford- “Not to anthropomorphize my horse. The more human emotion I see in him, the more I respond as a human. My horse isn’t being stubborn, lazy, ignorant, or sassy; I simply haven’t explained myself properly. If I concentrate on this simple philosophy, I’m far less likely to become frustrated or angry.”
Lesa Careccia– “How to accept growing older (over 55) and the difficulties that come with age in a sport that you have always shown in.”
Kory Kumar– “I won’t win a high point, because I just don’t want to go in all those classes. I stopped doing classes I don’t enjoy showing in.”
Olivia Pikul– “Patience. Each horse learns at a different rate and rushing them for your own intentions won’t benefit anyone.”
Brittany Johnson– “To truly enjoy the horse. Enjoy each and every horse at every phase, stage, and moment, whether you’re winning, losing, or not even showing. Enjoy them and love each of them in their own unique ways. They all have their own personal lessons to teach us, and every lesson we learn makes us a better horseman.”
Polina Grushina– “1. It’s completely okay not to want to show. It’s okay not to have the want to ride. It’s okay to go through changes in order to be happy. Control your jealousy or it will eat you alive.”
Amber Schuttey- “Sometimes the road to your goal is filled with speed bumps of disappointment or setbacks. Don’t let it discourage you from doing your best and moving forward! Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone!”
Jessica Thorndycraft- “1. Be coachable. Everyone can teach you something. 2. Enjoy the journey. You never know when it will end. 3. Trust the process, but take your brain with you.”
Janel Marie- “Keeping up with the Jones is impossible. Stick to your budget. Money spent doesn’t equal talent or winning, though it helps, but hard work can.”
Tori P Murany– “Focus on yourself and you will rise above your competition with time and patience.”
Shelby Parker– “Results don’t always reflect your work ethic. Look for your 1% each ride versus winning and have fun!”
Judy Miller– “Show where you can afford to go. It’s just as much fun and an accomplishment to go to shows where you still have money left over to pay your bills.”
Pam Sexton Jones– “You can have the best ride and still not win.”
Debra Allen– “Horses get hurt. A lot. You have to remember they aren’t machines.”
Melissa Gordon– “You can’t expect others to have the same work ethic as you.”
Patti Salmon Murphy– “That you can have a life outside of horse shows and riding. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. You commit to what you can do, what you can afford, and what works for you and your horse.”
Marchelle Everhart- “Not all horses are a fit for the rider. Not all horses fit a training program you choose. Work with honest and ethical people. Don’t be afraid to try and just enjoy the sport or change your goals.”
Vickie Oliver Higgs- “That I don’t have to pretend to like Showmanship. I hate it and I said it out loud!”
Whitney Romanoff- “To be content with your personal best and not being the winning run.”
Ellexxah Maxwell- “The only person you have to compete against is yourself. Nothing else matters.”
Ashley Carlson– “90% of the time I am the problem, not my horse.”
Micah Howard– “A cheap hat goes flat. Nothing beats a well shaped, quality hat.”
Patty Baker– “Multiple judges have different opinions on the winner.”
Millie Warner Corder– “You will never know everything. There is always something to learn.”
Kaity Arthur- “That you can ruin your horse to go to the next level, so be content where you are.”
Delci Thoresen– “You don’t have to do the all around. Just do the classes that make you and your horse happy.”
Kelley Simonsen– “How to amend dreams and set new goals when things don’t go as planned.”
Rebecca Sheppeck– “Don’t rush or force a horse. They have their own timeline.”
Kory Kumar– “Sometimes your horse doesn’t match your goals.”
Kelli Thornton Tillman– “That I’m not a bazillionaire.”
Sandra York– “Patience.”
Diane Cote Utberg– “Making the decision to put them down and let them go.”
Sherry Motes– “The need to be a willing partner with my horse, and it’s not always about what I want.”
Megan Lundquist- “Stop while you’re ahead.”
Dustin Boehmer- “Principle over emotion.”
Christine Ann– “How to say goodbye.”
Mary Sotis– “Not every horse owner is a horseman.”
Sydney Feager– “Patience.”
Mia Alexander– “Tuning out the chatter.”
Kory Kumar- “Each time you ride into the show arena needs to be a fresh start. Don’t take your fear, insecurity, and negative thoughts with you. Find your personal joy!”
Living InThe Moment– “You can’t rush a champion. Finding the right trainer is key.”
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